Byrd and Melanie Billings Murder in Florida: My First Impressions

Those of you reading regularly know that I practice in the local Children's Court, so I was especially interested in the first few new stories on the murder of a couple who had adopted so many special needs kids. Byrd and Melanie Billings -- didn't they look nice in that big family photo?

1. They adopted, not just fostered. They weren't getting those monthly foster care checks, assuming that Florida runs like Texas. Nope. They adopted those kids as their own. Maybe they get some financial support (over and above Medicaid) because the kids are special needs. But they're not being paid by the state to care for them in the same way that they would be as foster parents. Big points in my book.

Ed Freeman Is a Name I Want To Know

A friend sent this to me by email just now, and I thought it would be a good idea to post it on the web.

While Ed Freeman died last August, not in the same time frame as the Michael Jackson media frenzy (which is what I thought at first, upon reading the email), I still like the idea of stopping a minute to think about Ed Freeman.

It's never a bad thing to ponder courage, and respect a hero. And, yes, it is sad that his passing did not get more media coverage -- something else we can all stop and ponder today for a bit.

Ann Coulter vs. Peggy Noonan on Sarah Palin. Catfight!

Just read this column by Peggy Noonan and then read this column by Ann Coulter.

The topic in both articles: Sarah Palin.

You know what I'd like to see?

Ann Coulter and Peggy Noonan face to face. On TV. Live.

Yeah.

The Troy Davis Case Worries Me

Troy Davis sits on Death Row in Georgia, and he may well be executed by the State of Georgia ... which to someone like me, sitting here in Texas, isn't that big of a news event. Sorry, but you know what I mean. I'm in TEXAS.

Except here's the thing: Troy Davis may well be innocent, and he's asking for a new trial -- with the U.S. Supreme Court putting off a decision on granting writ until next fall.

Judge Samuel Kent Resigned Again

Well, when the Senate guys showed up to serve a summons on Judge Samuel Kent, there in prison, he had something for them, too. A short little note that said he resigned effective the end of June.

Nixed that prior resignation letter where he resigned in 2010.

So, now I'm wondering two things: will Congress blow off the impeachment proceedings since he's quit? Will they do something else - just because some are pretty angry at Judge Kent's "strategies", much less the actual bad acts he's admitted to as part of his plea bargain?