“A Sad Statement, about the Value of Human Life, In the Valdosta/Lowndes County Jail”
(July 22, 2009, 1300 Hrs)
RESPONSE TO "Valdosta Daily Times" Letter to the editor by Mr. Robert Kumpel!
This is a reply to Mr. Robert Kumpel “Letter to the editor” published in the Valdosta Daily Times on July 3, 2009 concerning the sad unacceptable and barbaric third world conditions at the Lowndes County Jail.
The writer listed but just eight human rights violations occurring at this facility and these eight are merely minor issues compared to the truly vile inhumane violations that occur daily. There are so many violations that need to be addressed, or in the eyes of the Sheriff’s department and county administrators so many issues to cover up, in this letter I will only address the issues that concern human health and dignity that every human being is entitled no matter the nature of their charge or arrest.
Innocence until Proven Guilty: My answer to Mr. Kumpel is, in theory our American legal system states you are innocent until proven guilty. However in Lowndes County Georgia a person is guilty by simple accusation of another person with no questions being asked of the accused regarding guilt or innocence, the accused is simply guilty until if or when they can find a way to prove themselves innocent. That’s the Lowndes County Justice system in a nutshell.
Bible Belt Syndrome, Turn Tail and Run, Above The Law: Mr. Kumpel forget about garnering any help or support for your friend locally through neighbors citizens or elected official in the Valdosta/Lowndes area as they all fear taking a stand for anything that may go against the grain of their social peers even if it is wrong, for fear they may be cast out of the Bible belt social club. Citizens and elected officials here in Lowndes County apparently have the mob mentality when it comes to do with anything that concerns Lowndes County Sheriffs Department. Everyone turns tail and runs whenever the atrocities that are committed against our citizens are brought out in the open to be exposed. Are our citizens and elected officials afraid of retaliation? Is this turning tail and run mentality because everyone truly knows that this Sheriffs department is above the law and is allowed to get away with anything, they are the LAW therefore above the law. Or is it the fear that if they take a stand for their fellow citizen they may lose their Bible belt membership. Is this really Christian like or is it every man for their self. What we need is persons standing up in volumes united to bring this department into the 21st century in regards to the care and confinement of our fellow human beings.
Valdosta/Lowndes County Jail vs. Guantanamo Bay Cuba: Forget Lemesa prison in Tijuana, how about equating the treatment of our fellow Americans to the way we have seen humans treated at Guantanamo Bay Cuba. In true fact those prisoners may have better treatment, more rights and better living conditions than those at Lowndes County Jail. Because they face national attention and scrutiny. There are many human rights violations that occur daily at Lowndes County Jail, but here today I will only discuss those that are most life threatening and lack the basics human rights that should be allotted to every woman and man by our constitution and by the fact that we claim to be a civilized society.
Medical Care, Twenty Seven Deaths and More: The medical care or lack of medical care provided at this facility can only be described as inhumane and barbaric. There are persons within this facility that suffer from chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, seizure disorders, asthma, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and severe psychiatric illnesses that are simply ignored and no care provided or if it is, it is to little too late. The statistics show that mentally ill persons have a higher rate of conflicts with the legal system, and when they are arrested and jailed then their medications are withheld this only intensifies their situation and illness, resulting in negative outcomes for all persons and systems involved.
When an inmate complains of being ill the process is complete a sick form, and if it is Friday you may be seen Monday, that is your sick form is not filed in the trash can. Which I personally believe happens frequently, especially if you as the inmate has gotten or the caretakers wrong side. When you are finally seen it is simply blood pressure pulse and temperature, as well as a five dollar charge and nothing more. Physician prescribed medications mean absolutely nothing to the caretakers of this instruction. There are estimates out there in the community that up to twenty seven deaths have occurred within the walls of Lowndes County Jail due to lack of adequate and timely medical care in the past several years, I would argue to say this number is much greater.
South Georgia Medical Center, Outright Neglect, Lack of Medical Assessment, and leave VIA Morgue:
I have personally seen the ravages of lack of care and the human brutality first hand come through the emergency room doors of South Georgia Medical Center, only to exit through the back doors via the morgue. I feel quite sure these numbers have not been included in this head count. Some of these Emergency room visits were the result of stroke (not given blood pressure medications), status elipiticus (not given seizure medications), hyper/hypoglycemia comas (diabetes not monitored), status asthamaticus (asthma complaints disregarded).
Then there the pure outright neglect and lack of medical assessment and care for those that suffered from such medical emergencies as ruptured appendix’s, bowel obstructions, as well as unexplained physical injuries allegedly inflicted by other inmates. What does the other inmate look like? No injuries to them? It is my opinion that many of the officers that have been placed as caretakers of these inmates love their tazer guns, have very short fuses and are annoyed easily. I believe they get off on inflicting inhumanities on those that are at their mercies and are defenseless and have no voice that is heard or listened to.
Spontaneous Miscarriages Flushed Down The Toilet or Washed Down The Shower Drain: One type of patient you will never see pass the doors of the Emergency room are spontaneous miscarriages, these are simply flushed down the toilet or washed down the shower drain and the girl is given a pile of sanitary napkins and sent back to her cell with no follow-up for GYN care. This is humane care in America? Or is this OK because this is Lowndes County, and different rules apply here?
Human Indignities, the Hole, Birthday Suit, the Rats and Roaches: Then there are the human indignities. Let’s start with the hole! This is a hole in the ground that is considered an acceptable area to house inmates who have misbehaved. They are threatened with routinely along with the threat of being tased. This hole of a cell is said to have standing rank water in the bottom, rats as big as cats, no bed, no lighting, and no heat in the winter, which is concerning due to the fact that when an inmate is placed in this hole their clothing is removed, so they are nude. There is no bed in this hole and no blankets are allowed either, just you your birthday suit the rats and roaches. The same situation applies for solitary confinement, meaning no clothing or bedding, no basic human dignity. There are no fans for movement of air in the summer. Lowndes County Jail is built of cinder block like a brick oven. Mr. Kumpel is right no air conditioning for any inmates.
Inmates Do Not Deserve Air Conditioning or Heat, And Inmates Are Not Prisoners Yet: Some may say “inmates don’t deserve air conditioning or heat” but should they be held in a brick oven in the summer and cells cold enough to hang meat in the winter. With too few windows to allow air circulation and those that are there, are in disrepair either cannot be opened adequately in the summer or closed in the winter. This is inhumane when the occupants cannot provide warmth for themselves from the cold or cannot provide themselves a way of cooling off in these dog days of summer. Some may say prisoners do not deserve any better, but remember these are not prisoners yet, they have not stood trial or been found guilty in a court of law. This is JAIL. And believe you me this ain’t Andy Griffith’s jail. This is where you, you good law abiding citizen of Lowndes County could end up spending some R and R if you are unjustly accused of a crime.
Snatch A Person Off The Streets, Out Of Their Home like the Russian Police: Because Lowndes County Sheriffs Department asks no questions of the accused, they are often not even read their Miranda rights nor told the reason for the arrest and often are not allowed a phone call for days. The Valdosta/Lowndes County police will snatch a person off the streets or out of their home like the Russian police. This could be you for unpaid traffic tickets, a family dispute gotten out of hand; this I have learned doesn’t have to be physical nor entirely factual, only claimed by family members that have axes to grind. And you the accused become a guest of Lowndes County Sheriffs department in all its glorious hospitality.
Trumped Up Charges And Allegations: The Sheriffs Department is the law so trumped up charges and allegations are frequent occurrences and regarded as the truth. When a person complains of the conditions or treatment within these walls they are quickly and abruptly informed this is jail, not prison. I am very curious as to the meaning of this statement. Does it mean keep complaining and we will make sure you go onto prison or does it mean you are within a system that knows they have gotten away with so many human indignities that they know they will never have to answer to anyone here in this proverbial southern justice system.
Stop the Cover Up Of the Inhumane Conditions and Deaths: I for one think it is far past time for them to answer to some outside agencies. Let’s stop helping them cover up these deaths and human indignities. I challenge the citizens and leaders of Valdosta/ Lowndes County to stand up and lose your mob mentality and take a stand. Provide a helping hand and voice to those in this community that are underserved and unheard. One can never tell in this crazy unpredictable world and its twists and turns you may find yourself or a loved one, child, parent, sister or brother within the walls of Lowndes County Jail. Once within these walls you are at the complete and total mercy or lack thereof, of the caretakers of Lowndes County Jail.
My Personal Challenge Watch “A Chorus Of Fear:” I challenge anyone who reads this article to Google the internet for “deaths in Lowndes County Jail” and view the video produced by a group of professors and students at Valdosta State University titled Willie J. Williams “A Chorus of Fear” to get a glimpse of the atrocities that occur daily at this jailhouse or torture chamber of sorts. And then please read the decree handed down by Judge Lawson that mandated changes and improvements within the wall of Lowndes County Jail. Was this judgment enforced? Who was responsible to see to it that it was enforced?
Squalor Conditions, the Honorable Judge Hugh Lawson, and the Georgia Board of Nursing: Based on the “squalor conditions” within these walls it is quite evident that “Judge Lawson’s mandates” were not followed. If you are at all appalled or moved by this video I challenge you to stand up and help stop these violations of human rights occurring right under our noses on a daily basis. Please do not choose to keep a blind eye to these activities. Remember it could happen to you. Please join in this crusade. It has already started; there are weekly meetings to discuss ways in which to address these human rights violations, the entire nursing staff has been reported to the “Georgia Board of Nursing” by individual name for lack of providing medical care in due time and process resulting in negative outcomes including deaths in our fellow citizens.
Identifying the Director of Medical Care, Maslow’s Hierarchy: As soon as the “Director of Medical Care” is identified that person will be reported to the American Medical Association. Mr. Kumpel and any others that care to join us please do. We need volumes of strong voices to address the many issues that abound within the wall of Lowndes County Sheriffs Department and Jail. I believe the place to start is with basic needs such as medical care and basic human rights. What good is a book if you’ve had a stroke and are now vegative because lack of medical care, or what good is a book if you have passed out from heat exhaustion due to extreme summer temperatures in a brick oven. Let’s address basic needs first, and then follow “Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs” (Physiological needs, safety needs, needs of love and belongingness, needs for esteem, needs of self actualization) until all are addressed in a systematic fashion.
The list is endless of the reforms that are needed within this facility, but basic needs and rights are the place to start. We truly need some outside help and national attention placed on this situation, without it the inhumanity to man and the death toll will only raise. It is apparent that our local news media has failed to keep the citizens of Valdosta/Lowndes County properly informed on these inhumane conditions. The news media should be compelled to address and bring into the public arena when our fellow citizens are stripped of the basic human rights no matter their charges. We are all people of God!
Willie James Williams Death reports and civil rights work…
http://www.geocities.com/altpptla/pTribunal/index.html
also: Google: "A Chorus of Fear Video" and "Deaths in Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail" or "Death of Willie James Williams"
Melanie Crowder
A Sister of Humanity
Friday, July 31, 2009
# 2002, Testimony Former Inmate Valdosta/Lowndes County Jail (Inhumane/Unsanitary, (June 2009) By: "Parker"
A Living Testimony In "Title Town U.S.A." Valdosta/Lowndes County Jail Deaths, Inhumane Condtions (Inmate Speaks OUT)
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“Former Jail Inmate
Interview between George and Mr. Parker”
Please see BOTTOM of page for "INTRODUCTION" and contact information. Peace!
1. QUESTION: MR. PARKER, where are you from? Valdosta Georgia? Why did you call me today? What do you want the people of Valdosta-Lowndes County to know?
RESPONSE: Well, I talked to Rev. Floyd Rose about the problem I had with my probation. I was supposed to be off December 26, 2008 but then the judge told me I was off. Then he went back and he said I was not off until December 26, 2009, and that was it. And I did not get any justice from that ---OK.
2. QUESTION: That is one issue. I understand that you have a second issue right?
RESPONSE: Yea, the living conditions in the old prison, the old black folks prison when they closed it down. Windows broke out, too many people in the rooms, violation of over crowded, one fan, windows barred up, video cameras that are supposed to be watching inmates do not work.
If a fight break out no body would know about it because there is no guards around. They don’t come around like they are suppose to, no water in there, sink don’t work. They have water coolers in each room. The inmates go in and get ice with their hands, inmates drinking human feces and pee because you can’t wash your hands. You can’t take a shower, no sanitation going on in there.
The gentleman they got coming in there will spray, but they will take mop bucket and fill it up with a cleaning solution and clean the whole cell. That one-bucket can’t clean the cell up like that, if you clean three (3) rooms you need to change the mop water. They treat you like dogs in there and the heating and air condition is terrible, windows been broken out to my knowledge since 1971, and they have never replaced them. They place plastic up during the winter times. I know the windows were broken out for that long. I worked for the county during the time when Patrick was the Warden over the prison. This is when they had the work release.
The gentlemen came from TROOPEVILLE in work release. Then me and two of my friends---- use to walk in the old prison and a couple of them broke some windows out and those same windows are still broken out today. They got metal plates and where you walk by the jail cell 10, and cell 11; they got metal plates on it. NOW: If a fight break out nobody would know nothing about it and a person could get KILLED in there, because no Sheriffs Deputy is walking around in there and there is no way to monitor inmates in Cell 10 or in none of those cells in the Old Prison. They need to do something about that because somebody is going to get killed in there. If they are going to do it like that they need to have a guard there and a monitor to monitor the inmates in the Old Lowndes County Jail Part.
The NEW PRISON, I mean the new jail that has no bathroom, is worst than that, that is they don’t have no water. The bathroom doesn’t work. They lock you up and you can’t use the toilet, they got two of three showers, and leaches and stuff in there, no sanitation like it should be. I would go to hell, excuse my English than be in lock-up in that jail. If I got to go back to do some time in that Lowndes County Jail. I wish they would send me somewhere else; because a dog should not live like that. You know people do interviews on Pit Bulls humane living conditions on how dogs live----but won’t do nothing about human beings.
We are human beings in the (Valdosta- Lowndes County Jail (VLCJ) and be treated like we are treated. We can’t use no phone to call a bondsman. They got that locked up. They check our mail because…
3. QUESTION: Excuse me! What do you mean they check your personal mail? I read a Court Order and Consent Decree by Judge Hugh Lawson Civil Action 1989-54-VAL in 1989, and the Judge ruled in June 1997 that that particular item should be fixed in that jail within two years. The order stated that a deputy must open inmate’s personal mail in your presents. Do you mean to tell me? That this violation is still going on in the jail. Talk to me…
RESPONSE: Yea! I can prove it. My daughter deceased now sent me a letter written I red ink. They sent it back to Jacksonville Florida. They took the money order that she sent me. Every bit of mail sent out in of that jail, you cannot seal it, unless it is legal mail. And when you get your mail, it will be opened, and if you get to many pictures in there. They allow you so many pictures in the letter, and they are going to take them out and send them back and that is not right.
4. QUESTION: Let me ask you another question. How is the medical facility and treatment at the jail? I get lots of complaints; could you tell me something about this area of the jail? And before I get to the medical conditions are you willing to give me your NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER if you don’t mind?
RESPONSE: I do not mind: My name: Johnny Parker: PHONE NUMBER: 229-375-6270, 229-247-8833, 229-333-0544, ADDRESS: 3521 McDougal Lane, Valdosta, Georgia 31606. The medical is Ah; you might as well let my three-year-old daughter do MEDICAL. They take you back in medical with no television, and that’s not really important and they don’t even check on you. They got a sign in sheet. They come and sign, and if you forget three hours all you do is backdate it. They don’t come check on you and you don’t get no medicine. You get one Tylenol and it’s going to cost you $5.00.
The FOOD is not maintained at the proper temperature to maintain safety, and local FOOD inspectors must not be doing their jobs. The food trays are not properly cleaned there are food particles on plates from the previous meal still on the plates. Ha, check this. We only get plastic utensils to include one (1) fork, (1) Spoon, (1) stiriphon Cup, (1) Tiny deodorant and it is hard to get a replacement on any of these items. Therefore, we get and keep utensils from inmates who are released and we use them. We know this is unsanitary but we have no other choice.
5. QUESTION: Excuse me but there was a white lady out there. Her name is Melanie she got out a few weeks ago and she was speaking to m about that and there was a “Letter to the Editor” on July 3, 2009 speaking of the high prices of medication out there. I am happy my brother for brining these old complaints to my attention. We have been fighting these type complaints for far too long now. But our Mayor, City Council, County Commissioners----we put in office don’t seem to care about you all who are housed at the facility.
I along with fourteen other citizens were arrested and taken to the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail on May 5, 2005 for exercising our constitutional rights to address our elected officials at a Public Valdosta City Council Meeting on the renaming of a local park. The part denied Blacks from swimming in the pool in the 60s and 70s. But the Mayor, and all black city councilmen along with Whites had us arrested and we got to see the ill conditions at the jail first hand.
However, no local television station ABC, NBC, CBS, WALB, and FOX Etc. ever interviewed a single one of us. But they covered the opposition (City Mayor and Council Actions), again, and again on both television in newspaper, and on a local radio station.
6. QUESTION: Now you say that you went to a local TV Station. Will you please tell me about that experience?
RESPONSE: They were doing an interview at the Lowndes County Court House concerning some land and I asked if they would take my interview on the inhumane conditions at the jail and they would NOT do it.
7. QUESTION: Who was this? And was it a local news station?
RESPONSE: Yea, Channel 6, and WCTV. Their office as just across the street. I left there and went to their office across the street.
8. QUESTION: You mean to tell me the office here in Valdosta Georgia?
RESPONSE: Yea, here in Valdosta Georgia. They said the only way I could address my problem was to take out a lawsuit in order to do something about the problems. I don’t have to take NO lawsuit out if I got Pit Bulls, six or seven Pet Pit Bulls in my yard. They’ll come and do an interview. If they had a child abused or though that I did it. They will do an interview and lock me up.
9. QUESTION: Now you say that CBS was already doing an interview on an issue and you was trying to tell them about the inhumane conditions in the jail and this was a press in the United State of American in 2009, CBS News and they would not even consider your story or listen to you or follow upon on your story. Is this what you are saying to me this day---my brother her in Valdosta and Lowndes County Georgia in 2009?
RESPONSE: Yes! And when I was in the office they said I needed to file a lawsuit if I wanted to complain.
10. QUESTION: Why did not you just let it go----and forget about it?
RESPONSE: That’s what’s wrong with us people now. We need to, when you right---fight, that’s why they do it. You spent 1 million or 2 million dollars last year or two years ago. And say yawl built a new jail. The only thing ya’ll build is a ramp, to bring you in, and a new kitchen because the old kitchen was unsanitary. But the rest of it is not new. The A part, and B Part was suppose to be torn down in 1973.
11. QUESTION: When you started this interview out you kept talking about the prison---is it a prison? It is the Lowndes County Jail.
RESPONSE: NO, NO, NO, That’s the Old Prison. That was the Black Folks Prison.
12. QUESTION: So it was where Blacks was housed-----is that correct?
RESPONSE: Right!
13. QUESTION: well that was before my time. I was not here at that time. So what you are telling me is that it is called the Old Black Prison Part-----is NOW the Lowndes County Jail?
RESPONSE: Yea, But it is the Old Part.
14. QUESTION: So these are the parts that are really bad?
RESPONSE: Right, Bad? I would not even put my dog in there. My doghouse is better than that prison.
15. QUESTION: One other thing I want to talk to you about before we close. You say there are no air conditions out there? How do people survive-----if this is true? What do they do to keep from passing out, out there?
Response: They got one big giant fan about the size of a tractor tire, a small tractor tire and that’s where they get their air. Plus, it is one fan and you got an upper deck and a lower deck. The Lowndes County Jail is supposed to have a certain amount of inmates per area.
16. QUESTION: Here again my brother this was another item that was identified twenty years ago?
RESPONSE: No, No, No, Part A, and Part B, is supposed to hold fourth (40), people per square. They are housing 56 people because they added more bunks to the beds in the cells. They suppose to have 40 people in the cells. They are running twenty to twenty-six (26), over per day in the cells.
There is no Air Condition but they got air conditioners in the hallways. Let me tell you about the floor. When they have SPECTATORS coming through. We be locked down, can’t talk to no body, the floor looks WAXED, like in a fifty- (50), Million Dollar House. And the area we stay in-----we cannot get no bleach, no wax, nothing to clean the floor. You get something once or twice a week. No toilet, they lock us out on lockdown.
I am fifty-six (56) years old. What do I need with quiet time? I mean quiet time, you “got to” go up there and go to sleep for two hours, an’t that something?
17. QUESTION: What about recreation and exercise time periods as ordered in the 1997 Court Order and Consent Decree? When do you get to go out for recreation or walk around in the yard?
Ha! To all who listen to this tape and read this interview? All these things were addressed in CA #1989-54-Val, and we have been addressing these issues to the Valdosta City Mayor and Council, Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and to every Board Chairman since 1989. And this is especially true since 1997 court order and so all our elected officials have been notified. They are aware of these problems at the jail. But no one seems to care about these ill conditions and this includes the Black and White City and County Commissioners. How sad?
We have “A Chorus of Fear Video.” Have you seen the “chorus of fear video?” NO! I will give you a copy before you leave here today. So you can see that our local TELEVISION, NEWSPAPERS, and ELECTED OFFICIALS, in both city and county governmental agencies, have ignored these ill conditions without answering to the general public. We can only ask how many more American Citizens must die BEFORE our elected officials, patriots, and Christians do something to stop this trend in the Bible belt.
In this South Georgia Town there is a saying that if a family leave town for a week. When they return somebody will have started a church in your mailbox. Yet few if anyone care about these human beings living in inhumane conditions in the jail. Moreover, many inmates in there have NOT been proven guilty. Am I right my brother? They are just waiting a bail bondman-----am I right?
RESPONSE: In the city of Valdosta if you get a traffic violation. You should be given an R&R. I believe they call it. But they will keep you in there until you get somebody to bond you out for a simple charge, and when you tell them you did not do it. They simply say. Tell it to the judge and if you got a house, wife, or automobile or a little simple thing… you should be allowed to sign your own bond and go home.
18. QUESTION: Ha! If the right people got a copy of this recorded tape and interview. Would you provide your name, address, phone number and a point of contact so you can be reached on the Internet? And not be like many other people who call me but then get scared and back out at the last minute?
If not give me that information and I will follow behind you with my information and that of Rev. Floyd E. Rose President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). So if any body in the United States of America or in a foreign country cares about human beings will do something. I don’t care why inmates are in jail. They are not terrorists and even terrorists have rights.
19. QUESTION: What is your name: Johnny C. Parker, Phone Number: 229-375-6270.
RESPONSE: One other thing as people listens to this recording. They treat their dogs better than this. Because an’t no dog going to live in nothing-----where they can’t take no bath. You should be able to clean your room, like you clean your own house everyday. I am tired of all this mistreatment. I am not scared but I know it is going to cause me lots of trouble because I got to go to court soon. And I know they don’t like me anyway.
But I am going to fight and say what I got to say. You can knock me down. But I am going to get back up and they been knocking me down for years. I must brush myself off and get out of jail. I cannot say that I am not going to be bothered with that-----I am tired of doing that. (NOTHING)
20. QUESTION: My brother I am thankful to you, and my name is George Boston Rhynes, 229-251-8645, a concerned citizen, Rev. Floyd E. Rose is the President of the SCLC, and HE can be reached at 229-244-1938. We have been fighting these problems for a long, long time, and we are 100% sure that truth will eventually win in the end. It always does. Now I am the president of what is remaining of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch of the NAACP and other organizations in this community. As well as working in surrounding areas. People say there is nothing like the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jai. And my heart goes out to inmates, and their family members.
Why do you think Christian Folks who are supposed to care about people, refuse to step up to the plate, and do something in these days and times?
RESPONSE: Yes! But we need to stick together, do what we are supposed to do and treat people like a human being. Please listen: If you heard this interview on the radio, television, or read it wherever. You need to go out there and walk in every cell and see for yourself. If you got some heart. Don’t let them tell you that inmates. This is, like this, or they are like that.
We don’t have phone privileges. If you get locked up from Jacksonville Florida, Macon, or New York you are not allowed to make a phone call. They don’t allow you to make a phone call.
21. QUESTION: What? Do you mean you cannot make a phone call? They don’t allow you to make a phone call like on ----Miami Vice?
RESPONSE: No phone calls. You can’t call your people in New York. No long distance phone calls and if you are given one it’s only for three minutes. You go to clearance, if you are out of town, and you still can’t make no call. I believe this is wrong.
22. QUESTION: This is another violation identified back in 1989 in Civil Action 1989-54-VAL. Filed by Dorthea Patterson two decades ago and she was the lead plaintiff along with four other inmates in the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail but still the problems exists. APPARENTLY, THE HONORABLE JUDGE HUGH LAWSON never followed up on his own court order and consent decree (1997). We can only ask why he failed to enforce his own decree.
Somebody must give account of the many deaths that have occurred. (People should google the video “A Chorus of Fear and the Death of Willie James Williams Death.” Professors and students of Valdosta State University put the video together to show the in executives in Lowndes County Georgia.
People are tired of local television and newspapers ignoring these news worthy events. It seems like the Holy Bible said in that the love of many shall wax cold. The don’t care and all they want to do is get to heaven, and sit down with Allah, Jehovah, Jesus Mohammed, and Mosses. Yet care nothing about their fellow human beings. But I as a follower of Jesus Christ, Mohammed, and all these other great worthies. I want somebody in this country to get a conscience. And show some love for their fellow man and stand up and do something about these ill conditions, deaths, and a dead like news media whiteout machine…
Hold on! I see a Valdosta City Councilman. (NAME OMITTED HERE BUT AVAILABLE). I am going to see if I can get him (NAME AVAILABLE) to come over here and speak. Needless to say that the councilman would not speak on tape. However, he said he would talk to the sheriff and a county commissioner about the problem Johnny C. Parker was talking about.
Now is there anything else you wish to include here?
RESPONSE: Yes one more thing The Mayor of Valdosta, John Fretti----who ever is over the county, Sheriff Prine, should walk with the sheriff in that jail.
23. QUESTION: Wait! Didn’t you mention the Mayor John Fretti?
RESPONSE: Yea, the Mayor.
24. QUESTION: Well, that’s why I say the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and Chairman Sheriff Paulk also. If you mention the Mayor? Then you must include the Chairman of the County Commission “Ashley Paulk” as well. Let us continue to be fair and balanced.
RESPONSE: OK! The City and County got inmates out there. So why don’t they walk from cell to cell, door to door and talk to the human beings (INMATES) that are breathing and taking in Gods air.
And you will agree that you wouldn’t put your dog in there.
25. QUESTION: Personally I don’t believe anything will be done until someone outside of the State of Georgia Comes in here. This includes people outside the State of Georgia from the GBI, FBI or the United States Attorney General’s Office. There is no way that Georgia Law Enforcement in the State of Georgia including all investigative agencies could NOT know what is going on this county. And it may be going on in other South Georgia Cities and Counties. The people must become God like and prove to the world that America is truly a nation of laws and that the power is with the people. Otherwise we should stop spreading lies around the world.
So how can local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies allow these inhumane conditions along with these many known deaths to occur WITHOUT ANY INVESTIGATIONS BEING DONE? While Georgia politician, Christians, members of Law Enforcement, and God himself refuse to help and come to these citizens aid and their family members?
How can this be? With all these religious institutions etc., how can “RELIGIOUS PEOPLE” speak of love in places of so called worship but ignore their fellow human beings? I NOW see why people around the country are turning to SATAN WORSHIP.
RESPONSE: Well it seems that somebody is getting paid. I am not saying, but it is my opinion that somebody is being paid. Michael Vick went to jail. But I went to jail too, but I along with others are living like and being treated like a dog.
26. QUESTION: HA, I am going to close this out--- my courageous brother but give me your name again---WILL LYOU?
RESPONSE: My name is “John C. Parker a former Valdosta-Lowndes County Jailed Inmate.
27. QUESTION: Well, I shake your hand and appreciate the information. I also would like to thank Minister Floyd Rose, President of the SCLC for sending you to me to take this interview this day. I will add this scrip, and taped interview, and add it with other materials that I have been given from various sources. This will be sent out to television, newspapers, internet, radio stations locally, within the State of Georgia and around the nation to show that for over twenty years no real action have been received from Valdosta-Lowndes County Elected Officials—for whatever reasons.
RESPONSE: Ha! I am a brother, a brother standing on the square OK? I am ready to talk to anybody but this mistreatment must STOP! You be strong----brother Rhynes.
28. QUESTION: Peace!
RESPONSE: And peace be with you…
SIGNED AND WITNESSED
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
President of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch of the NAACP
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity
The person who interviewed Mr. Parker to the best of my ability
I VERIFY AND AGREE D WITH THIS INTERVIEW AND APPROVE OF IT BEING RELEASED TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN IN ORDER TO HELP ALL CITIZENS OF VALDOSTA, LOWNDES COUNTY AND BEYOND.
Signed and witnessed
JOHNNY C. PARKER
Former Jail Inmate in Valdosta/Lowndes County Jail
==========================================================================If You
HEADING ADDED HERE AT THE END:
A Living Testimony On The Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail “LOWNDES COUNTY GEORGIA”
(By: George B. Rhynes on Former Inmate Johnny C. Parker)
[July 17, 20, 2009, 3:45 P.M., 4:00, ---4,239 Words]
Interview Site: South Side Library, 527 Griffin Avenue, Valdosta, Georgia 31606, (Phone Number. (229-253-8313)
Date and Time of Interview: July 17, 2009 3:45 pm
Person Being Interviewed: Former inmate, Johnny C. Parker, 3521 McDougal Lane, Valdosta, Georgia 31606, (Phone Number 229-375-6270, 220-247-8833, 229-333-0544)
Person Conducting Interview: Mr. Rhynes, Phone Number, 229-251-8645, and Rev. Floyd E. Rose, 229-444-1938.
Witness Name: Withheld but available upon request for legal purposes
Introduction to Interview: I have a former Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail Inmate here that was referred to me by Rev. Floyd Rose, President of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). G.B.R.
Special Instructions: George is asking the questions under the heading
QUESTION.
Then Mr. Parker responds under the heading RESPONSE.
So please keep in mind that this is not a new problem in the Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia but ONE our elected officials have allowed to exist for decades.
Turn the page and begin reviewing or “click attachment link above”
======================================
“Former Jail Inmate
Interview between George and Mr. Parker”
Please see BOTTOM of page for "INTRODUCTION" and contact information. Peace!
1. QUESTION: MR. PARKER, where are you from? Valdosta Georgia? Why did you call me today? What do you want the people of Valdosta-Lowndes County to know?
RESPONSE: Well, I talked to Rev. Floyd Rose about the problem I had with my probation. I was supposed to be off December 26, 2008 but then the judge told me I was off. Then he went back and he said I was not off until December 26, 2009, and that was it. And I did not get any justice from that ---OK.
2. QUESTION: That is one issue. I understand that you have a second issue right?
RESPONSE: Yea, the living conditions in the old prison, the old black folks prison when they closed it down. Windows broke out, too many people in the rooms, violation of over crowded, one fan, windows barred up, video cameras that are supposed to be watching inmates do not work.
If a fight break out no body would know about it because there is no guards around. They don’t come around like they are suppose to, no water in there, sink don’t work. They have water coolers in each room. The inmates go in and get ice with their hands, inmates drinking human feces and pee because you can’t wash your hands. You can’t take a shower, no sanitation going on in there.
The gentleman they got coming in there will spray, but they will take mop bucket and fill it up with a cleaning solution and clean the whole cell. That one-bucket can’t clean the cell up like that, if you clean three (3) rooms you need to change the mop water. They treat you like dogs in there and the heating and air condition is terrible, windows been broken out to my knowledge since 1971, and they have never replaced them. They place plastic up during the winter times. I know the windows were broken out for that long. I worked for the county during the time when Patrick was the Warden over the prison. This is when they had the work release.
The gentlemen came from TROOPEVILLE in work release. Then me and two of my friends---- use to walk in the old prison and a couple of them broke some windows out and those same windows are still broken out today. They got metal plates and where you walk by the jail cell 10, and cell 11; they got metal plates on it. NOW: If a fight break out nobody would know nothing about it and a person could get KILLED in there, because no Sheriffs Deputy is walking around in there and there is no way to monitor inmates in Cell 10 or in none of those cells in the Old Prison. They need to do something about that because somebody is going to get killed in there. If they are going to do it like that they need to have a guard there and a monitor to monitor the inmates in the Old Lowndes County Jail Part.
The NEW PRISON, I mean the new jail that has no bathroom, is worst than that, that is they don’t have no water. The bathroom doesn’t work. They lock you up and you can’t use the toilet, they got two of three showers, and leaches and stuff in there, no sanitation like it should be. I would go to hell, excuse my English than be in lock-up in that jail. If I got to go back to do some time in that Lowndes County Jail. I wish they would send me somewhere else; because a dog should not live like that. You know people do interviews on Pit Bulls humane living conditions on how dogs live----but won’t do nothing about human beings.
We are human beings in the (Valdosta- Lowndes County Jail (VLCJ) and be treated like we are treated. We can’t use no phone to call a bondsman. They got that locked up. They check our mail because…
3. QUESTION: Excuse me! What do you mean they check your personal mail? I read a Court Order and Consent Decree by Judge Hugh Lawson Civil Action 1989-54-VAL in 1989, and the Judge ruled in June 1997 that that particular item should be fixed in that jail within two years. The order stated that a deputy must open inmate’s personal mail in your presents. Do you mean to tell me? That this violation is still going on in the jail. Talk to me…
RESPONSE: Yea! I can prove it. My daughter deceased now sent me a letter written I red ink. They sent it back to Jacksonville Florida. They took the money order that she sent me. Every bit of mail sent out in of that jail, you cannot seal it, unless it is legal mail. And when you get your mail, it will be opened, and if you get to many pictures in there. They allow you so many pictures in the letter, and they are going to take them out and send them back and that is not right.
4. QUESTION: Let me ask you another question. How is the medical facility and treatment at the jail? I get lots of complaints; could you tell me something about this area of the jail? And before I get to the medical conditions are you willing to give me your NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER if you don’t mind?
RESPONSE: I do not mind: My name: Johnny Parker: PHONE NUMBER: 229-375-6270, 229-247-8833, 229-333-0544, ADDRESS: 3521 McDougal Lane, Valdosta, Georgia 31606. The medical is Ah; you might as well let my three-year-old daughter do MEDICAL. They take you back in medical with no television, and that’s not really important and they don’t even check on you. They got a sign in sheet. They come and sign, and if you forget three hours all you do is backdate it. They don’t come check on you and you don’t get no medicine. You get one Tylenol and it’s going to cost you $5.00.
The FOOD is not maintained at the proper temperature to maintain safety, and local FOOD inspectors must not be doing their jobs. The food trays are not properly cleaned there are food particles on plates from the previous meal still on the plates. Ha, check this. We only get plastic utensils to include one (1) fork, (1) Spoon, (1) stiriphon Cup, (1) Tiny deodorant and it is hard to get a replacement on any of these items. Therefore, we get and keep utensils from inmates who are released and we use them. We know this is unsanitary but we have no other choice.
5. QUESTION: Excuse me but there was a white lady out there. Her name is Melanie she got out a few weeks ago and she was speaking to m about that and there was a “Letter to the Editor” on July 3, 2009 speaking of the high prices of medication out there. I am happy my brother for brining these old complaints to my attention. We have been fighting these type complaints for far too long now. But our Mayor, City Council, County Commissioners----we put in office don’t seem to care about you all who are housed at the facility.
I along with fourteen other citizens were arrested and taken to the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail on May 5, 2005 for exercising our constitutional rights to address our elected officials at a Public Valdosta City Council Meeting on the renaming of a local park. The part denied Blacks from swimming in the pool in the 60s and 70s. But the Mayor, and all black city councilmen along with Whites had us arrested and we got to see the ill conditions at the jail first hand.
However, no local television station ABC, NBC, CBS, WALB, and FOX Etc. ever interviewed a single one of us. But they covered the opposition (City Mayor and Council Actions), again, and again on both television in newspaper, and on a local radio station.
6. QUESTION: Now you say that you went to a local TV Station. Will you please tell me about that experience?
RESPONSE: They were doing an interview at the Lowndes County Court House concerning some land and I asked if they would take my interview on the inhumane conditions at the jail and they would NOT do it.
7. QUESTION: Who was this? And was it a local news station?
RESPONSE: Yea, Channel 6, and WCTV. Their office as just across the street. I left there and went to their office across the street.
8. QUESTION: You mean to tell me the office here in Valdosta Georgia?
RESPONSE: Yea, here in Valdosta Georgia. They said the only way I could address my problem was to take out a lawsuit in order to do something about the problems. I don’t have to take NO lawsuit out if I got Pit Bulls, six or seven Pet Pit Bulls in my yard. They’ll come and do an interview. If they had a child abused or though that I did it. They will do an interview and lock me up.
9. QUESTION: Now you say that CBS was already doing an interview on an issue and you was trying to tell them about the inhumane conditions in the jail and this was a press in the United State of American in 2009, CBS News and they would not even consider your story or listen to you or follow upon on your story. Is this what you are saying to me this day---my brother her in Valdosta and Lowndes County Georgia in 2009?
RESPONSE: Yes! And when I was in the office they said I needed to file a lawsuit if I wanted to complain.
10. QUESTION: Why did not you just let it go----and forget about it?
RESPONSE: That’s what’s wrong with us people now. We need to, when you right---fight, that’s why they do it. You spent 1 million or 2 million dollars last year or two years ago. And say yawl built a new jail. The only thing ya’ll build is a ramp, to bring you in, and a new kitchen because the old kitchen was unsanitary. But the rest of it is not new. The A part, and B Part was suppose to be torn down in 1973.
11. QUESTION: When you started this interview out you kept talking about the prison---is it a prison? It is the Lowndes County Jail.
RESPONSE: NO, NO, NO, That’s the Old Prison. That was the Black Folks Prison.
12. QUESTION: So it was where Blacks was housed-----is that correct?
RESPONSE: Right!
13. QUESTION: well that was before my time. I was not here at that time. So what you are telling me is that it is called the Old Black Prison Part-----is NOW the Lowndes County Jail?
RESPONSE: Yea, But it is the Old Part.
14. QUESTION: So these are the parts that are really bad?
RESPONSE: Right, Bad? I would not even put my dog in there. My doghouse is better than that prison.
15. QUESTION: One other thing I want to talk to you about before we close. You say there are no air conditions out there? How do people survive-----if this is true? What do they do to keep from passing out, out there?
Response: They got one big giant fan about the size of a tractor tire, a small tractor tire and that’s where they get their air. Plus, it is one fan and you got an upper deck and a lower deck. The Lowndes County Jail is supposed to have a certain amount of inmates per area.
16. QUESTION: Here again my brother this was another item that was identified twenty years ago?
RESPONSE: No, No, No, Part A, and Part B, is supposed to hold fourth (40), people per square. They are housing 56 people because they added more bunks to the beds in the cells. They suppose to have 40 people in the cells. They are running twenty to twenty-six (26), over per day in the cells.
There is no Air Condition but they got air conditioners in the hallways. Let me tell you about the floor. When they have SPECTATORS coming through. We be locked down, can’t talk to no body, the floor looks WAXED, like in a fifty- (50), Million Dollar House. And the area we stay in-----we cannot get no bleach, no wax, nothing to clean the floor. You get something once or twice a week. No toilet, they lock us out on lockdown.
I am fifty-six (56) years old. What do I need with quiet time? I mean quiet time, you “got to” go up there and go to sleep for two hours, an’t that something?
17. QUESTION: What about recreation and exercise time periods as ordered in the 1997 Court Order and Consent Decree? When do you get to go out for recreation or walk around in the yard?
Ha! To all who listen to this tape and read this interview? All these things were addressed in CA #1989-54-Val, and we have been addressing these issues to the Valdosta City Mayor and Council, Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and to every Board Chairman since 1989. And this is especially true since 1997 court order and so all our elected officials have been notified. They are aware of these problems at the jail. But no one seems to care about these ill conditions and this includes the Black and White City and County Commissioners. How sad?
We have “A Chorus of Fear Video.” Have you seen the “chorus of fear video?” NO! I will give you a copy before you leave here today. So you can see that our local TELEVISION, NEWSPAPERS, and ELECTED OFFICIALS, in both city and county governmental agencies, have ignored these ill conditions without answering to the general public. We can only ask how many more American Citizens must die BEFORE our elected officials, patriots, and Christians do something to stop this trend in the Bible belt.
In this South Georgia Town there is a saying that if a family leave town for a week. When they return somebody will have started a church in your mailbox. Yet few if anyone care about these human beings living in inhumane conditions in the jail. Moreover, many inmates in there have NOT been proven guilty. Am I right my brother? They are just waiting a bail bondman-----am I right?
RESPONSE: In the city of Valdosta if you get a traffic violation. You should be given an R&R. I believe they call it. But they will keep you in there until you get somebody to bond you out for a simple charge, and when you tell them you did not do it. They simply say. Tell it to the judge and if you got a house, wife, or automobile or a little simple thing… you should be allowed to sign your own bond and go home.
18. QUESTION: Ha! If the right people got a copy of this recorded tape and interview. Would you provide your name, address, phone number and a point of contact so you can be reached on the Internet? And not be like many other people who call me but then get scared and back out at the last minute?
If not give me that information and I will follow behind you with my information and that of Rev. Floyd E. Rose President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). So if any body in the United States of America or in a foreign country cares about human beings will do something. I don’t care why inmates are in jail. They are not terrorists and even terrorists have rights.
19. QUESTION: What is your name: Johnny C. Parker, Phone Number: 229-375-6270.
RESPONSE: One other thing as people listens to this recording. They treat their dogs better than this. Because an’t no dog going to live in nothing-----where they can’t take no bath. You should be able to clean your room, like you clean your own house everyday. I am tired of all this mistreatment. I am not scared but I know it is going to cause me lots of trouble because I got to go to court soon. And I know they don’t like me anyway.
But I am going to fight and say what I got to say. You can knock me down. But I am going to get back up and they been knocking me down for years. I must brush myself off and get out of jail. I cannot say that I am not going to be bothered with that-----I am tired of doing that. (NOTHING)
20. QUESTION: My brother I am thankful to you, and my name is George Boston Rhynes, 229-251-8645, a concerned citizen, Rev. Floyd E. Rose is the President of the SCLC, and HE can be reached at 229-244-1938. We have been fighting these problems for a long, long time, and we are 100% sure that truth will eventually win in the end. It always does. Now I am the president of what is remaining of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch of the NAACP and other organizations in this community. As well as working in surrounding areas. People say there is nothing like the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jai. And my heart goes out to inmates, and their family members.
Why do you think Christian Folks who are supposed to care about people, refuse to step up to the plate, and do something in these days and times?
RESPONSE: Yes! But we need to stick together, do what we are supposed to do and treat people like a human being. Please listen: If you heard this interview on the radio, television, or read it wherever. You need to go out there and walk in every cell and see for yourself. If you got some heart. Don’t let them tell you that inmates. This is, like this, or they are like that.
We don’t have phone privileges. If you get locked up from Jacksonville Florida, Macon, or New York you are not allowed to make a phone call. They don’t allow you to make a phone call.
21. QUESTION: What? Do you mean you cannot make a phone call? They don’t allow you to make a phone call like on ----Miami Vice?
RESPONSE: No phone calls. You can’t call your people in New York. No long distance phone calls and if you are given one it’s only for three minutes. You go to clearance, if you are out of town, and you still can’t make no call. I believe this is wrong.
22. QUESTION: This is another violation identified back in 1989 in Civil Action 1989-54-VAL. Filed by Dorthea Patterson two decades ago and she was the lead plaintiff along with four other inmates in the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail but still the problems exists. APPARENTLY, THE HONORABLE JUDGE HUGH LAWSON never followed up on his own court order and consent decree (1997). We can only ask why he failed to enforce his own decree.
Somebody must give account of the many deaths that have occurred. (People should google the video “A Chorus of Fear and the Death of Willie James Williams Death.” Professors and students of Valdosta State University put the video together to show the in executives in Lowndes County Georgia.
People are tired of local television and newspapers ignoring these news worthy events. It seems like the Holy Bible said in that the love of many shall wax cold. The don’t care and all they want to do is get to heaven, and sit down with Allah, Jehovah, Jesus Mohammed, and Mosses. Yet care nothing about their fellow human beings. But I as a follower of Jesus Christ, Mohammed, and all these other great worthies. I want somebody in this country to get a conscience. And show some love for their fellow man and stand up and do something about these ill conditions, deaths, and a dead like news media whiteout machine…
Hold on! I see a Valdosta City Councilman. (NAME OMITTED HERE BUT AVAILABLE). I am going to see if I can get him (NAME AVAILABLE) to come over here and speak. Needless to say that the councilman would not speak on tape. However, he said he would talk to the sheriff and a county commissioner about the problem Johnny C. Parker was talking about.
Now is there anything else you wish to include here?
RESPONSE: Yes one more thing The Mayor of Valdosta, John Fretti----who ever is over the county, Sheriff Prine, should walk with the sheriff in that jail.
23. QUESTION: Wait! Didn’t you mention the Mayor John Fretti?
RESPONSE: Yea, the Mayor.
24. QUESTION: Well, that’s why I say the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and Chairman Sheriff Paulk also. If you mention the Mayor? Then you must include the Chairman of the County Commission “Ashley Paulk” as well. Let us continue to be fair and balanced.
RESPONSE: OK! The City and County got inmates out there. So why don’t they walk from cell to cell, door to door and talk to the human beings (INMATES) that are breathing and taking in Gods air.
And you will agree that you wouldn’t put your dog in there.
25. QUESTION: Personally I don’t believe anything will be done until someone outside of the State of Georgia Comes in here. This includes people outside the State of Georgia from the GBI, FBI or the United States Attorney General’s Office. There is no way that Georgia Law Enforcement in the State of Georgia including all investigative agencies could NOT know what is going on this county. And it may be going on in other South Georgia Cities and Counties. The people must become God like and prove to the world that America is truly a nation of laws and that the power is with the people. Otherwise we should stop spreading lies around the world.
So how can local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies allow these inhumane conditions along with these many known deaths to occur WITHOUT ANY INVESTIGATIONS BEING DONE? While Georgia politician, Christians, members of Law Enforcement, and God himself refuse to help and come to these citizens aid and their family members?
How can this be? With all these religious institutions etc., how can “RELIGIOUS PEOPLE” speak of love in places of so called worship but ignore their fellow human beings? I NOW see why people around the country are turning to SATAN WORSHIP.
RESPONSE: Well it seems that somebody is getting paid. I am not saying, but it is my opinion that somebody is being paid. Michael Vick went to jail. But I went to jail too, but I along with others are living like and being treated like a dog.
26. QUESTION: HA, I am going to close this out--- my courageous brother but give me your name again---WILL LYOU?
RESPONSE: My name is “John C. Parker a former Valdosta-Lowndes County Jailed Inmate.
27. QUESTION: Well, I shake your hand and appreciate the information. I also would like to thank Minister Floyd Rose, President of the SCLC for sending you to me to take this interview this day. I will add this scrip, and taped interview, and add it with other materials that I have been given from various sources. This will be sent out to television, newspapers, internet, radio stations locally, within the State of Georgia and around the nation to show that for over twenty years no real action have been received from Valdosta-Lowndes County Elected Officials—for whatever reasons.
RESPONSE: Ha! I am a brother, a brother standing on the square OK? I am ready to talk to anybody but this mistreatment must STOP! You be strong----brother Rhynes.
28. QUESTION: Peace!
RESPONSE: And peace be with you…
SIGNED AND WITNESSED
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
President of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch of the NAACP
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity
The person who interviewed Mr. Parker to the best of my ability
I VERIFY AND AGREE D WITH THIS INTERVIEW AND APPROVE OF IT BEING RELEASED TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN IN ORDER TO HELP ALL CITIZENS OF VALDOSTA, LOWNDES COUNTY AND BEYOND.
Signed and witnessed
JOHNNY C. PARKER
Former Jail Inmate in Valdosta/Lowndes County Jail
==========================================================================If You
HEADING ADDED HERE AT THE END:
A Living Testimony On The Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail “LOWNDES COUNTY GEORGIA”
(By: George B. Rhynes on Former Inmate Johnny C. Parker)
[July 17, 20, 2009, 3:45 P.M., 4:00, ---4,239 Words]
Interview Site: South Side Library, 527 Griffin Avenue, Valdosta, Georgia 31606, (Phone Number. (229-253-8313)
Date and Time of Interview: July 17, 2009 3:45 pm
Person Being Interviewed: Former inmate, Johnny C. Parker, 3521 McDougal Lane, Valdosta, Georgia 31606, (Phone Number 229-375-6270, 220-247-8833, 229-333-0544)
Person Conducting Interview: Mr. Rhynes, Phone Number, 229-251-8645, and Rev. Floyd E. Rose, 229-444-1938.
Witness Name: Withheld but available upon request for legal purposes
Introduction to Interview: I have a former Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail Inmate here that was referred to me by Rev. Floyd Rose, President of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). G.B.R.
Special Instructions: George is asking the questions under the heading
QUESTION.
Then Mr. Parker responds under the heading RESPONSE.
So please keep in mind that this is not a new problem in the Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia but ONE our elected officials have allowed to exist for decades.
Turn the page and begin reviewing or “click attachment link above”
# 2001, Testimony Former Inmate Valdosta/Lowndes County Jail (Inhumane/Unsanitary, (May 2005) By: "Touchton"
ANOTHER LIVING TESTIMONY: This letter was sent to ACLU By: LEIGH TOUCHTON
TO: ACLU,
FOLLOWING HER ARREST BY VALDOSTA CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL ON MAY 5, 2005
“My name is Leigh Touchton, I am the former President of the local Valdosta branch of the NAACP. I am the first white woman to lead a branch of the NAACP. I have corresponded with the Georgia ACLU previously about the Lowndes County Jail. Last Thursday night, 15 of us refused to move from the podium of the Valdosta City Council over a civil rights issue. We were arrested and taken to the Lowndes County Jail. I was personally subjected to the following:
1. I was not allowed to make a phone call when I was booked. My case number, which is the PIN number for making phone calls out of the cell, was blacked out on the receipt paper that I was given by a sadistic female guard named Giddens, or Giddings, a white female guard. I was not allowed to call family in order to have my prescribed medicines brought to me until 20 hours after I was booked. I missed two doses of my medicine and almost passed out. Two woman with me were also not allowed to make a phone call either and were on prescribed medicine. Two of us received our medicines 20 hours after our booking, one woman never received hers. We were all bonded out approx. 24 hours after we were arrested. I was told that if you are arrested on a Friday, you will not be bonded out until Monday. 4. I was denied any food for the first 13 hours of my incarceration (from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. the next morning). Male protesters arrested with us were given dinner. The phones in the cell block did not work properly. The inmates had to stand at the phone for hours trying to get a line to go out. Many inmates were locked into their rooms for the night before getting a phone call to go out. I was one of those inmates.
2. I was not given a towel or a comb. The sink in my room did not work. I was locked in my room for over 6 hours without access to drinking water. I saw many female inmates with dirty, stinking jumpsuits that they had been issued upon their arrival but were not allowed to send to the laundry. One woman told me she had been wearing hers for over a month. I saw many female inmates washing their underclothes and tee-shirts and boxer shorts in the toilet for lack of a place to wash them. The holding cell that I was placed in upon arrival (for 3 hours) had two non-functional toilets filled with human waste.
3. There were trays of spoiled food in the holding cell that had been there for days. The milk I was given in the morning (at 5:00 a.m.) was spoiled. Thirty other inmates from another cell block reported spoiled milk. The milk was warm and had obviously not been refrigerated for several hours. I was given breakfast and lunch. There were no fresh fruits or vegetables or whole grains available at either of these meals. There was no fruit juice available. There were no vitamins or calcium supplements or iron supplements available. I was told that I could not have Tylenol or Advil for my headache without filling out a pill call form and it would take 3 days to receive the pills. I was told that I was limited to two Tylenol pills per week. I was on my period and was not able to receive any sanitary items until 16 hours after I was incarcerated. I had menstrual wastes running down my legs the entire 16 hours because the toilet paper I tried to use would not stay in place. I was told that I had to purchase tampons but that the next available purchase would not arrive until I had been in jail 7 days. I was forced to sleep on the floor in a modified hospital stretcher. I saw at least 15 other women also sleeping on the floor. I was told that every room had women sleeping on the floor. One window in my non-air conditioned, non-heated room was rusted closed and would not open. One was rusted open and would not shut. Both windows were approx. 4 inches by 30 inches in dimensions. The temperature outside went down to approx. 50 degrees the night I was incarcerated and I had to sleep under an open window. I had only my jumpsuit and one blanket and it did not keep me warm. My cellmates reported that during the summer when south Georgia temperatures reach into the 100's, that women strip down to their underwear, wet their towels in the sink or in my room, the toilet, and lay the wet towels across their bodies to keep from getting heat stroke. Towels can only go to the laundry once a week. We believe that a male inmate named Sonny Graham died of heat stroke. We believe that a female inmate also died of heat stroke. I was incarcerated with women who saw her die and their descriptions sound like heat stroke (I'm a biology professor with some medical training). The mattress was less than one inch thick and flattened to approx. one-half inch. The dimensions of the "boat" were so narrow and so short that many tall or heavy women could not fit in them.
4. The arraignment holding cell where I was taken with approx. 20 other women had one bench where 5 women could sit, the rest had to sit on the floor. At one point, when there were 20 of us in the holding cell waiting to be arraigned, it was standing room only. There was a 70-year-old woman who had to stand up for 3 hours. There was a pregnant woman with us who had been in the cell for 7 hours without access to any food, either brought to her at regular mealtimes, or access to her commissary items. We were kept in the holding cell, waiting to be arraigned, for almost 4 hours. I was told that when prisoners are locked into their rooms at night, that no guard comes to check on them until 5:00 the next morning when Kool-Aid and milk arrive. I stayed awake all night. A female guard came about 2:00 a.m. and counted us in our beds. The next morning the other inmates told me that it was the first time a guard had come to check during the night "for weeks". There were four sets of doors between us and the guards' station. There were several hundred feet between us and the guards' station. Had someone had a medical emergency, or if a crazy inmate had started a fire, there would have been no way for the guards to have heard our cries for help. The doors are solid metal, there is no passageway for air or sound.
5. There is no air-conditioning and no fan in any prisoner room. There is one large fan in the common area. The common area does not have enough benches for all the women to sit down at one time. All books and magazines are banned except the Bible and Koran. The commissary prices are outrageous. Many prisoners must supplement their diets with commissary items. They are only allowed to spend $55 per week. They must purchase their own socks, underwear, bras, tee-shirts, and shorts. But they must wear their jumpsuits in the common areas and hallways, but they never get to wash their jumpsuits! I was allowed to keep my underwear and bra that I was wearing. I was told that it would be 7 days before I could purchase any underwear. Many women go without bras and underwear. Pregnant women are given a different tray of food that does have a fresh orange, but I could not see any different treatment. I was asked whether I was pregnant when I arrived. I was not asked about tuberculosis or checked for lice. I was told that women who come in "off the streets" with obvious lice infestations and communicable diseases are not separated from the general population and no one is "de-loused". I saw a pregnant woman fall down the stairs in our block. She was lucky she did not hit her head. She received no medical attention.
6. A diabetic woman who was arrested with me received no different medical or nutritional items than the rest of us. We kept telling the guards that she was diabetic and the sadistic female guard, Giddens, kept telling us that dinner was over. I kept saying she is going to go into a coma! They finally brought her a bag lunch about 3 hours after we had been arrested. There was only white bread and bologna in the bag. She needed something like juice or fruit because she is diabetic!! We believe that a male inmate named Willie McFarlane died of diabetic shock because of lack of medical care. The Sheriff, Ashley Paulk, told me that he "wanted to die" and refused to take his medicine. When diabetics are in diabetic shock, they cannot make decisions!! When I was finally allowed my one free phonecall, the phone still didn't work. It took 20 minutes of the guards messing with it for me to finally make a phonecall. I was at the nurse's station when I was brought in, giving my medical history, and the first nurse I saw allowed me to have two Tylenol. The second nurse I saw (when I looked in on her as I was making my free phonecall, 16-17 hours after I was arrested) told me "there isn't any".
7. I was given flip-flops to wear but no socks. I was told by inmates, that I could purchase socks and sneakers, but it would be a week before they arrived. No guard told me anything except my Miranda rights and made me sign a paper saying that I had been told my rights. However, being told that you can make a phone call is not the law. Being able to MAKE the phone call is the law! There were no working phones!! Inmates told me pregnant women receive no medical supervision such as blood pressure screenings. No accommodations are made for morning sickness or any of the host of other things that go along with being pregnant. Many women were incarcerated for over 6 months waiting for trial. One woman had been there nearly a year waiting for trial. I was told that sometimes women are arraigned, have bond set, but then the guards take them back to their cells and forget about them until the next day. I was told that women go to the exercise yard once a week for an hour. I was told that the last time they went a male inmate on the second floor masturbated and shot the semen into the yard on the women. When I was in the holding cell waiting to be arraigned, our cell was situated at right angles to the men's holding cell so that they could see in and leer and make comments. We would form a shield with our bodies so that one of us could use the toilet.
8. We were in there for almost 4 hours. Some women were in there longer than that. One woman told me her court appointed lawyer had met with her twice in 9 months and would not accept collect calls and she had no money to buy a phonecard to make calls to him. The only protein sources on the commissary list were peanut butter and tuna. One in six American women has unsafe mercury levels (causes brain damage, especially in fetuses) and tuna is the primary source. You can see the information under the FDA warnings on the internet. I was told that it would be 7 days before anyone could visit me. I was told that the phones in the visitation area do not work and people have to write messages on paper and hold it up to the window in order to communicate. Obviously, people who cannot read and write cannot communicate with family!!
9. I was not allowed to have my reading glasses, but other women were. Even if the guard had not blacked out my case number to make phone-calls, I couldn't read it without my glasses. But it wouldn't have mattered, because the phones didn't work!! The walls were filthy, with scum, mold, and unknown substances "flowing" down them. The women told me they would clean them but the only cleaning supplies they were given were body soap and a mop and bucket to clean the floors. The cells we were in had previously been used for male prisoners. There was urine and semen leaching out of the floor around the toilet. The women told me that when they were first put in there, they demanded some Comet and sprinkled that around the toilet to "cut the smell". The showers were in the same state of unsanitary conditions. It was raining outside and sewer smells were coming up out of the drains in the showers.
10. Six years ago, I requested a tour of the Jail from Sheriff Ashley Paulk. I was shown only the common corridors and the arraignment holding cells, which are pristine in comparison to the living quarters of the inmates. The inmates told me that anytime a group comes to tour the jail, they are locked into the cells so they can't communicate with them (for instance, our local Grand Jury tours the Jail once a year). Although I was not strip-searched, I was told that when guards want to "get back" at prisoners, they strip-search the entire cell block, sometimes once a day for days on end. None of the guards had their names visible on their uniforms. The inmates told me, and I saw them putting complaint forms in a special box in our common area but they told me nothing ever happens to satisfy the complaint.
11. I was told by a cell mate that she had been stripped naked and thrown into “the hole” by four guards, where she was kept in total darkness and total isolation, for 4 days. She had no clothes, no bed, no blanket. I was told that when guards brutalize prisoners, that the prisoners are isolated in “the hole” until their bruises and cuts heal so that family members won’t see the evidence of the beating. There were fifteen of us and we are all educated, literate citizens with no prior records.
12. I think we would make an ideal group to go forward with a lawsuit to rectify some of these conditions and I pray you will help us.”
Best wishes,
Leigh Touchton
ACLU member
TO: ACLU,
FOLLOWING HER ARREST BY VALDOSTA CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL ON MAY 5, 2005
“My name is Leigh Touchton, I am the former President of the local Valdosta branch of the NAACP. I am the first white woman to lead a branch of the NAACP. I have corresponded with the Georgia ACLU previously about the Lowndes County Jail. Last Thursday night, 15 of us refused to move from the podium of the Valdosta City Council over a civil rights issue. We were arrested and taken to the Lowndes County Jail. I was personally subjected to the following:
1. I was not allowed to make a phone call when I was booked. My case number, which is the PIN number for making phone calls out of the cell, was blacked out on the receipt paper that I was given by a sadistic female guard named Giddens, or Giddings, a white female guard. I was not allowed to call family in order to have my prescribed medicines brought to me until 20 hours after I was booked. I missed two doses of my medicine and almost passed out. Two woman with me were also not allowed to make a phone call either and were on prescribed medicine. Two of us received our medicines 20 hours after our booking, one woman never received hers. We were all bonded out approx. 24 hours after we were arrested. I was told that if you are arrested on a Friday, you will not be bonded out until Monday. 4. I was denied any food for the first 13 hours of my incarceration (from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. the next morning). Male protesters arrested with us were given dinner. The phones in the cell block did not work properly. The inmates had to stand at the phone for hours trying to get a line to go out. Many inmates were locked into their rooms for the night before getting a phone call to go out. I was one of those inmates.
2. I was not given a towel or a comb. The sink in my room did not work. I was locked in my room for over 6 hours without access to drinking water. I saw many female inmates with dirty, stinking jumpsuits that they had been issued upon their arrival but were not allowed to send to the laundry. One woman told me she had been wearing hers for over a month. I saw many female inmates washing their underclothes and tee-shirts and boxer shorts in the toilet for lack of a place to wash them. The holding cell that I was placed in upon arrival (for 3 hours) had two non-functional toilets filled with human waste.
3. There were trays of spoiled food in the holding cell that had been there for days. The milk I was given in the morning (at 5:00 a.m.) was spoiled. Thirty other inmates from another cell block reported spoiled milk. The milk was warm and had obviously not been refrigerated for several hours. I was given breakfast and lunch. There were no fresh fruits or vegetables or whole grains available at either of these meals. There was no fruit juice available. There were no vitamins or calcium supplements or iron supplements available. I was told that I could not have Tylenol or Advil for my headache without filling out a pill call form and it would take 3 days to receive the pills. I was told that I was limited to two Tylenol pills per week. I was on my period and was not able to receive any sanitary items until 16 hours after I was incarcerated. I had menstrual wastes running down my legs the entire 16 hours because the toilet paper I tried to use would not stay in place. I was told that I had to purchase tampons but that the next available purchase would not arrive until I had been in jail 7 days. I was forced to sleep on the floor in a modified hospital stretcher. I saw at least 15 other women also sleeping on the floor. I was told that every room had women sleeping on the floor. One window in my non-air conditioned, non-heated room was rusted closed and would not open. One was rusted open and would not shut. Both windows were approx. 4 inches by 30 inches in dimensions. The temperature outside went down to approx. 50 degrees the night I was incarcerated and I had to sleep under an open window. I had only my jumpsuit and one blanket and it did not keep me warm. My cellmates reported that during the summer when south Georgia temperatures reach into the 100's, that women strip down to their underwear, wet their towels in the sink or in my room, the toilet, and lay the wet towels across their bodies to keep from getting heat stroke. Towels can only go to the laundry once a week. We believe that a male inmate named Sonny Graham died of heat stroke. We believe that a female inmate also died of heat stroke. I was incarcerated with women who saw her die and their descriptions sound like heat stroke (I'm a biology professor with some medical training). The mattress was less than one inch thick and flattened to approx. one-half inch. The dimensions of the "boat" were so narrow and so short that many tall or heavy women could not fit in them.
4. The arraignment holding cell where I was taken with approx. 20 other women had one bench where 5 women could sit, the rest had to sit on the floor. At one point, when there were 20 of us in the holding cell waiting to be arraigned, it was standing room only. There was a 70-year-old woman who had to stand up for 3 hours. There was a pregnant woman with us who had been in the cell for 7 hours without access to any food, either brought to her at regular mealtimes, or access to her commissary items. We were kept in the holding cell, waiting to be arraigned, for almost 4 hours. I was told that when prisoners are locked into their rooms at night, that no guard comes to check on them until 5:00 the next morning when Kool-Aid and milk arrive. I stayed awake all night. A female guard came about 2:00 a.m. and counted us in our beds. The next morning the other inmates told me that it was the first time a guard had come to check during the night "for weeks". There were four sets of doors between us and the guards' station. There were several hundred feet between us and the guards' station. Had someone had a medical emergency, or if a crazy inmate had started a fire, there would have been no way for the guards to have heard our cries for help. The doors are solid metal, there is no passageway for air or sound.
5. There is no air-conditioning and no fan in any prisoner room. There is one large fan in the common area. The common area does not have enough benches for all the women to sit down at one time. All books and magazines are banned except the Bible and Koran. The commissary prices are outrageous. Many prisoners must supplement their diets with commissary items. They are only allowed to spend $55 per week. They must purchase their own socks, underwear, bras, tee-shirts, and shorts. But they must wear their jumpsuits in the common areas and hallways, but they never get to wash their jumpsuits! I was allowed to keep my underwear and bra that I was wearing. I was told that it would be 7 days before I could purchase any underwear. Many women go without bras and underwear. Pregnant women are given a different tray of food that does have a fresh orange, but I could not see any different treatment. I was asked whether I was pregnant when I arrived. I was not asked about tuberculosis or checked for lice. I was told that women who come in "off the streets" with obvious lice infestations and communicable diseases are not separated from the general population and no one is "de-loused". I saw a pregnant woman fall down the stairs in our block. She was lucky she did not hit her head. She received no medical attention.
6. A diabetic woman who was arrested with me received no different medical or nutritional items than the rest of us. We kept telling the guards that she was diabetic and the sadistic female guard, Giddens, kept telling us that dinner was over. I kept saying she is going to go into a coma! They finally brought her a bag lunch about 3 hours after we had been arrested. There was only white bread and bologna in the bag. She needed something like juice or fruit because she is diabetic!! We believe that a male inmate named Willie McFarlane died of diabetic shock because of lack of medical care. The Sheriff, Ashley Paulk, told me that he "wanted to die" and refused to take his medicine. When diabetics are in diabetic shock, they cannot make decisions!! When I was finally allowed my one free phonecall, the phone still didn't work. It took 20 minutes of the guards messing with it for me to finally make a phonecall. I was at the nurse's station when I was brought in, giving my medical history, and the first nurse I saw allowed me to have two Tylenol. The second nurse I saw (when I looked in on her as I was making my free phonecall, 16-17 hours after I was arrested) told me "there isn't any".
7. I was given flip-flops to wear but no socks. I was told by inmates, that I could purchase socks and sneakers, but it would be a week before they arrived. No guard told me anything except my Miranda rights and made me sign a paper saying that I had been told my rights. However, being told that you can make a phone call is not the law. Being able to MAKE the phone call is the law! There were no working phones!! Inmates told me pregnant women receive no medical supervision such as blood pressure screenings. No accommodations are made for morning sickness or any of the host of other things that go along with being pregnant. Many women were incarcerated for over 6 months waiting for trial. One woman had been there nearly a year waiting for trial. I was told that sometimes women are arraigned, have bond set, but then the guards take them back to their cells and forget about them until the next day. I was told that women go to the exercise yard once a week for an hour. I was told that the last time they went a male inmate on the second floor masturbated and shot the semen into the yard on the women. When I was in the holding cell waiting to be arraigned, our cell was situated at right angles to the men's holding cell so that they could see in and leer and make comments. We would form a shield with our bodies so that one of us could use the toilet.
8. We were in there for almost 4 hours. Some women were in there longer than that. One woman told me her court appointed lawyer had met with her twice in 9 months and would not accept collect calls and she had no money to buy a phonecard to make calls to him. The only protein sources on the commissary list were peanut butter and tuna. One in six American women has unsafe mercury levels (causes brain damage, especially in fetuses) and tuna is the primary source. You can see the information under the FDA warnings on the internet. I was told that it would be 7 days before anyone could visit me. I was told that the phones in the visitation area do not work and people have to write messages on paper and hold it up to the window in order to communicate. Obviously, people who cannot read and write cannot communicate with family!!
9. I was not allowed to have my reading glasses, but other women were. Even if the guard had not blacked out my case number to make phone-calls, I couldn't read it without my glasses. But it wouldn't have mattered, because the phones didn't work!! The walls were filthy, with scum, mold, and unknown substances "flowing" down them. The women told me they would clean them but the only cleaning supplies they were given were body soap and a mop and bucket to clean the floors. The cells we were in had previously been used for male prisoners. There was urine and semen leaching out of the floor around the toilet. The women told me that when they were first put in there, they demanded some Comet and sprinkled that around the toilet to "cut the smell". The showers were in the same state of unsanitary conditions. It was raining outside and sewer smells were coming up out of the drains in the showers.
10. Six years ago, I requested a tour of the Jail from Sheriff Ashley Paulk. I was shown only the common corridors and the arraignment holding cells, which are pristine in comparison to the living quarters of the inmates. The inmates told me that anytime a group comes to tour the jail, they are locked into the cells so they can't communicate with them (for instance, our local Grand Jury tours the Jail once a year). Although I was not strip-searched, I was told that when guards want to "get back" at prisoners, they strip-search the entire cell block, sometimes once a day for days on end. None of the guards had their names visible on their uniforms. The inmates told me, and I saw them putting complaint forms in a special box in our common area but they told me nothing ever happens to satisfy the complaint.
11. I was told by a cell mate that she had been stripped naked and thrown into “the hole” by four guards, where she was kept in total darkness and total isolation, for 4 days. She had no clothes, no bed, no blanket. I was told that when guards brutalize prisoners, that the prisoners are isolated in “the hole” until their bruises and cuts heal so that family members won’t see the evidence of the beating. There were fifteen of us and we are all educated, literate citizens with no prior records.
12. I think we would make an ideal group to go forward with a lawsuit to rectify some of these conditions and I pray you will help us.”
Best wishes,
Leigh Touchton
ACLU member
Valdosta Enterprise Zone Designation/No Reply from Valdosta City Council Members. WHY?
I was ignored by all Valdosta City Council Members concerning the Valdosta Enterprise Zone Designation! Why?
I decided to create this blog after I received NO reply from these elected officials. I do believe we elected them to answer us if nothing more than a courteous reply or phone call.
April 21, 2009
From: George Boston Rhynes
Valdosta, Georgia
TO: Valdosta City Council Members:
James Wright, District 1,
Willie T. Head, Jr., District 2,
Joseph "Sonny" Vickers, District 3,
Alvin Payton, Jr., District 4,
Timothy (Tim) H. Carroll, District 5,
Robert Yost, District 6,
John Eunice, (At Large & I don't know why this atlarge district?)
I attended the last Valdosta, Georgia City Council Meeting on April 9, 2009, and was somewhat not as informed as I should have been concerning the issue of Enterprise Zone Area Designation. The Georgia Urban Redevelopment Law (OCGA, Section 36-61-1,and what constituted a correct designation of such properties, and locations in Valdosta.
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/economic/DevelopmentTools/programs/enterpriseZones.asp
Therefore, I need more information as to what convinced you (respectively), to vote the way you did at the meeting. I read the law over and over again. However, I still need additional clarification in order to move on.
In addition, I am asking each of you to provide me with (very short), reasons why you voted to approve the recommendation at the last meeting.
a. Do you believe the area designated in Valdosta meet the qualification guidelines?
b. If so, how many do you feel meets or exceeds what is required?
c. Do you believe the areas designated have the best POTENTIAL of helping the people that are listed in the Georgia Urban Redevelopment Law?
d. Do you believe the ordinary citizens in your district will AGREE that they will be better served by the location approved by the Valdosta City Council?
Please understand that I am only trying to understand what is going on in our community, and I need your individual input.
I will greatly appreciate your timely response ASAP.
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
A concerned citizen and brother of all humanity
INFORMATION: {THE ENTERPRISE ZONE AREA MUST MEET AT LEAST THREE OF THE FIVE CRITERIA’S}.
1. Pervasive poverty established using the most current United States decennial census prepared by the U. S. Bureau of Census .
2. Unemployment Rate (average for preceding yr.) at least 10% higher than State or significant job dislocation.
3. Underdevelopment evidenced by lack of building permits, licenses, land disturbance permits, etc. lower than development activity within local body's jurisdiction.
4. General distress and adverse conditions (population decline, health and safety issues etc.).
5. General Blight evidenced by the inclusion of any portion of the nominated area in an urban redevelopment area.
=================
These are words in the old Valdosta City Charter of 1860, that was removed from city hall a few years ago, but not without opposition from the mayor and some council members that read:
In Article 100, Section XI: “THAT THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL SHALL PASS ALL PROPER AND NECESSARY LAWS AND ORDINANCES FOR THE CONTROL OF SLAVES AND FREE PERSONS OF COLOR IN SAID TOWN AND SUPPRESS AND ABATE ALL NUISANCES ARRIVING FROM HOGS, DOGS, HORSES, OR OTHER STOCK STRAYING AT LARGE IN SAID TOWN, OR FROM OTHER CAUSES.”
Questions ignored by Valdosta City Council Members. Therefore I must ask if the old Valdosta, Georgia 1860 City Charter is still in force?
====================
my comments:
It seems that a courteous reply would have been more appropriate than to ignore the questions. But then again, we love our elected officials because they represent the voices and wishes of the people. We must thank them for their service to the people of our beloved city.
George Boston Rhynes
Retired United States Armed Forces (Active Duty)
I decided to create this blog after I received NO reply from these elected officials. I do believe we elected them to answer us if nothing more than a courteous reply or phone call.
April 21, 2009
From: George Boston Rhynes
Valdosta, Georgia
TO: Valdosta City Council Members:
James Wright, District 1,
Willie T. Head, Jr., District 2,
Joseph "Sonny" Vickers, District 3,
Alvin Payton, Jr., District 4,
Timothy (Tim) H. Carroll, District 5,
Robert Yost, District 6,
John Eunice, (At Large & I don't know why this atlarge district?)
I attended the last Valdosta, Georgia City Council Meeting on April 9, 2009, and was somewhat not as informed as I should have been concerning the issue of Enterprise Zone Area Designation. The Georgia Urban Redevelopment Law (OCGA, Section 36-61-1,and what constituted a correct designation of such properties, and locations in Valdosta.
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/economic/DevelopmentTools/programs/enterpriseZones.asp
Therefore, I need more information as to what convinced you (respectively), to vote the way you did at the meeting. I read the law over and over again. However, I still need additional clarification in order to move on.
In addition, I am asking each of you to provide me with (very short), reasons why you voted to approve the recommendation at the last meeting.
a. Do you believe the area designated in Valdosta meet the qualification guidelines?
b. If so, how many do you feel meets or exceeds what is required?
c. Do you believe the areas designated have the best POTENTIAL of helping the people that are listed in the Georgia Urban Redevelopment Law?
d. Do you believe the ordinary citizens in your district will AGREE that they will be better served by the location approved by the Valdosta City Council?
Please understand that I am only trying to understand what is going on in our community, and I need your individual input.
I will greatly appreciate your timely response ASAP.
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
A concerned citizen and brother of all humanity
INFORMATION: {THE ENTERPRISE ZONE AREA MUST MEET AT LEAST THREE OF THE FIVE CRITERIA’S}.
1. Pervasive poverty established using the most current United States decennial census prepared by the U. S. Bureau of Census .
2. Unemployment Rate (average for preceding yr.) at least 10% higher than State or significant job dislocation.
3. Underdevelopment evidenced by lack of building permits, licenses, land disturbance permits, etc. lower than development activity within local body's jurisdiction.
4. General distress and adverse conditions (population decline, health and safety issues etc.).
5. General Blight evidenced by the inclusion of any portion of the nominated area in an urban redevelopment area.
=================
These are words in the old Valdosta City Charter of 1860, that was removed from city hall a few years ago, but not without opposition from the mayor and some council members that read:
In Article 100, Section XI: “THAT THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL SHALL PASS ALL PROPER AND NECESSARY LAWS AND ORDINANCES FOR THE CONTROL OF SLAVES AND FREE PERSONS OF COLOR IN SAID TOWN AND SUPPRESS AND ABATE ALL NUISANCES ARRIVING FROM HOGS, DOGS, HORSES, OR OTHER STOCK STRAYING AT LARGE IN SAID TOWN, OR FROM OTHER CAUSES.”
Questions ignored by Valdosta City Council Members. Therefore I must ask if the old Valdosta, Georgia 1860 City Charter is still in force?
====================
my comments:
It seems that a courteous reply would have been more appropriate than to ignore the questions. But then again, we love our elected officials because they represent the voices and wishes of the people. We must thank them for their service to the people of our beloved city.
George Boston Rhynes
Retired United States Armed Forces (Active Duty)
McDonough, Georgia Forcing Females, and Blacks From Jobs......Why?
PLEASE NOTE:
---- I received this e-mail from an individual that reads my blog, and often visit this site. After disucssing his problems and situations with me I decided to post his letter on this site concerning McDonough, Georgia. It is said: That the City McDonough, Georgia, Department Heads, Forcing Females, and Black African Africans From jobs during these hard economic times?
TO: The people of Georgia and beyond....
It seem apparent that the City of McDonough, Georgia Department Heads, are forcing Females, and Black African Africans from their jobs during these hard economic times.
Yes! It has been brought to my attention that the City of McDonough, Georgia, is allowing various Department Heads to force females, minorities, including African Americans, out of the workplace at jet lighting speed. It is also known that these same individuals are denied employment with the City, and an equal opportunity for promotions within various Departments
We must never yield to the pressure of the world nor become a part of the world system. While we are to earn our livelihood from the world, we are not to adapt to its ways. We must stay focus and fight this Evil Giant that perpetual racism and sexism.
The work place for employees should be a peaceful working Environment, not a hot zone that causes people to always have to look over their shoulder. But; every worker in America is under the protection of the Retaliatory Act. Our citizens should not be fooled nor tricked by local leader anymore who make promises that they know they will not keep.
There are a lot of insensitivity toward the plight of blacks that is down right irresponsible, immoral, repugnant, unethical, reprehensible, wick, sinful.
In my opinion the elected officials (Mayor and Council members) in McDonough, Georgia have become socially, psychologically and moralistically blind to what is happening right in their face which causes things to become ineffective, crippling and unfit.
We must not be harsh or judgmental toward our elected officials, but understand that they are asleep to the facts and we must attempt to wake them, to the downfall that is happening.
It is time for a change from the Old South to a New South.
Moreover, we cannot simply bury our head in the sand like the legend concerning the ostrich bird and pretend that we are in heaven, while females and other Black African Americans workers are being forced from their jobs, and not being promoted as their peers.
Again, its time for a change, and I am willing to support such a change!
Tony Daniels
Community Organizer!
229-242-0940
=====================
---- I received this e-mail from an individual that reads my blog, and often visit this site. After disucssing his problems and situations with me I decided to post his letter on this site concerning McDonough, Georgia. It is said: That the City McDonough, Georgia, Department Heads, Forcing Females, and Black African Africans From jobs during these hard economic times?
TO: The people of Georgia and beyond....
It seem apparent that the City of McDonough, Georgia Department Heads, are forcing Females, and Black African Africans from their jobs during these hard economic times.
Yes! It has been brought to my attention that the City of McDonough, Georgia, is allowing various Department Heads to force females, minorities, including African Americans, out of the workplace at jet lighting speed. It is also known that these same individuals are denied employment with the City, and an equal opportunity for promotions within various Departments
We must never yield to the pressure of the world nor become a part of the world system. While we are to earn our livelihood from the world, we are not to adapt to its ways. We must stay focus and fight this Evil Giant that perpetual racism and sexism.
The work place for employees should be a peaceful working Environment, not a hot zone that causes people to always have to look over their shoulder. But; every worker in America is under the protection of the Retaliatory Act. Our citizens should not be fooled nor tricked by local leader anymore who make promises that they know they will not keep.
There are a lot of insensitivity toward the plight of blacks that is down right irresponsible, immoral, repugnant, unethical, reprehensible, wick, sinful.
In my opinion the elected officials (Mayor and Council members) in McDonough, Georgia have become socially, psychologically and moralistically blind to what is happening right in their face which causes things to become ineffective, crippling and unfit.
We must not be harsh or judgmental toward our elected officials, but understand that they are asleep to the facts and we must attempt to wake them, to the downfall that is happening.
It is time for a change from the Old South to a New South.
Moreover, we cannot simply bury our head in the sand like the legend concerning the ostrich bird and pretend that we are in heaven, while females and other Black African Americans workers are being forced from their jobs, and not being promoted as their peers.
Again, its time for a change, and I am willing to support such a change!
Tony Daniels
Community Organizer!
229-242-0940
=====================
The Valdosta Fifteen Arrested by City Mayor (John Fretti and Council Members, May 5, 2005), Who were they?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
SUBJECT: Valdosta Mayor and City Council Members arrested fifteen citizens at Monthly Meeting (MAY 5, 2005 AT 5:30 PM. Who were they?
If you do not know who they were. It is probable because Valdosta-Lowndes News Media (WHITEOUT MACHINE is doing what they do best. Helping to keep the general public deaf, dumb, and blind to whats going on in our community. It seems that they are doing this so citizens will be unable to make intelligent decisions based on facts. How sad?
Clink the link below: Then ask yourself why local newsmedia failed to report these individual name to the general public? Moreover NOT one of these citizens were interviewed by TELEVISION, OR NEWS PAPERS IN VALDOSTA GEORGIA. They gladly published their names in the local paper under "Valdosta Crime Report" following their unnecessary arrest.
Wake up People! We had better check the history of Brooks and Lowndes County Georgia for a better understanding of their historical past.
http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_349235532
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity
How many of these citizens were taken to the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail for exercising their constitutional rights under our form of government?
-At 7:06 p.m. Thursday, police arrested
Catherine Touchton, 45;
Floyd Rose, 66;
Willie J. Roberson, 54;
Jesse Clark, 64;
Calle Fielden, 21;
Reggie Griffin, 21,
Catherine Harris, 63;
Willie M. Head, 51;
Joann Y. Mosely, 57;
George B. Rhynes, 53;
Mary T. Sherman, 67;
Freddie Richardson, 58;
Tony Daniels, 43,
all of Valdosta:
And Faye Chachere, 44,
Karren Camion, 43,
How could it be that these citizens two from Hahira, Georgia was with these citizens that were arrested at the 200 block of East Central Avenue on charges of disrupting a public meeting, reports said.
*But these citizens were never interviewed by local media to hear their side of the story. How sad? We must ask if local media is in the pockets of certain power brokers? Why are they afraid of reporting, and doing investigative reporting on news worthy events ni our community? How sad?
http://www.peoplesvoiceweekly.us/wp/
http://www.peoplesvoiceweekly.us/wp/
SUBJECT: Valdosta Mayor and City Council Members arrested fifteen citizens at Monthly Meeting (MAY 5, 2005 AT 5:30 PM. Who were they?
If you do not know who they were. It is probable because Valdosta-Lowndes News Media (WHITEOUT MACHINE is doing what they do best. Helping to keep the general public deaf, dumb, and blind to whats going on in our community. It seems that they are doing this so citizens will be unable to make intelligent decisions based on facts. How sad?
Clink the link below: Then ask yourself why local newsmedia failed to report these individual name to the general public? Moreover NOT one of these citizens were interviewed by TELEVISION, OR NEWS PAPERS IN VALDOSTA GEORGIA. They gladly published their names in the local paper under "Valdosta Crime Report" following their unnecessary arrest.
Wake up People! We had better check the history of Brooks and Lowndes County Georgia for a better understanding of their historical past.
http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_349235532
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity
How many of these citizens were taken to the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail for exercising their constitutional rights under our form of government?
-At 7:06 p.m. Thursday, police arrested
Catherine Touchton, 45;
Floyd Rose, 66;
Willie J. Roberson, 54;
Jesse Clark, 64;
Calle Fielden, 21;
Reggie Griffin, 21,
Catherine Harris, 63;
Willie M. Head, 51;
Joann Y. Mosely, 57;
George B. Rhynes, 53;
Mary T. Sherman, 67;
Freddie Richardson, 58;
Tony Daniels, 43,
all of Valdosta:
And Faye Chachere, 44,
Karren Camion, 43,
How could it be that these citizens two from Hahira, Georgia was with these citizens that were arrested at the 200 block of East Central Avenue on charges of disrupting a public meeting, reports said.
*But these citizens were never interviewed by local media to hear their side of the story. How sad? We must ask if local media is in the pockets of certain power brokers? Why are they afraid of reporting, and doing investigative reporting on news worthy events ni our community? How sad?
http://www.peoplesvoiceweekly.us/wp/
http://www.peoplesvoiceweekly.us/wp/
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Open Door Letter to Georgia Law Makers! Questions and Truth! (Jack Kingston, Golden, and others) No Reply, Why?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Letter to Rep. Tim Golden and Jack Kingston, Georgia Workers Rights, "Georgia At Will Employment Law" QUESTIONS NEEDS ANSWERS....
June 27, 2009
George Boston Rhynes
Valdosta, Georgia
To: Letter to the editor, “Open Letter to Georgia Law Makers”
Is the State of Georgia and America in general nearing a state of revolt due to employers hiring illegal immigrants and undocumented workers that has contributed to a faltering job market as American citizens suffers?
Therefore on behalf of citizens in the State of Georgia and around the nation, I would like Georgia State Representative Tim golden and Jack Kingston to provide answers to the following questions. As they relate to enforcement of city, county, state, or federal law if applicable to (employers) employing illegal aliens on various projects and job sites that increases the number of unemployed workers in the State of Georgia and around the nation?
a. What person or agency can citizens contact to report EMPLOYERS who employ illegal aliens and forcing states to pay unnecessary unemployment compensation because of un-American practices?
b. What law should citizens read to educate themselves about the hiring of illegal aliens, and undocumented workers that is increasing our taxes through paying unemployment compensations?
c. How many companies and job sites in the last two years in Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia have been reviewed, inspected or monitored for the hiring of illegal aliens or undocumented workers at the expense of American citizens being unemployed?
d. How many of these companies (monitored) were identified as employing illegal workers within the last three years in Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia.
e. What agency or member of law enforcement discovered the illegal activity and what was the average amount of the fine inflicted?
f. How many employers have being charged, arrested or jailed while many American citizens continue to blame immigrants and illegal aliens? (This should be of special importance when it comes to contract jobs, and road crews etc.)
g. Why should politicians criticize illegal aliens but do nothing to EMPLOYERS that employs them?
h. If homeowners are required and they are to abide by city and county codes or be charged, then should not our government monitor and control the hiring practices of EMPLOYERS that are taking jobs from the American people at taxpayer’s expense?
i. If motorists are ticket twenty-four seven for speeding violations etc. Then should not EMPLOYERS be issued citations twenty-four seven for breaking the law—instead of sending American workers to the unemployment lines and increasing our taxes due to the hiring of illegal aliens?
j. What is your stand on Georgia’s disgraceful “At will Employment law” wherein companies can fire workers for good cause, bad cause, or for no cause at all without having to give Georgia WORKERS a reason for their wrongful terminations? Do you agree with this law, and if not what are you doing to remove it from the books?
k. Finally, if motorists are charged $105.00 for one brake light being out by law enforcement? Then why cannot this same amount of force be dispersed so Americans can have a job to take care of their family and love ones? Instead of employers hiring illegal aliens during these hard economic times?
It is my desire to see our elected officials respond publicly to this Letter to the Editor so all minds and hearts of concerned citizens will be soothed, especially those who are unemployed and have exhausted all unemployment compensations or about to loose their homes---due to a lack of community jobs.
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
Valdosta, Georgia
Cc: Georgia Department of Labor
Two heads may be better than one but never forget which one belongs to you.{GBR}
Letter to Rep. Tim Golden and Jack Kingston, Georgia Workers Rights, "Georgia At Will Employment Law" QUESTIONS NEEDS ANSWERS....
June 27, 2009
George Boston Rhynes
Valdosta, Georgia
To: Letter to the editor, “Open Letter to Georgia Law Makers”
Is the State of Georgia and America in general nearing a state of revolt due to employers hiring illegal immigrants and undocumented workers that has contributed to a faltering job market as American citizens suffers?
Therefore on behalf of citizens in the State of Georgia and around the nation, I would like Georgia State Representative Tim golden and Jack Kingston to provide answers to the following questions. As they relate to enforcement of city, county, state, or federal law if applicable to (employers) employing illegal aliens on various projects and job sites that increases the number of unemployed workers in the State of Georgia and around the nation?
a. What person or agency can citizens contact to report EMPLOYERS who employ illegal aliens and forcing states to pay unnecessary unemployment compensation because of un-American practices?
b. What law should citizens read to educate themselves about the hiring of illegal aliens, and undocumented workers that is increasing our taxes through paying unemployment compensations?
c. How many companies and job sites in the last two years in Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia have been reviewed, inspected or monitored for the hiring of illegal aliens or undocumented workers at the expense of American citizens being unemployed?
d. How many of these companies (monitored) were identified as employing illegal workers within the last three years in Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia.
e. What agency or member of law enforcement discovered the illegal activity and what was the average amount of the fine inflicted?
f. How many employers have being charged, arrested or jailed while many American citizens continue to blame immigrants and illegal aliens? (This should be of special importance when it comes to contract jobs, and road crews etc.)
g. Why should politicians criticize illegal aliens but do nothing to EMPLOYERS that employs them?
h. If homeowners are required and they are to abide by city and county codes or be charged, then should not our government monitor and control the hiring practices of EMPLOYERS that are taking jobs from the American people at taxpayer’s expense?
i. If motorists are ticket twenty-four seven for speeding violations etc. Then should not EMPLOYERS be issued citations twenty-four seven for breaking the law—instead of sending American workers to the unemployment lines and increasing our taxes due to the hiring of illegal aliens?
j. What is your stand on Georgia’s disgraceful “At will Employment law” wherein companies can fire workers for good cause, bad cause, or for no cause at all without having to give Georgia WORKERS a reason for their wrongful terminations? Do you agree with this law, and if not what are you doing to remove it from the books?
k. Finally, if motorists are charged $105.00 for one brake light being out by law enforcement? Then why cannot this same amount of force be dispersed so Americans can have a job to take care of their family and love ones? Instead of employers hiring illegal aliens during these hard economic times?
It is my desire to see our elected officials respond publicly to this Letter to the Editor so all minds and hearts of concerned citizens will be soothed, especially those who are unemployed and have exhausted all unemployment compensations or about to loose their homes---due to a lack of community jobs.
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
Valdosta, Georgia
Cc: Georgia Department of Labor
Two heads may be better than one but never forget which one belongs to you.{GBR}
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