Haley Barbour Pardons Murderers & Rapists... And I'm Not Surprised

Yesterday, most of the country read in absolute shock that former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour pardoned over 200 convicted felons as his last act of office. Yes, Haley of "let's merge all MS HBCUs" infamy. The Haley who publicly stated that the White Citizen's Council (a hate group) was for integration (wrong) and that he doesn't remember the Civil Rights Era as "being that bad." (source) The Haley Barbour who only released (not pardoned) the Scott Sisters due to health conditions and on condition. This man, who was an early favorite for the Republican presidential nomination, decided to show how many damns he didn't give by not only letting these criminals--many of whom were convicted of murder, manslaughter, and rape--go free, but by not even speaking with the victims/victims' families.

[caption id="attachment_2040" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="former (hallelujah) governor Haley Barbour"][/caption]

It is unclear why he chose to give the pardons to the people he did, and he has not released any statement concerning the pardons. It was announced that ten of those who received pardons lived and worked at the governor's mansion as trustees as privilege for good behavior.  Pardons were also granted for Karen Irby, a wealthy white woman who killed two doctors while DUI in 2008 and Ernest Scott Farve (Brett's brother) who killed his friend while drunk driving.

My speculation? Payoffs. Do I have any kind of proof to back that up? Nope, that's why it's speculation. Others have said he did it to say that crime increased after he left office, while still others assume it was a series of favors done for his network of good ol boys. Whatever the reason, I can't even say that I'm surprised. As the end of his term drew near, Haley started showing more and more how much he just DGAF. What does surprise me is that other major Republicans have stayed rather silent on the issue. In today's crazy "up is down" political climate, I was so sure someone would speak out in defense of his actions. So far, "mum" is the word. Has he tarnished his reputation with his own party? One can only hope, to avoid a Barbour presidential ticket in 2016. But if he has not done irreparable damage and does get the nod for candidacy in the next presidential election (or any election for that matter) I hope that our collective memory is not so short that we forget this act of cowardice.

(You can view the eight pages worth of names here.)

Hot Links-7.8.11

We start with something truly outrageous. Michelle Bachman, along with other Republicans, has signed a pledge that states Black children were better off during slavery. No, I didn't mistype that. They said that BLACK CHILDREN WERE BETTER OFF DURING SLAVERY. Yeah, because that whole forced labor, selling people off like cattle, separating homes, beating for no dayum reason, raped by Massa with no recourse gig Blacks had back then was ideal. Cheryl Contee over on Jack & Jill Politics discusses.

Then something a little sobering--at least for me. Jozen Cummings (Until I Get Married) shares his thoughts as he approaches 30 and is facing something that I am thinking about as well: Switching Careers. I'm glad he did; he put my own thoughts and feelings about the subject into a much more coherent post than what I have sitting in draft right now! His discussion of talent vs. skill really hit me.

Fortunately the other links are not as heavy:

Clutch Magazine featured two interesting articles. Bisexuality vs. Sexual Fluidity covers a topic that I have had great fun debating with others, and Morning Motivation: This Far again spoke to where I currently am and the situation I'm dealing with.

Nothing is New on The Good Atheist discusses the discovery of what is believed to be a gay or transsexual caveman. Y'all don't even know how bad I wish History Channel, Discovery Channel, LOGO, someone would make a special about this! My curiosity is piqued.

Finally, over at Awesomely Luvvie, we're treated with The Bible, as Told in 2053. Or Through Blogs. I really don't even know what to tell you about this; you just have to read it for yourself. As I tweeted earlier, #slain, and #resurrected. Miss Luvvie is a certifiable fool!

 

So, ladies and gents, that's what's going on in my reader. What hot links have you come across this week?

Proving Yourself

For some people, your best will never be enough.No matter how intelligent, charismatic, kind, or whatever other positive attribute Unfortunately, such is the case with our current Commander-In-Chief, President Obama. Yesterday, after years of brushing off the "birthers" who refuse to believe that he is a US citizen by birth, he presented his long-form birth certificate.

As if it weren't all verified before he became a serious candidate. As if he owed these birthers something. As if a Black man could not attain that level of power without it being part of some deep-seated conspiracy to change the America "we know and love."

In the words of @JamilSmith, "This reminds me of is a Black man being forced to show his papers proving he's a freed man. It's not equivalent, but reminiscent."

But of course they aren't satisfied. As I tweeted yesterday, they will never be satisfied because he can never change his skin. And this morning I read a post of 20 examples of Birther/Tea Partiers bitching about the legitimacy of the document, how long it took him to release it, now stating he needs to show his grades from school.... Really? Fuggin really, America?! Have a seat boo, you're bigotry, hatred, fear and racism are showing. And everyone sees it.

I'm too disgusted to finish. Part two when I'm more composed.