RIP Justice Antonin Scalia, United States Supreme Court

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/mountain- … 8_38028490 Our country lost a major protector of the United States Constitution this week, when our friend Justice Antonin Scalia was found passed away in Texas. I had the fortune to have met a real Justice Scalia in person, as did Kevin Short one day last April 2015 during a fishing trip on Lake Norfork. It was a joint trip with Doug Small, the AGFC, and Dr. Jackson. And yes we did pass the US Marshall security inspection. His friend on the Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg had expressed early interest in joining them here, though security concerns on this trip derailed her participation. The trip included three (3) Federal Judges also. Every one was gracious. It was an honor to attend a very small private evening, in a private home, with Justice Scalia and his friends. We sat elbow to elbow over dinner, by his preference as he cleared out a spot at the table alongside of him for my seat. We enjoyed time on the back porch later as he and another Federal Judge talked, rocked and soaked up the beauty overlooking the rivers from above the bluff. He was extremely candid throughout the entire visit in person and all were expressive in their opinions. Soon afterwards, a very personal appreciation letter was received and an invitation from Justice Scalia for our time shared. An invite Ill never get to accept now. No one would have been much closer at the time, as Justice Scalia was always aware and cautious in his position. His respect for the position he held was a magnitude and level higher than can be expressed. He knew his position and the ramifications of the position, not the man. We lost a true patriot this week and I lost a new found friend. I appreciate being able to have a once in a lifetime experience to share life in a casual manner with one of the most powerful people in the world. His mere presence commanded respect and I can not share how much this man meant to preserving our way of life. I can not express it, nor can I share those private moments and comments. His opinion on our country, its present situation and the timing surrounding developments, seemed to mirror my own personally developed opinions. Spending a few hours that week with him is something that will forever change my core direction. Im not sure he is replaceable as a Justice because of the forged values and commitment to preservation of constitutional rights. As man, I am honored I got the opportunity meet him. It is a shame that most will never really understand how committed Antonin Scalia was to preserving what those before him had entrenched. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Court, and those members of his staff that have all lost with us. God Bless the United States of America! Rick PS: There is much I would like to share about the Justice Scalia I got to know. Things that many would enjoy hearing. He was a man I think had more to teach and more to learn than most any other person Ive ever met.Last edited by Rick Pierce on February 17th, 2016, 2:24 am, edited 5 times in total.