8/14/05

 

On A Personal Note

 

Saturday morning, as I sipped at my coffee and perused the El Lay Times, I came upon an article that deeply saddened me. An LAPD officer with eighteen years on the job had committed suicide on Mulholland Highway. Actually, the article didn't resonate with me until I read the officer's name; David Ralph.

Now I don't know what set of circumstances prompted Dave to "opt out" in the fashion that he did, but I do know, however, the World has lost a Truly Exceptional Human Being.

I went to school with Dave in the late sixties/early seventies, and he was one of the good guys even back then. He was bright and studious, and well-mannered, quite dissimilar from the rest of the pack I hung around. After high school, as is often the case, Dave went his way and I went mine.

Just a couple of months ago I ran into Dave when I went into the West Valley Division of the LAPD to file a complaint against an abusive tenant. Dave recognized me immediately, which in and of itself, was pretty remarkable. And we began swapping histories.

...To make a long story, short, after discovering my shaky financial situation, Dave offerred me cash out of his pocket so I could file for a restraining order against the tenant! I wasn't particularly "afraid " of the tenant, and just wanted something on record in case I had to defend myself, so I declined Dave's generous offer. But I was moved nonetheless. I mean, here was a person who hadn't laid eyes on me in more than three decades offering me nearly $300 cash out of his pocket!

Dave wrote his home phone number down on an LAPD business card and handed it to me. Then he told me, if I ever need anything I should give him a call.

I talked with Dave three more times before I came across his name in Saturday's paper.

My father, whom I was very close to, was with the LAPD for twenty years. He was one of the good guys, too. He didn't much care for "people", but he loved "individuals", and had an amazing way with animals. As well, my father had a truly generous spirit.

Lefty's been gone nineteen years now, and I still miss him.

...And I will miss my old childhood friend, David Ralph.
Rest in Peace, Brother.

 

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Three years ago, the best Intelligence Estimates stated that if Saddam Hussein was removed from power, Iraq would eventually split up into three autonomous zones. Shi'ites would control the (Oil Rich) South, Kurds would control the (Oil Rich) North, and Sunni's would control the (Endless Sand) in the middle. George W. Bush thought he knew better, and once again, George W. Bush was WRONG.
(READ STORY)

Mr. Bush rattles Sabers at Iran but is too gutless (heartless, shameless) to meet with Cindy Sheehan. Mr. Bush is a coward and a traitor, and a war criminal of the first order.

...And this is what they mean by "Compassionate Conservative"
(READ STORY)

 

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