Jackson Free Press

Dear friends and fellow Mississippians,

In light of recent remarks by Gov. Bryant, who, in mid-January, urged the MS State Legislature to use its powers to “deem illegal” and block any new gun safety measures proposed by the federal government, and in light of recent Bills passed by the State Legislature which further weaken the regulatory capacity of the state with respect to public transparency and accountability about personal firearms, I have written a short petition calling for our elected state officials to change direction and take a stand for common sense measures designed to promote gun safety and responsibility.

The language and intent of this petition is general, and, I believe, should find widespread support from thoughtful Mississippians of any and all political stripes. Please consider the words and spirit of this message carefully, and, if you find yourself of one mind with my concern to send a clear message to our state leaders about sober concern for our children, our streets and our homes, please sign this online petition and pass it on to fellow Mississippians for their consideration. While I have not “restricted” potential signees to Mississippi residents, this petition is first and foremost for state residents to send a message to our leaders. With that in mind, if we can reach 100 Mississippian signees by March 7th, 2013, I will attempt to take this petition further to local news agencies and other public outlets, with the hopes of gaining wider support. If we reach that stage and do gain support wider than our personal networks of friends and family, I pledge to do what little I can to make sure this petition is delivered to the named state officials, and to see to it that they respond.

Again, this message is meant to unite us on a path toward better, more serious and less polarized dialogue about basic matters of common freedom, security and hope, not to be divisive. Please feel free to be in touch with me about any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions you might have.

[Scott Prather is a Jackson native, academic, writer, restaurant worker, and adjunct teacher. He blogs at FourWinds.]

Got your rock-n-roll boots on? Tonight (Oct. 17), the Jackson-based indie label Esperanza Plantation will be celebrating its 10th year of existence with performances by The Weeks, Tommy Bryan Ledford, and El Obo. Esperanza began in 2002 out of an emerging artist collective, when newly-minted lawyer and exemplary Jacksonian Chaney Nichols came along and put flesh and bones (ahem, money!) behind our vision to have a support system for the music we wanted to share with the world and nurture in others. Since our first split 7", our family has steadily grown, with Esperanza's catalog now standing at over 20 releases. And we're damn proud of every one of 'em.

Even if you've never heard of Esperanza and don't know the bands, come along tonight and share in the love. There's a lot of it to go around, and chances are if you're a fan of any type of rock-n-roll (from the folk to the funk), you'll hear something you can move to. It'll also give you a chance to support Jackson's latest independent music venture, Morningbell Records & Studios. Throughout the night, we'll be previewing Bear Colony's upcoming sophomore release, Soft Eyes.

the deets: MORNINGBELL RECORDS / FONDREN / $5 COVER / ALL AGES / 7 PM

http://jacksonfreepress.com/users/photos/2012/oct/17/8948/