Another young man serving his country has died in the line of duty.  U.S. Marine Corps PFC Jason Estopinal, 21, of Dallas, was killed in action Mondaysupporting Operation Enduring Freedomcombat operations in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

"He was one of the most honest people I ever knew," said his father to 11Alive.com, "almost to a fault. I was very proud of him. Still am.... Everybody was always proud of him. He was a good kid. He was a great man."

He graduated from East Paulding High School in 2007, then went to work for the Cobb County Parks and Recreation Department. But, his father said, he talked often about a career in the Marines -- to serve his country and to further his education.

He enlisted in January, 2009, and was sent to Afghanistan in October, a month after his 21st birthday.

The Estopinals expect to receive their son home, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, this weekend. (

http://www.gpb.org/news/2010/02/17/ga-marine-killed-in-marja-offensive)

This is why we fight, this is why we don't let it stop with our vote.  This is why we defend the Constitution. 

I love American Idol and yesterday, General Larry Platt waded through crowds of legislators, pages, lobbyists and well-wishers, shaking their hands.

He asked state troopers on guard to throughout the Capitol to help him persuade kids to keep their pants up.Watching a feed of Platt speaking in the House, Gov. Sonny Perdue called him to his office.Sen. Vincent Forte (D-Atlanta), who brought Platt to the Capitol, said he performed his song for the governor, before the two broke out in dance.

"I want a law passed to get kids to pick their pants off the ground," Platt said. "And if they go to jail, they have to serve 50 years. I don't care."Forte was non-committal on if he was going to introduce a bill. "I'm not sure," Forte said, tugging on his pants, to make sure they were secure.

It's a simple thing, a community coming together and having expectations.  Neighbors looking out for each other.  When I was a kid in DeKalb County, I back into the lamp post in our driveway.  I lied to my parents about it, but a neighbor saw what happened and told my parents so I was caught in the lie. I often wonder what would have happened to me if I had gotten away with that lie.  I used to be angry at Mrs. Neal for butting into my business but now I am thankful.