Bullying may have led to the death of a Danville, Va Public School’s student!

A dog in Danville, Va deserves more of a piece of the sidewalk then a black child!

A dog in Danville, Va deserves more of a piece of the sidewalk then a black child!

O.T Bonner Middle School in Danville, Va… At approximately 7:02 am Danville Police officers responded to the 100 block of Manchester Ave. in reference to a death investigation. When officers arrived on the scene they discovered a male juvenile inside the residence suffering from a gunshot wound. The juvenile victim was pronounced dead on the scene. There are reports that the child that shot himself was being bullied by kids at his school. The body was sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke, Virginia for examination. However, when reporting the death of a dog on its Danville, Va and newspapers website. The paper can report the Danville Police Department reporting the “unfortunate” death of a dog taken into its custody on Monday, May 5, 2014. So, I guess the boy’s death was fortunate. Sources familiar to the situation with the child have said he was being bullied for years and this became the result. It is shameful and disgusting to know while O.T Bonner Middle School reports the school is improving but make no mention of the death of one of it’s kids based off their failure to protect them is reprehensible. This is how the Danville, Va Register and Bee and its police department do damage control. Covering up b.s for its perception. Am I to believe that a ongoing investigation is occurring within the school system and a reporter named Ms. Hughes really did some non bias reporting because in this news article, it makes no mention of this incident. This kid should have not died because the school failed to do its job. I hope the citizens of Danville finally get fed up.

http://www.godanriver.com/news/danville/bonner-gets-permanent-principal-adopts-new-color-scheme-dress-code/article_dfa8bc9c-dd47-11e3-bbd6-001a4bcf6878.html

Read Full Post »

Merle Rutledge Jr meets with Virginia Uranium Inc. in Chatham, Va

I, Merle T. Rutledge Jr,  spent 2 hours at the Virginia Uranium Inc. office having my questions answered. Main points of the 2 hour exchange. Virginia Uranium Inc. admits that mining and milling will not reduce the dependency on foreign oils nor will it reduce our fuel or electric bills because the Uranium is put on the market, just like any other mineral that is subjected to fluctuate given the supply and demand with the markets. It means just like the U.S President can not control gas prices, so the same is found for Virginia Uranium. (2) One percent of the Uranium or maybe even lower than that will go to cancer treatment. (3) Virginia Uranium would only bring 325 jobs to area which destroys the advertisement of over 1000 jobs will be here. It is 1000 jobs created indirectly and relies on other employers to hire more if the business comes to the area.  It does not, in itself, create these jobs directly, so the overall answer is a guess or unfounded estimate on job creation.  It is just a rough estimate that does not mean it will be true at all in the job creation field.                 However, I am a open-minded guy and told Virginia Uranium and its representatives that I will allow them to post information so that people can make their own decision in regards to whether Uranium Mining should be banned in Virginia. I have been against Uranium and at this time see no reason to lift the moratorium on mining in Virginia. It was shocking that they already knew who I was when I walked through the door. However, they had a lot to deal with when I started asking questions. Also Virginia Uranium will not help the Town of Chatham, Va at all in economic development or impact fees, which goes to the locality as a perk for a business being made in the area.  It does offer Pittsylvania County, which is direct friends with the Town, with their tax revenue.  A example of a impact fee is when a business says it will build 2 parks to beautify the municipality at the cost paid for or in part by the business trying to operate in the locality.

There is no exchange at all for the Town, but the County would be the only ones eligible for any economic impact fee or negotiation.  However, the county is limited in any revenue because it would be a state run or control business.  This means the county would have no say so in whether Uranium mining comes to the area because of the conflicts with the Dillon Rule.  This means the county has to get permission from the state on anything it decides to do in regards to this venture.

The NAACP President promotion of 5 percent of the jobs should go to minorities is a Myth and that there has been very detailed meetings with the NAACP is totally untrue. In other words, black people that believe jobs are guaranteed based off race is not going to happen with this company. The only benefit Virginia Uranium brings to this area is financial while negating public safety, health, and the general welfare of people that are surrounded by the proposed site at Coles Hill in Chatham, Va.

In my opinion, I am still against Uranium mining in Virginia. However, I am all for Virginia Uranium advertising why they should be here, because more than likely you will have a thorough answer to make the call for yourself with more detailed information coming from all sides.

Read Full Post »

“We all want justice in America for Joshua “Omar” Johnson of the City of Norfolk, Va

There are a lot of broken homes all across America. Families lives have been changed in a matter of seconds from the violence, prejudice, and callous disregard for the welfare of others. If I learned the most valuable lesson from The recent events such as the set up by Norfolk Police Department of the killing of Joshua Omar Johnson, and others that shared similar fates under a different set of facts, is the value of life and family. Many of us can go home and talk, hug, and kiss our loved ones, while others go to a home where there is one less family member sleeping safe in their room. We all spend so much time with bitterness and disgust for our fellow neighbor, but when they are gone, we wish for the opportunity to say at least good – bye. As a father, I look at the world and what I do a lot differently. It is no longer about what I want to do, but what is in my children best interest. Moreover, I have to consider that anything I act, speak, or take action on, in regards to the many issues that surround protecting our civil rights. 

Secondly, I am troubled by our neighbors, family, and friends that are so easily willing to take a life, but are uneasy about taking the consequences of those actions. I have seen the toughest hard core self claimed criminals read letters of apology and cry to a judge for forgiveness that will never come. Two families, like so many families, all across this country has had to suffer and deal with these tragic events. We all, including myself, has to do better to end the petty grudges. If we are to do justice on behalf of anyone is to stand together for its resolve. Joshua, like so many others, should be consider all of our son, all across America. The many critics, in regards to statements that they have been made trying to label with prejudice the negative characteristics that they view of Mr. Johnson, are only a matter of time when they will seek others for good words of kindness, and people of faith that is unconditional. Some want favor under conditions. I will pray for them, just like I pray for each and everyone of you that such a tragic events does not have to be repeated. 

In conclusion, If you have a beef, grudge, or any negative with anyone in your life, its time to come to terms, because tomorrow is not guaranteed for you or for me. U.S President Obama said it best, “If I had a son, he would look just like Trayvon!” Mr. Johnson was made in Gods image, just like all of us. Mr. Johnson, Mr. Trayvon Martin, Mr. Troy Davis, and countless others that has felt the weight and flaws of our justice system are our family, as I would hope to be treated by everyone as a member of their’s. In order for us to stop violence, we must be on the street, we must be talking to everyone on any street corner or whom we may walk bye, even if its to say good morning, and not just sitting in a room full of bureaucrats that are trying to save face and add another event to their resume. If we treat people like animals than thats how they are going to behave. We need to follow up. Furthermore, It is each and everyone of you responsibility to talk with your family. The rest is up to you. 

Goodnight,
Merle Rutledge
Civil Rights Activist
Political Blogger
Political Consultant
Former Candidate for the Mayor of the Town of Chatham, Va
Also a son of everyone in the City of Norfolk, Va

Vote Michael J. Muhammad, for Mayor of the City of Norfolk, VA 2014

Read Full Post »

Merle Rutledge …

Merle Rutledge
5 minutes ago
“A man that is armed with a book that knows when and how to use a gun will always be tougher than a idiot that doesn’t know when it is time to pull the trigger!” Quote Merle T. Rutledge Jr response to NRA, “The only way to stop a bad man with a gun, is with a good guy with one is dumb!
Like · · Promote · Share

Read Full Post »

Quote by Merle Rutledge : Envy the one in the casket!

I envy those in a casket, the one in the casket does not have to worry about me. The person in the casket has no more pain, heart break, or have to go to another funeral. While I live, I do! So who should envy who, not the person in the casket, but the person looking at the one in the casket.

Read Full Post »

Illegal traffic stop for going to slow by Pittsylvania County Sheriff Officer in Virginia

After being stopped in the Town of Chatham, Va while walking for no
reason, After being pulled over by a Virginia State Trooper for
speeding and having those charges dismissed because he did not have a
calibration certificate, After being questioned by the Pittsylvania
County Sheriff Office for no reason, Now I get pulled over for driving
too slow after going over a ramp that says reduce speed and than
getting on the highway and not having enough time to even pick up any
speed.   I get told by a female Pittsylvania County Sheriff Officer
that pulls me over on 1/12/2013 at 1:15 – 1:30am for no reason.  I am
sick and tired of the harrassment being done at the direction of the
Town of Chatham, Va and PIttsylvania County Police Departments in
Virginia.  She had absolutely no reason to pull me over and is going
to ask if I was drinking because she felt I was going too slow.  I can
guarantee she does not have a calibration certificate.  The supervisor
who i spoke to on the phone said on a saturday night that most people
are driving slow are drunk or diabetics.  This has nothing to do with
any reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle.  The speed limit coming
from Danville into the Blairs area on US 29 is 45 miles per hour.
Going over the ramp causes any reasonable driver to reduce their speed
to the limit of 30 to 35 miles per hour going over the ramp after the
mason creek rd light.  I didnt even hardly have a chance to make it
pass the hatcher center before the lights was put on me by this female
officer to say I was driving too slow.  This was a pre emptive stop
without any reason to stop my vehicle.  I would like for her to show
me radar calibration for the night she stop me which is a certificate
with a supervisor signature stating that her calibration for radar was
tested and certified.  I am also filing this as a claim for a illegal
stop and unlawful detainment of a African American Driver for her violations of my civil 4th and 14th
amendment rights.  This is harrassment and I want it to stop by all
these individual police departments and state agencies.  This is a
official claim letter and complaint against this officer.  This is
also a Virginia FOIA for the female officer name and badge number.  I
also would like the dispatcher 911 calls and any calls made by this
officer forwarded to me and any costs given to me before the
information is sent over.

Thank you for your time,

Merle T. Rutledge Jr

Read Full Post »

letter to the editor: Rutledge responds to Fred Ingram “racial slur” and apology by NAACP Willie T. Fitzgerald

Former supervisor ‘forgiven’ for racial slur

•  

Merle T. Rutledge Jr responds,

Also, Its not just Fred making these statements. Williie has a right
to speak on his own behalf. The use of the word did not just offend
the black community. It offended everyone that voted for Obama which
includes white voters in this area. These statements are happening all
across the country. To say that tempers are being flared just locally
minimizes the importance and definition of the meaning of unacceptable
behavior.   You have a right to say what you want, but you are
responsible for the consequences that come from your own statements.
The election is over and the people have spoken. It should have been
the end of it than, but Im sorry, no one in this room stirred up the
fire, it was all in Fred and Willie own doing. Willie is being paid for his public
relations work on this by BOS friends and affiliates. He has been being paid off for quite some time
so thats why Willie is not excused! Trust my anger with Fred is
nothing compared to what I think about slick “Willie T. Fitzgerald”,
NAACP president which he cited in a op ed in the Danville Register and Bee supporting possible future Uranium Mining in Pittsylvania Co, I mean Pittsylvania County NAACP President. Oops! The Virginia State chapter of the NAACP already has a proclamation that supports the ban on Uranium Mining for numerous reasons that Willie failed to mention.
The article should read Willie apologizes for Fred. Willie gets
appointed by the BOS to lots of committees, etc that pay him a
monthly stipend. He’s not likely to do anything to that will
compromise his bread and butter. Our opinions will evolve with more
information. However, its not my job to be eye to eye on everyone and
every issue. We all have to make the best decision without being
childish in our disagreement. We had a whole discussion on the issue
without calling each other kiddy or racial disparaging names. I have a
love for public service and my stereo types should not part of the
decision making process. I have watched every debate from Republican
to Democrat in our Presidential election. The behavior and rhetoric
was full of over generalizations mixed with hurtful statements about ethnic or social groups, every income class,
gender, immigration, gays, other than wealthy. However, there are many
white people, as well as other Pro American groups struggling to get bye every single day and we all, no
matter race, do not want to be just getting bye, but being able to
provide comfortably for all of our families. The use of hateful words is a natural
disaster in the form of words. Hurricane Sandy compared to the arguments on
race, which one would you consider to cause the most overall damage?
It is race. However, we all manage to come together when we need each
other, instead of us only coming together for unity and clarity of
each other. We owe each other more. This is America and we are all entitle to our beliefs, no
matter how repulsive it maybe. Fred Ingram is protected by the First
Amendment. However, I have the same rights to say what i want, but I
take responsibility and will even triple down on it, so people know, Im
not joking, but Im serious about my platform.

I do not care what race you are, any words to degrade your race in any
way is hateful and unacceptable in my book. I understand the reverse
discrimination argument and this is about wrong no matter what ethnic
group you recognize. I could care less where it came from and those
that try to put it in the paper that they forgive. They are ok to
forgive, but dont represent everyone else point of view. When you
commit a crime or wrongful act before a judge, you get punish. You can try to ask for forgiveness, but the penalty is there for those that try to use this as a defense to get out of any penalty. So to
say punishment is not warranted in some shape, form, or fashion,
especially in this area, is considered a double standard. There are
people in this area and all across Virginia that said they did not
come to me because they thought I would not address their issue
because they was from another race. I always tell anyone and everyone
that Im here for the people and not for one particular race. Wrong is
Wrong. I do not look at race as a guideline or requirement for my
support. I look at the issue and Im colorblind in my resolve.

We agree on the bad judgment on the use of words on the issue, but we
disagree on itsthe resolution. We all have someone in our family that
has done something wrong to someone. No one is immune to that
assertion, even though it appears to be naked and vague. The past is
the past. I thought as a nation that we might have moved forward, but
the process of this previous election, has made it clear that it is a
lot of work that has be done for Americans as a whole, in the
treatment of our neighbor and into the treatment of those that we may
not know. To assume is to make a fool out of ourselves. I prefer
facts and Im waiting on them to come, on any and every issue. I would
go to Fred Ingram, myself, and than defend than to go defend and not
even know the background from the person that caused the mess. I’m not going to ask anyone to be called a racist name and to say thats ok,
please feel free to do it again. Im sorry thats just not me at all.

What you might not know about Willie Fitzgerald is that
he is appointed to several Boards/Commissions for which
“community service” he receives monthly pay. It is shocking that
Willie is quick to pick up the phone to speak to Fred Ingram, but wont
even talk to or pick up the phone to talk to people about their
concerns in regards to the area.  I can name everyone that has called Willie to talk about a civil rights issue and he has never called back or even picked up the phone to hear their concerns.  However, his phone magically works for apology issues and BOS concerns.  You are the NAACP president for the BOS and not for the community.   Trust, I have personal experience, as well Willie!  There is a serious conflict of interest with you accepting any apology under these conditions.

Fred, your apology comes with a lame excuse that President Obama election cause your stock to plunge and lose a lot of money.  This is what happens when you place a bad bet.  Now you are losing more, over your antics and have nothing but yourself to blame.  A real apology would have included telling others not to follow suit all across America.  Your reaction is disease that has spreaded and your platform could do a lot to help mend fences.  However, I do not see you having any plans to stop others from doing it because it furthers your rhetoric without having any personal responsibility.  This is no apology that I will accept!  Read the bible and go to the part about faith without works section.  You can google it as well!

Also this is another letter by another concern citizen about Fred Ingram comments…

Posted: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 1:53 pm

To the editor,

I believe there are those rare events in life when a request for an
apology should not be so easily granted. Such is the case with the
recent incident involving Gretna resident Fred Ingram.

Most Americans over five years of age know the impact the N-word has
for many in our society based solely on the origin of the word.

Anyone, who uses the word in a public place in the year 2012, (even if
he owns the place) knows the import and the impact of the power of the
word.

The fact that Ingram owed an apology to the woman who was offended by
his callous comment is clear.

Based upon what we learned from newspaper reports, the offered apology
was not initiated by Ingram.

Apparently, the woman shared her story with her boss who, in turn,
called Ingram and had him provide an apology via telephone.

Even the “public” apology was not initiated by Ingram but by several
members of the community who approached him and requested he make
amends.

At minimum, any apology should be one that is believed to be genuine
and heartfelt. At no point throughout this apology tour did it appear
Ingram led the effort.

It appeared he was reminded of the role he has played as a leader in
the community for many years and was given little choice but to submit
to those demanding the apology.

There are some who believe that requiring Ingram to make a “public”
apology” is synonymous with “calling-out” a bully or a R-word. I beg
to differ.

Why do we think it is necessary for a man to apologize for what is in
his heart; for what is a clear example of his long-held beliefs; and
is characteristic of his individual behaviors?

African Americans should, in addition to being guided by “the
Christian thing” to do in certain situations, remember the lessons of
nearly four centuries of American history.

In particular, we should remember the sheer significance of the grand
privilege it is to cast a vote in a free society.

This is especially true since it was the vote, cast many times over,
that determined our lowly condition in this country for more than
three hundred years.

Surely, we will never forget that people died to ensure our right to vote.

We saw during this political season how many state leaders want to
reduce our process of voting in America to that of a third world
country.

This is especially important when you consider that the John Roberts’
Supreme Court has recently agreed to consider overturning a core part
of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The vote that I cast for President Obama on Nov. 6, 2012, had a more
profound effect on me than the first vote I cast for him in 2008.

Like Ingram who worked to see his candidate get elected, I also worked
long and hard for the Obama campaign.

As a youngster coming of age in the 1950s and 1960s, I saw firsthand
how important the act of voting was for my parents.

The two votes that I was able to cast for Barack Obama – something I
never dreamed possible – will be something I will treasure for the
rest of my life.

Consequently, I will not readily excuse someone who essentially calls
me, and others, the N-word for simply casting a vote for the candidate
of our choice.

There were 64,498,468 people (50.8 percent) who voted for Mr. Obama to
the 60,298.998 (47.5 percent) for Romney.

The president carried not only the African American vote. He carried
the Asian, Jewish, Hispanic, women, and young vote. Do all of these
people fit the term Ingram describes?

I saw Ingram’s apology in the Danville and Chatham papers.
Unfortunately, the Star-Tribune included a misplaced photo op of the
four men involved in the making of the “public” apology.

What other U.S. newspapers received notification of this apology? What
about the apology for the other nearly sixty-four-and-a-half million
plus who voted for President Obama and who live outside the area
served by the local newspapers?

This sitting president has suffered more indignities, more disrespect
and more hate than any other in the history of the American
presidency.

In fact, it has become fashionable to publicly state that you hope
someone will assassinate the president.

Moreover, it is apparently okay to volunteer for the assassination job
– even if you are someone sworn to protect the lives and property of
others.

All decent Americans should openly denounce this type of appalling discourse.

Ingram should not be let off the hook so easily. If he can, over time,
demonstrate with his words, conduct and behavior that he is not the
person he appears to be, only then can he get a nod from me. I have
spoken with many others who hold the same view.

In the meantime, I would like to see our local clergy and NAACP
tackle, with the same level of swiftness, eagerness and zeal they gave
this incident, the real and critically important issues that currently
exist in the African American community.

Janie Clark Davis

Chatham

Boycott this restaurant

Crossroads Restaurant owned by Fred Ingram

3700 Rockford School Road

Gretna, Virginia  24557

434-656-1675

fcaingram@yahoo.com

Thank you for your time,

Merle Rutledge Jr
Chatham, Va
7576923571

Read Full Post »