Saturday, February 28, 2009

Herald Palladium WATCH
One woman propaganda machine: Wendy-Dant Chesser, Herald Palladium board, Cornerstone Alliance President, Harbor Shores Trustee, Alliance for World-Class Communities officer, self-appointed BH commissioner. (H-P sold in 2000 to Paxton Media Group, Paducah, Ky. Whirlpool VP Jeff Noel from Ky.)

Ex-officer charged in forgeries (shortened article)

Cotter: Brooks charged in faking signature, falsifying vehicle forms
By Wm. Ast, H-P, 2/25/09
ST. JOSEPH - A former Benton Harbor police officer is facing two forgery charges, Berrien County Prosecutor Arthur Cotter said.
Cotter in a press release said Carlton Brooks, 31, is charged with forging another officer's signature on a departmental form last year. That form falsely said a 1998 Ford Explorer was an abandoned vehicle, and had been sold at public auction, but no such sale had taken place, he said. [HOW COME CHIEF MINGO IS NOT BEING CHARGED? HE IS THE ONE WHO ORGANIZED THE EBAY CAR SALES WHICH THIS STORY ACTUALLY REVOLVES AROUND. (NOT THAT THE HP WOULD MENTION IT.)]
The second forgery charge alleges that Brooks in 2007 falsified another form which stated an altered or reassembled 1997 wrecker was an abandoned vehicle, Cotter said. That was done to get a new and misleading clear title to the vehicle to replace the existing title, the prosecutor said. [HOW CAN THE OFFICER DO THIS WITHOUT THE CHIEF KNOWING? CRIME IS HAPPENING UNDER MINGO'S NOSE, AND HE DOESN'T SEE IT? (WE DOUBT IT - HE'S ONE OF THE CRIME BOSSES!)]
Forgery is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, Cotter said. [HOW MUCH TIME FOR BEING AN ACCESSORY? WHO'S THE CRIMINAL AND WHO'S THE ACCESSORY? THIS QUESTION APPLIES TO PROSECUTOR ARTHUR COTTER AS WELL: HE HAS A LONG AND INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BHPD, MINGO, AND WHIRLPOOL. CORPORATE/COURT/LAW ENFORCEMENT/MEDIA CRIME IS THE NORM IN BERRIEN, USUALLY TO THE DETRIMENT OF BENTON HARBOR RESIDENTS. BH IS POSSIBLY THE HARDEST MICHIGAN COMMUNITY TO SURVIVE IN BECAUSE OF IT (AND WHIRLPOOL OUTSOURCING)].
Brooks was a patrolman with the department from 2006 to 2008, according to the Benton Harbor Police Department. [BHPD CRIME INDOCTRINATION HAPPENS FAST.]
This is the second prominent case involving a Benton Harbor officer recently. In the other case, the prosecutor's office has asked that convictions be dismissed for 22 people after federal authorities in December charged former detective Andrew Collins with drug trafficking. [NO, THIS IS THE *THIRD* BHPD CASE UNDER MINGO'S LEADERSHIP: GUN AND POLICE RADIO THEFT.]
Cotter said the investigation concerning Brooks led to charges being brought against four other people. [CONNECTED WITH THE BHPD CAR SALES.] He said they are *************, *************, *************, and **************. [MOST LIKELY ALL PART OF MINGO'S GANG. CARS TOWED FROM BH PROPERTY WERE STOLEN BY BHPD. IF MINGO (VIA WHIRLPOOL) HADN'T DIRECTED THESE 4 PEOPLE, CHANCES ARE GOOD THEY WOULD BE FREE TODAY.]
...Cotter said the investigations are still ongoing and more charges are possible. He said anyone with information about the cases should contact Sgt. Rick Biggart at the Berrien County Sheriff's Department at 983-7141.
[BCSD: SHERIFF BAILEY'S SECTION OF THE BERRIEN CRIME SYNDICATE. ANYONE WANT TO CALL THESE PROTECTORS OF CITIZENS & PUBLIC LIFE?]
The prosecutor's office released the information about the charges late Tuesday afternoon. Cotter could not be reached later for comment. [WHAT A SURPRISE, COTTER NOT WANTING TO TALK.]
[WHIRLPOOL INSTRUCTS CHIEF MINGO AND ALL BERRIEN CTY. LAW ENFORCEMENT.]

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Sounds all too familiar

Atlanta police look to restore trust after drug raid killing 2/25/09
A thorough report on endemic cop corruption in Atlanta. Same as
Benton Harbor on a bigger scale. Would that the Herald Palladium
discontinue it's policy of misleading and dishonest "reporting."
Until that day, this type of article will never appear in the rag
which serves Rep. Fred Upton, Judges Butzbaugh & Wiley, Whirlpool, etc., etc.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2009/02/23/johnston_sentencing.html

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Herald Palladium WATCH
One woman propaganda machine: Wendy-Dant Chesser, Herald Palladium board, Cornerstone Alliance President, Harbor Shores Trustee, Alliance for World-Class Communities officer, self-appointed BH commissioner. (H-P sold in 2000 to Paxton Media Group, Paducah, Ky. Whirlpool VP Jeff Noel from Ky.)

Is Berrien County "Law Enforcement" working quickly enough to empty Benton Harbor for Harbor Shores? We can hear the smart people at Whirlpool cracking the whips.

4 arrested in BH drug raids Thursday and Friday

2/21/09 HP
BENTON HARBOR - Four people were arrested in three drug raids in the city on Thursday and Friday, according to a Berrien County Sheriff's Department news release. [BENTON HARBOR RESIDENTS ARE MORE THAN CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONSTANT SHERIFF DEPT. DRUG RAIDS. BANCO HEARS THE COMPLAINTS.]

In all three cases, police said they were acting on warrants that resulted from investigations into alleged drug activity at the residences. [HOW DO WE KNOW THE SHERIFF'S DEPT. DID NOT PLANT DRUGS TO GET THOSE WARRANTS? THIS WARRANT COULD VERY WELL BE FALSE. A COMMON BERRIEN COUNTY PROCEDURE IS TO GO TO THE HOUSE WITH A BLANK WARRANT, TAKE THE OCCUPANTS TO THE POLICE STATION, PLANT DRUGS IN THE HOUSE, THEN TYPE NAMES (& INFO.) ON THE WARRANT ONCE THEY LEARN THEM AT THE STATION. OF COURSE THIS IS ILLEGAL. COPS WHO OPERATE LEGALLY GO TO HOUSES WITH WARRANTS FULLY COMPLETED.]

**********, of ***********, Benton Harbor, was arrested for investigation on charges of possession of marijuana and maintaining a drug house, both second offenses, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. [REMEMBER, THE MORE PHONY DRUG ARRESTS, THE MORE MONEY THE COUNTY RECEIVES FROM THE FEDERAL GOV. THIS IS WHY COUNTY OFFICIALS SPENT SO MUCH TIME IN MEETINGS OVER THE YEARS PRAISING CONVICTED OFFICER ANDREW COLLINS: HE PLANTED MORE DRUGS THAN ANY OTHER "LAW ENFORCEMENT" OFFICIAL.]

Police from the county narcotics unit and tactical response unit went to the house around 7 a.m. Thursday and found suspected marijuana and other evidence of drug trafficking. Police said they also seized a shotgun and ammunition found in the home. Manning has a prior felony conviction and is prohibited from owning or possessing any firearms, police said. [HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THE NARCOTICS UNIT DIDN'T BRING THE DRUGS TO THE HOUSE FOR ANOTHER FALSE ARREST? THE BERRIEN COUNTY REPUTATION IS TO OPERATE OUTSIDE OF THE LAW.]

A raid on ********* later Thursday and another raid on ********* Friday were conducted by the Sheriff's Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. [THE DEA GETS INVOLVED SO THAT MORE FEDERAL MONEY IS ENSURED.]

The sheriff's department said police went to ********** at 9:10 a.m. Thursday and found about $150 worth of crack cocaine, a small amount of marijuana and other evidence of drug trafficking. Police seized $440 and arrested *********** and ********, both of the *********** address. ******** was arrested for investigation on charges of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver and two misdemeanor warrants. ********* was arrested for investigation on a charge of possession of marijuana. [THIS PARAGRAPH IS TOO AWFUL. FIRST OF ALL, COPS IN BERRIEN COUNTY USE BENTON HARBOR AS A PLACE TO STEAL MONEY FROM PEOPLE, $440.00 IN THIS CASE. THEY COULD CARE LESS THAT THEY HAVE RUINED THE LIVES OF TWO YOUNG WOMEN, ONE ONLY 16 YEARS OLD.]

In the third raid, at **********. around 10:15 a.m. Friday, police said they found $200 worth of marijuana and other evidence of drug trafficking and seized $243. ********, was arrested for investigation on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and maintaining a drug house, both second offenses. [ANOTHER COMMON PROCEDURE: THEY MAKE 2 ACCUSATIONS - MAINTAINING A "DRUG HOUSE" (FELONY) AND MARIJUANA POSSESSION (MISDEMEANOR). THEN, WHEN IN COURT, THEY DROP THE MARIJUANA MISDEMEANOR AND KEEP THE "DRUG HOUSE" FELONY - WHY? THE COURT GETS MORE MONEY IN FINES AND LONGER IMPRISONMENTS. QUITE A RACKET GOING ON IN DARTH VADER'S CASTLE, THE BERRIEN COUNTY COURT. IT'S SICKENING TO THINK THAT A LARGE GROUP OF PEOPLE GET PAID EVERYDAY TO WORK WITH THE INTENTION OF RUINING AS MANY LIVES AS POSSIBLE.]
Herald Palladium WATCH
One woman propaganda machine: Wendy-Dant Chesser, Herald Palladium board, Cornerstone Alliance President, Harbor Shores Trustee, Alliance for World-Class Communities officer. (H-P sold in 2000 to Paxton Media Group, Paducah, Ky. Whirlpool VP Jeff Noel from Ky.)

Police Review Board is on shaky ground (commentary in CAPS)

By J. Swidwa HP 2/20/09
BENTON HARBOR - The creation of a Citizen Police Review Board in Benton Harbor is on hold due to disagreements between the mayor and some commissioners over how the panel should be appointed, who should serve on it and whether such a board is even appropriate. [THE COMMISSION HAS NOT RECEIVED PERMISSION FROM WHIRLPOOL/CORNERSTONE TO HAVE SUCH A REVIEW BOARD. IT'S THAT SIMPLE.]

The Legislative Committee, at a meeting this week, balked at a proposal from Mayor Wilce Cooke to form the committee and appoint certain people to serve on it. The committee refused to give consensus to forward the proposal to the City Commission. [HERE'S THE TRAGEDY: A MAJORITY OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE GIVEN UP CONTROL TO WHIRLPOOL. THEY ARE NOT FULFILLING THEIR OBLIGATION TO SERVE BENTON HARBOR AND MAKE GOOD DECISIONS FOR THE PEOPLE.]

"This whole process is a charade," said Commissioner Ralph Crenshaw. He is chairman of the city's Public Safety Committee. "Without an application process, what is this? Any committee should meet the approval of all the commissioners." [YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT OVERSIGHT BOARDS. IF YOU'D LIKE TO EDUCATE YOURSELF, READ DR. SAMUEL WALKER'S LATEST BOOK: The New World of Police Accountability (2005) OR GO TO THIS WEBSITE: http://www.unomaha.edu/criminaljustice/walker.php]

The City Commission began talking in January about forming a police review board that would address situations in which people claimed they were victims of police misconduct. City Manager Richard Marsh suggested the board consist of four commissioners, and three citizens chosen by the city manager and approved by the commission. [THE BOARD SHOULD HAVE NO COMMISSIONERS - IT SHOULD BE RUN BY A GROUP OF CITIZENS. IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND TRULY CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE, THIS IS OBVIOUS.]

Marsh is out of town this week on city business. [GOOD.]

On Tuesday, Mayor Cooke proposed a board consisting of one commissioner, David Shaw; City Attorney Charlette Pugh Tall; Ron Singleton, former Benton Harbor police chief; former city commissioner Harold Hampton; and Marcus Muhammad, Benton Harbor educator and coach. [MAYOR COOKE'S PROPOSAL IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. WHIRLPOOL AND CORNERSTONE WOULD REJECT THIS BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT BE IN CONTROL. THE MAJORITY OF COMMISSIONERS ARE CORPORATE SHILLS AND WOULD OF COURSE REJECT COOKE'S PROPOSAL.]

Cooke said the board would meet periodically to hear complaints and suggestions regarding public safety. The board would be called a "Public Safety Oversight Committee." [GREAT IDEAS.]

"I didn't agree with the first one, and I don't agree with this one," said 2nd Ward Commissioner James Hightower. "Our police department is not that large. Most of the complaints would be personnel issues that should be handled by the police department's leadership and the city manager. This committee would be doing the job of the leadership. If the leadership isn't doing its job, we should find new leadership." [THE JOB OF THE OVERSIGHT BOARD IS TO ASSESS THE LEADERSHIP ON A REGULAR BASIS AND FIND NEW PEOPLE IF NECESSARY. ARE YOU BLIND TO THE LEVEL OF POLICE/COURT MISCONDUCT WE HAVE? DO YOU CARE ABOUT OUR CITIZENS?]

A police oversight group was proposed by Marsh and Police Chief Al Mingo after the police department's image was blemished by three criminal cases. [ARE YOU KIDDING? HOW ABOUT OVER 100 CASES?]

Former narcotics officer Andrew Collins was indicted on drug trafficking charges in December. Also, state police are investigating an Oct. 27 break-in at the department in which guns, police radios and paperwork were stolen, and another case involving a former officer allegedly selling abandoned and impounded cars.

Some citizens have alleged that the police chief knew about wrongdoing in the department and did nothing about it. [YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, THE CHIEF KNEW ALL ABOUT IT, AND INITIATED SOME OF IT. THIS IS WHY WE NEED A CIVILIAN POLICE REVIEW BOARD.]

Commissioner Bryan Joseph also spoke out against the proposed citizen review board. "This needs to be handled internally. We don't need to take a knee-jerk approach," Joseph said. He said he would consider it more appropriate to have a consultant come in to investigate the department. Marsh has suggested that possibility. [THERE ARE TOO MANY CASES OF POLICE WRONGDOING - IT WOULD COST A FORTUNE. CITIZENS LIVING RIGHT IN BH WOULD BE HAPPY TO VOLUNTEER, AND HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF KNOWING THE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND. HAS WHIRLPOOL'S DISDAIN FOR BH CITIZENS RUBBED OFF ON JOSEPH AND MARSH?]

First Ward Commissioner Eddie Marshall, chairman of the Legislative Committee, strongly opposed the review board proposed by the mayor. "You don't establish a committee to look over a department that already has leadership," he said. "If you have a job and you have a supervisor, and your supervisor has a manager, you don't appoint a group to watch over all of them." [SO, ST. LOUIS, PITTSBURGH, CINNCINATI, AND MANY OTHER CITIES ARE DOING THE WRONG THING? OVERSIGHT BOARDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE SUCCEEDING IN IMPROVING POLICE-CITIZEN RELATIONS. WILL WHIRLPOOL CONTINUE CONTROLLING YOUR MIND?]

Crenshaw said the commission should exercise caution in appointing a committee of people whose actions could circumvent labor agreements. [CRENSHAW, PLEASE RETIRE - YOU ARE CLUELESS ABOUT HOW THE COMMISSION SHOULD RUN.]

Hightower said a citizens oversight board would not have prevented the incidents that are under investigation. He said, too, that he thinks having citizens assess the actions of trained police officers is not appropriate.
[SOUNDS LIKE WHIRLPOOL AND CORNERSTONE TALKING.]

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Google "Berrien County Corruption"

If you do the above google search, you'll find thousands of entries. We've heard through the grapevine that there are people interested in writing books on the Berrien County "legal" system. Here are a few websites to get you started:

http://english.pravda.ru/mailbox/22/98/387/11188_justice.html

http://arrowofthelord.blogspot.com/

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/014/RipOff0014994.htm

http://www.chlorophyll.us/node/469

http://www.j12.org/ps/carter.htm

http://www.i2k.com/~freecaldwell/Documents/MDOC/mdoc.htm

Is this possible in Berrien County, Michigan?

Thank You, Michael Phelps!
Ten Reasons to Get High About Pot in 2009

By Norm Kent, 2/6 http://www.counterpunch.org/kent02062009.html

Okay, it is only the first week of February and more people this year have already died from peanut butter than pot...Building jails and keeping people in prisons costs more money than communities can afford...The necessities of twenty first century law enforcement have reduced pot to secondary priorities. More and more cities are encouraging cops to treat simple pot possession as a civil traffic infraction and just write a ticket. As those progressive initiatives take hold, pot prosecutions will diminish and pot users will be treated more fairly.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Herald Palladium WATCH
One woman propaganda machine: Wendy-Dant Chesser, Herald Palladium board, Cornerstone Alliance President, Harbor Shores Trustee, Alliance for World-Class Communities officer. (H-P sold in 2000 to Paxton Media Group, Paducah, Ky. Whirlpool VP Jeff Noel from Ky.)

A Distinct Pattern Develops: Harbor Shores Wins, Benton Harbor Loses


City plans to begin work on 100-year-old system in April

by J.Swidwa H-P 2/18/09 (shortened article with commentary in CAPS)

BENTON HARBOR - The City Commission on Tuesday approved the final bid for Phase 1 of the city's sewer separation project, awarding the work to Southwest Transport Co. of Coloma for $185,085. (WHIRLPOOL & CORNERSTONE ALLIANCE ACTUALLY APPROVED THIS. THEY CONTROL THE BENTON HARBOR CITY COMMISSION DECISIONS.)

The loan would be paid back over 20 years through a combination of wastewater treatment savings resulting from the project and a sewer rate increase for users. AND AGAIN THE RESIDENTS OF BENTON HARBOR LOSE. THEY ARE NOW PAYING 15% HIGHER SEWER RATES (WATER RATES ALSO JUST INCREASED) SO THAT HARBOR SHORES, WHIRLPOOL, CORNERSTONE, AND THE WEALTHY OF ST. JOSEPH MAY BENEFIT.

The sewer repair plan is the result of a year-long study of the city's 100-year-old sewer system and will coincide, in part, with a Main Street reconstruction project planned earlier. THE SEWER REPAIR PROJECT IS BEING PLANNED TO BENEFIT HARBOR SHORES, NOT BH RESIDENTS.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Whirlpool, rivals face price fixing probe

Michigan business news in brief: Whirlpool, rivals face price fixing probe

February 19, 2009, Detroit Free Press

http://www.freep.com/article/20090219/BUSINESS06/902190460/1019/Michigan+business+news+in+brief++Whirlpool++rivals+face+price+fixing+probe


Whirlpool Corp., the world's largest appliance maker, and competitors face a global antitrust investigation into possible price fixing of compressors used in refrigerators.

woodtv.com:

Whirpool profits tumble

4th quarter profits off 77%
2/9/09
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Home appliance maker Whirlpool says fourth-quarter profit tumbled 77 percent, partly hurt by a higher restructuring charge, a recall expense and the stronger dollar.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

U.S. Rep Fred Upton Steals Land From The Black Residents of Benton Harbor

I am here today to let you know about the injustice that is going on in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Our city has one of the highest levels of poverty and unemployment in the country. Benton Harbor’s population is made up of Blacks, Hispanics and poor whites of which 94% are black, 90% live below the poverty level and 70% are unemployed. This is the location of the Whirlpool Corporation Headquarters and of U.S. Representative Fred Upton, who is the heir to the Whirlpool family fortune.

My husband the Rev. Edward Pinkney, one of the beloved leaders in Benton harbor, was put in prison for organizing against the Whirlpool Corporation, U.S. Representative Fred Upton, and its lynching judges Alfred Butzbaugh and Dennis Wiley. He was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison for quoting the Bible verse `Deuteronomy 28` about what God shall visit upon the iniquitous. Whirlpool, U.S. Representative Fred Upton and Judge Dennis Wiley used this quote in an attempt to silence my husband, but he is not a man to be silenced. Beware you could be next!

This original charge stems from a successful recall of a corrupt city commissioner in a effort to stop Whirlpool, Harbor Shores, Cornerstone Alliance, and U.S. Representative Fred Upton from stealing prime lake front property, our very own Jean Klock Park, the only beach along Lake Michigan that was given to the citizens of Benton Harbor by John Klock. Whirlpool, Harbor Shores Developers and U.S. Representative Fred Upton want to steal the land to develop a 750 million to 1 billion dollars development known as Harbor Shores.

My husband, a true black community leader and activist, has led the fight against official corruption and corporate greed in his impoverished and beloved community of Benton Harbor. It is the only city in the United States where Black’s own lake front property. He is a political prisoner only because he had the spirit to take on Whirlpool and U.S. Representative Fred Upton, a known racist. My husband is under house arrest 24/7. The police come by everyday to check on him even though he wears a G.P.S. tether. He cannot preach in a church or speak in any church, but they cannot stop him from speaking or preaching at home.

My question to the people is; why should Governor Jennifer Granholm help Whirlpool and U.S.Representative Fred Upton steal our lake front land? Also, why will the Michigan Democratic Party let her or any other public representative support Whirlpool against the people of Benton Harbor? Our lakefront is being stolen for the development of a playground for wealthy people. We Need Your Help!

The Democratic Party has always claimed itself to be the party of the people. Then when will they begin to protect our rights? Join the campaign to stop Whirlpool, Harbor Shores, and U.S.Representative Fred Upton from stealing our public lake front park and land and removing all blacks from the city of Benton Harbor.

Dorothy Pinkney

Join us in boycotting Whirlpool.
You must call Governor Granholm at 517-373-3400
Help the residents of Benton Harbor
DO NOT SUPPORT HARBOR SHORES!
2/16/09 HP Don't believe the hype from Harbor Shores (paraphrase)

Editor,
Public relations expert Howard Bragman states: "When perception exceeds reality, it's 'hype.'" This accurately describes Harbor Shores' "PR" practices. I could list many examples but will address the most current ones.
In, "Harbor Shores stays on course," The H-P quotes a few Harbor Shores (HS) partners. One alleges that legal actions taken regarding the use of Jean Klock Park (JPK) for a golf course are the reason for the "delays" in the project, and the actions are "against the project." The Friends of Jean Klock Park (FJKP)were not contactd for a response to these allegations.
Legal action was not taken "against the project." The purposes of the legal action taken by two members of the FJKP was: 1) to prevent the destruction of the park's natural resources, and 2) to preserve the public's heritage from privately owned development as set forth in the 1917 Klock family's deed to Benton Harbor and 2004 consent decree. The case to defend the deed and consent decree was dismissed in Berrien County Court on 8/22/08. The decision is being challenged in the Grand Rapids Court of Appeals.
Developers saying that that legal actions cause delays don't mention a glaring reality: They did not obtain the Army Corps of Engineers approval until 8/29/08 - a week after the county court decision. The developers then publicly admitted it was too late in the season to begin excavation of the dunes.
The hype is that the development would return JKP to its former glory by restoring the lovely tree-lined boulevard. And that the beach area won't be touched and the "ugly blacktop parking lot" behind the south dune would be "converted" into a golf course. Since then HS has obliterated shade trees, beach grass, and ripped out a boardwalk paid for with public taxes. The reality is a far cry from a restoration project since an equally "ugly blacktop parking lot" will cover the pristine beach area.
Nothing is preventing HS from destroying JKP, aside from the weather, or maybe the devastated economy. Is HS not confident of its legal right to build three golf holes in JKP?
Public support for FJKP is enormous. We vow to continue the fight to insure that JKP remains in public hands. Please visit us at: www.savejeanklockpark.org.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Herald Palladium WATCH
One woman propaganda machine: Wendy-Dant Chesser, Herald Palladium board, Cornerstone Alliance President, Harbor Shores Trustee, Alliance for World-Class Communities officer. (H-P sold in 2000 to Paxton Media Group, Paducah, Ky. Whirlpool VP Jeff Noel from Ky.)

How Obvious Does Corporate Crime Have to Get?

Cost of canal project nearly triples
2/16/09 HP article with commentary in CAPS.
BENTON HARBOR - The estimated cost of reopening Benton Harbor's old ship canal to recreational boaters has grown to $14 million, City Manager Richard Marsh said. The city's initial estimate two weeks ago was $5.2 million. THIS IS ANOTHER OF MANY, MANY EXAMPLES OF WHIRLPOOL/CORNERSTONE/HARBOR SHORES STEALING BENTON HARBOR MONEY. WHO WILL USE THIS RECREATIONAL CANAL? NOT BENTON HARBOR RESIDENTS WHO BH CITY MNGR. RICHARD MARSH IS READY TO STEAL FROM SO THE WEALTHY CAN DO THEIR BOATING. BENTON HARBOR IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF MONEY FOR SO MANY THINGS. $14M WILL GO TO THE RICH WHILE BH CAN'T AFFORD TO REPAIR THEIR WATER PLANT. ALL BH WATER BILLS JUST INCREASED BY %15. JOBS COULD BE CREATED TO REPAIR THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THE INFRASTRUCTURE, THE WATER PLANT. HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS ARE NEEDED. THE LIST IS LONG. BUT MARSH IS A CORPORATE SHILL, IN A LONG LINE OF BH EMPLOYEES WHO CONTRIBUTED (AND STILL DO) TO THE DESTRUCTION OF A ONCE WONDERFUL CITY.

Benton Harbor is applying for federal funds from the $787 economic stimulus bill to pay for the project, which city leaders believe will spur new development.

Sun. Feb. 22, 2pm - award winning documentary in BH

Coy Davis and Celebration! Cinema announce statewide Black History month tour featuring the one hour made for TV documentary

"WHATEVER HAPPENED TO IDLEWILD?"


The documentary has aired on PBS and been featured at the Charles H. Wright museum in Detroit, just to name some of the venues it has run. The film was produced by award winning producer, Coy Davis, and gives the entire history of this Black Eden that is closing in on it's 100th birthday, 1912-2012. It documents the history of the Idlewild resort just west of Reed City, Mich. The resort once attracted blacks from all over the Midwest. During the 1930s through 1960s it served as a place of respite for thousands of black people. It also hosted some of the most popular black comedy and musical acts.

SCHEDULE
Sun., Feb. 1 - 2:00pm
Celebration! Grand Rapids South - Off M6 at Kalamazoo Ave

Sun., Feb. 8 - 2:00pm
Cinema Carousel - Muskegon

Sun, Feb. 15 - 2:00pm
Celebration! Cinema Lansing - Off South Cedar at I-96

Sun., Feb. 22 - 2:00pm
Celebration! Cinema Benton Harbor - Off Pipestone at I-94

For tickets & further information call Coy Davis at (616)-977-2913

http://www.wzzm13.com/life/programming/local/take_five/links_story.aspx?storyid=104853&catid=42

A book about Idlewild:
10-02-2001
Perusing Ronald J. Stephens' book, "Idlewild: The Black Eden of Michigan" (Arcadia Publishing Co.), there comes the almost immediate realization that, unless you are of a certain age, something fabulous was
missed. It was, but thanks to Stephens' interesting and informative book, which is
part of Arcadia's "Images of America" series, "the rest of us" can
vicariously experience Idlewild and everything it represented. In the 1920s and 1930s, Idlewild, located in rural western Michigan (in Yates Township), was often identified as "the Black Eden of Michigan" because of its idyllic setting.

PASTOR GETS PRISON FOR QUOTING BIBLE: PART 2

Quoting Deuteronomy 28:14-22 to a Berrien County racist judge will bring down the wrath of the corrupt judicial system in Berrien County, Michigan on you.

My husband the Honorable Rev. Pinkney, learned a very valuable lesson about the judicial system. The pastor has gone from the bowels of the Berrien county jail to Jackson prison, one of the worst prisons in the country, to now home. He was given 3 to 10 years in prison for quoting Deuteronomy to Berrien County racist Chief Judge Alfred Butzbaugh. who is known for practicing racism.

During the hearing on June 26, 2008 Judge Dennis Wiley said : I did not feel threatened by Rev Pinkney, but his connection to GOD was too great. Judge Dennis Wiley made this statement on June 26, 2008 DURING THE SENTENCING! Attorney Davis said: as far as I know Rev. Pinkney is the first preacher in America to get put in prison for quoting the bible; Rev. Pinkney’s conviction for quoting the bible was an execution said Marian Kramer of the Welfare Rights Organization and organizer of a meeting in Detroit to plan a strategy for freeing Rev Pinkney.

My husband’s legal problems date back to 2005 when BANCO (Black Autonomy Network Community Organization) which he heads, successfully recalled Benton Harbor corrupt city commissioner Glen Yarbrough. Glen Yarbrough is part of a historic black family with close ties to Berrien County government but with cloudy reputations in the community. Their history includes persistent reports of substance abuse rumors, of drug dealing to minors, and known physical attacks on others. Yarbrough survived the recall despite rejection by voters 300 to 246. Yarbrough was saved because Whirlpool, Harbor Shores Developers, County Judges, Prosecutors and the Sheriff all challenged the result of the recall election, raided the clerk’s office and seized the voting records from the county clerk office. A month later Berrien County Judge Paul Maloney threw out the election even though there were only three votes that were said to be tainted. Judge Paul Maloney was promoted to a federal judgeship by President George Bush for his action.

Racism in Berrien county is out of control. We have had several cross burnings in the last year. A member of the sheriff’s department shot a black man in the back for no reason. A black man was choked to death by a policeman. Another man was hit by a police car when he was on a motorcycle. A 16 year old black boy disappeared in all white St. Joseph only to be pulled from the river days later - Judge Dennis Wiley was one of the last to see McGinnis alive. This is the same Judge Dennis Wiley who sentenced my husband 3 to 10 years in prison for quoting the Bible. My husband was released on an appeal bond on December 24, 2008. I want everybody to know you better keep you mind on your freedom and freedom on your mind. There must be unity. YOU COULD BE NEXT!

Dorothy Pinkney

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Herald Palladium WATCH
One woman propaganda machine: Wendy-Dant Chesser, Herald Palladium board, Cornerstone Alliance President, Harbor Shores Trustee, Alliance for World-Class Communities officer. (H-P sold in 2000 to Paxton Media Group, Paducah, Ky. Whirlpool VP Jeff Noel from Ky.)

Can we believe the validity of ANY "drug arrest" stories in Benton Harbor"

Ok, so Andrew Collins, drug-planter extraordinaire, is behind bars. Everyone knows the BHPD is corrupt, and Collins wasn't the only one. Just 2 week ago, approximately 6 BH cops with dogs forced occupants of a house into the yard while they "searched" the house.
All were eventually allowed back in - cops said no drugs were found. But, cops re-entered with the occupants and "happened" to notice crumbs of some variety of drug on the refrigerator. An occupant stated that it would be a foolish place to put them because of heat from the refrigerator. 3 of the occupants were taken to Darth Vader's castle, the Berrien County Courthouse, and charged.

THIS IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME IN BENTON HARBOR AND NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING

Does anyone reading the following story believe it? Does it make you feel safer? ---

Drug raid nets four arrests

2/12/09 H-P

BENTON HARBOR - An investigation of alleged drug trafficking at ********* St. led to the arrest of four people Wednesday morning, Berrien County sheriff's officers reported.
Sgt. Robert Boyce of the sheriff's Narcotics Unit said the arrests were made after police served a search warrant at the address and found suspected marijuana with a street value of $850 and other drug evidence.
Those arrested, who all live in the house, were booked at the Berrien County jail.
They are: ***********, charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana and maintaining a drug house, both second offenses; ************, marijuana possession and maintaining a drug house; **********, marijuana possession; and **********, marijuana possession and an outstanding warrant alleging contempt of court.
Boyce said the search warrant was obtained after a two-week investigation prompted by citizen complaints about drug activity at the house.
At the time the search warrant was served, ********* attempted to flee out a second story window but was apprehended by police, Boyce said.
The other three suspects were inside the residence.

Klock Park's destruction is a fool's gamble & Reopen the gun range? This defies all logic

2/13/09, HP Klock Park's destruction is a fool's gamble

Editor,

A recent article about possible golf course delays quoted four Harbor Shores representatives. No one from Protect JKP or anyone else dedicated to preserving Jean Klock Park was contacted regarding the serious, pending legal issues surrounding the use of JKP for three golf holes.
There is no legal obstacle preventing the developer from completing the course. Plaintiffs filed a motion for a restraining order to prevent any further alteration of the park's historic and/or natural features until the case could be decided on the merits. The motion was denied.
A few facts concerning the federal legal action: A consultant's environmental survey of JKP states that it is incomplete "due to time and resource constraints." Neither the extent of dune cuts nor number of trees to be removed from the park has been disclosed. The $900,000 appraisal for what the developer calls the "last and the largest piece of prime real estate that's so very close to Chicago," is not only absurd, it cannot suffice. A second, independent appraisal is legally required. A narrow, 1.47 acre post-industrial parcel on the Paw Paw, the highest value mitigation parcel, was appraised at $714,000.
Take a look at the elephant in the room - the depressed U.S. economy, a very soft second-home market and fewer people playing golf. Speculating on the permanent destruction of JKP's natural features - our public heritage - for the slim possibility of one generation's private profit is a fool's gamble.

Nicole Moon, Benton Harbor

Reopen the gun range? This defies all logic

Editor,

Twice now you have taken a lot of space on your front page to indicate that the Berrien County sheriff can probably just waltz into Coloma Township, change a few things and start shooting. I do not believe this to be the case, given the facts.
1. The plaintiffs in this case won in the Michigan State Supreme Court with a unanimous decision - the first unanimous decision there in many years.
2. The Coloma Township Board voted unanimously against the gun range.
3. The plaintiffs and their supporters spent over $100,000 to win this case.
4. Incidentally, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners spent several hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayers' money continuing to build the gun range while it was in litigation. I do not believe they would do such a thing with their own money, and I believe they should be held accountable for this.

Paul Friday, Coloma

Gun range matter has already been settled

Editor,

The gun range was wrong when the state Supreme Court reviewed the case, and it is wrong now. What gives the county the arrogance and bull-dozing opinion that it has the right to go against a unanimous Supreme Court ruling?
The county must obey the anti-noise ordinance that was promulgated by Coloma Township (MCL 41.181). The act gives local government the power to adopt and enforce ordinances regulating public health, safety and welfare of persons and property. The Michigan Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, resolved that the county and sheriff are not immune from local zoning or ordinances. Yet the sheriff and county persist in their flawed judgment and continue to assume the residents of Berrien County do not understand the needs or wants of their communities.
The plans for the range were not supported by the Coloma Township Board in 2005. The answer was no then and it should be no now!

Cathy Thieneman, St. Joseph

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Upton, Whitwam make a perfectly lousy pair

Editor, (HP, 2/11)

...how about [Rep. Fred] Upton's pal, Dave Whitwam, another whiner complaining about environmental lawsuits holding up his demented vision of a golf course that will supposedly lift all boats? He can smell the stimulus money like blood in the water, and is now talking about a 6-foot deep canal and marina that just happens to dovetail with Harbor Shores projects that have allegedly already been fully funded. What could ...be better for the people of Benton Harbor than a brand new marina to dock their itty bitty yachts in?

For two decades this pair has presided over the demise of Benton Harbor, and now they're trying to cash in on its "resurrection." Anyone who opposes or disagrees with them is portrayed as an obstructionist or worse, while all the while they spout inclusiveness.

The marina is a truncated version of the plan to reopen the old Benton Harbor shipping canal, which was aborted 10 years ago by Whitwam's Cornerstone, diverting a million in grant money to alter a creek to make a bigger parking lot for Atlantic Automotive on Territorial. This was supposed to benefit downtown Benton Harbor, bring jobs and tax revenue, but so far none of those things have materialized. These same promises and assurances are now being used to mask a blatantly venal attempt to subjugate a priceless and irreplaceable public park and beach to an increasingly precarious looking private commercial development.

Speaking of "priceless," in the article about the loony idea for the $5 million wading pool cum marina, The Herald-Palladium also mentioned that the city of Benton Harbor plans to ask for $3 million for Harbor Shores road improvements. In the last sentence, the article states that the city will also apply for funds to upgrade its water and sewer systems. Now there's an afterthought for you!

Benton Harbor

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

THE APARTHEID IN BENTON HARBOR, MI

By Mrs. Dorothy Pinkney

The apartheid conditions in Benton Harbor still continue as my husband, the Rev. Edward Pinkney, continues to fight for justice for the people. The power brokers of Whirlpool, Cornerstone Alliance, Harbor Shores and the Benton Harbor city commissioners have attempted to silence his voice and shackle his legs with their 24/7 house arrest.

My husband is not allowed to speak at any church or even attended a church meeting. My husband expressed his political opinion in a newspaper article stating that GOD and only GOD would curse Judge Butzbaugh unless he hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy GOD to do all that is right. It is obvious that this Judge Butzbaugh is doing a lot of wrong in his life. If he were doing the right things he would not be afraid of GOD. It must be because of this fear of GOD that Judge Butzbaugh and his partner decided unconstitutionally to give my husband 3 to 10 years in prison for quoting the Bible. My husband is the first preacher in the history of mankind to be sent to prison for quoting the Bible.

History and those who write it often leave out important facts. Therefore, I have a problem when I hear the term the first black president or first preacher. It makes me nervous because of what distorted picture the powerful may be painting. On January 20, 2009 at 12:05 in Washington D.C. Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in as the 44th President. According to the media, Obama is the first black President of the United States of America. I am here to tell you he is not the first black president. Obama is the second black president. John Hanson was the first (1781-1782). John Hanson was one of the greatest men who got lost in history. President Hanson was elected by Congress not only as the first black President but as the first President under the Articles of Confederation. He established the great seal of the United States, which all presidents since have been required to use on all official documents. He also established the first treasury department, the first secretary of war and the first foreign affairs department. President Barack H. Obama was definitely not the first black President of the United States. He is the first black President of the United States under the Constitution we follow today. By not recognizing John Hanson, the powerful slave owners and traders could continue their unjust ways.

Another first that isn’t listened to by many preachers today is Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. What would Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., the first black minister to win the Nobel Peace Prize, say to the ministers today? He would say we need all of you. Who is it that is supposed to articulate the longing and aspirations of the people more than a preacher? Somehow, the preacher must have a kind of fire burning within his bones and whenever injustice is around he proclaims it to the world. Somehow, the preacher must be an Amos and proclaim that when GOD speaks who can but prophesy? A preacher must proclaim the word as Amos, to let justice roll down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream. Somehow, the preacher must say that the spirit of Jesus is upon me because he has anointed me to deal with the problem of injustice. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. would say I want to thank all of them and I want you to thank all of them because so often preachers are not concerned about anything but themselves most of are just too selfish. I am always happy to see a relevant ministry. We need all of you to take a stand for the poor and for injustice.

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. would say that Whirlpool is imposing a manifest brutal siege against the people of Benton Harbor similar to the Israeli siege of Gaza. The modalities and circumstances may be somewhat different but the mentality of hatefulness and vindictiveness are undoubtedly the same. Then he would say in the end we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our pastor.

Preacher Gets Prison For Quoting The Bible

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan wants the Court of Appeals to remove what it calls the harsh and unconstitutional bond conditions imposed on Rev Pinkney by the racist Berrien County court.

The Michigan Appellate Court in December granted a motion that allows my husband to be free on bond pending his appeal The court of appeals granted my husband’s request to be released on bond because he has strong First Amendment grounds for appeal. He was not a flight risk and he is not a danger to the community said Michael Steinberg Legal Director of Michigan ACLU. The ACLU stated in their news release that Berrien County Judge Dennis Wiley did more than set the amount of the bond.

I have always said that Berrien county judges such as Judge Alfred Butzbaugh and Judge Dennis Wiley continue to abuse our Constitution. My husband is under house arrest and cannot exercise his basic constitutional rights. He put my husband on 24 hour house arrest, banned him from giving speeches including in his own church and told him not to engage in any demeaning behavior toward one of the judges.

My husband, Rev Pinkney, wrote an article in which he quoted the Bible in the People’s Tribune, a Chicago newspaper, that the judge handling the case, Judge Alfred Butzbaugh, claimed the Bible quote was a threat. He sentenced my husband to 3-10 years in prison. This was an attempt to silence my husband. In representing my husband on appeal the ACLU of Michigan argued that Rev Pinkney`s written statements while offensive to many are protected speech under the First Amendment.

My husband has grown more and more popular He is an uncompromising advocate of human rights and freedom for all. We the people must fight more relentlessly for justice. We must say no more! There are too many Oscar Grant cases in this country. We the people must act before something happens, only the strong organized, committed and courageous people can stop this genocide. We must stand together so join us today to fight for justice!

Dorothy Pinkney

Monday, February 09, 2009

Berrien tax payers keep funding projects for the wealthy

Ship canal is another potential boondoggle, 2/8/09 HP

Editor,

Whoops! Here we go again. The Benton Harbor ship canal is another ill-conceived project which hasn't been financially feasible and is of benefit to so few.

Wake up and smell the dead roses. You know, the state and federal governmental units are just awaiting ideas like this to spend taxpayer money on. Sounds just like the pork-barrel projects of bridges that lead to nowhere. Wouldn't it be much better to buy Street Department equipment [for] Benton Harbor to improve streets, keep the tree lawns clean of trash, refund the Water Department, etc.?

Of course that would take a whole set of new and more creative ideas to explain the same in a different way. But we do have a lot of creative people in the area. For example, take the other projects that Cornerstone has developed, like an 18-hole playground.

Norbert Cramer, St. Joseph

Sunday, February 08, 2009

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29061696/

In October, Whirlpool announced it would cut 5,000 jobs this year and next, due in large part to the housing market's decline, on top of 2,000 jobs cut earlier in 2008.

Reporting that its earnings fell 7 percent during the third quarter, the nation's largest home appliance maker lowered its earnings outlook for the year and announced price increases.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Can This Possibly be the Right Time to Build a Huge Resort?

Harbor Shores Managing Director Mark Hesemann said he expects some ... people who put down deposits will decide they don't want to buy a home there, but the number of reservations is still significant. He said some similar golf developments in other parts of the United States are drawing few reservations, if any, these days.
"Harbor Shores Stays on Course," HP, 2/5/09

An All White Benton Harbor Has Been the Whirlpool Goal

Mon., 2 Feb. 2009 WSJM Radio

Studies Project Economic Potential Of Harbor Shores

The impact that Harbor Shores can have on Benton Harbor business development was the focus of a roundtable meeting between Cornerstone Alliance leaders and a number of consultants on Monday. [THE MEETING WAS CONSISTENT WITH WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN DOING FOR AT LEAST TEN YEARS, POSSIBLY MANY MORE: PLANNING HOW TO DRIVE AFRICAN-AMERICANS COMPLETELY OUT OF BENTON HARBOR.]

Two studies were recently done on how Harbor Shores should go about encouraging business development downtown. [BH RESIDENTS ARE NEVER, EVER INCLUDED IN ANY PLANNING OF THIS TYPE.]

Cornerstone's Wendy Dant Chesser says that Harbor Shores is about more than just building a golf course...and planners want to use it to foster development beyond its own boundaries: [CHESSER IS RIGHT: IT'S ABOUT THE ILLEGAL, HOSTILE TAKE-OVER OF JEAN KLOCK PARK, BENTON HARBOR'S BEACH.]

Goals for development in Benton Harbor were outlined at the meeting. They extended all the way through 2025, when consultants said the city should have developed labor force conditions that match the rest of the state. [IE, NO BENTON HARBOR WORKERS, AND AN ALL-WHITE WORK FORCE. LET'S MATCH THE STATE, BUT FORGET ABOUT THE NEEDS OF BENTON HARBOR.]
Herald Palladium WATCH
One woman propaganda machine: Wendy-Dant Chesser, Herald Palladium board, Cornerstone Alliance President, Harbor Shores Trustee, Alliance for World-Class Communities officer. (H-P sold in 2000 to Paxton Media Group, Paducah, Ky. Whirlpool VP Jeff Noel from Ky.)

Judge Butzbaugh Admits to Racist Practice and Discrimination in Berrien County Bar Assoc.

(Partial article with commentary in CAPS)

County hires coordinator for new legal resource center
By S. Aiken H-P Sat. Jan. 24, 2009

St. Joseph - Deann Matson, who has many years of experience working in the Berrien County Trial Court system as a clerk, has been hired to serve as coordinator of a self-help legal resource center. [DEANN MATSON HAS THE REPUTATION OF NOT HELPING PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP AND ASSISTS THE COURT SYSTEM IN CONVICTING AND IMPRISONING INNOCENT PEOPLE - FOR MANY YEARS.]

About 14,000 people represented themselves in Berrien County court proceedings last year in...Berrien County. Without a lawyer's expertise, they often make mistakes in paperwork... [IT IS COMMON THAT THOSE WHO REPRESENT THEMSELVES IN BERRIEN COUNTY COURT ARE PURPOSELY GIVEN THE INCORRECT PAPER WORK.]

The center will not dispense legal advice but can help people avoid some justice system pitfalls. The services are free except for small copying fees.

The center will be for people who want to represent themselves in civil court cases. ...staffed by people who can provide forms for various types of cases and direction in filling them out. The county board...agreed to provide space, furniture, computers and a copier for three years. The county's cost is estimated at $100,000 for the first year and $60,000 annually for the second and third years. [THIS NEW OFFICE IS DESIGNED TO GIVE JOBS TO FRIENDS AND RELATIVES OF PEOPLE ALREADY WORKING IN THE COURTHOUSE.]

Other financial support is coming from community organizations and foundations.
[WHICH ONES?]

Alfred Butzbaugh, Berrien County Trial Court's chief judge, told county commissioners Thursday that so far area lawyers support the concept, which is expected to help the court run more smoothly. ["RUN MORE SMOOTHLY" = CONVICT PEOPLE MORE QUICKLY, AND TAKE AWAY THEIR HOMES MORE QUICKLY. OF COURSE LAWYERS SUPPORT THE "CONCEPT" - DO THE PEOPLE SUPPORT THE "CONCEPT"? DOES BUTZBAUGH CARE?]

Speaking to the county board's Administration Committee, Butzbaugh ...said no lawyers have complained, and the Berrien County Bar Association was an early supporter. [THE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT THE JUDGES AND THE BAR ASSOCIATION HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF WORKING AGAINST THE RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY.]

...people who do not have legal representation...Michigan State Bar Foundation is interested in finding solutions.

"Lawyers know there are a lot of people out there who are not represented. They're not going to represent them," Butzbaugh said. "These are the people we are trying to deal with." [IS BUTZBAUGH ADMITTING THAT BERRIEN COUNTY LAWYERS WILL NOT REPRESENT THE PEOPLE? IS HE REFERRING TO BENTON HARBOR CITIZENS? THIS IS A DAMNING, RACIST STATEMENT FROM THE CHIEF JUDGE WHICH IS EVEN AMAZING COMING FROM BUTZBAUGH. HIS RACIST, UNETHICAL THINKING HAS TAKEN OVER WHO HE IS AS A PERSON AND A JUDGE.]

Monday, February 02, 2009

Law Enforcement Oversight

Thirteen year old national organization with an excellent reputation. We wonder which might be the first Berrien County civilian group to join? NACOLE.org

The National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement
(NACOLE) is a non-profit organization that brings together individuals and agencies working to establish or improve oversight of police officers in the United States. NACOLE welcomes people and organizations committed to fair and professional law enforcement that is responsive to community needs.