DIth Pran, R.I.P.

Dith Pran, the courageous and inspirational photojournalist whose story of endurance and escape from the murderous Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia was brought to the big screen in the 1984 film "The Killing Fields" has died.

Pran was a remarkable man. His story is too seldom told. It must be remembered as a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit, and of the power of quiet dignity.

The Associated Press obit is here.

The powerful final scene of the movie, which dramatizes Pran's reunion with friend and colleague Sydney Shanberg (played by Sam Waterson) is here:

Del Rey Steps Up

NIMBYism is a brutal force in Los Angeles, particularly on the Westside. The "not in my backyard" crowd routinely stands in the way of all sorts of positive things such as affordable housing, homeless services, and sober living homes.

So it is gratifying to see most people in the Los Angeles community of Del Rey stand up and loudly shout "Yes!" in their backyards. Led by the Del Rey Neighborhood Council, local residents are welcoming news that New Directions, an esteemed veterans service agency has purchased a home that will provide transitional housing and services for veterans of the war in Iraq.

The local Argonaut newspaper has some details.

What the Argonaut did not get into is that some of the immediate neighbors were making noises of protest, warning that mentally deranged veterans would be a hazard to their quiet family neighborhood. That selfishness attitude really gives a face and voice to the banality of evil.

I thought the war in Iraq was a bad idea. I think Bushg has mismanaged it horribly. I would like to see our brave men and women in uniform brought home quickly and safely. And when they get here, I want them greeted warmly, with gratitude and every single service and amenity they have risked their lives to earn.

Say It Ain't So

MMA Junkie is reporting that Leonard Garcia, a talented fighter with remarkable heart, has been arrested in Texas on charges of drug trafficking.

This is a damn shame, and I certainly hope the charges are false and that he is exonerated.

I first saw Leonard fight last April, in a tremendous bout against Roger "El Matador" Huerta at UFC 69. Huerta won in a unanimous decision, but Garcia went the distance with both skill and an obvious joy. I remember my friends and I all commenting that the more Huerta pounded Garcia, the more the little scrapper smiled. He was getting beaten, and he was clearly having the time of his life.

There was an impressive moment at the end of the fight. After the ref called the match, Huerta grabbed Garcia, and the two warriors knelt, bowed their heads together, and prayed. It was quite a sight -- a show of humility, devotion, and mutual respect.

I wish Garcia well.