re: Sad news regarding los_angeles_tiger

I think the most interesting and poignant aspect of this whole thing re LAT...is that LAT had no chance (or maybe desire, depending on what happened) to make a 'final' statement to his Polibrethren, full well knowing it would be his last.

Moreso - if he had read this thread - if would be further interesting to see how he would be affected. Book it...it would bring him to tears, and probably give him a gift in death, that was a fleeting in life. The gift of the love and respect of the brethren that know you well, and respect you for your honesty...even if disagreeing with profound life issues.

There was a controversial belief-system which peaked around the mid-70's (Carlos Castaneda) which promoted the wisdom of "letting death be one's advisor"..."keeping it on one's left shoulder". Spot on, regardless of the man who wrote it.

I won't change whatever they call that identity thing on the left for LAT (because I'd probably screw up my computer)...but I will pledge to bring his name to my remembrance and hopefully react to fellow debaters who passionately disagree with my rants...lovingly and respectfully. And not to get derisively personal. I probably hurt people's feelings...and don't even realize it. Though 'hurt' is part of the process.

I would love to read LAT's thinking, after him reading this thread. It would be epic. Oh well. Next time.

Later, buddy.

Wow.... terrible news. LAT was one of my favorite posters all time. I used to have one of his quotes as my sig, something about making sure to grab all the Streisand records when one of the quakes was hitting LA several years ago... funny stuff. He will be missed...

Has anyone received info on a memorial fund? I omly knew him, like many of you, through TD, but LAT was a someone unique and special that brough me enjoyment and pointed out things to think about.

If it comes to light what caused his untimely demise, I hope a memorial fund is started to raise funds in his honor for research.

quote:

---

something about making sure to grab all the Streisand records when one of the quakes was hitting LA several years ago...

---

I remember that. Funny stuff.

About his sexuality, I never got the impression that it was something he hid. I remember me and him messing with a poster on the poliboard who didn't know LAT was gay. The poster kept on calling LAT a cocksucker and stuff like that. Me and LAT were dying laughing at the guy and his ignorance.

Its all kind of strange in a way. I never knew him personally, and I'm not sure how to feel about his passing. I really don't post here as much as I used to, years ago. But when I was here a lot, LAT was one of the people I associated with this place.

All I know is that TD.com will be a little less special without him.

That is truly sad to read this morning. I had some insightful exchanges with him over the years.

quote:

---

I'm sure sexuality was always a subject bubbling under the surface whenever they got together. I hope they got it all worked out before he kicked the bucket.

---

what an idiotic thing to say...

quote:

---

what an idiotic thing to say...

---

If you say so. I had the impression he was proud of his father, and if his dad was old school USAF, I'd think LAT telling him about his sexuality probably didn't go over too well. As a father, I'd like to think they got it resolved between themselves. Talking to a grave won't ever fix history.

quote:

---

If you say so. I had the impression he was proud of his father, and if his dad was old school USAF,

---

He was very proud of his father and also proud of being raised as a military brat. That was one of the things that we had in common and discussed a few times.

I wish that he could read this thread. He would laugh at some of this and cry at a lot of it.

God bless you, Charley.

Thanks to Chicken for temporarily lifting my banning to share my thoughts on Charles AKA los_angeles_tiger.

He was a friend, when I was going through my divorce and the year or so afterwards when I was adjusting to the new life sans family Charles and I spoke a great deal. Our relationship started when I defended him against attacks from both the Conservative tards and the liberal tards on the Politard board.

I told him at the time he was getting it from both ends and he laughed. We spoke often, Religion, politics, sports, even relationships. He cared and I knew that, it was a touchstone for me during a difficult time and Charles excelled at it because he was all heart. I even met once in BR at tailgate, and he was everything I knew he would be in person warm, generous, and that big sincere smile never left his face.

We stayed in touch for a couple of years then we just kept missing one another, and as happens you just feel awkward trying to track someone down after time has passed. Whats so crazy is I was just talking about him this previous weekend. I wanted to tell him everything he predicted how it would all get better and I would find myself on top had come true.

Even as I write this Im tearing up, I hate that I couldn't be there for him when maybe he needed me, he was certainly there when I needed him.

Charles was a better man than I, he was a better man that most.
Godspeed my good friend, I've missed you for a while now that will be forever.




Thanks again cluckster