Some people think we only write about Augusta and Columbia County. That’s not true! We try to be comprehensive in reporting on our whole area. After that statement, what can be said about the city of Blythe? Let me tell you: it’s a mess!
If you still have not seen The Augusta Press article about it all, you must live under a rock. Go back and read it and enjoy the back and forth that goes on with all parties involved. It’s like we are creating our very own reality show, “Meet the Blythers.”
MORE: Accusations Fly at Blythe City Council Meeting
The accusations were numerous, even though the one about the lady sleeping around was deemed to be untrue. However, before I started putting this column together, I was told by numerous people that the accusations about John Daniel Martin were as right as he is politically wrong. He seems to have bragged about his presence in Charlottesville, Va. and even his use of the “N” word (when he assumed he was in close company).
If these statements are true, I would definitely offer him the chance to speak with me directly, and maybe we can even make an interview out of it. I would love to have a little “color” commentary back and forth. Get out of here!
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Speaking of the potential for racist accusations, it seems as if the City of Hephzibah has gotten itself into a pickle. And by the way, I do stand behind my comment that pickles do not belong on any type of sandwich. It seems as if there is an Officer Tucker who recently detained, cited and grabbed Christopher Jefferson around his neck for asking his name. This happened after Jefferson, who was walking down the road singing rap lyrics, was stopped and then told to keep walking. He then turned around to ask for the officer’s name. Less than a minute later, he was in handcuffs and on the ground.
The video can be found on WRDW. And I read this video was provided by the chief because he was there watching this entire incident play out. Now, I am the first to encourage us all to look at the entire incident. Anyone who knows me knows I am a big supporter of law enforcement. My wife is the “Po-Po,” not to mention my grandfather, father, uncles and numerous friends who have served or actively do serve. However, wrong is wrong.
I’m not saying this situation was handled wrong; I’m just saying three people — that don’t look like me — told me to dig into this a little further. I can assure you that The Augusta Press investigative team is on it. One of the things I learned was that the officer who allegedly acted this way is the brother of the mayor of Hephzibah. This relationship may explain why there was no action being taken against him.
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I was then told the mayor of Hephzibah probably doesn’t have any time to look into this situation and that he has his own issues to worry about. Sources close to this situation told me he used to work at a chalk mine. He doesn’t anymore, and there is some type of investigation about buying and selling property.
And y’all are worried about Hardie Davis! Seems as if the things our mayor is accused of are nothing. We will continue to sit back and see “As Hephzibah Turns.” That sounds catchy. We can follow that up with “Meet the Blythers.” We can have an entire network of reality shows after a while!
More from Michael Meyers: Opinion: Strip Clubs and Cigar Bars Dominate Augusta Politics
One last thought: a local news channel ran a story reporting on the city’s appearance heading into this past week’s Ironman competition. If the ArtsCity Festival (the mini Arts in the Heart) was any indication of how the area would look, we are in big trouble.
Let me make sure to say this: great job to all the people who helped put our mini Arts in the Heart festival on. It was great and a big success. I ate so much food and saw so many smiling faces. However, the trouble I’m referring to is the grounds and the cleanliness of the city downtown. It was horrible! We must work harder on making sure we keep Augusta beautiful. We need the “Masters Week” emphasis on beauty and cleanliness year-round.
Now, let’s talk about the department head who is about to be roped into this Sammie Sias case whether he wants to or not… But here I go getting ahead of myself again.
Michael Meyers is a Columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com.
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