Hungry Blues - Latest Comments

Re: New Evidence to Act on in 1964 Klan Murder of James Chaney

minorjive — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:25:32 -0000

Approve.

Re: New Evidence to Act on in 1964 Klan Murder of James Chaney

william david johnson — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:18:36 -0000

i was at the edgar ray killen trial in 2005 , there was no talk of guns and bullets to put mr. killens away.by the way they did not have evidence to put him away. i wish they would show the whole flim of what really took black. in the edgar ray killen trial. it would show that it was a very unfair trial.and not the trial that all these people make it out to be, o by the way what about all you black people that kept lining up and waitting to beat on mr. killen every time they would try to wheel him in with is wheel chair. the judge ask jim hood do you want to go through the evidence file totry to find evidence . mr. hood said no way was he going through 2500 pages of evidence it would take to long. i was there it was a paid off trial.to put mr. killens away. i have talk with many people to get evidence myself. i was told by many people that knew the truth. i was told that what ever took place it had nothing to do with votting, but instead the rapeing of white woman.

Re: New Evidence to Act on in 1964 Klan Murder of James Chaney

Michael M. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:57:38 -0000

Could there be newly discovered evidence in the 1964 civil rights worker murders? on NMissCommentor has similar news and probably is worth a look.

Re: SAPOA Is The Real Problem

kevinvidal — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:02:40 -0000

I am forwarding this email to the US Department of Justice so that you are aware of my recent experience with retailer Lens Crafters, North Star Mall, and the San Antonio Police department.

I have followed appropriate protocol for having this matter addressed, but am vigorously getting the runaround from all 3 parties. I am not sure that this matter is being investigated, and if so, I am not sure if I will ever be apprised of the status of such investigations. I have yet to receive a Internal Affairs case number and have been "passed" to about 5 - 6 officers for more information, who are never available, and do not return calls are correspondence. I tried vigorously to obtain information last week, and will try again this week.

North Star Mall and Lens Crafters have been defensive and unapologetic. They have not committed to updating me on investigation findings, nor have committed to formally investigating this matter at all. One San Antonio Police Internal Affairs officer told me by phone that "he has to decide whether he will investigate my case"..

This incident has affected me emotionally and I am fearful of retaliation by all parties, simply because I am persistent in trying to get to the bottom of this problem. I cannot stand back and let this type of behavior repeat on me or others.

It seems it would be rather easy to review the surveillance tapes from mall security. On these tapes you will see that I was unjustly reprimanded and treated like a hardened criminal. I am a 50 year old disabled black man. I am not and was not threatening to anyone. I weight only 135 lbs.

I am hopeful that you will look into this matter on my behalf, as a citizen of the United States. I have apprised the City Council, the mayor's office, the BBB, media, and all parties involved to ensure that my situation is well documented and published. I must do this for my own protection.

I truly feel that I was profiled and that my rights were violated. Now everyone seems to want to "sweep it under the rug". But, I just cannot ignore the emotional scars and humiliation that this matter has caused.

However, for a police department that operates as I have experienced, I am fearful that they will not take persistent efforts to investigate the matter well.

I was told that the Federal government was inquisitive about SAPD's Internal Affairs and Police practices. I am hopeful that my situation will assure you that problems still exists. I have spoken to many friends who too have had similar and worst situations with SAPD. ...all unjust.

Regards,

Kevin M. Vidal

===================================================

North Star Mall Incident - 11/17/2009

I am deeply upset and dissatisfied with the way that I was handled by North Star Mall security and the assigned Police Officer, on today 11/17/2009. Specifically, I would like to file a complaint and report for this incident.

Today I went to Lens Crafters and my $ 300 cell phone was stolen from the store counter while I was in the store. I used the phone in front of Lens Crafters employees for I called Lens Crafters Customer Service from the store.

After sitting with Brittany to price glasses, I sat my phone on the customer counter. I walked away to replace a pair of display glasses and my phone was gone. At the time there were about 4 employees in the store, and one customer.

I insisted on filing a report and complaint to make Lens Crafters and the mall aware of the incident, but constantly got the runaround, being told that I could file the complaint on line, there was no phone number to call.

Unbeknownst to me, security was called, Mr. Mendoza. He spoke to me and seemed helpful at first. He then told me that an officer would come to take the report, Officer Ingram. I told him that I would walk to my car and return. I gave him my second cell phone number in case I missed him.

As I walked to the car, 3 officers approached me, Ingram asked "may I help you". I told him no, for I did not know that he was the one that Mendoza called. Ingram did not asked me if I needed help with my phone situation so I figured that I would wait until I returned to Mendoza. Immediately officer Ingram exerted his authority, through me against the wall, handcuffed me and threatened to arrest me if I said one word. As on lookers watched, he asked that at most I could shake my head as he asked questions, and if I said one word he would arrest me. Mendoza then said to me "You really fucked up now", while Officer Jason told him he should not have said those words.

Ingram was very much in my face trying to provoke me to get arrested. I did not allow this to happen and was released.

I was told by Lens Crafters and by Mendoza that I could file a complaint and incident report and I wanted to. I still do. But, I was told by Ingram that there was no such complaint that I could file and that if I wanted to file a report with the police department nothing would happen, but I could try to do so on line.

I have never been so humiliated in my life. I am a black man. All parties involved were Latino or White. This felt really strange.

Additionally, Lens Crafter employees were very customer unfriendly. Particularly Brian, the manager on duty. He did not want to come to speak with me about this matter, though Brittany tried vigorously. He tried to bribe me by offering deep discounts on glasses for the humiliation. I told him that it would not erase the humiliation and he shouted to Mendoza, "take him away from my store". Michael, another Lens Crafters employees "freaked out" (according to Brittany as well) for some reason and became arrogant and argumentative with me about the matter, though he was marginally involved. He showed me his iPhone and argued that he had no reason to steal my phone, though I never accused him of stealing it. Ultimately, Michael called security. Brian then came out explaining that security was called to help me file a report. Little did I know they were called to harass and torment me.

I know that I had and used my phone in the Lens Crafter store. There was a total of 4 employees in the store (George, Brian, Michael, and Brittany), and one customer. There is a possibility that my phone was stolen by one of the employees and I wanted to report the incident. I was never able to report the incident, but am now sending this email to you, and will contact the SA Police Department.

Eventually, I did get the phone number of the Lens Crafters Regional Manager, Terry Garcia, from Brittany. I left a voice mail with her and 2 with North Star Mall management. I do believe that Brittany was trying to be helpful.

The fact the Lens Crafters staff, SAPD, and North Star Mall security was so demeaning and humiliating for someone who broke no laws, is something that you should seriously investigate, if North Star Mall management cares. If not, I have no doubt that everyone's absence of politeness will flare up into a more significant problem some day.

As for me, I never plan to go to your mall to shop (nor Lens Crafters) and fill out reports on this matter, post blogs, inform friends, management, media and authorities.

What a horrific experience! You really should investigate this matter and let me know how to go about filing a formal report and complaint.

Your prompt attention to this matter would be appreciated.

Regards,

Kevin M. Vidal

PS: I believe that the article below is on the same officer (Ingram) who harassed me.
Contact: Sgt. Gabriel Trevino Date: 07-14-08 Release No. 08-069

News Release - http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/pdf/Adv_071408.pdf

OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

A preliminary investigation pertaining to an officer involved shooting reveals the

following: On July 14, 2008, at approximately 7:04am, San Antonio Police Officer

Robert Ingram, an 11-year veteran, was patrolling behind the strip retail center

located at 5740 Walzem Rd. As Officer Ingram drove his patrol car behind the

businesses, he saw a car backed into a loading dock. As officer Ingram got closer,

he saw a lone male sitting in the driver’s side. Officer Ingram reports that at that

point, the suspect looked up and motioned his head side to side and pointed his

finger up and also motioned his finger side to side (indicating a “no” gesture). The

suspect then placed his car in gear and accelerated directly towards Officer Ingram,

who was still sitting inside his patrol car. The suspect’s car then struck Officer

Ingram’s car, pushing the patrol car back several feet until it was pinned between a

concrete pillar and the suspect’s car. The suspect then reversed his car and then

again came forward, spinning his rear tires, as the suspect’s car again struck Officer

Ingram’s patrol car. Officer Ingram, fearing for his life, began to fire his service

weapon, through his own patrol car’s front windshield, towards the suspect. Officer

Ingram continued to fire as he was able to exit his patrol car and flee for cover.

The suspect was hit by Officer Ingram’s fire and subsequently died at the scene.

Officer Ingram did not receive serious injuries from the ramming of his patrol car.

A preliminary view inside the suspect’s car revealed a hunting knife and drug

paraphernalia. The identity of the suspect is being withheld pending official

identification and the notification of death to the next of kin.

The San Antonio Police Department’s shooting Team is handling the investigation

and will submit their findings to Police Chief William P. McManus and the Bexar

County District Attorney’s Office. As per policy, Officer Ingram will be placed on

administrative duty while the investigation continues.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Re: A Century of Living

minorjive — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:41:24 -0000

Thanks! We love her. She's such a model for us and a joy to know.

Re: Lines of Accountability

minorjive — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:40:43 -0000

He's dead. I've been told that the executors of his estate have kept an iron
hold on many important documents. It is very important that the truth be
told.

Re: A Century of Living

Brandon — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:34:05 -0000

Kudos to your aunt!

Re: Lines of Accountability

Brandon — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:33:07 -0000

Is Eastland still alive? Not surprised....the truth is the light isnt it though?

Re: A Century of Living

kimpearson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:58:37 -0000

Love it! Go Aunt Esther!

Re: A Century of Living

PPR_Scribe — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:53:39 -0000

What a wonderful tribute and a wonderful woman.

Re: A Century of Living

Rebecca Lesses — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:24:30 -0000

How cool! I love stories like this. May Aunt Esther live to a 120 - healthy & energetic as ever!

Re: US Representative John Lewis Steps Up for GLBT Rights

minorjive — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:21:32 -0000

Don't thank me. Thanks Pam Spaulding... I'm doing pretty well, thanks. How's by you?

Re: We Can’t Afford to Wait (MoveOn & R.E.M)

minorjive — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:20:20 -0000

Nope, I am not. What should I know about them?

Re: We Can’t Afford to Wait (MoveOn & R.E.M)

BrandonWallace — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:54:05 -0000

Are you familiar with Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism(CCDS)?

Re: US Representative John Lewis Steps Up for GLBT Rights

BrandonWallace — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:51:44 -0000

I thought I had heard nothing about this...but I do vaguely remember hearing that John Lewis had been invited to speak soemwhere in Alabama. Thanks for covering it. How are you, btw?

Re: Human Rights at Orleans Parish Prison

MIKA — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:10:15 -0000

OPP IS THE WORST PLACE TO BE EVERYONE KNOWS OF THESE CONDITIONS YET NO ONE DOES ANYTHING THEN GUSMAN HAS THE NERVE TI GET IN THE NEWS AND SAYS HE WENT TO GRAMMAR AND HIGH SCHOOL WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING TIMES HAVE CHANGED THINGS WASN'T THAT BAD WHEN FOTI WAS IN CHARGE YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS COULD HAVE BEEN PAID A BOND AND THEY KEEP TIL THE NEXT DAY TO GET MORE MONEY AND LETS NOT TALK ABOUT THE GUARDS THEY HAVE THE MOST NASTIEST ATTITUDES IF YOU DON'T LIKE YOUR JOB QUIT PLAIN AND SIMPLE BUT DON'T MIS TREAT OTHERS I WONDER HOW THE EMPLOYEES AND JUDGES WOULD FEEL IF THEY HAD TO GO DOWN THERE AND LIVE IN THOSE CONDITIONS THE PRISONS IN OTHER STATES ARE NOT LIKE THIS ONE IT NEEDS TO BE CLOSED DOWN OR INVESTIGATED YES THE PEOPLE DOWN HAVE DONE SOME WRONG THINGS BUT THEY STILL ARE HUMAN AND SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE HUMANS NOT LIKE ANIMALS .

Re: 4 Years After Hurricane Katrina

doctorj2u — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:11:09 -0000

Thank you for writing the truth and caring enough to remember. I am a New Orleanian and my 80 year old mother lives a block from the beach in Pass Chritian, MS. Katrina was awful but it was the lingering aftermath that was the bigger tragedy. Never again should an American catastrophe be made a political football. It is the people living with the tragedy that pay the price for other's fanatim.

Re: Man Who Beat John Lewis in 61 Apologizes in 09

Xavier Ninnis — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 06:53:37 -0000

So this 72 yr old bigot now that he sick and frightened is counting on those whom he has always derided as weak minded
liberals to provide him with a Get Out of Hell Free card by apologizing for all is ugly actions of the past. Well f*** him, he was a violent and nasty racist and acted on it often he can now reap what he has sown.

Sure enough though, with tons of newspapers having picked up this "feel good" story, the religious hypocrites are out in force telling Wilson how wonderful he is for apologizing to those he hurt in the past.

Talk about a lack of critical thinking skills. I am astounded that people don't see through charades like this.

Re: 43 Years

amonty — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:40:54 -0000

My E-mail address is littleowle@yahoo.com I have this great desire to speak with Mr. Thomas Moore. I saw the documentary Sunday on 60 minutes and Oh to have a loving brother like him! After all of these years he did not give up until he got justice for his baby brother. This man is a real Hero. I would love to meet him in person. I have lived long and witnessed much but that was the most hanis crime next to the Emmett Till murder.

If anyone knows how to get in touch with Mr. Moore please give him my e-mail address.

Re: Cold Case Justice Initiative

nolabadeaux — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:13:52 -0000

I never thought I would see the day that justice would be truly served in Concordia Parish. These articles are thrilling and spellbinding. Although I was a young white girl in the 50's and 60's in Concordia Parish, I still remember that the air seemed filled with fear and the prospect of violence, especially in the 60's. I left as soon as I graduated from high school, and then became active in the civil rights movement.. Seeing such injustice at an early age has left a lasting imprint and has informed the course of my life. Thank God for Stanley Nelson and for the Cold Case Justice Initiative.

Re: Still Outraged over the Valley Swim Club Segregationists? Ask AG Holder to Investigate.

sallyfrench — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:45:35 -0000

Black discriminate against whites all the time, like 99% of them voting for Obama, they are racists, pure and simple. As far as a private club, the club can exclude someone for any reason whatsoever, it's private, just like your home. Augusta National bars women from joining, and the US Supreme Court ruled they have that right.

There is no RIGHT to a private pool. What part of PRIVATE is unclear? PRIVATE organizations discriminate for sex, race, religion, you name it. I'll bet a white man can't join the Black Muslims, or an all-black jazz club; and I sure don't see them hanging out at the purely racist NAACP. There are all-black police officer, firefighter, and other organizations that exclude whites. Even the US Naval Academy had an all-black organization, the 9th Battalion.

So if some swim club doesn't want a bunch of black kids to come there and swim, and it's a private club, so be it. Quit complaining, band together and build a swim club, ban whites, and maybe you'll feel better.

Re: Still Outraged over the Valley Swim Club Segregationists? Ask AG Holder to Investigate.

lukeeaster — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:12:59 -0000

Philadelphia Swim Club

Ugly racism, ouch! What could be more cruel?
Whites @ Hintingdon Valley swim club rules,
Refusing to allow black children in their pool,
This is not the United States in the year 1802.

Minority kids from a day camp, Creative Steps,
Had a birds eye view & they won’t soon forget,
July 2009, how segregation reared its ugly head,
And how many thought racism had long been dead.

Well, too bad that’s the way it is so what the heck?
Al least they had the courtesy to return the check,
Yeah, not for free that would be too much like right,
I’m wondering how much they charge other whites?

Especially since members words reacted through fear,
As many were asking, “what are black kids doing here?”
Members comments? The club doesn’t share those views,
Is that like only Hitler and not his henchmen hated Jews?

Let’s hear an excuse of why these kids were turned away,
A safety issue, over crowded, officials were heard to say,
However, it was pre planned and if that’s really the case,
Why agree to terms and accept money in the first place?

They’ve seen blacks before (Donovan McNabb) why the panic?
Are you kidding, like the rest of America when seeing Hispanics,
No, not all of the USA, maybe it’s a cable news anchor majority,
Whatever, wherever, however, this is about Caucasian priority.

Hey, I’m not being a hater since others have rules like that,
Neighborhoods or restaurants you cannot go if you are black,
Every single person reading this poem knows that I am right,
This is not an isolated incident, to the world’s end is the fight.

62 years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier line,
We’re supposed have racial harmony, things should be fine,
Oh no! Not according to the Philadelphia Swim Club plan,
Their members must also be members of the Klu Klux Klan.

The club president said the kid’s color would change the complexion,
Cool! Now I get it, brown pool water is the reason for their rejection,
Cousin LaQuita was baptized with Japanese women at Holy Trinity,
Very next day she traded her new Ford Focus for a used G37 Infinity.

Same respect given Burr Oak Cemetery to those who have died,
The only difference here, is receiving this crap while still alive,
Image their treatment had the minorities showed up after dark,
Hey! Cheer up kids, there’s more safety in the ocean with sharks.

by Luke Easter

Re: It’s a Good Week for Old School Racism

Susan Klopfer — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:52:32 -0000

Truly unbelievable. Mississippi lives on.Thanks for reporting this.

Re: Racially Motivated Attack in Courtenay, BC

Gerald Murphy — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:39:27 -0000

This attack is terrible. The 3 attackers must be sentenced to prison. If a 4th person was driving that truck then they too should be charged and sentenced. What an awful thing to do to a person.

Re: It’s a Good Week for Old School Racism

Sarah K — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:57:45 -0000

A.) I like your banner.
b.) how do we make sure the Civil Rights Division is investigating? Do they have a tip line?