Ritchie

Yesterday, a rookie Philadelphia Police Officer, Richard Decoatsworth, age 21, was shot in the face with a shotgun during a routine traffic stop. He chased his assailant more than 3 blocks before the loss of blood took him down. After hours of reconstructive surgery and the removal of a pellet from his lung, Ritchie is now in stable condition. The man who shot him was found hiding in some bushes near the crime scene; hundreds of cops responded to the call. In the news, fellow officers cited Ritchie's heroism and commented on his personal commitment to his duty especially since he was an officer for less than 6 months.

Ritchie and my son, Colin, were best friends throughout elementary school. The first day of 3rd grade my husband and I allowed our son to walk home from school alone. Instead of following our direct orders on "how to get home", he and Ritchie took off on their own adventure for an hour or so. Those two were rascals. 'Never knew whether to kiss 'em or smack 'em...

My prayers go out to Ritchie and his family.

And, no, I didn't need an FBI report to tell me that violence is rising in Philadelphia. Isn't it rising everywhere?

My prayers go out to a violent and enraged Humanity.

Namaste, Cyper-Universe