My Friend Greg

Greg really isn't his real name, but he's a really shy guy and I don't want to embarrass him. He's a really nice guy as well. He goes out of his way when he sees Erie Crackhead just to say, "Hi!"

Yeah, he's special.

I had mentioned his unfortunate run in with the Erie police a few weeks back. I finally found out how the whole thing turned out for him. As it turns out, things turned out alright.

He had a hearing before the area District Justice.

Before that hearing a few letters were sent to people in positions that needed to be made aware of Greg's treatment by our men in blue. Greg's counselor and doc at the VA Hospital relayed his unfortunate experience, in language and terms understood by those in positions of responsibility.

They relayed that Greg was a responsible individual, who unfortunately has a disability. They also relayed the fact that Greg was neither an alcoholic or drug abuser. These people also described the abuse and ridicule Greg was subjected to while in the care of our police.

I would hope that their treatment of Greg's situation wasn't special and would be extended to anyone caught in the same web that Greg found himself. I also hope that this type of concern for all Vets isn't just limited to the fine people who work at the Erie, PA facility.

But, then again Greg is special and so is the staff at Erie's VA Hospital.

The day came for Greg's hearing on the charge of public intoxication. He arrived at the District Justice's offices with his counselor, his doc and a VA attorney. The only thing missing was the arresting officer. Apparently the powers to be saw their error and thought better of causing embarrassment to the police department.

The charges were dropped.

Greg was given the opportunity to tell his story to the justice. His support team also reinforced Greg's story as well. All this was unnecessary from a legal point of view, as nothing further could be done with the charge. But it was heartening to hear Greg tell of the justice's reaction to the whole mess.

The District Justice was royally pissed off.

As a result, more letters were written to the Mayor and Chief of Police.

So there's a happy ending to this.

One thing to note.

People with disabilities often don't look for special treatment. In many respects they want to be treated the same as anyone else. Many don't even consider their disabilities a disability. But at the same time, busting someones balls because they may walk funny or talk funny, in your opinion, is just plain wrong.

Especially if that person is a Vet. I know at least one who has friends in high places. I know why he has those friends as well.

Like I said, he's special.

Shit, I did it again.

OK...off the soapbox.