How to Steal a Spotlight from a Dead Hero ...
Shelley Sekula-Gibbs is a disgusting human being. There's no room for doubt on that any more. And just when I thought Ted Poe would take the prize for crassness at a time like this (with you-know-who parroting those charges all-too-mindlessly). I'll be the first to confess that there's a lot I don't get about today's Republican Party. But if shameless episodes like that of Shelley's plays to any element of the base of any political party, I'd sure as heck be happy to reside elsewhere on the spectrum.
Kudos to Toni Lawrence:
"I was embarrassed to be in the room with somebody talking like that," said Councilwoman Toni Lawrence, a Republican and one of the first to leave."There's a lot of things I disagree with, maybe the way immigration is handled, federally, and this is not the time to make a comparison."
Props to Hizzoner:
"I'll let other people judge whether they should make death a political issue," he said.
And a salute to Ronald Green:
Councilman Ronald Green, who spoke after Sekula-Gibbs, was applauded by his colleagues for denouncing her comments.''You wouldn't stoop so low to use this man's memory to advance a political career that may or may not be going anywhere," he said.
Tasteless political nonsense aside, they buried a hero on Wednesday. His name was Rodney Johnson:
"He loved being a Houston police officer, and he was a man of service and honor," said HPD Chaplain Monty Montgomery. "His physical stance was like a giant, but he was referred to many times as like a gentle bear. The first time I ever walked into the southeast station to go on patrol, he was one of the first men I met. This big man comes walking down the hallway toward me and he says, 'Hey, rookie. If you ever need any help out there, I'll be there for you.' I know he said that to many, many officers over the years."Lifetime friend Roy Gill said when they were 14, Johnson told him he wanted to be a police officer. Gill was incredulous at first and remained a bit skeptical. But he watched as Johnson gradually achieved his goal, starting first as a military police officer, then becoming a jailer before entering the Houston police academy.
"I know from all the love I see here today, Rodney would really be proud," Gill said.
Each of Johnson's children wrote a poem or reflection for family friends to read during the service. His sister, Susan Johnson, managed a few words in remembrance before emotion overcame her.
"He was a wonderful guy," she said. "He still is, and always will be. He was big — he had a big heart and a big soul. To his children I say, take a look around you. This is who your father touched."
Five kids face life looking forward without their dad. Friends, family, fellow officers, and a wife lose someone that represents far, far more than just another guy in uniform. They all deserve a bit more respect than they've been afforded lately. For want of much else to offer, my heart and my prayers are with them.
Give: 100 Club ... or just go out of your way to thank a cop (or two, or a dozen) for doing their job today (or tomorrow, or the entire month, or longer).
Greg, I agree with you on joining the 100 Club (or renewing, as I need to), and recognizing a fallen officer as a hero. In an age as cynical as ours, it's almost troubling to consider that some will lay their lives on on the line for the rest of us lazy self-indulgent types. However, I don't think there's any good reason for border security to be a partisan issue. A lot of my fellow conservatives would disagree, and will make some gains as a result. But it would be nice if we could discuss a serious issue w/o sanctimony or race-baiting. We're all the products of immigration; let's talk practical policy. If you're really offended by SSG's remarks, then let the issue drop for a couple days until we can have a rational discussion; don't call the kettle black.
John,
I'd second the notion that border security ought not be a partisan issue. My views have long been that immigration is a federal issue and in order to be consistent on that, I think it's vital to follow through and suggest that more of something is needed at a federal level.
But I don't see any pot calling the kettle black in noting, even through a bit of anger on my part, that some look at Officer Johnson's death as an opening to make a political point - especially one that would have done absolutely nothing to protect the life of Officer Johnson.
I realize you've previously tried to point out redeeming qualities of the councilmember in question here. But is it not a new low when even the likes of Toni Lawrence go so far as the comments she's levelled? Believe me, I've had my tongue bitten on a host of points that I'd love to get off my chest about how this tragic event has been spun for political gain. That you see the rant on one councilmember seeking to further her political career off of this situation isn't a pot calling the kettle black so much as the realization that I can't just leave everything unsaid when it hits a low such as this.
I'd much rather prefer to highlight people like Officer Johnson. It's fortunate that we don't lose officers in the line of duty very often. But when we do, as you note very well, it serves to make us sit up and realize the nature of the job all these guys do: HPD, Sheriff's Office, Metro cops, School District cops, etc .... Why anyone would want to sign up to have their life put on the line with every minor traffic stop is beyond me. But as I tell even (and sometimes, especially) the "mere" security officer at my apartment complex ... I'm grateful that they're there and doing the job they do.
I'd be much happier letting an entire time of mourning pass so that I might not write a single word that would frustrate, detract from, or irritate those more close to Officer Johnson ... even on the most distant chance that any little insignificant word of mine would ever cross their path. It's their season to remember, mourn, and ultimately move on. I just wish they had the opportunity to do that in a period of time when the "passing political parade" didn't offer up it's cacaphony to drown that out.
To the extent that my frustration over that spills over, be assured that it results from frustration and the sincerest form of outrage from someone who's only human.
The funeral procession was beautiful yesterday. Most of my kin live in small towns and in spite of the traffic snarl, Houston seemed like any town on Hwy 80 between Luling and San Marcos. People don't just slow down for funeral processions in the country, they pull over to the side of the road. Utility workers take off their hats and place them over their hearts as the procession drives by.
I'm sad too and, like you, I always thank law enforcement officers and the 'mere' security officers for the work that they do. I passed up the opportunity to apply for a 100 Club scholarship at HSLECJ because I was afraid to sign up to have my life put on the line for four or five years after college. Had Rodney Johnson lived in Houston when he was in high school, I'm sure he would have been one of my classmates.
RE: Pot, Kettle
It just seemed like you were using this as an opportunity to tee off on someone you've teed off on plenty of times before. I don't doubt your sincerity on the loss of officer Johnson and the nobility of those who serve.
Had she asked me (of course she did not) I certainly would have told SSG to wait until next week's meeting to speak out, but poor political judgement doesn't always equate to disgusting. But then I'm less easily offended than most. Except when she's going after my smokes. I'm not here to cheerlead SSG or anyone else, just trying to keep you fair and balanced: )
Understandable enough, I suppose. For the record, what ended up being posted was highly edited (a rarity on my part, in and of itself) to make it as less political a commentary as possible. Not that I claim perfection toward that end ... just a slight improvement.