May 2001

5/17/01
Recently, there was a group of high school students touring the courthouse.  The Judge and a defense attorney were speaking to the about the law, how one gets to be a lawyer, whats it like to be a judge, etc. etc. show and tell type stuff.  They were both white males.

Well the tour was put on a by community organization encouraging minorities to pursue higher education and careers in law and stuff.  And the answers they were getting weren`t really accomplishing that

I walk into the courtroom.  The judge invited me to sit in.  After listening to the show and tell and the up with people spiel, I spoke.  I pointed out, that at the time, I was the only attorney of color in the DA`s office.  I asked them if the had ever been hassled by the man, a victim of racial profiling, etc.  I reminded them as an Assist DA, I WAS the Man.  I told them that pursuing a career in law gave you power.  You got to shape the law in the courtroom and in the legislature.  That by joining the system, they brought their perspectives and views to it.  They could influence policies, how the police did their jobs, etc.  By "becoming the Man," they could take part in the power that has oppressed them before and change it for the better.  Needless to say, my old college activism cameto the surface as well as a previously untapped militanism.

When I finished, the judge and attorney were looking at me, perhaps awe, but most likely shocked by my words.  I imagine they thought of me as a sort of Asian Malcom X, preaching to my fellow brothers and sisters.  Well, maybe I was.  But someone needs to help the younger generation.  Someone needs to wake them up to the possibilities of their lives. And in a seemingly pre-DOMINANTly white community, that was me. Peace out!!!

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5/15/01
Ack!!  Only a little more than a week till my 10 year reunion.  I have been working out like a mad man, but have managed to lose only 5 lbs.  Oh, well, maybe everyone else gained more weight.  Or I can try that liquid bacon diet I hear so much about.

I am under a gag order!!!  A judge has issued a gag order on all the parties to ensure a fair trial.  So for the first time, I can actually say, "I can`t talk about that case, I`m under a gag order."  Pretty sexy, huh?

Recently, I`ve made an attempt to get in touch with old friends.  So far I`ve done a pretty good job.  But there seems to be one person, who doesn`t really wanna talk to me anymore.  I`ll call her Pkan.  I was able to track down her number from a mutual friend.  I`m getting the impression that she aint all that thrilled to hear from me.  Well I have 2 choices now: (1) give up and say I tried and its P
Kan`s fault  for not wanting to talk or (2) continue to call/email her, refusing to give up on the friendship and to annoy and hound her until she gives in.  Whaddaya think?  I`m kinda leaning toward the pseudo-cyber-stalking.  Especially since as a Dist Attorney, I have access to all this kewl law enforcement resources.  Don`t believe me?  Fine, how`d you like to be entered into the National Crime Institute Center`s database.  Didn`t think so!!

Last week, I got some sad news.  It appears a criminal defendant I put on probation committed suicide.  I was shocked. At his last hearing, it seemed like he had really turned a corner.  Heres to you L.B., hope you found the peace you were looking for...