Category: Death

CNN, Courage, Death, human rights, Politics, Race, Racism

The word ‘hero’ is overused but it’s truly fitting for John Lewis

I love driving by this mural that is not too far from my home in Atlanta.

When is the last time I cried over the death of a public figure or a politician? I can’t remember, really. Perhaps it was when Indira Gandhi was assassinated. I was young then and mourned the woman I had idolized in childhood. Beyond politics, she served as a role model for Indian girls of my generation.

Last night, I cried when I heard the news that John Lewis had lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. I grieved the death of a tireless fighter for freedom and justice. Continue reading “The word ‘hero’ is overused but it’s truly fitting for John Lewis”

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Death

Three executions

The United States has scheduled three executions this week” Kelly Gissendaner in Georgia, Richard Glossip in Oklahoma and Alfredo Prieto in Virginia. Gissendaner’s children are pleading for her life. They and others who know her say she epitomizes the prison system in that she has transformed herself behind bars. Gissendaner earned a degree in theology and ministers to fellow inmates. She is deeply remorseful for … Continue reading Three executions

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Death, Middle East, Military, People, U.S. Army, War, War & Conflict

Farewell, Sgt. Denny

I first met the boys of Charlie Company, 1/121 Infantry, in December 2005. I was an embedded reporter, a lost soul among the rough and tumble men of the Georgia Army National Guard. What did I know about the military, about the U.S. Army? Very little. I arrived with trepidation in my heart. But the soldiers of Company C welcomed me. One of them was … Continue reading Farewell, Sgt. Denny

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Courage, Death, Journalism, Middle East, People, Syria, War, War & Conflict

Death, dreams and dread

I had a dream last night. It was the same one I’ve had since August 20, when I learned of Jim Foley’s death. A man in black holds a small knife in his left hand. He is too cowardly to show his face. But he holds up Jim’s face. For the world to see. I have been told that if one uses a small knife … Continue reading Death, dreams and dread

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CNN, Courage, Death, human rights, People, poverty, Religion

'Dead Man Walking.' Live nun talking

My journalism brings me face to face with all sorts of interesting people. Over the years I have met extraordinary men and women and ordinary ones who have extraordinary tales to tell. Occasionally, I run into exceptional people, the kind who make me stop to reflect, respect and admire. Sister Helen Prejean is one of them. I’d known about her work for decades — I … Continue reading 'Dead Man Walking.' Live nun talking

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Asia, Courage, Death, General news, Journalism, People, War, War & Conflict

Sad news from Afghanistan

We lost another amazing journalist today. Anja Niedringhaus, 48, an acclaimed photographer for the Associated Press, died instantly after an Afghan policeman opened fire while they were sitting in their car in eastern Afghanistan, the AP said. Correspondent Kathy Gannon was wounded and is in stable condition in hospital. “Anja and Kathy together have spent years in Afghanistan covering the conflict and the people there. Anja was … Continue reading Sad news from Afghanistan

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