Foley Quietly Dismisses His Protection Order Against Me

I know one thing to be true: Tyler Starline is a man of faith and character. I first met him during his first year at UD. I was a non-traditional student, and he happened to be in several of my classes. Over time, I came to know him and his family, and I grew to respect his character, his drive, and his intellectual ability. My own experiences working in Columbus and Washington, D.C. in the 1990s convinced me that I did not want to become a lawyer. Many of the negative stereotypes about the profession—moral compromise and ethical shortcuts—were, in my experience, on full display every day. So, about eight years ago, when I needed legal advice and wanted someone I could trust, Tyler was the first person I called. Despite having recently recovered from a serious medical emergency—while supporting his wife and children through that difficult chapter—he still made time to help me. Speaking with him again reminded me that there are good people in the legal profession. Although nearly three decades had passed since we last spoke, he was unmistakably the same person I had known in college, now strengthened by a lifetime of experience, successes, and tragedies. He never minded my swearing, but I cannot recall ever hearing him take the Lord’s name in vain. When I later learned about the situation involving Foley, thanks to reporting from David Esrati, I had no doubt Tyler was being truthful. What was publicly reported aligned with the Tyler I had always known—someone committed to protecting the integrity of his office and the people working in it. In my view, he was punished for doing the job he was hired to do. Now, instead of acknowledging what happened, some have chosen to attack his character. Tyler and I share the belief that no one’s life should be destroyed, and that redemption is possible when people are worthy of it. But the way he was let go—and the timing of it, following his wife’s long illness and passing—felt profoundly wrong to me. What troubles me further is the way Foley’s shifting… Read more »

Put that to a vote, Mr. Ratty, though I suspect you will rig the outcome (you Metroid Maoist, you). Should your sentiment prevail, I promise to go away. However, you have a poor record in hustings, haven’t you, Mr. Ratty.