By James Zeruk Jr. Santa Monica
Re: “Torn Away” by Melody Hanatani (May 12) (Ms. Hanatani) has the nerve to say “... Though it’s difficult at times, he (Marine Lowell Watson) tries not to let politics and the ongoing debate regarding the war sway his decision to serve his country.” Gee, I wonder why it’s difficult at times?
Her second fumble was not mentioning Santa Monica Police Officer Ricardo Crocker. Rick Crocker was killed on May 26, 2005 during his third tour as a Marine major. He was not insignificant — he was a good cop, and as a PAL (Police Activities League) mentor, was loved by many of Santa Monica’s children. There are many photos of him with smiling kids in Iraq, too.
Gee, I wonder... If (Ms. Hanatani) had not felt compelled to slap her politics in my face, maybe she and the Daily Press could have used that paragraph space for Major Crocker.
One last thing, in spite of the sour note, I commend the Daily Press for the overall focus on our local troops, and above all, God bless our heroes.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 17, 2007. Read the original PDF.