Harry Covert - The Covert Letter

The Chief in Charge, Showing Great Restraint in Barricade Situation

The Chief in Charge, Showing Great Restraint in Barricade Situation

By HARRY COVERT

        It always irks me to hear about hostage-takers and kidnappers.  In my thought, these people are the worst of the worst.  My instant reaction is to knock down the door and send in the sharpshooters and get it over with.  I know that doesn't sound very nice.  

        After my 15 seconds of thought on the matter, that's not the proper reaction either.  Besides, that's not how it's done in Alexandria, as a recent incident in Cameron Station off Duke Street shows.  

        Chief David P. Baker's Alexandria police showed great restraint and pure professionalism in dealing with James Downs.  About 10:45 on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 29, in the midst of a domestic situation, Downs shot his girlfriend with his black revolver in the back and side.  She was the mother of his infant daughter and his business partner.  

        Police in the area responded, managed to grab the shooting victim and took her to the hospital   Police quickly established street control and set up protection for the neighborhood and the nearby elementary school.  "Our Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) was up and running very quickly, within a half-hour," he said.

        Within minutes of the shooting, Alexandria Sheriff's Deputies had responded to support.  It wasn't long either before the Special Operations Team arrived, specially trained officers for these type of situations. Then the city's fire department and EMS teams,  emergency management, and Red Cross arrived to help.

        It's simple.  From the beginning, Chief Baker's forces were determined to wait out the shooter, hoping to save his life and maybe others, too.  As always in these situations, Alexandria's police showed great restraint and pure professionalism.  

        For Baker, the day began attending a special City Hall meeting for department heads.  In the quiet, his pager buzzed.  In moments, he was up, excused himself and out he went, arriving quickly at the scene.  The situation didn't get out of hand.

        "Things were getting into place very quickly when I got there," he said.  The police Command Bus got there within 20 minutes after Chief Baker.

        "It was at the point that the scene was secured, the perimeter established and the community notified," he said.  

        The situation developed rapidly, Baker said, as the victim had been taken to the hospital and the baby rescued from the front of the house."

        Hostage and kidnapping situations are not new to Baker.  Now in his 39th year as a police officer, his experience plays an important role in his daily work as police chief and his leadership obvious.   
        
        "I have been involved in dozens of hostage barricade situations," he said, "especially during his time as captain of Washington's Metropolitan Police Special Operations Division from 1987-91.  He served in D.C., beginning in1970 and retiring in 1991.  He was named as Alexandria's Deputy Chief in 1991 and selected chief in 2006.

        Baker has never let anger or revenge get in his way managing hostage standoff situations.  "I never shot a hostage taker or kidnapper," he said.  "I am very proud of our people.  The incident ended like it should because of the exceptional work of our people, Sheriff Lawhorne's people and the help we received from Arlington."

        In the Cameron Station standoff, the shooter James Downs came out on the balcony of his townhouse once in the afternoon.  It was at this point police thought he might surrender. The negotiator talked to him for numerous hours, trying to convince him to surrender. The Tactical Team surrounded the home, maintaining a controlled and safe environment. They were determined to wait him out. as negotiations continued.  In late afternoon, Baker and his team called in assistance from Arlington, his officers had been enduring long periods of time in extremely cold weather.  

        "This was an exceptional team effort," the silver-haired chief said, quick to spread praise around.  "We stood up very quickly.  The scene was very well organized and managed."  Within moments after Baker arrived, he was joined by of his deputy chiefs and various city ranking officials, including Mayor Bill Euille and City Manager Jim Hartmann.

        It was indeed an excellent performance by Baker and his department.  It was a long day.  Unfortunately, Arlington police entered the home around 11 pm and found that Downs had fatally shot himself.

        I'm sure patience is a virtue and most of the time it saves lives.

FROM PILLAR TO POST

The Remarkable Skeeter Swift,
Alexandria’s Basketball Legend

By HARRY COVERT

They call him the "Sultan of Swish" in Tennessee.

Growing up they called him "Skeeter."

Today, he’s the "Legend" of Alexandria.

He’s earned the titles.

Actually, Harley "Skeeter" Swift grew up on the streets of Alexandria. At about 10, before he had a two-wheel bicycle, he pulled a little red wagon up and down Washington, King and especially Lee Streets, a little tyke going from "pillar to post." He always had a basketball.

Skeeter Swift’s remarkable career is being recalled in a biography I’m writing. It’s called, "Skeeter: The Legend of Alexandria." I’ve researched his life extensively, interviewed many of his high school friends and companions, who today are leaders of the community. We’ve prepared a 15-chapter book.

I’ve known Skeeter for many years. He is a living legend of his hometown, in Tennessee, his adopted state, and throughout high school, collegiate and professional sports circles. His story is a remarkable one.

Swift fell in love with basketball as a mere boy. He literally dribbled the ball everywhere he walked in Old Town. The remarkable thing is his basketball prowess began on a cobblestone alley. Every day for three and four hours "I’d dribble, dribble and dribble on cobblestone."

The alley still stands today next to the Burke and Herbert Bank building on Fairfax Street. It’s called Swift Alley.

It’s not named for Skeeter, even though it should be. In fact it’s named after his parents, who at the time operated a popular bar, which Skeeter describes as a saloon.

Today, at 62, Skeeter Swift has had a stellar athletic career as a player and as an outstanding high school and collegiate coach. He lives in Kingsport, Tenn. He still has family residing in Alexandria.

"Rain or shine, I’d just practice and practice," Swift recalls. "I learned what to expect from the ball when I tried to dribble on a cobblestone. Then I’d dribble as I pulled my wagon. I loved basketball."

A few years later, Skeeter received a bicycle as a Christmas present. He was a familiar sight around Old Town, this growing hulking boy with the ball in the basket. He wiled away his days, all year around and in all kinds of weather, at the Lee Street playground, shooting and dribbling.

"I developed a dead-eye, jump-shooting all over the court. Nobody could beat me. I could shoot the ball." He honed his skills so well he turned it to an advantage by "earning extra money" from young basketball players from all over northern Virginia, Greater Washington and in Prince George’s County. "They all wanted to test me. I always won." As someone said, "it ain’t braggin’ if you can do it."

As a teenager he grew to 6-feet-3. He could play basketball better than most. He was not the big center on the team but a guard – a 200-plus pound guard and he could shoot.

Without question, Skeeter put George Washington High School, now a Middle School, on the sports map of Virginia and Greater Washington. He was highly recruited by Virginia colleges. He chose East Tennessee State University because of a full scholarship. "I wasn’t a very good student then, but I learned," he says.

And learn he did. Skeeter could dribble and shoot and "showoff. I had to be a showman." He was not only a great player but an outstanding entertainer. "I had to be at East Tennessee. For the first time in the school’s history, we filled the gym with fans."

Skeeter didn’t let the fans down. He became a three-time All-Ohio Valley Conference player at East Tennessee State and the Player of the Year in 1968. He was elected to the ETSU Hall of Fame in 1982. When he was first recruited by ETSU, the coach thought he was a football player because of his size.

He’s in many Halls of Fame and has been honored by numerous groups in Virginia, including the Alexandria Sports Club.

Many old-time Alexandrians still remember the 1965 high school football game when he drop kicked a field goal and George Washington High School defeated Annandale. Few people had ever seen a "drop kicked" field goal, which is still legal today. Most recall his legendary performances on the basketball court at Tulloch Memorial Gym of George Washington High School in the early 1960s.

Skeeter Swift put East Tennessee State University on the national map with his basketball playing days. He went on to become a star in professional basketball where he scored over 3,000 points in his career and today ranks as one of the top 10 free-throw shooters in the American Basketball Association, now the National Basketball Association.

He has been an outstanding coach, teacher and speaker. As a coach at Oak Hill Academy, he won a national championship. © Copyright 2008 Harry Covert.

Virginia’s Third Senator

By HARRY COVERT

I'm sure sorry Senator Jesse Helms died. That was inevitable, but I'm glad it was on July 4. To me his Heavenly ascent elevates him to the near godly stature of the great Thomas Jefferson, who died on this date in 1826. I always called him Virginia's Third Senator. He lived in Arlington, Virginia, all of his political years.

Senator Helms was a gentleman, a man of his word. When he believed something, he never wavered, never was wishy-washy and everyone, including his colleagues knew he wouldn’t change. Some wags enjoyed naming him “Senator No.” He sort of liked that. He was 86.

He’s probably the last of the true blue conservatives, top to bottom. He started in his native North Carolina as a newspaperman, reporter and city editor in Raleigh and later as a TV commentator. That gave him a good start on the issues. He parlayed that journalism experience into a political career that made a difference in America and five-terms, 30 years, in the Senate.

After two terms, Helms called a meeting in a senate room on the pretext of asking advice of several of his longtime political operatives. He wanted advice on whether he ought to run again. He was a few minutes late but Tom Ellis and Carter Wrenn, his political allies, his Lynchburg friend Ron Godwin and me sat around gabbing. Ellis, Wrenn and Godwin agreed that Jesse’s “really trying."

Moments later in walked Jesse, smoking his favorite non-filter Lucky Strike cigarette (remember, North Carolina is a tobacco state). He “acted” as though he really wanted our opinions. He confided he had to ask his wife Dot because he wasn’t sure she had the stamina for another campaign. We all laughed at that. They knew she’d go for it. She did. And he won his third term.

Constituent work was one thing Senator Helms was best known. North Carolinians could always count on immediate assistance and prompt responses to letters and phone calls. I was a Virginian and received first-class treatment, too. Whenever I needed assistance for international relief projects* Helms and his office were always quick to help. I always carried a letter of introduction to U. S. Embassies.

Once as part of a 25-container project going to Croatia, there was some official assistance difficulty in Zagreb. A rather rude embassy official was making life a little unpleasant. At last resort I whipped out my Helms letter. Still, the red-tape was sticky. However, a phone call back to the Senate brought about a personal call from The Man himself. The project went smoothly after that, including an even better meeting, including dinner, with the then Vice President of Croatia. Helms did quit smoking. He never stopped wearing a dual lapel pin of Old Glory and the North Carolina state flag. He’s evidence that some newspapermen will make it to the celestial climes. #

*From 1988 to 1995, Covert coordinated and developed international humanitarian relief projects throughout African, Central American and emerging eastern European countries. He is currently chairman of World Emergency Relief-United Kingdom.

A Perfect Midsummer Evening

Went to see Lyle Lovett, the marvelous musician, July 2 at Wolf Trap Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Va.  My wife, Pat, and I had perfect seats, Section H, numbers 40 and 41, Orchestra Section. Had it been a football game, we would have been on the 50-yard line. Let me report, the show was exceptional. The uptown crowd – 8,000-plus -- packed the Filene Center. We didn't take a picnic like most of the crowd. We ate our tuna salad with tomatoes and lettuce on wheat rolls at home. We felt at home as we carried our bottled water. I thought it was fun people watching, seeing music lovers enjoying food from their coolers . . . some dainty little sandwiches, some sub sandwiches, some salads, some smoke salmon and one enjoying spaghetti sitting on blankets sipping wines, diet sodas and water.

The weather was perfect too. Mosquitoes, probably with a little help from the Park Service, weren’t anywhere to be found.

I must say, "Lyle Lovett and his Large Band" in concert were awesome -- absolutely great musicians. The 25-member ensemble included God’s Generation, a trained young black gospel group from Connecticut; three stylish black singers from LA; a classically-trained cellist from Wyoming, a bass player from the left coast; two percussionists – drummers; two guitarists, one doubling on mandolin; a violinist from Texas; a steel guitarist from Nashville; and a pianist (not a piano player) from Los Angeles. Joining the show toward the end of the concert was Mike Eldridge of Northern Virginia, a longtime member of the famed Seldom Scene blue grass band. They performed non-stop for 2 1/2 hours. Superb musicians all.

Lyle’s a Texas boy. I discovered he majored in journalism and earned a graduate degree at Texas A&M. He's a combination of alternative country, gospel and the blues. In college working on the school paper, Lovett began interviewing and hanging around with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and others in informal, front-porch jams where he hone his skills.

None of the audience left early and offered standing ovations and received two encores. Variety is the spice of life of course and Wolf Trap certainly has variety. #

COUGH-UP, AMERICA

A Special Report

By HARRY COVERT

There is no evidence that Americans truly care about the rising gasoline prices.

I don’t see any citizens holding the government accountable including the Current Resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, or those who prattle under the Capitol Dome on either side of the aisle. Nor are we really angry with the oil companies. I’m no economist but we ought to be more than somewhat irate with those to whom we trust our lives.

Gas prices keep creeping up. Except for an occasional blip on television; it’s business as usual for Americans. It’s acceptable now to believe the old axiom that talk is indeed cheap.

It seems to me the high oil costs ought to be a major part of the currently outrageous presidential political campaigns and the races for the House of Representatives and the U. S. Senate.

While the average American does want change, Mr. and Mrs. America have simply been lulled and dulled into accepting the status quo.

I’m convinced the politicians and their cohorts are in a win-win situation. They really don’t care what it costs taxpayers even though they feign interest and move on to those topics, which seem to be merely subject changers -- obfuscations -- the floods in the Midwest, the fires in California, the idiotic global warming stuff, same-sex marriages, criminals gone wild in the District of Columbia and no energy self-sufficiency. The obfuscations are so evident that no one wants to talk about accomplishing any thing that makes a difference. A policeman was killed last week in Prince George’s County, Maryland, adjacent to the District line. A gun didn’t kill him but it came at the hands of a 19-year-old in a stolen truck.

Why is no one angry?

I’m beginning to believe that we Americans are suckers.

In this time when we wail at the alleged failing of Social Security which government wizards tell us is going broke; that seniors won’t get their money; then they tell us no one in the government can do anything about escalating gasoline prices; that the government can’t do anything about the outrageous prescription drug prices; that the government can’t do anything about illegal aliens; that the government can’t do anything about . . . The list goes on. Tell me, what is it that the government can do?

If the truth were known, the coming Presidential elections ought to be just one ticket of candidates, Ticket Number One: John McCain for President and Barack Obama for Vice President; Ticket Number Two: Barack Obama for President and John McCain for Vice President.

Neither would make a difference for the United States come January 20, 2009.

We are led to believe the nation is in peril because of international terrorists, the oil cartel, the Iraq war, the Afghani war. I’m a bit cynical of course. Every American ought to be suspect these days. Our leaders have all become status-hungry eunuchs.

We complain among friends, and ourselves. The fire that was in the bellies of our forefathers seems nearly extinguished.

A humorist wagged a few years ago, "an honest politician is one that when he’s bought, he stays bought." That seems a bit true today.

Take a look at the latest fund-raising figures from the Federal Elections Commission. The Presidential candidates received $968.1 million through June –- let me repeat -– that’s 968.1 million US dollars. And they say the economy is tanking.

Let’s break it down even further. The nation can’t be suffering too much if the political candidates are raising these exorbitant amounts of money. We must admit, this amount of money is outrageous and probably sinful. You may ask who gets it all – campaign workers, advertising outlets and fund-raisers and others.

Of that total, Democratic presidential candidates received contributions of $605.5 million. The Republican candidates got $362.6 million.

So, let’s feel sorry for ourselves in this awful economy.

Senator Obama’s coffers have received, through June, $244,212,855.54; Senator Clinton received $229.4 million; and Senator McCain came in with $111.3 million.

So, it’s business as usual in the 50 states. The average American donated $3.22 to the presidential campaigns, not enough for a gallon of gas in the nation’s capital.· Copyright 2008.

Nolan Dawkins: His 'Incredible Day' in Virginia

By HARRY COVERT

When Nolan Dawkins was growing up, he and his childhood playmate couldn’t get a drink of water outside of their homes in Alexandria, Va.

In those days, the city was part of the old-time south where drinking fountains, public facilities and public schools were racially separate and allegedly equal.

Dawkins and his childhood chum, Bill Euille, grew up in the Parker Gray neighborhood. As adults they have been leaders of change in the city and have distinguished themselves, Dawkins as an attorney and jurist and Euille as a businessman and political leader.

Today, things have indeed changed. It was never more evident than on Thursday, June 12 when Dawkins became Alexandria’s first African American Circuit Court judge and the 18th judicial circuit’s third judge. He joins Chief Judge Donald M. Haddock and Judge Lisa B. Kemler, both native Alexandrians.

William D. (Bill) Euille, now mayor, was among the first speakers at Dawkins’ swearing-in ceremonies, first as friend and second as the city’s leader. He and Dawkins grew up on Columbus Street. Dawkins was one of seven African Americans who broke the color barrier and entered George Washington High School, graduating in 1965. Euille tagged along but graduated from T. C. Williams High School in 1967.

And, 43 years after graduating from high school, Dawkins was accepting the well-wishes from a packed audience of more than 300 well-wishers in the Franklin P. Backus Courthouse for his seating.

Del. Brian J. Moran (D-46) read Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s official proclamation naming Dawkins to the Circuit Court. It was Moran who spearheaded the eight-year term through the General Assembly in March in an often sticky political struggle.

THE INVESTITURE APPEARED almost like a homecoming for the respected Judge Dawkins. His wife Lorraine and three daughters, Kelli, Kimberly and Ashley participated in the judicial "robing" of the new judge. Dawkins was greeted by his fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Mabel Lyles. She beamed with pride listening to the accolades for her pupil at the city’s Lyles-Crouch Elementary School. His first grade teacher was unable to attend.

Rev. Dr. Elbert J. Ransom Jr. set the stage for the ceremony as he invoked "Divine favor" on the Dawkins judgeship.

Retired Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court chief judge Stephen W. Rideout praised the selection of his colleague, noting how they worked together and often thought alike in the development and growth of their court.

"This is an incredible day," Dawkins said later. "A little piece of me will always be with the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. But, it’s very different up here. I am looking forward to the work. Alexandria is a wonderful city."

The ceremony was marked by family and friends. As conversations raised the decibel level in Courtroom No. 2, bailiwick of Judge Haddock, the noise was so loud that Deputy Sheriff Walt Travers, the veteran bailiff, had to call the court to order with a booming voice.

Sitting and retired local, state and federal judges, the city’s elected Constitutional officers and attorneys all filled in the courtroom.

ACCOLADES MADE IT an ever grander day for Judge Dawkins. Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, responsible for courthouse security and also an Alexandria native, said: "There is no one more deserving of this position than Judge Dawkins. He has earned this because of his outstanding reputation in our community both professionally and personally. Plus he has a great sense of humor."

Semonian said, "He’s given a ton to this community. I had the pleasure of swearing him in the first time (as judge of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court). And I was glad to do it again." Semonian, also a native Alexandrian, is a 1951 graduate of George Washington High School.

Dawkins was passed over in 2004 when his nomination was stymied by a politically divided General Assembly.

"He never complained and never made a fuss," Dr. Ransom said. "This is his time now."·

Copyright 2008 Harry Covert

Gabble, Gumnation and Politics

By HARRY COVERT

ONCE UPON A TIME IN A DIFFERENT part of my life, I thought I’d run for public office. It was hard work. I know full well all politics is local. This was never more evident to me than on one afternoon when I was busy knocking on doors, introducing myself, smiling and being sweet and nice in the neighborhood.

Let me digress for a moment. What a campaigning year we’re having. It’s almost a carnival atmosphere as the gloves seem off in the Democratic race for president. And how the television commentators, analysts, columnists, bloggers and generally good bull-shooters are enjoying the melee.

Unfortunately, so much of the gabble or gumnation as I like to describe it, is about to turn off most of the voters. We have a long way to November. But, I admit, it is fun listening to the in-fighting, out-fighting and nefarious and various predictions.

We can’t say the media types are selling newspapers or magazines this time but they are selling lots of air time, even if it’s mostly hot air. It’s fun to watch.

All the hoopla we’re enduring reminds me of my effort and what it takes to meet the voters on every street and avenue of cities and towns. Most candidates do this when they're alone, when no reporters of any sort are following. You have to admire the candidates. Let’s not forget though, Americans are paying through the nose for the campaigns.

I enjoyed a 10-year period when I loved to umpire baseball games, softball games and to referee high school and college basketball and football games. They were always exciting events. You meet a lot of people.

I can tell you, a person can get accustomed to catcalls, boos, threats and dreadful, even profane, language because that’s what many people do at sporting events. Blame the umps. It’s part of the fun of competition. Sometimes it can be hard to take but game officials do that. Every now and then you can get sweet revenge. You have to be slick and delicate.

There is a similarity between officiating sporting events and campaigning for elective office. From my experience, most people are very nice and make campaigning fun. On occasion, citizens will tell you what’s on their minds and the majority of times it doesn’t involve campaign issues.

In my case, I rapped on one door politely, introduced myself and the lady of the house opened the door. She leered. Yes, I said she leered at me. Without missing a beat she sneered, "Whaddaya want?"

"I’d like your vote," I replied somewhat furtively.

"Well, get off my porch," she squealed. "I know who you are and I ain’t voting for you." That was rather definitive, to the point.

I GOT OFF THE PORCH, TRIED TO MAINTAIN a bit of dignity. I made one more attempt to find out just why this woman had little good to say of me.

"What did I ever do to you, madam?" I asked, attempting to be soft and to possibly save the situation. I managed a heavy emphasis on the word madam, probably employing a little sarcasm with a smile.

"You called my son out at home plate and we could have won the game. You’re a bum."

I swallowed hard. I knew then no amount of explanation or apology would work in this campaign stop. So I smiled again, thanked her and got away as quickly as I could.

What did she know, I thought to myself. So, I rationalized, she was obviously dumb as a stump, definitely pigheaded and didn’t know anything about baseball.  Certainly, she  didn’t know anything about politics. --Copyright 2008.

EASTER: COOL, BRIGHT AND HAPPY

I’ve always looked forward to Easter. I’m at First Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia.  Arrived early to make sure I got a seat. It’s brisk outside, about 38 degrees but comfortable inside the magnificent auditorium. I do notice some women wearing large and attractive hats. I love it.

As a boy in Newport News I remember that women and young girls in my church, and most others, wore corsages. Men and boys proudly displayed red or white roses on lapels of new suit coats or sports jackets. In those days we all had our baskets brimming of with chocolate eggs, assorted candies and colored hard-boiled eggs lying on artificial grass. It was a fun time.

Today, there were lots of white- and gray-headed happy people. One older silver-haired fellow enthusiastically greeted people. Wearing a bright pink sports coat. his happy demeanor led to more smiles.  He looked sharp walking up and down the aisle before the music started. Of course, Easter brings on New Beginnings, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus. The choir led the singing of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today."

Seeing and hearing the festivities this morning, I recalled growing up in the early Fifties. After morning services, lots of folks paraded themselves downtown on Washington Avenue as a rite of Spring with their wives, girlfriends and families, sporting new hats and brightly colored spring ensembles. And, of course, showing off.

On this Sunday the church is filled to capacity. The 67-plus-voice choir and Church orchestra were at their best, in fact, extraordinary. The congregation joined in singing "Hallelujah to the Lamb," a moving outpouring. We all respectfully stood as the music reached the Hallelujah Chorus.

Senior Pastor Don Davidson’s message today is "Like Him We Rise." He gave the "good news."  He reminded folks that 86 percent of Americans believe Jesus rose from the dead. "God has promised more to us than just this life," Don said. "We should encourage one another for everlasting life. God has made a way for us to live forever."

Spring is obviously here despite the cool morning and bright sunshine. There is something about Easter Sunday that brings about a glow and freshness.

This is the earliest Easter in 84 years. The congregation appeared happy and uplifted by the music, the message and the atmosphere. Don Davidson is one of those rare pastors with the special Gift.

"We’re all going to go through the door marked death but on the other side is paradise," he said.

The next time the three-day Easter period (Sacred Tridum) comes this early will be in 2228. The last time it came this early was in 1913. Looks like I missed the latter.  I won’t be around for any parades for the former, 220 years from now. · Copyright 2008, Harry Covert.

Judge and The Note . . .Just In Time

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One of my favorite Alexandria jurists is retired General District Court Judge Daniel Fairfax O’Flaherty. 

Even though he’s been retired a long time, he presides regularly as a substitute. He’s a fixture and still has second-floor chambers in the Courthouse on King Street.  He’s a familiar face in surrounding jurisdictions.

            Virginia’s lawmakers will change the face of Alexandria’s court system in a few weeks.  The city will have at least three judicial appointments and possibly a fourth, brought about by retirements of one of its three circuit court jurists and the chief judge of the General District Court.       

There will be new judges in the Circuit Court, General District court and quite possibly in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

            As the General Assembly ponders the Alexandria courts, I’m recalling a January a few years ago when two Haitians from Harlem escaped jail and criminal records, because of an illegible note.

            In early December 1998, two young Haitians took a wrong turn off Interstate 95 and ended up in an Alexandria apartment complex in Alexandria.  They fell asleep in their car.  At about 3 o’clock in the morning, police were called to a suspicious vehicle with two men inside.  Residents of the complex were scared, figuring they were drug dealers, especially since their car had New York State license plates.

            City police arrived, questioned them at length and didn’t like the several different stories as to why they were in Alexandria.  One said they were “coming to Richmond,” the other said they were looking for Greensboro, N.C., and the other said they were going to New York.   

            The boys were arrested, charged with trespassing and lying to police. Bonds were set at $25,000 each.  For the next two weeks, they languished in the Alexandria Jail, hopeless to be released for Christmas with trials set for January.

            At the behest of veteran Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Kimble who felt sorry for them, I went to the jail and interviewed them on the chance they were bondable.  (Frankly, I figured it would be a nice Christmas fee for me.)  I discovered one of boys had $1,600 in his jail account.  The other was penniless.  Their families were unable to raise the $25,000 bond or the bondsman’s fee.  They only person who may help was their church pastor. 

             I called the Harlem pastor.  He said one of them worked in his church.  The other, the one with no money, was dating his daughter.  “Both are good young men.”  I explained they needed bail bonds and someone to sign for them and someone to send the money.  I was the bondsman.

            The pastor wired $2,500 bail money for one boy and $800 for the other. The boy with $1,600 sent a note to the property deputy giving his $1,600 to me.  He scribbled a note. By the afternoon, the money was transferred for his bond release. 

            I put the note in their file, drove them to the bus station back to Harlem.  I was hoping they would return in time for court.  They did appear for General District Court.  Judge O’Flaherty was presiding, listening to the case with eyes closed, his white hair gleaming, and bright bowtie showing under his robe.  He wasn’t asleep.  The prosecutor’s evidence was pretty good. Public Defender Kevin Gaynor was working hard.

            I listened. I was just happy they had appeared for court.  To pass the time, I looked in the file.  My ears perked when the prosecutor asked for 12 months in jail.  Suddenly, I realized in re-reading the file, that the note to the sheriff’s property deputy, the boys could barely speak English, let alone write.  I stood up and walked to the front, asked to speak with the public defender.  Judge O’Flaherty appeared a bit startled but agreed.  I showed Gaynor the hand-written note, explaining these Haitians didn’t understand English very well and probably didn’t know what the policeman was saying.   

            The prosecutor saw the near illegible note, and took it to Judge O’Flaherty and the cases were dismissed.  I’ve always appreciated Judge O’Flaherty.  He’s a wise man.

            I know the General Assembly will be wise in filling Alexandria’s judgeships. • Copyright © 2008

A Merry Christmas to Everyone ...

It's that time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2008 with a special tip of Santa's cap to:

             George Ramsey, Cecil Taffer, Mickey Marcella, Jim Waller, Dimples Prichard, Alfred Means, Margaret French, Calvin Falwell, Lawrence Simpson, Megan Lawhorne, Don Davidson, Jane Watrel, Dale Smith, Mary Anne Weber, Bernie Lloyd, Rita Haxton, Joe Madagan, Ed Semonian, Mugler Gibson, Andy Greenwell, Bobby Giammittorio, Bobby Lewis, John Wilkerson, Cindy Kapetanis, Tommy Seward, Lana Stearns, Julie Carey, Judi Dench, Gary Reals, Judy Miller, Sam Akinbami, Norman Snead, David Baker, Claude Beheler, Dave Gambale, Ian O’Flaherty, Carl DeWitt, Marla McCormick, Carmen Zygmunt, Skeeter Swift, Tom Dowling, Bill Paul, Earl Lloyd, Frank Cappiello, Daniel Fairfax O’Flaherty, Kevin Brown, Russell Griggs, Larry Jones, Larry Correa, Carlos McKeithan, Gene McGuire, Frank Simmons, Richard Benderoth, Trish Ruscak, Ron Davidson, Wendy Crane, Lloyd Hansen, Charlie Wornom, Sam Johnston,

             Steve Maguigan, Brian Lamb, John Griggs, Bob Moskowitz, Norman Moon, William Sweeney, Catherine Viggiani, Jann MacCollam, Jason Richmond, Dale Race, Bernadette Golembowski, Jerry Harden, Tom Glascock, Dick Welsh, Aaron Duncan, Edward Prokop, Brian Kelly, Woody Rea, Tom Frank, Tommy Durkin, Mattie Palmore, Tom Bissette, Judy Palmore, Cal Thomas, Becky Moore, Wendel Cover, Derrick Wright, Charlie Aschmann Jr., Brian Moran, Bill Bolling, Chuck Hagee, Stephen Lowery, Benny Hinn, Jim Boulet Jr., Karen Green, John Hagee, Dan Brockman, Scott Wash, Randy Sengel, Gary Jeter, Krista Boucher, Jeremy Horner, Chase Wise, Stephen Mackey, John Kloch, Jim Clark, Safija Jusopovic, Leonie Brinkema, Mike Weatherbee, George Ball Jr., John Bell, Charles Poarch, Mike Kimble, Willard Scott, Charlie Judd, Nolan Dawkins, Paul Pepper, Paul Yost Jr., Paul Harvey,

             Jacqui Levy, John Lisle, James Lanning, Michael Lee Pope, Melinda Douglas, Linwood Reid, Michael Neebe, John Carroll, Dorothy Redmon, George Woodson, George Wooden, Joe Issa, Joe Wiggs, Carl Armstrong, Chip Watkins, Christine Cornell, Deryl Edwards, Ray Duff, Fred Tharpe, John O’Hara, Bob Hawes, Kevin Coulmes, Chris Leibig, Myron Contee, John Poffenberger, Mike Cole, Frank Milano, Lolly Wilson, Lisa Kemler, Dennis Brown, Geoffrey Palmer, Jeffrey Archie, Robert O’Brien, Jose Portillo, Ronn Wilson, Rose Barreto, Rose Stewart, John Triplett, Larry Sabato, Wendell Flinchum, Mark Davis, Steve Simpson, John Whitehead, Hunter Land, Rawles Jones, Bill Cleveland, Bill Euille, Bill Haskins, Mark Thomas, Ed Parrish, Joe Seskey, Pat Troy, Elliott Casey, Cathryn Evans, Ann Kilgore, Margaret Edwards, John Lucey, Pat Minetti, Tom Hill, Leia Crock, Paolo Gonzalez, Fred Hayman, Russell Stephenson,

             Hunter Andrews, Pierre Guillermin, Andy Wahlquist, Bonnie Dodd, Alice Linker, Ann Puckett, Barbara Johnson, Barbara Jensen, Myra Jessen, Hannah Miller, Annie McWilliams, Danny Lakin, Randy White, Fletcher Wright, Mavis Thomas, Jimmy Thomas, Christine Hensel, Bruce Goodson, Virgil Coleman, Ruth Seal, Arlene Davis, Jess Kersey, Bennie Armes, Ralph Powers, Gant Redmon, Milt Drewer, Les Hooker, Charlie Sanders, Bill Chambers, Joe Agee, Charlie Kay, Ben Bowers, Otis Tucker, Bob Harrington, Bill Faulkner, Jack Price, Myron Augsburger, Nina Banner, Ray Linker, Frances Nichols, William Donald Schaeffer, Lacy Scoggins, Dan Reber, Bill Booker, Russell Hughes, Carson Linker, Joseph W. Black, Hal Damsky, Shenton Lodge, Sidney Morse, Larry Bonko, Alexander Haxton, Myrtle Barnes, Jimmy Wilkinson, Dana Lawhorne, Doug Wilder, Martin Bass, Bill Petty, Bob Hellyer, Neal Eskelin, Steve Wike,

             Jane Roush Marum, John Allen Muhammad, Jennings Culley, Al Worthington, John Seaman, Nick Triandos, Michael Lieberman, Narian Rajan, Richard Spicer, George Vecsey, Bob Coulter, Patrick Madden, Scooter Huller, Dave Statter, Jim Gay, Don Wheeler, Ken Jarvis, Chriss Liden, David Matthews, Mary Pratt, Lou Holtz, Claire Eberwein, Philip Streeter, Ronald Godwin, Joe Spagnolo, Horace Henson, Keith Crane, James Velez, Kevin Briggs, Alex Bridges, Jim Asendio, Megan Thomas, Ron Lawhorne, Clarence Nelson, Jim Chacamaty, Eric AuCoin, Ken Crow, Tom Dumproff, DinoVretos, Paul Plott, Joni Robin, Jeffrey Hunter, Donnie Haddock Jr., Tony Davis,William Hamblen, Erica Waasdorp, Scott Hessek, Ed Laborwit, JoAnn Orf, Butch Ward, Danny Coley, John Sheally, Jo Padgett, Sumner Wemp, Edward Dobson, Clarke Stearns, Fran Petecca, Brian Grenadier, Brian Cole, Eric Murray,

            Lori Rustigian, Donald Haddock, Jennifer Harris, Craig Fifer, David Rocco, Richard Ruscak, Jim Weeks, Ken Gill, Bryan Porter, Stan Scott, Robbie Hiner, John Romaine, Leonard Zimet, Leonard Dunford, David Edwards, Jim Cornwall, John Stott, Randy Dale, Gail Gaskins Roberson, James Goodwin, Joel MacCollam, Charles Lowery, Lee Marshall, Paul Weyrich, George Tinsley, Nelson Broach, Brad Crum, Tyler Gray, Gordon Luff, James Turnage, Amy Whiddett, Van Dalton, Daniela Deane, Tim Baldwin, Joe Horn, Harry Charity, Harry Greene, Daniel Silva, Jonathan Yardley, Mark Powers, Ken Follett, John McCaslin, Marion Elizabeth Rogers, Faye Wolford, Ellen Mitchell, Maria Hegstad, Ron Riley, Bob Joyce, Jim Suthard, Joey Lawrence, Kevin VandeWettering, Conky Sorrell, Alan Fleming, Richard Viguerie, Oscar Wiygul, Greg Bell, Randy Marcus, Carol Buckley Harty, Frank Aschmann, John Keats, Henry Hudson, Alan Dye, Faye Wolford, Ellen Mitchell, Maria Hegstad,

            And, most of all, friends and readers of The Covert Letter. (c) Copyright 2007 Harry Covert.