*Rambling through the spring brings random thoughts to mind. I am sure we all have things pop up from time to time, and this is a collection of that randomness. (Is that a word?)
*The ebb and flow of my law practice has been interesting to watch. At times, I am so busy I am ready to hire an associate. Then, things slow down, I get caught up, and have time to think (and do other things like Mayoring and KBA work.) One month the financial condition is great, the next not so much. I enjoy family law, believe it or not, and the differing perspectives clients have toward relationships. I think I have seen and heard it all before, and then something new happens. I enjoy bodily injury claims, and jousting with crappy insurance companies, who are in business to make money, not pay valid claims. I like helping folks put their affairs in order and thinking through possibilities with them. My return to solo practice fits me well, I think. I don’t worry about the billable hour, just about meeting my needs.
*Sports have always been a great joy of mine. Now with limited mobility, I am into spectator sports mostly. I am a Reds fan. I love to watch baseball. I love its pace, the ability to carry on a conversation while the game progresses, the fact that no clock is in control, the symmetry of 27 outs per side divided among 9 innings, with bases 90 feet apart and a pitcher 60’6” from the batter. 9 pitches can be 3 strikeouts. I really enjoyed umpiring (about 10 years’ worth). I enjoyed (but was no good at) golf. Watching a Georgia boy named Bubba win the Masters was a joy. I miss not being to walk a course and whack at a ball. I have participated in football, baseball, track & field, golf, racquetball and handball, jogging, and a little tennis. I wish we had played lacrosse here in the 60’s – I’d have been all over that. I have officiated basketball, baseball and football. I have coached baseball and football. I loathe soccer (a communist conspiracy designed to deprive our youth of traditional American values.) I admit others love ‘the beautiful sport’ and hope they get as much enjoyment with soccer as I do with my chosen sports. I will watch my children and grandchildren play it if necessary. My girls played slow-pitch high school softball and were very good at it –fun to watch. I have learned volleyball through them, too.
*The teachings of Jesus of Nazareth make it clear that his followers must love their neighbors and care for the least of us. With that in mind I think it is imperative for all of us to help those in the grip of addiction. Fortunately attorneys in Kentucky can participate in the KYLAP program that is confidential in nature and, literally, saves lives. Not all groups have such a resource. If you know anyone who has a problem with alcohol, drugs, gambling, mental illness or any similar malady, get him/her help as best you can. I have a dear cousin who I love very much who has become an alcoholic and hurt herself severely in a fall. She has serious injuries and I pray for her recovery. Our family has done almost everything we could to get her help – maybe this will be the straw that broke the camel’s back and get her to accept the treatment and help herself.
*Easter is one of my favorite days of the year. Spring reveals itself, our sins and faults are washed away through the empty tomb, church is usually packed – the choir always does something awesome – and everyone is all dressed up. My family gathers for a meal, good times and an egg hunt for the kiddos. It is a good day. I miss Mom and Dad, Poppy and Grandma, and other loved ones who have passed, but am confident that they are watching over us.
*I am proud of all the schools I was privileged to attend. Lloyd Memorial High School, the University of Virginia, and the University of Kentucky. I look back fondly on my times at those institutions, on the friendships on the activities, on the accomplishments, on the failures, and on the overall experiences. I enjoy reading about the successes that these schools currently enjoy, and celebrate an occasional championship. Lloyd’s district championship in basketball this winter was unexpected and exciting. Virginia is historically strong in the Olympic sports, winning championships in soccer, swimming, diving and wrestling, sending its baseball team to the college world series two years in a row, and winning the national championship in Lacrosse several times. The Wahoos are strong contenders for another title in 2012, currently 10-1 and ranked #1.
And then there is my life-long love affair with Kentucky Wildcat basketball. I listened to the games as a young boy on radio and to this day one of the voices in my head is the voice of Caywood Ledford. My father took me to a game at Memorial Coliseum in the mid-sixties and it was a magical event. My first year law school and was the last year Kentucky played in the coliseum, we moved into new Rupp Arena in my second year, and in my third year the Jack Givens – Kyle Macy - Rick Robey - Mike Andrews, Truman Claytor - James Lee Wildcats won the NCAA championship for Coach Joe B. Hall. They won again this year and with a team we have not seen in a long time and may not see again for a while. Basketball in Kentucky is special. The team is truly the Commonwealth’s team, and while there are allegiances to other great programs in our state, the Wildcats represent us all. We rejoice in their victories, we grumble and despair in their losses. John Calipari, I think, is a great coach and recruiter and for as long as he stays there, Kentucky will be among the top that five teams in the country year in and year out. That is good for the mental condition of the people in Kentucky. Basketball is truly a passion around here. By the way, its good for us all that the Hoosiers are relevant again, that Bearcat basketball is back, and the Norse are moving into Division 1.
*I enjoy going to the race track. The thoroughbred is an awesome animal. Kentucky is the horse state. The limestone water, it is said, adds strength to the bones. April and October at Keeneland are just magical. The KY Derby and Churchill Downs are national treasures. I am really upset, however, at what our elected government officials are allowing to happen, with no remorse and little lip service. Tracks in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and, of all places, Indiana are offering purses so much more than our local gem, Turfway Park, can offer so the good horses go there. Owners and trainers and jockeys barely eek out a living here. Why? The other tracks are supported by slots and casinos. Our elected officials watch all the money going to these other states and do not care. They watch the signature industry of Kentucky suffer and don’t care. The folks in this state want to vote on the issue, but our elected officials will not allow it. I am furious about this – pompous, arrogant leadership in the Senate plays games with our heritage. The only way I can see to fix this is the ballot box. My senatorial district is opening as the incumbent, a former teacher at Lloyd, is not seeking re-election. So, I have developed some questions designed to see who will not get my support and vote under any circumstances.
1. Will you openly support the horse industry?
2. Will you support expanded gaming in KY?
3. Will you support permitting the people to vote on expanding gaming in KY?
4. Will you support allowing the horse racing industry to support the purses at KY tracks with expanded gaming?
A ‘no’ answer to any of these questions disqualifies the candidate. Period. In my opinion.
While I am at it, I have a few more. I firmly believe ‘No Courts, No justice, No freedom’. The General Assembly refuses to fully fund the Court of Justice, the prosecutors, and the public defenders. It has no choice but to fund the prisons, but does so reluctantly. Public protection? Innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law? Settling private grievances through civil litigation? HA! Who cares. So . . .
5. Will you support fully funding the Court of Justice, prosecutors and public defenders?
6. Will you raise revenue sufficient to meet the legitimate needs of the Courts?
Remember the ballot box. What issues are you passionate about? Let’s hear it!
