What I’ve Learned
March 27, 2014
Today I learned that my 3 judge panel motion was turned down without granting a hearing for me to present my evidence. It was another tough day, one of many in my life. But I’ve also had great days in my life where I’ve been taught, studied, learned foreign languages, developed my character, buried friends, soldiers, police officers, neighbors, I’ve laughed, cried, sighed; I’ve jumped from C-130 airplanes in the middle of the night, repelled from helicopter skids, prayed I wouldn’t get hurt, slept in ditches, trenches, fox holes, cars, highway rest stops, saved lives, helped people, given away nearly half the money I’ve made in my life, ran into burning buildings, dark alleyways, been injured numerous times, arrested murderers, carjackers, burglars, sexual predators, volunteered at my favorite charity, volunteered as an unpaid social worker at the Caine River Children’s Home, married the woman of my dreams, had two amazing daughters, a soldier, police officer, neighbor, friend, community activist, father, husband, son, brother, and uncle. I love fried chicken, baseball, ice cream, and the Redskins, my mother and my grandmother were both maids and housekeepers nearly all of their lives and before that, worked in the cotton fields, and I will always love them and will go to my grave proud of them for all they did for our family. I decided and dedicated my life a long time ago to service. As I learned going through life, character and commitment is what matters. I’ve walked or ran nearly ten thousand miles in a twenty five year career in the United States Army, both in the Infantry and the Special Operations Command. I went from an Army private to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. I’ve been hungry and homeless as a teenager, twice. Yes, in my younger days, without cause, I’ve been pulled over and stopped by the police. I’ve been searched and assaulted. I received my GED and I also later received my Bachelor’s Degree from a very prestigious university. Had to drop out of high school to work; saved my money and bought my first car at 16 years of age while making $2.15 an hour. I’ve been to at least eight foreign countries and have learned that people all over the world are essentially the same – they yearn for freedom and justice. Like many people of my generation, I’ve experienced racial discrimination, but it never stopped me; it’s part of our undeniable history. All you can do is remember it and leave it where it belongs and continue to move forward. Don’t allow people who mistreat, exploit and abuse you to make you cynical and destroy your outlook on life. Some masquerade as the shepherd when they’re really the wolf. They will lie and mislead you so that you serve their interests thinking you served the common good. I am also proud of the men and women who persevere in their lives and the opportunity that exists today for young people. Those opportunities are endless, but there are those who seek to exploit us all by destroying the truth and the constitution. So, yes, today is a sad day for me because our motion was turned down without a hearing even though it clearly has merit, as you can see from this website. I am thankful to those who put it together and to those who continue to fight for justice on my behalf. Sooner or later someone with moral courage who is a part of the judicial system will step up to right this wrong. Hopefully sooner than later.
