Now here’s a story that makes me so mad I could spit: former State Sen. John Ford, convicted last year for his (not small) role in the Tennessee Waltz bribery scandal, has stayed out of prison so far — and gets one more day — because he says he has to take care of his kids. Their mom, Tamara Mitchell-Ford, is serving a DUI sentence in Collierville, and his girlfriend, Connie Matthews, comes in only occasionally “to provide cooking services,” says Ford. Click here for the whole story.
Are you kidding me? This guy, who has publicly bragged about how many women he’s had, and whose dustup with yet another girlfriend got The CA looking at his finances several years ago, is pulling the Daddy Card? What is that judge thinking? Why does Ford get special treatment? And how many kids does he have, anyway?
I don’t usually get vengeful, but there’s a special place in hell for people who treat kids so badly. And, as the prosecutor points out, everyone else who is sentenced to jail has to figure out what to do about their kids; why does Ford get special treatment? What do you think should happen to Ford?
Responses to “John Ford, Superdad?”
February 28th, 2008 at 11:18 am
So, finally, he’s going to jail … but not for 60 days says a just-posted story on ca.com. I still feel sorry for those kids, and for that family, actually, despite the fact that they brought a lot of this on themselves. It’ll be interesting to see what five-and-a-half years in El Paso will change about John Ford.
February 28th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I’d like to know why John Ford is given ANY perks with respect to being out of jail. In John’s case these kids may be better served in foster care or family care within the Ford Dynasty.
We need to get more criminals into jail for their wrongs instead of let them roam free.
March 1st, 2008 at 5:50 am
OK. Can’t believe I’m saying this, especially since anyone who has ever read my column knows that I am not a John Ford fan.
But…. if you are aware of how much grace and mercy is extended to you daily, and how you do not get what you deserve, it is very, very difficult to wish for another’s come-uppance. And I am keenly aware of grace and mercy these days.
I heard a sermon about this (actually titled “Jesus and OJ”) and it completely changed my perspective on “what people deserve.”
February 27th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
If I were his girlfriend I wouldn’t be delighted at his saying I was only there to provide cooking “services.” What a way with words!
I’m not sure there’s a good way to treat kids when both parents are set to serve prison terms. The whole situation is wrong from the get-go.
You know how Willie Herenton’s always talking about consolidating the school system? I was talking about consolidation with a friend of mine, and she said that Willie’s missing an opportunity. Now that we’re planning to put metal detectors in all the schools, Memphis should consolidate the schools with the prison system. It would save money, and as an added bonus, the children would get to spend more time with their parents!
Okay, I thought that was pretty tacky… but you have to admit it hits close to home.