Thank You,Your Honor! You've Just Signed Jody's Death Warrant

Last week, I talked about a friend of mine, Jody Keener. Jody's been dealing with alcohol problems- due in part to the events of September 11, 2001.

Jody was facing a year in jail for assaulting the director of a program called Operation: Nightwatch here in Portland, Oregon (last week, I gave her an alias to protect her identity. I will not reveal the true identity or even the alias here).

Today, Jody got credit for time served, and two years probation. However, he got the stipulation that if he's caught drinking- or even have the appearance of being drunk, he will go to jail.

This verdict is pretty sad, because by his own admission, Jody needs help dealing with his drinking. With the judge leaving Jody left to his own devices, it's now only a matter of time before Jody will be dead- either by the hand of someone, or by his own hands by means of excessive drinking. It's sad because I really like Jody, even if he's a bit loud and obnoxious at times. He's really a nice guy- albeit a bit paranoid that people are mad at him. But when he's sober, he's an okay guy.

I'll give it less than six months time left for Jody. Less than six months from this day, I'll be attending the funeral of Jody Lance Keener, dead at 37. All because a judge decided to trust Jody with his own judgment.

Prepare for your last rites, Jody. And you can thank a judge for that.