Many people in the community may recall a mortgage flipping scandal involving a number of criminals which occurred in the late 90’s and early to mid 2000’s. A msNewsNow report dating back to 2006 reported on the mortgage fraud scheme saying,
“Five people have pleaded guilty to Federal charges of mortgage fraud for their role in a scheme ran by alleged conspiracy ringleader Richard Lucas. Phillip Weary, William Vaston Fairley, Jafus Jones, Kenneth Fairley Jr., and Kristy Packer admitted their participation in the scheme when they entered their pleas Thursday in federal court in Hattiesburg, U.S. Attorney Dunn Lampton said in a statement. Lampton said the five are expected to testify against Lucas during his trial with two other co-defendants — Kimberly A. Castle and Kenneth A. Stalnaker.”
An inman.com report dated back in 2006 reported,
“According to John Meynardie, assistant U.S. attorney, Clark (Malcolm L. Clark) worked for Lucas, recruiting so-called investors to buy property, fielding calls from mortgage lenders, picking up allegedly fake financial documents prepared by Michael T. Cox of Oak Grove and buying real estate for Lucas, reports said.”
Clark pleaded guilty and served time.
One of the properties involved in the mortgage fraud was a property down the street from the Mayor’s house and across from Mt. Carmel Church; located at 127 East 5th Street. Following the chain of title on the property is fascinating; however, it raises many more questions along the way. It truly is a chain of past and possible future indictments.
The chain began back in November 6th of 2000 when, Kimberly Castle, a local attorney at the time, prepared a QuitClaim Deed on behalf of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church of Hattiesburg.
(1) Televangelist Kenny Fairley deeded the property to Malcolm L. Clark on November 6th, 2000.
(2) Just two days later, the property changed hands again to a Victoria and James McNeal. (Documents reveal the funding for the 2000 mortgage used to fund the fraud came from the Superior Bank of Chicago via a subsidiary known as Alliance Funding. Superior collapsed in July of 2001, and was taken over by the federal government.)
(3) After the property was foreclosed in April 2003, it was sold on the courthouse steps on May 2nd, 2003 for $33,576 cash to none other than Johnny l. Dupree.
(4) Dupree, the straw man in the transaction, held the property for just four months before giving it back to Mount Carmel Church on February 9th, 2004. (The deed was officially recorded on the 14th of February, 2004).
(5) Mount Carmel held the property until August 18th, 2008, when Deacons Anthony Harris and Van Tony Fountain deeded the property to Pinebelt Community Services.
The property made it full circle, through Mayor Johnny Dupree (individually), and is now the subject of a 2nd fraud investigation in 10 years, with the most recent being connected to his administration’s Federal Programs Department.
Pinebelt Community Services has been a train wreck looking for an accident prior to the indictment of Fairley. Upon examination of Pinebelt Community Services it is discovered that one of the incorporators was Richard Lucas. Lucas was one of the ring leaders who pleaded guilty and served time in the late 1990’s early 2000 era mortgage fraud scheme in Hattiesburg. Lucas was reported on in the MS News Now link, along with others, in the 2nd paragraph of this article. Lucas appears to have very close relationships with the Fairley enterprise; however, he was not indicted in the alleged Fairley HUD fraud scheme.
Pinebelt Community Services is what’s known as a CHUDO. It stands for Community Housing Urban Development Organization, and it is one of two that the city works with to direct federal monies, for the intended purposes of assisting low income families with affordable housing. Its manager, according to multiple sources, for a number of years was Mayor Johnny Dupree’s wife, Johniece Dupree. It’s not clear if she knew of the actions being alleged in the indictment.
Another person close to the Fairley is Clarence Williams. Williams worked for Fairley, and it has been reported to this outlet by multiple sources wishing to remain anonymous that Williams worked with Pinebelt Community Services under the direction of Johniece Dupree. Williams left Pinebelt Community Services for greener pastures; where he could likely utilize his talents to their fullest extent. That new job would be with the City of Hattiesburg in Federal and State Programs; the very department that helps to direct federal funds to Fairley’s CHUDO organization.
The person who hired Williams was Lakelia Whites. White was appointed by Mayor Dupree in March of 2014. She hired Clarence Williams in December of 2014 as her Division Manager of Federal Programs. White’s department appears to be at the center of a major federal fraud investigation, and that’s not a good place to be for a Director.
Looking into public City of Hattiesburg Water records on 127 East 5th Street it was discovered that the person who has water service at this address is Lee Ann Williams. Skip trace investigators working with the Hattieburg Patriot discovered that Ms. Williams is the niece of none other than City of Hattieburg Federal Programs Division Manager, Clarence Williams.
Mr. Williams would not speak to the Hattiesburg Patriot, so he deferred to Mrs. White. Mrs. White met with the Hattiesburg Patriot. When confronted with the above facts she responded, “I’m not prepared to answer these questions.”
The Hattiesburg Patriot caught up with Mayor Johnny Dupree to ask him for a comment on his role in the property.
It is becoming apparent that federal investigators are now in City Hall’s Federal Programs Department, and the State Auditor has an unconfirmed investigation into bid rigging at the city, which points to the purchasing department. This site reported on that over a year ago, when it was discovered the State Auditor had seized records from Purchasing. That story can be read by clicking here.
The chain of title for the property which is the subject of the alleged Kenny Fairley HUD fraud scheme is below. It covers items 1-5 above in chronological order.
pathtoindictment
Does this mean their indictments will be drop ?
It shouldn’t, the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT knows what they are looking for and I believe they have found it, I don’t see “preacher man” wiggling his way out of this one, If the charges stick then all I can say is he has stuck his hand in the wrong cookie jar this time !!
Correction*
You know you’re doing something right when all these supporters of Dupree, most of whom are associated in some way with his church, come to his defense in hordes with little to nothing to improve Dupree’s image or career.
Silence is Golden. Remember that Bug.
ððð people opinions are like a job everyone should have one & at least respect it
I believe some of our so called leaders are going to jail.
What if an -African-American has a print shop and a KKK member orders t-shirts to promote their “club”. Should the owner have the right to reject the order. To me, YES and I would stand by that owner in his decision. Nothing should really change with this being enacted. Owners who invite and love their customers (no matter who they are) still will. And that is the businesses that I will promote and support to the best of my ability. But I also support an owners right to make decisions for his/her business based on their beliefs. It may not be my belief, but it is their right to run the business that they “work” for in the way they choose. The media has once again exploited the news to their benefit.
my prayers are with them. Jehovah has total control.
I believe he can deliver them from bondage as well as remove them….a lot of people get their healing in jail where there flesh is subdued.
Calling Gods name while you steal isn’t gonna work out for ya mayor. I do pray you find a “humbling”, for your own good. A life of deciept must suck, but who knows, I’m certainly not the Master Or the Judge.
I’m just going to sit this right here:
Howard Bond : My picture only states that Sin is Sin.
It doesn’t mentions the color of anyone’s skin nor if he/she is a good person. It only states that everyone Sins & no one has room to judge anyone.
It doesn’t matter what color a crooks skin is, he’s still a crook. Same as it doesn’t matter what a good man’s skin is, he’s still a good man.
Hattiesburg Patriot : I did not say ignore bad behavior. I’m saying “Sin is Sin.” Whether the behavior of anyone is bad at times or good.
NO ONE person has room to judge another,Hattiesburg Patriot.
So, ignore bad behavior of publicly elected officials because no one is perfect?
So according to your logic LaShaunda Harris- Nathan was wrong for calling out King David for his sins with Bathsheba & against Uriah the Hittite?
Look and read people!!!!! All I’m saying is while he is calling out other people on their mess/troubles; there is always someone READY to call him on his. So once again & for the last time………. SIN IS SIN AND WE ALL DO IT KNOWINGLY, WILLINGLY, UNKNOWINGLY OR UNWILLINGLY.
Thugs
Mr HP there is no reasoning with some They don’t have enough common sense to be rational
Cognitive dissonance
Thou shalt not judge hmmmm
It’s funny I watch the news every night and I haven’t seen this on 7 on their side
You want.
You won’t see this story on Wdam or in the Hattiesburg American. Too lazy to report it or Sleeping with the Enemy.
Sleeping with the enemy I bet
You patriots are a Mess sweep around your own front door before you go to sweep somebody else. Give your name
I guess this is some more black thighs matter ððððºð¸ðºð¸ðºð¸
Hattiesburg corrupt finest hope they nail them this been going on for years ðºð¸ðððºð¸ðºð¸ðºð¸ðºð¸
Torriano Hillard
It doesn’t matter how many times the property changes hand, did they do it legally or not?
Hattiesburg Patriot only. Could you please school me on what’s wrong about the property being transferred to different hands.
Follow the money. It matters both how many times it changed hand, but rather who participated in the process.
I’m not trying to form anything negative. I’m just looking to be educated on this matter, that’s all.
I don’t want to be one of those people who form opinions off ignorance.
From the day it left the Church to Clark it went through a mortgage fraud scheme, then a foreclosure, then the mayor paid $33,000 cash for it, and gave it back to the church. Once again it left the church and was the property used in another fraud. This time the money didn’t come from a bank in Chicago. It came from the Federal government through the City’s Federal and State programs Department.
Ooooooh. Thanks.
More to come
Is Downtown John Brown still a cartel ‘wannabe’ or has he passed initation rites? He may have wised up. Picture reminded me he was one of Dupree’s groupies
Hattiesburg Patriot Ha , he actually said vote ‘early and often’ …….. might as well said ‘ alive or dead’
Be sure to check out his “JBTV” videos around election time. They are in the video section of this Facebook page. They are hilarious.
Omg…Downtown John Brown…ð
I remember when he was on WDAM back in the day
Three Black Men allegedly caught doing what whites have been doing for years, I wonder is the patriot going to write an article when they start exposing white, ain’t Billy Magee close to Bolton, same thing making y’all laugh will make your ass cry , must be trump supporters!!!!!
One thing I’ve learned over my 40 years of living is that nomatter what them white folks do we will never get the same privilege to do nor get away with it im not saying them brothers are guilty nor implying it all im saying is there has an never will be a level playing field when it comes to us vs them and especially in the south ijs.
Same in the North, they just hide the radism better in the north
You go Alvin Perkins
It’s not a race card its a truth card but of course you wouldn’t know about that your funny quite hilarious in fact continue eating your apple pie and wearing your badge of good ole america ..its funny how its never relevant to a white person ððð
Funny how it’s always a black person playing the race card.
with that grammar, Eric Jones definitely went to HPS.
tell the chipmunks hello for me Alvin baby
Oh ya. You know all my white privilege. Oh I mean white guilt. Talk bout me eating the pie when you’re all for drinking the kool aid.
We have a BLACK president so if your still using the excuse the white man is holding you back and that life isn’t fair for your race your argument is completely irrelevant. White people is always going to jail for white collared crimes, just so happens in hattisburg where we are aware of it the officials are black.
Yes, Billy Magee is also a Crook….He is involved with all of the Crooks in this article!!! Time to take out the TRASH!!! ðºð¸ðºð¸ðºð¸ðºð¸ðºð¸
Mr.Perkins, are you justifying one bad act with another? Wouldn’t it be better if we could minimize or eliminate this behavior, so the intended, poor people who are supposed to get these monies receive them?
Alvin Perkins, are you aware the person prosecuting Fairley is a black, Obama appointed US Attorney?
Becca Gilbert,, funny how its always a white person claiming a black person is playing a race card when the truth hits, Jill Wilson, get a life
Lisa Lowery, thank you, you are the only one that made since God Bless You!!!!
Hattieburg Patriot, how dare you trying to twist my words,, their is nothing to justify when you speak truth!!! So print the truth,, and exploit all injustice, that can date back as for as the Bobby Chain era,, Glen White, and Ducky McKenzie era, I can go on!!!!
Wiser Ole Kat,, that comment don’t fit the name, Derek Bracey, no offense to you sir, but your comment is irrelevant to the fact, and what does a Black President got to do with racial facts in Hattiesburg Ms, and of the record I voted Bush his first term, and I voted Obama also, and both I studies their policies, and did not give a hoot about their racial back ground, and yes sir white privileged is real, learned that by being raised in Hattiesburg, and being passed up on top dollar jobs because of it!!!
Damn us white people. We just get all the good stuff.
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch …… not sure if that means she uses a rope. But these guys can swell up with pride that they made the big hit list with Hiliary
Silly me. Guess I’m just so ate up with white guilt I let it cloud my judgment.
Alvin….your a CEO now ….rockin 6 figures. Can I mow your lawn?
Janet Beech, don’t insult me lady you must be a Trump supporter, typical, looking like you been passed up on a lot in life yourself, so don’t judge nothing you don’t understand with your perfect grammar ððððð
Poor grammar will get you ‘passed up on top dollar jobs’
PLEASE shut up about black/white!!! Right is right and wrong is wrong period. It doesn’t matter what color you are. If you break the law you should pay the price…no matter what color you are…I will refer you to the reports about the Pain Cream Insurance Fraud…white people are the only ones involved in that and I hope they all rot in prison…no difference with this current story. Get over yourself and just pray that we get ALL of these greedy people off our streets and into Parchman!
Wiser Ole Kat CEO no 6 figures if you must know very close,, and far as the lawn lest mow each others how bout that,,,, God Has Been Very Good To Me!!!!!
Karen Holbrook Ellis, you shut up, and pray and get over yourself, you talk like you got it all figured out, so why comment!!!!
So funny how people will judge and get offended by the truth!!!! I want be reading or responding to ignorant know it all people anymore on this page Trump Supporters!!!!
You wanna talk about white privilege? Is it white privilege that I’m ineligible for certain scholarships,groups,clubs, and grants bc I’m white? Is it white privilege when I go to get on government assistance and the lady at the health department ask her coworker “what this white girl think she gone get”? Is it white privilege when my whole life people like you make me feel guilty for the color of my skin? Get real. You aren’t entitled to any damn thing. I know plenty of white people in Hattiesburg that have been arrested for committing crimes. It not white peoples fault that a majority of crime is committed by African Americans. Look at the facts. You’ve been brainwashed. I doubt you’ve ever been opressed for the color of your skin.
But..there’s black people that support trump too. Someone needs to study the blacks a little more.
Alvin Perkins I was not trying to insult you. You are the one that said you are passed up for top dollar jobs. I merely stated the obvious. It could be you’re passed up because you’re not qualified. And, you know absolutely nothing about me other than I use proper grammar; so, it seems you may be the one judging – and incorrectly.
Always the race card Alvin..ð
I’m not sure why,Alvin Perkins, everyone who did not agree or responded in contest to your statements are joe suddenly trump supporters? Are you saying anyone who shares opposing political/ideological with you must support trump? For those of the commenters who agreed with you, are they Hilary supporters?
Who do you support? Hillary? Do you actually think she cares about you? Or do you want to yoke with Bernie lol?
Me? Hell no I do not support Mrs. Clinton. I know she doesn’t care about her supporters. I have plenty of aloe Vera, don’t feel any burn, Mr. Boney.
He who is without sin cast the first stone
What a stupid thing to say. Be sure to read Sunday’s post.
Apparently you don’t understand scripture
Like I said you didn’t understand scripture at all
Sir Cokie Crosby. Please do not use our Lord and the Bible to excuse corruption, crime and sin. Crime is wrong. PERIOD. All crimes are punishable to the fullest extent of the law.
Many visitors to this site often use two Bible verses in particular completely out of context in an effort to justify bad behavior in others or in an effort to condemn this site for pointing out others’ bad behavior. Those 2 verses are: “Judge not lest you be judged” & “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.”
In an effort to put an end to such out of context use of those verses, we offer this lesson, free of charge.
So let’s look at them in context:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brotherâs eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, âLet me take the speck out of your eye,â when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brotherâs eye.
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Matthew7:1-6
So clearly this chapter instructs us to “remove the speck” from our brother’s eye, but we must make sure we do not do so in a hypocritical manner.
Next, let’s examine John 8:2-11-
“At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, âTeacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?â They were using this question as a trap,in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, âLet any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.â Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, âWoman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?â
“No one, sir,â she said.
âThen neither do I condemn you,âJesus declared. âGo now and leave your life of sin.â
People quote John 8:7 but they leave out John 8:11 where Jesus tells the woman “go and sin no more.”
It is our desire to put an end to the out-of-context, inappropriate use of these verses by both Christians & non-Christian alike. We hope that this information helps us achieve that goal.
Hattiesburg patriot – Great job.
Hattiesburg Patriot drops the mike like a boss!! Keep up the good work!!
Cokie Crosby, the Bible is interpreted in many ways, hence the different denominations. DUH. Guess you’re one of the few that will be voting AGAINST Hattiesburg in the next election. By the way, where do YOU go to church? Or do you just say at home and watch cartoons? Another fantasy world.
Hattiesburg Patriot Good sermon….Mount Carmel may be lookin for a good pastor soon. Interested? lol
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6
The bible truly states the only way YOU should look down on a MAN is when you’re picking him UP it is so clear to me that Hattiesburg Patriot are getting a joy out of someone trials and tribulations the bible states wo to anyone’s who offend ONE of my little ones PEOPLE ARE SO QUICK TO THROW A BRICK AND HIDE THEIR HAND WE SUPPOSE TO BE HELPER OF ONE ANOTHER THIS MAKES ME REALLY SICK TO KNOW PEOPLE ARE GETTING A JOY OUT OF SEEING SOMEONE ELSE HURT
“So donât let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.” Colossians 2:16-17
Keep my name out of your mouth Charlee cole cause I don’t Sunday worship I keep the sabbat day edomite I commented on the post not to you hillbilly!
Lol so should all criminals walk free? Or just the ones trusted to run our city?
Ashley Scarborough
Wow! Too much to try and keep up with.
Jessica J Scarbrough
I saw this lol
Is that the same Ken Fairley that screwed over Marcus Dupree back in the 80’s?
Hattiesburg Patriot I thought so, I just recently watched the 30 for 30 documentary on ESPN about Marcus Dupree and it seemed liked this Fairley guy gave him some bad advice and terribly mismanaged his money!
Allegedly, yes.
He didn’t mismanagement it. He took it.
Exactly! When Marcus got his first paycheck, he had to drive IMMEDIATELY back to Hattuesburg to give it to Fairley. Marcus would’ve likely had a much better career had Fairley not realized he was losing control of Marcus when he left for college ball and yanked him back here to have the power! Scumbag.
Is Marcus Dupree related to “Big John” and I never knew about this story Penny Bell Lott.
Hattiesburg Patriot gotcha!
Lakeylal White, “I am not prepared to answer these questions”. Sounds as though she means to say, ‘I haven’t been prepped to tell you what they told me to tell you whats the truth, I wouldn’t lie to you sir. You feel me’. GUILTY! In my opinion. The fellow in the background of (previous) Mayor DuPree & (formally)Rev.-Kenneth Fairley is none other than Asst. to the (previous)mayor, John Brown of WDAM fame. Please note all statements are opinions only!!!
What is your problem with the negativity bashing these men will not change anything
The truth is not “bashing.” It may feel that way, but it’s only because it is so damning.
Innocent until proven guilty#God has the final say so
Since when is reporting news bashing!! Good job!!
Exposing darkness with light. People in this city work hard. We need honest leadership and not criminals.
Wow, they will bust him on property fraud, but forget the fact that he rigged all the votes in his favor TWICE. Maybe this is karma. Just wish somebody would have stood up for the poor guy that should be mayor right now.
Hattiesburg ant nothing but a bunch of carpet baggers!
What was done in the dark is finally coming to light. Can I just say….told ya so! Hahahahaha
Will somebody please tell me if dulpree was indicted? And i dont want to hear probably will, that just might be wishful thinking on your part!
Well let time do the telling, isnt it the law that we’re innocent until proven guilty? But you have dupree pictured with fairley as if hes been indicted too, now is that fair?
Time will tell…
Alls fair in love and war?
It is not unfair.
The fair comes to Jackson once a year…you can get a corn dog and cotton candy…that is as fair as life gets. The rest of life is dog eat dog…if you associate with criminals you are subject to scrutiny…especially if you are a government official. Don’t want scandal? Don’t hang around criminals then nobody will talk about you! Where there is smoke, there is fire
I have not insulted anybody, yet, Michael! I notice with some people that when you dont agree! They want to use insults, now thats a weak minded person
Obama was not elected by the people
Manipulation is easy on weak minds.
Well Obama had the same problem with jeremiah wrigh t not saying wright was a criminal but he was Obamas pastor, but the people saw past that and Obama was elected for the second time
Bug Eugene Carter his name is on papers dealing with one of the properties in question.
Obama must have it out for Fairley and Dupree.
Smells of a witchhunt
Commenters need to not use ad hominem attacks. “Weak minded” and other types of put downs are “to the man.” Debate the issues
I will say in this season a lot has been made clean, but the “taking” and self reward ruins it all. There isn’t anything humble about it.
Weak minded, and you consider yourself strong? If you were truly strong you would give the glory of being such to the Creator that gave it to you. Pride turns to dust. Come Holy Spirit and make right what has been wrong for all of our sakes!!!!!
How about this Bug…if it doesn’t line up with the Word it won’t bear fruit and what is done in the dark will be brought to light. Stick with the “team” if you want to, and look past whatever you like. I’m praying for leaders who have integrity and aren’t always caught in a lack of Faith and Integrity. People with Faith bear fruit that smells like sweet honey. This “team” smells bad, real bad.
I don’t have to do anything actually, Holy Spirit will make his, here…..Many people are in serious prayer. I have faith that the heavens will respond. They always do.
I have faith in the heavens, when you throw god in a situation i think thats pulling rank, lets deal with this problem here on earth, i surly hadnt sin today, have you?
If Dupree would have had any sense he would have stayed away from fairley.Hell everyone in hburg knows he’s crooked.
No Bug I pray to the Heavens and I will not fight your demonicsn in the flesh. Your demons speak exactly opposite of the Living Holy Word. The word says Our battles are not in the flesh, but against spirits and principalities (darkness) that rules in heavenly realms. Your demonics are coming down Bug and so are those of the Mayor and that one who calls himself reverend. I call on Jesus, I call on Angels! Come Holy Spirit! Set these men free of their bonfage! Push out darkness! Heal dear Lord! In Jesus name! We call these demonocs down!!!!!
Ask the reverand. He can explain it, he will be able to tell you what happened when its done too.
No sir its not you we fight, but through big sin, the doors open for demons. You can be free. Watch. I’m done here.
Bug there are instances in the Word where people are used “as a mouthpiece for Satan”. I will come against you any day… But I promise you, said in done, it will be in the Spirit, and justice will be manifested in the flesh. Just watch! Come Holy Spirit! Every knee will bow. Even my own…its just that it already happened for me…its your teams turn now. Don’t make mistakes dude they smell bad!
Oh lord, jesus christ, did you just call me a demon!
Sure took you all long enough to catch up with the crooked
Basterds!
Been going on every sense Dupree went in office!
Let’s make Hattiesburg great again 8o
Amazing…
GO PHIL GO, YOU DID GOOD
I love ya Hattiesburg Pat! Keep up the good work of exposing
Bust his ass and give this town the enema it needs!
Ooooo I can’t wait for them to go to jail!!!!
Eddie Buckley
Thanks for article. Also, it is a “quitclaim deed.”
Speaking of corrupt. If you think Phil Bryant messed up by passing his “religious freedom” law, buy a shirt for support!
http://pikecountysfinest.bigcartel.com/product/young-metro-my-mississippi
Please read the bill before you comment. Some people.
Then don’t complain about it. My religious conviction is that people don’t discriminate against other people regardless of who they choose to love or how they choose to prevent themselves.
No way. I don’t want to fund it. I support the First Amendment right for a citizen to exercise his/her religious convictions.
Why don’t you buy one and burn it yourself?
I support the law that was passed 100%. Send me one of those shirts so I can burn it.
I have read the bill, thank you.
The Separation of Powers Doctrine has primacy over the Bill of Rights in our Constitution. There is a very important reason for this.
Our governor didn’t pass any laws. It would have passed if he didn’t sign it into law, and it would have very likely passed if it was vetoed. It’s very sad when the people of the State of Mississippi cannot demonstrate enough control over their Legislature that they have to resort to placing responsibility on the chief executive who cannot pass laws.
Hmmm…what religion do you subscribe to? I’m not familiar with a religion that espouses those tenets.
Clearly you don’t follow your religious tenets because you are discriminating against people like the Christian bakers who refused to violate their religious convictions by participating in a lesbian “wedding” by attempting to force them by govt. coercion to violate their convictions.
And discriminating and condemning people and shunning them away instead of loving them is sin. So I hope you repent tonight for discriminating against a group of people who love differently than you do or believe differently than you.
Jesus does not give us license to sin.
Yep. We all sin every day but we are convicted of our sins by the Holy Spirit & we ask forgiveness & repent.
Yet we all sin every day. How strange
Jesus also told people to repent of their sins & follow Him. He did not tolerate, or condone sin. He told the adulteress & the prostitute: “go & sin no more.”
It’s very sad that almost nobody bothered to call out Phil Bryant when he decided to place names on our ballot in an unlawful writ of election, however, become disturbed when he does his job. A veto is at his discretion! Legislative matters belong with the Legislature. Now the problem belongs with either the Legislature or the Judiciary, but the Executive cannot do anything.
I believe in Jesus and his teachings to LOVE one another regardless of who they are
Too bad transgender people have to use the bathroom that goes with what’s said on their birth certificate :)
If your genitals don’t have a vertical smile and vertical smile only, I don’t want you in the bathroom with my wife or daughters ð
That religious studies minor paying them #dividends
Oh my god wow like thank you
On a very serious note though, I feel like you either have to admit that your bible is wrong or that you are on this one. Please explain and reconcile how this particular verse seems to contradict your entire view of your own religion.
Get it? It’s funny cuz it’s a picture of a caveman and your worldview is like 2000 years past its expiration date.
By the way the religion that preaches acceptance and unconditional love is your own dummy.
My girl Jill over here with the most ironically appropriate profile pic on the damn internet.
I honestly don’t remember the last time I saw someone’s genitals in the bathroom or had literally any interaction with anyone in a bathroom but then again I don’t demand that everyone around me tells me whether or not they have a dick because I’m a grown ass adult and it doesn’t affect me.
Brent Stephenson- are you ready for your lesson in Biblical hermeneutics & exegesis? Here we go.
1) the wages of sin is death “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God
is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord… ” Romans 6:23
2) homosexual behavior is sin
3) since living in unrepentant sin leads to eternal death, it would be UN-loving of me to not tell my neighbor that living in unrepentant sin would lead to eternal death now wouldn’t it?
4) Jesus NEVER condoned sin. Sometimes the most loving thing one person can do for their neighbor is to confront them about their sin. “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” Prov. 27:6
5) the prophet Nathan did just that when he confronted King David for his sins. Ergo, King David acknowledged his sins & repented of them.
Oh, they didn’t teach you that in your religious studies classes? Hmmm…
You’re literally too stupid to comprehend what I just said. Lol
I have a little girl and don’t won’t a boy that says he’s a girl in the same bathroom. If your a parent you would understand that.
lol ok so you just let me know how your daughter and wife feel when a man (who was born as a woman) walks into the restroom they’re using and they feel uncomfortable.
Britni Ferguson you damn right they have to use the bathroom that’s on their birth certificate.
Worried your wife might find him more attractive?
Think about how your daughter would feel?
So think on that.
Like legit you would be forcing this man to use the ladies room.
He’s the type of guy who would be attracted to a transgender female
Nah brah, promise you that’s not a universal thing that all parents feel, it’s just kinda bigoty. I do think you heavy need to reconsider that females presenting fully as males would be forced to use the women’s room though, it doesn’t just go the one way.
They sure got quiet…crickets…
I have a drug addict in my family. I love him but I don’t agree with what he does. If selling crack was legal and I owned a business I shouldn’t be forced to sell it because there are millions of crack addicts that might want to buy some. Same thing just a different scenario.
Love and exclusion from society aren’t really equitable sorry.
Brent Stephenson we never said as Christians that we didn’t love them. We were just asking for a law that protected us from being forced to participate in something that our faith does not believe is okay. This law gives business owners the right to say that if you want to participate in whatever it is that are doing that it’s okay but you can’t force a private business to participate by a law suite. But since you think you’re going to be right and nobody else should have an opinion that is different from yours I just wasted my time.
Calling someone names and completely ignoring the reason you instigated the argument is a classic 8 year old move so like, congrats, you behave like an 8 year old.
Oooh good comeback. Think about someone saying that to your daughter ;)
BritniFerguson the best part of you ran down your mom’s leg.
I was gonna mention something about this notion, called separation of church and state, but you two took care of the Neanderthals…
So you’d be fine with being refused service and asked to leave by a Muslim business owner?
I do understand. You think that rights only work one way and when the street is opened to traffic in all directions you want it to be a one way street. Sorry but you can’t have it both ways. We both have rights and this law says that you have yours and I have mine
I mean it’s the free market, fine, whatever, let’s just all agree to put “Straights Only” signs in those business’s windows so we can save a lot of headache and really bring the segregation era back and view this for what it really is.
Brandon Lee you are not understanding
Like that’s absolutely not even a viable comparison to this situation at all.
Being addicted to drugs is 1) something that can be avoided or “controlled” and 2) something that is a c t u a l l y bad
Yes it is. forcing someone to do something they don’t believe in is wrong. Should I be able to sue Lamar county because they passed a law to be a dry county? I like to drink beer and its legal to purchase in Mississippi so they are suppressing me from my right to drink beer?
Not quite the same thing
Yes if he was that deeply vetted in his beliefs that he could not serve a Christian then I would go to a Christian based business to spend my money.
He probably don’t support Muslims and Isis no way
“Conditioning children into believing a lifetime of chemical and surgical impersonation of the opposite sex is normal and healthful is child abuse. Endorsing gender discordance as normal via public education and legal policies will confuse children and parents, leading more children to present to âgender clinicsâ where they will be given puberty-blocking drugs. This, in turn, virtually ensures that they will âchooseâ a lifetime of carcinogenic and otherwise toxic cross-sex hormones, and likely consider unnecessary surgical mutilation of their healthy body parts as young adults.”
Michelle A. Cretella, M.D.
President of the American College of Pediatricians
Quentin Van Meter, M.D.
Vice President of the American College of Pediatricians
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Paul McHugh, M.D.
University Distinguished Service Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School and the former psychiatrist in chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital
http://www.acpeds.org/the-college-speaks/position-statements/gender-ideology-harms-children
Isn’t it interesting that companies such as PayPal are threatening to boycott MS & NC but they do business with countries like Saudi Arabia & Turkmenistan where the govt. executed people who engage in homosexual activity?
In a month or two nobody will even remember it. Just like when they thought there would be mass shootings everywhere because we could legally carry a firearm with out a permit. People are still going to be the same with the exception of a few that want to be stupid but for the most part nothing is going to be any different
Plus is this really worth all this trouble in the first place? Like travel bans and national business pullouts and literally global ridicule is all worth it for legalizing discrimination in a place where all these things were basically legal anyway by the nature of existing laws?
Not really, Jill. It’s just funny watching our government officials backpedal on their statements because their money will go elsewhere. I get a good laugh at politicians who collapse on their beliefs because of money.
Britni- it was in response to Jeremy’s post above.
What about the article from the American College of Pediatrics I posted above regarding transgenderism as child abuse?
Yeah, Jill Wilson, that has nothing to do with the topic at hand.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24
Chris Fields, please refrain from making derogatory in nature. Also ad hominem comments are not allowed. Comments “to the man” are a violation of posting guidelines.
So who was/is living in the house now? Someone who really qualifies or “a friend of a friend?”
Apparently a dead person.
That’s what I gathered from the article Hattiesburg Patriot! Probably registered to vote too!
Geez… I need graph paper to keep up with these thugs. This really makes my anger buds jump.. We have so much potential to be an awesome city.. A city that so many people would want to flock to.. if we could only get rid of the thugs, cheats, liars, crooks and other bad ones.
Graph Paper, Awesome!
Or flip chart! Couldn’t keep that all straight. Wow!!
He’s never gone up against the federal government.
That’s exactly what he has made it. He has three elections to prove it. :-)
I’m normally more of a consumer of this site than contributor, but Katrina…..are you for real? This city is great because of its people in spite of its leadership. Imagine if we had “for the people” govt instead of “for myself”.
And Dupree along with Fairley will keep falling into that Burning Ring of Fire.
Katrina Reuben must have been smoking some of that Cuntpree crack
I just did, puke!!
Can I throw up now ð©
Elections have consequences.
Hattiesburg Patriot I’ve never claimed the voters were smart…but, elections involving those voters do have consequences.
So does stupidity.
The stupidity is with the greed and fraud to the federal government. You do not mess with the federal government. That machine will chew one up and spit 10 out.
I figured you were hinting at that also. Lol. Makes me sad. Hattiesburg has always been a great city.
My original statement also applies to less-than-fair elections.
It’s difficult in this city to get a fair election. Don’t blame the voters.
The dead will still be able to vote in this city, it’s just that corrupt. We may need to invest in some of these,hmmmm??
Well committing crime has consequences as well if your are convicted.
The good news is next year voter ID will be in effect for city elections. The will deter at least some of the foolishness.
I believe she will clean them up, just wonder what ole preacher man and his cronies will think of next to get the fraudulent votes they will need to elect ole dumbpree??
Let’s hope Gwen Wilkes cleans up with voting rolls to prevent that. The city relies on the county voting rolls for its electionsZ
Hattiesburg Patriot using the term “stupidity” bashes the man. Let’s focus on issues
Oh what a tangled web we weave…. Keep looking behind ya’ Johnny, that’s KARMA closing in on you…..
Wait until Monday…
Don’t think so, sorry!
Hattiesburg Patriot you’re killing me.. The suspense! ð©
Time for Hattiesburg to get a new start.
Joseph Rawson is an honest person, who understands the role of government, and has a strong grasp on governmental process as it relates to our local government.
Thank you for sharing
Oh, by the way, I am running for Council, Ward 4. I obtained the fiftieth signature today, but I will still present the petition and gather signatures. Rather than wait for the Secretary of State to compile a municipal election package, I decided to draft the petition myself to demonstrate my legislative ability.
The next election is on 6 June, 2017.
Why?
Scum of the earth!
Time to let the Ph.D. and his cronies have a taste of their own poison!