My last heart is for Johnnie -

[TBF]

I was touched this morning when someone actually gave me a heart. I read and rec posts, but it's not very often I start one myself. So I got in the spirit and donated - and then went around looking for members who didn't have hearts so everyone could be included (I am a socialist after all!).

It got me to thinking about the few posts I have done lately, and that led me to Johnnie. Johnnie Redding is the man they found encased in ice in Detroit last month (you can read a couple of the inital stories in my journal: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/TBF). He had been there in the ice for awhile, and eventually a reporter named Charlie LeDuff found out, called the authorities, and made it his business to tell Johnnie's tale. Ultimately we found out that Johnnie had died from an overdose of cocaine. He had given into the street life after his older brother died; up until age 40 he worked at a steel mill alongside his father. A hard life and even harsher death. In this country where we have so much you'd think we'd find a way to eliminate poverty, homelessness, hunger, and death on the streets.

So now I am down to my last heart. I'm going to choose one and put it at the end of the ones I've been given today ... and it's going to be for Johnnie. I know I will never forget him.



ETA: Thank you to the DUer who added the "K&R" heart - the heart for Johnnie is "Be Mine".

[Historic NY]

1. To Johnnie, we hardly knew you. RIP.

[TBF]

2. Thank you to all for the recs - it's a story worth remembering.

[Spazito]

3. For Johnnie....

I did follow the story of his tragic death as it was covered, very sad for many reasons. Thank you for being one of those who kept us informed about him.

[susanna]

4. K&R. n/t

[liberalmuse]

5. That is so sad.

I read that story and wondered how people could see that and not do anything. There is another John who was hit by a car in Colorado last week. He was mentally "handicapped" but blessed everyone who ever came in contact with him. Thank you for reminding us that ALL human beings are precious.

[TBF]

6. All are especially precious to their mothers. I have a 2-yr old son

and couldn't help but think about Johnnie's family. As his brother Homer said "He chose the life for whatever reason... But he wasn't homeless. Please don't call him homeless. He always had a place to go. He was loved."

[Two Americas]

11. fear

Fear of the police.

[Lucinda]

7. Excellent post.

K&R and Thanks for posting it!

[Fire1]

8. I don't think I'll ever get that image out of my head. That is such

a giving gesture in remembrance of 'the least of these.'

[leftstreet]

9. K&R

[Two Americas]

10. thanks TBF

I appreciate you keeping the memory alive.