No man is an island ...

I spent a great day in Edinburg and Hidalgo County yesterday and today. Met some smart, fun people, including the Public Defender, Jaime Gonzalez. Typical TCDLA seminar. And then at lunch today, I saw her. An older woman eating alone in a huge hotel restaurant filled with people. She had a cane. And her hair was perfectly coiffed in tight curls. I watched her and wondered what brought her there to eat by herself. Why in a roomful of people in a city of hundreds of thousands she was alone? And in her, I saw grace and dignity. I felt incredibly human when she allowed me to carry her soup to her table. And then she said, "thank you, sweeties.". And I didn't even know what to say. Still don't.

Dissonance

Bruce is touring!

Last night I watched his video Working on a Dream: The Sessions.  He had a statement in there that stopped me on my little workout bike:  "Looking for a little dissonance at the end."  Maybe conflict isn't always a bad thing.  Maybe the conflict creates its own beauty.  And maybe the dissonance in American politics is, in fact, very American.  I should probably enjoy the conversation more.

Lawyers and jurors

Today it rained. In Houston. Unusual.

 I took the tunnel to the garage and came upon an interesting sight: several people leaving the hallway from the civil courthouse late in the afternoon without county badges. Obviously they had been called to jury duty. From the conversation, apparently they were not chosen. Following them was a man questioning them about voir dire. He asked thm if they understood from the questions during voir dire that their decision would determine whether the plaintiff got any money. They told him, they had gotten that message. 

 And as I walked ever slower, eavesdropping even more ... I realized they understood everything. They got it. And that was interesting. And surprising. And maybe scarier than I ever imagined jury selection could be. I was also surprised at their eagerness to engage in what they knew with a complete stranger.  What money civil firms must have to tail discharged venire members to the parking garage to quiz them. I never thought of that. Might be useful.

Politics

I have been very quiet over the politics of the Republican presidential nominations.  Very quiet.  In fact, I am going to stay quiet.  I don't seem to need to say a word because their absurdity is on full display all day every day.  I have never grimaced more than hearing Newt talk of morality or Mit flip-flop and pander daily.  A friend on Facebook said that if Newt is the answer, then maybe we need a question.  Yes, I agree.

And Santorum's view on gay people is not just wrong, it is disturbing.  To not love our fellow man because of their choice in who to love is not just un-Christian -- it is plain un-American.

So, I continue to support President Obama in every way.  His passion and grace and brilliance have already saved this country.  I can't wait to vote for him again.

Does winning matter?

It sure does. But what defines a winner? I watched my beloved New England Patriots not lose the AFC Championship today. It was close. There was a question right up to the end if the Patriots could pull it out. As an appellate lawyer specializing in criminal defense, the wins are rare. There's no Tom Brady to save the day. We get used to losing. Losing big. And losing in things that matter a lot more than football. So I lose some cases I should win. I lose cases I probably should lose. But I am not trying to win any championship. I'm trying to be the best fighter I can be. It takes a lot to not lose your resolve and courage. But every day I feel stronger. So, go Pats. And I'll just keep on fighting the good fight every day.

2012

Resolutions.  New beginnings.  However we view the passing of a year, I do believe in starting again.  So here I go.  2011 was an amazing year for me.  I started something new. I am now an assistant public defender with the Harris County Public Defender's Office.  [while having more time to finish my pending cases from solo practice].

I have a new inspiration in my professional life.  The Chief Public Defender is Alex Bunin.  He has a passion for defending the indigent and his vision and leadership have marked a new chapter in my career.  If it is possible to have three bookends to my career ... Judge Baird, Mac Secrest, and now Alex fill those spots.  I have been more fortunate than many, in my opinion.

And my lovely family.  I always wanted a large family and in marrying Ted, he brought four incredibly unique souls into my life.  Their experiences and passions and pursuit of their dreams has been a joy to watch the past couple of years.  I am watching Michael learn from those four, as well.

I have a resolve this year to help the poor.  Read more.  Forgive always.  Dream big.  And commemorate the small joys of daily existence that make up the life I am leading.

And as a joyful aside - Bruce Springsteen has a new album out.  And on his website is a new live version of Because the Night ... these words resonated with me today (as I am home sick) ..

What I got I have earned

What I'm not I have learned.

True enough.  And let there be no doubt where I stand.

Late to the game ...

Friends,

I am very late to the discussion on so many topics ... but I'll try and catch up. Troy Davis. Everyone is upset that we may have executed an innocent man. I am too - except I'm upset with any execution. My views are in the minority -- but the death penalty company we keep - China, Iran, Saudi Arabia ought to tell us there is a problem. Are Americans just so much worse than criminals in other civilized nations? That hatred we show those who have committed crimes is so un-noble.

Taking away the last meal for death row inmates? I have heard it is a waste and not the message "we" want to send. The message I want to send is that we have grace and humanity and kindness. I have sat outside the execution chamber and the solemnity of those we ask to participate is palpable. We pay people minimum wage to strap someone down and wait for them to die. That's a lot to ask. I bet if you asked them if there ought to be a last meal, they would agree.

Bruce Springsteen is singing at a fundraising concert and the good tickets are $2500 each. I can't rationalize that, even for charity.

The Red Sox are out ... and they fire Terry Francona? I can believe it but I hate it.

Will I be better at blogging? I want to be. Time will tell.