Shooting death of a 21 year old In Atlanta DeKalb County Jail

Dear Editor, Concerned Citizens, and beyond

The Valdosta Daily Times reported an (AP) story on September 29, 2006 that Lorenzo Matthews 21 was killed under murky circumstances by suburban Atlanta’s DeKalb County Police in the department’s ninth shooting this year ---- more than what New York City reported. And as usual there will be an independent review of police training and use of force. Normally these reviews do not help the victim’s family in my opinion.

Interim DeKalb Police Chief Nick Marinelli blamed the killings in part to Georgia loose gun laws. I disagree because in Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail eighteen inmate deaths have occurred since 1994 for whatever reason. And firearms were not a major contributing factor but family members say it is the jail Medical Facility in the jail. Moreover, the State of Georgia seems unconcerned about these jailed inmates their families and some were military veterans. Georgia Law Enforcement seems to be pushing citizenship rights deeper into the rubbish pile of anything goes.

Soon Georgians will be forced to take the law into their own hands without drastic changes by our local and state politicians. Our children see on a daily basis in court the alleged inequities in an Unjust Justice System, and they are aware of the real criminals and bad guys. As they watch how some people are prosecuted more severely than others.

So gun control is not the answer. But rather equal justice, fair treatment, and balanced prosecution under the law. Moreover, it is embarrassing how politicians build monuments, statues and take pictures with active duty and retired military veterans only to be used during election year politics. How Sad?

GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES

A concerned citizen and brother of humanity

Re-routing trains around city (Mayor Fretti VDT)

Dear Editor and Concerned Citizens of Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia

I commend MAJOR JOHN J. FRETTI for being candid in Sundays Valdosta Daily Times concerning the crash of Norfork Southern Freight train crash into a semi near 401 South Oak street in down town Valdosta at the rail road crossing.

“This time it was a truck with steel and a train with UPS. While INCONVENIENT, there are no FATALITIES. Next time it could be a truck and train with chemicals.”

For years now our politicians have been talking about a routing trucks around the down town area. I hope this will put pressure on the right people to act NOW before there is a more serious mishap in our beloved community. I hope they will not ignore this most serious matter as they have some other issues in our community.

There comes a time when our elected officials and others must act on behalf of the citizens of Valdosta and Lowndes County quickly. And this is such a time.

I appreciate the mayor’s sense of concern, leadership and professionals in this mater. Moreover, I hope his words move the railroad and city officials to act NOW for the good of the people. Again, I thank MAYOR FRETTI for not side stepping this most serious issue.

GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES

A concerned citizens and brother of humanity

Mayor John Freddi (Train Accident)

Dear Editor and Concerned Citizens of Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia

I commend Mayor John Freddi for being candid in Sundays Valdosta Daily Times concerning the crash of Norfork Southern Freignt train crash into a semi near 401 South Oak streeet in down town Valdosta at the rail road crossing.

“This time it was a truck with steel and a train with UPS. While incontinent, there are no facilities. Next time it could be a truck and train with chemicals.”

For years now our politicians have been talking about routing trucks around the down town area. I hope this will put pressure on the right people to act NOW before there is a more serious mishap in our beloved community. I hope they will not ignore this most serious matter as they have some other issues in our community.

There comes a time when our elected officials and others must act on behalf of the citizens of Valdosta and Lowndes County quickly. And this is such a time.

I appreciate the mayor’s sense of concern, leadership and professionals in this mater. Moreover, I hope his words move the railroad and city officials to act NOW for the good of the people. Again, I thank Mayor Freddi for not side stepping this most serious issue.



GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity