Friends: A date on this blog has been modified as it was incorrect in the original post. Sorry for the confusion.
Ashland City, TN is the county seat of Cheatham. Just as in many other small rural towns across the Southern USA, the court house occupies the "square" in the central heart of town. Attached to the main 2-story courthouse is the sheriff's department and jail. One can walk from a courtroom to the jail without leaving the building, this I know well!
On September 28, 2010, I was handcuffed in the courtroom and escorted to the jail by the bailiff. Once he and I were on the elevator alone we could talk. He, I could tell from his comments and questions, empathized with me. He was standing close by in the courtroom and had heard my testimony and appeal to the judge, as I defended myself. Even though he couldn't directly say, and had to do his job, I had a strong sense that he thought I was getting a "raw deal."
Once the elevator landed on the bottom floor and before we could round the hallway corner, a guard, apparently seeing us on a video camera, got on the intercom, "Take those handcuffs off Mr. Hannaford! He is no threat! He's not going anywhere!" So, the bailiff even before we had passed two steel and locked doors to the booking room removed my handcuffs in the public hallway. For you see, this guard knew me from my appearing for 60 consecutive Saturday mornings for weekend jail from January 2009 - March 2010. I was never late and never missed/skipped one weekend. The guard was right! I am no threat! I will not go anywhere! My spirit, though, was highly lifted by the respect and affirmation the guard and bailiff gave me. Why will others not do the same?
Future blog posts coming soon:
Further Description of Cheatham County Jail
Jail House Grammar and Vocabulary
Gourmet Food
My Toothpaste Stolen
What would you do if you were in my circumstances? You would do what I'm doing...make the best and most of the circumstances. I don't want to be here, but my conscience and beliefs dictate that I am. Therefore, I endure the persecution, hopefully with honor, good humor and right spirit.
Thanks for your mail, your prayers, and your own right and good spirit! Miracles do happen! Attitudes, hearts and actions can meld into one good and right remedy for all! Then we shall all freely - and I do mean "freely" - and I do mean "ALL" - celebrate without tyranny or persecution present!
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
