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Speak Up! Memphis

Bowers Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Taking Bribes

MEMPHIS, TN - Former State Senator Kathryn Bowers was sentenced to 16 months in prison, and two years supervised release following her guilty plea to taking $12,000 in bribes during the federal investigation "Operation Tennessee Waltz".

Three witnesses spoke on Bowers' behalf, telling the court that she was actively involved in the community for years with a "passion to serve." They asked for leniency in her sentence for the sake of her health and her family.

Bowers spoke to the judge saying she is humbled and ashamed and apologized for her wrongdoing. She asked for forgiveness from her friends, family and constituents and Said if she had to do it again, she would not accept money. She said she realizes she made a very bad decision and will accept her punishment. She also stated she hopes that her bad decision and the bad decisions of others will not keep people from participating in the electoral process.

What do you think? It's your turn to Speak Up! Memphis.

Published Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:26 PM by APhillips

Comments

 

builtbyhh said:

Yea buddy, do the crime, do the time, no mercy for an elected offical, Holla at cha when they cut you loose.
February 14, 2008 5:47 PM
 

coreyology said:

Everyone who committs a crime is not remorseful until they get caught, and when they see prison time, that is when they really humble themselves, its pretty sad, but hey it happens to all of us, she is going to a federal prison so its sort of like a military boot camp, its not like she is going to a state correctional facility where she could possibily be attacked,

I guarantee you she will be out on a early released
February 14, 2008 6:15 PM
 

EOO1812 said:

I hope Big Bertha goes easy on her. She is such a pillar of HER community.
February 14, 2008 8:32 PM
 

MrsWhitey said:

We all should show love and compassion to the istute Mrs. Bowers.She asked for forgivness and we should give it.At least she asked for it.You can bet Ford won't ask forgivness. He'll look at you and say''Forgivness for what?''
February 15, 2008 5:46 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

@ MrsWhitey....what is istute????  I looked in the dictionary and couldn't find it.  Perhaps you meant astute?  That means clever; cunning; ingenious.  Given those synonyms, I'm sure you were referring to someone else.  LOL  
February 15, 2008 8:31 AM
 

smithtra said:

I feel Ms. Bowers sentencing was too harsh.  She asked forgiveness indeed, but this elderly lady has alot of complicated illness.  She could have been given a much stiffer house arrest punishment.  I hope that her attorneys pursue an appeal. The law has a funny way of handing down punishment when it comes to race.
February 15, 2008 11:21 AM
 

Mrwhitey said:

I feel Ms. Bowers should watch out for Big Bertha,and Lakeesha. I think the law was right on handing down punishment when it comes down to how much money she took compared to the others.You people just can't face the facts ,if you can't do the time , don't do the crime. It's just simply amazing.
February 15, 2008 11:37 AM
 

smithtra said:

We the people understand the facts. It's amazing how a white guy can get a his sentence suspended because of his illness and crime he committed.  And on the other hand this elderly ill black lady can be sentene to 16 months in jail for a criminal action she comitted. No I do not think she should have just walked away with a slap on the wrist.  All of them took monies which was unlawful, and all were offered a different amount.
February 15, 2008 11:45 AM
 

Mrwhitey said:

You're right, the old white man should had done some time.Them folks try to expalin it away with she took more money than he did, thats still no excuse. The old man should be in the joint being introduced to Big Bubba and Jamal
February 15, 2008 12:28 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

I don't care what color they are, if they committed a crime, they should have to pay.  However, it isn't always white folks who get off....seems like the Fords have been doing it for years.  How about Slick Willie....he sure has been getting away with all kinds of crap.  Can anyone say OJ?
February 15, 2008 1:27 PM
 

Mrwhitey said:

Can anyone say Manson?
February 15, 2008 1:52 PM
 

Catgirl said:

I think Crutchfield should have gone to prison too, regardless of any health reason.

He should not be allowed to use illness, regardless of how severe, to avoid paying the penalty of doing wrong. That is just as bad as anyone else using other worn out, tired excuses to excuse doing wrong and avoid paying the price.

We are sending the wrong message. Equality across the board is necessary.





February 15, 2008 2:04 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

Good point CatGirl
February 15, 2008 2:25 PM
 

builtbyhh said:

way to go CAT, but as it is justice in this country is a question of money.
February 15, 2008 3:44 PM
 

Mrwhitey said:

LOL
February 15, 2008 4:57 PM
 

Jacobi131 said:

All of  those who committed the crimes should serve jail time regardless of age,race or medical conditions. They should all pay for their actions and have to pay back the money they took whatever the amount. If they are ill, let them serve their time in the medical ward at the prisons. They should all feel remorse for what they did. Can anyone tell all of us if they filed the money they took on their  federal income tax forms? Are they not due some federal charges too?
February 16, 2008 8:01 PM
 

Dover said:

builtbyhh said:
way to go CAT, but as it is justice in this country is a question of money.

---------------------------------------------------------

Money does not necessarily have anything to do with what sentence is imposed. Those without a dime have gotten off with little to nothing for all types of crimes. ANYONE who commits a crime should serve the maximum sentence. Too often, the justice system is severely lacking in justice!
February 18, 2008 10:10 AM
 

Catgirl said:

Jacobi- talk about spooky. I was just saying those very same things to someone yesterday. Even mental illness should cease to be an "excuse." I know people can't help being born certain ways, but if putting them in mental institutions would help protect them from harming themselves or others, then maybe we should look at that a little closer. Seems like even one life saved is worth the money.

And Dover- yep. ANYONE who commits a crime should pay the consequences.

Oh darn it. I used that C word again.

Did everyone have a nice weekend? Where's Gmoney?  
February 18, 2008 11:07 AM
 

Dover said:

morning catgirl! (and shadow wherever you are)

I see you did use the C word again cat....wish the justice system would use it a little more often and make it as tough as they can but..I know..I'm dreaming!
February 18, 2008 11:27 AM
 

Catgirl said:

I have a question. Why do they call it a LIFE sentence if they don't stay in there for life?
February 18, 2008 12:30 PM
 

Mrwhitey said:

Catgirl, you just keep on using the C word . Consequences rule !
February 18, 2008 12:32 PM
 

Dover said:

Catgirl said:
I have a question. Why do they call it a LIFE sentence if they don't stay in there for life?

----------------------------------------------------
Cat ---- it's the system that doesn't bring real justice. The average length of a "life" sentence is now 15 - 20 years.  That's pathetic.
February 18, 2008 12:42 PM
 

Catgirl said:

They need to give us a new topic on our blog to give us something fresh to "argue" about to start the week out right.

Maybe the press conference I think they are supposed to have today about school security will do it.

February 18, 2008 12:44 PM
 

Catgirl said:

Dover- but WHY?

When did LIFE not mean the REST. OF. YOUR. LIFE?
February 18, 2008 12:44 PM
 

Dover said:

Cat - after watching the news this week-end, this morning there's plenty they could put on here. That beef recall made me see RED and there is always an abundance of crimes in Memphis to discuss.
February 18, 2008 12:59 PM
 

Dover said:

Cat - I can't explain the lack of justice in many 'life' sentences that go unserved. Too many get off  light when they should spend their sorry lives in prison.  In my book ANY premeditated murderer deserves the death penalty and they shouldn't waste any time sending them to HE!!. The sooner the better. That opinion sometimes ruffles feathers but..it's my opinion.
February 18, 2008 1:05 PM
 

Catgirl said:

Dover- Yeah, I'm a member of the national Humane Society, and they sent us videos weeks ago that prompted that recall. I couldn't watch it, just reading about it made me sick.

People who do cruel inhumane things to animals are the same type of people who abuse old people and children... both abhorrent in my book.
February 18, 2008 1:08 PM
 

Catgirl said:

Dover for President!

Shadow for Vice-President!

Catgirl for Secretary of State!
February 18, 2008 1:11 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

Here Here!  :- )
February 18, 2008 1:15 PM
 

Catgirl said:

For the sake of not being prejudiced against the guys, should we let one of them be on the cabinet or something? Or just keep it full of quality women?
February 18, 2008 1:24 PM
 

Dover said:

Cat - I  am also a member of the Humane Society. I do what I can to shut down those disgusting puppy mills and stop animal abuse in general. I had to walk away and not watch most of the recall video. I eat fish and a little chicken but no pork, and absolutely no beef. They fired 2 of the employees at that company for animal cruelty but if you think about it....all of it is cruel.

LOL @ President...maybe that should go to you or shadow...you're both more diplomatic than me.

February 18, 2008 1:25 PM
 

Dover said:

Welcome back Shadow!! You VP you! lol
February 18, 2008 1:26 PM
 

Catgirl said:

No- let's make you President. We want someone who can stick to their guns, and you definitely can.

Shadow can stick to hers, too, but I see her as Veep, because that way she can do more behind the scenes damage. lol

And me, I want SOS, because I'm shy, and don't want the limelight.

February 18, 2008 1:34 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

Hidey Ho good neighborettes!  :- )   I too am a member of the humane society and a card carrying member of GRRAND (Golden Retriever Rescue and Adoption of Needy Dogs).  Sadly, nothing surprises me when it comes to the cruelty of humans....but it still makes me sick just the same.  I don't think those employees who perpetrated that cruely on the cows should have just been fired...I think they should have been slapped, kicked, prodded and rolled over by fork lifts.  Perhaps the experience would teach them a little empathy.    
February 18, 2008 1:36 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

LOL...damage??? Me????  Ha Ha HA you know me too well!  
February 18, 2008 1:37 PM
 

Dover said:

mnshadow!!!! Well, that's 3 for the animals!!!! WOOOOT!!!!   About those workers? you took the words right out of my brain and put them in text. What a FINE VP you are!!!!! lol
February 18, 2008 1:51 PM
 

Catgirl said:

Shadow- and when you get done doing that, there's a special place UNDER hell waiting for them.

Well- this is shaping up to be a really cool thing- the margaritas! If we are all animal loving HS members, not to mention being so smart, etc. we will have an awesome time! I'm always on the lookout for good friends!
February 18, 2008 1:51 PM
 

Dover said:

Catgirl - You're right I don't have a problem sticking to my guns...but I can also shoot myself in the foot! ;-) With 'strong' backup like you and shadow - I won't worry. lol
February 18, 2008 1:53 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

All for one and one for all!
February 18, 2008 1:58 PM
 

Catgirl said:

Well, if you're wearing good sh!* kicking boots (which will be needed, as there's a lot of kicking needed to be done) your toes should be protected.


February 18, 2008 2:00 PM
 

Catgirl said:

Should we call ourselves the Three Margaritas, rather than the Three Musketeers? Has a nice ring to it, I think.

February 18, 2008 2:01 PM
 

Dover said:

Catgirl - I've been called worse,  so either will do for me! lol
February 18, 2008 2:08 PM
 

Dover said:

btw - speaking of humane society, when we meet, I have a great story to tell you about my last rescue. You may remember it.
February 18, 2008 2:11 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

The Three Margaritas!  I love it!
February 18, 2008 2:21 PM
 

Catgirl said:

I look forward to hearing your rescue story! And about Shadow's 156 husbands. lol
February 18, 2008 2:21 PM
 

Dover said:

He was a rescue toooooooooo? lol
February 18, 2008 2:22 PM
 

Catgirl said:

Well, #157 was DEFINITELY a rescue. Lol...
February 18, 2008 2:30 PM
 

Catgirl said:

Here we are just laughing away, while our illustrious VP is slaving away at her keyboard coordinating private messages for our Margaritafest!

Here here to Shadow!!!
February 18, 2008 2:32 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

LOL....close your eyes and listen to Jimmy Buffet singing "wasting away in Margaritaville....."
February 18, 2008 2:49 PM
 

Catgirl said:

Funny. But Garth Brooks song "Two Pina Coladas" has been going through my head for a couple of minutes. Thanks, Shadow for putting it there! lol
February 18, 2008 2:56 PM
 

Dover said:

yeah Jimmy Buffet's - Margaritaville and Rupert Holmes - Pina Colada......lol
February 18, 2008 2:57 PM
 

Dover said:

umm I think we have interrupted this blog and a few others...sorry! We needed some new stories anyway. ;-)
February 18, 2008 3:10 PM
 

Catgirl said:

I think so too! Oops! Sorry all.

Well, if they would get the live chat to work it would be easier. I just can't figure that out.  Hint, hint to the blog masters... ;)
February 18, 2008 3:17 PM
 

Dover said:

I couldn't get the chat to work either...needs tweaking or something. We did get some official business taken care of while waiting on some 'new' news to comment on. That's a plus!
February 18, 2008 3:24 PM
 

MrsWhitey said:

The banning of Mrwhitey,
            Just as Mrwhitey said hours ago this sight is ran by left leaning liberals and if you don't see it their way then you hit the highway.A friend of mine reminded me that this is a private site and they have the right to do what they want.That is fine , but it still amounts to racial censorship. Thats the reason why THE RANT on WREG.com is number one in Memphis. Everyone over there has a say. Mrwhitey was here to give his opinion on things just as everyone else. Mrwhitey told the truth and some people couldn't take it and they hid behind certain things, oh , like lets say religion . Oh they complained. Well white people BEWARE. The liberal B.U.L.L.S.H.I.T you hear so much about is alive and well at WPTY. It blows chuncks. Mrwhitey bids you F.u,c'k;ing farewell.
February 19, 2008 6:33 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

@ Mrs. Whitney.....well la di da!  LOL  And I do love your intelligent way of expressing yourself.
February 20, 2008 9:18 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

Mr Whitey's truth is very subjective.......
February 20, 2008 9:19 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

My dear, old mother used to say "Those who cannot express themselves without the use of vulgar language are obvously not intelligent enough to do so."  
February 20, 2008 9:21 AM
 

Dover said:

hmmmmmm MrsWhitey taking up for mrwhitey?!? This - after mr said he didn't know who mrs was!  My dear mother still says....."What a tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive". lol
February 20, 2008 10:21 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

LOL Dover......so true, Madame President!
February 20, 2008 10:31 AM
 

gmoney2u said:

New Topic today is the Who's gonna be the next President?
February 20, 2008 10:35 AM
 

BigCinRipley said:

Like they say it doesn't matter who you are you can't out run the long arm of LYING. She got what she deserved.
February 20, 2008 3:02 PM
 

Catgirl said:

GMoney-

Dover is gonna be the next President, with Shadow as VP. I'm SOS.

Be nice to us and we'll let you come visit us in the White House...
February 20, 2008 3:21 PM
 

junglejuice said:

Haha I hope she has a great time in prison!!!
February 21, 2008 12:22 PM
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