The Larry Kane Report

The murder of Kevin Kless has rocked Philadelphia, with a manhunt on for three killers and a driver. There are some who probably wonder why so many murders go unsolved, and the city and the FOP has put up $15,000 as a reward in this one?  Is it unfair to spotlight this particular killing? The answer is no?

Of the 17 killings so far this year in Philadelphia, the savage beating of the recent Temple Graduate on Chestnut near 4th, is the most puzzling. Why would men climb out of a car and beat this young man to a pulp, just because he yelled at a taxi driver? Who are the murderous beasts who live among us?

This murder happened within a block of Philadelphia’s most famous symbol, the bell. It happened with little or no provocation. It blasted into national headlines. It was a “stranger killing.” The murderers obviously didn’t know the victim. Many of the other murders so far this year have involved people who knew their prey. It also difficult to break open – that’s the reason for the reward.

The reward is also offered  because it is such a mystery why people would just kill for the hell of it. But there’s another reason. Center City has been a real firewall for the kind of deadly violence that occurs in the neighborhoods. Most of the time, the city center has been immune from “stranger murder.” This case is viewed by the police as an invasion by murderers of turf that is carefully protected.

You have to wonder who would be brazen enough to beat and kill someone in the heart of Old City? But you also have to think about the potential impact of this kind of crime on business and commerce, and the overall well-being of Philadelphians.

Justice must prevail. If you’re reading this, and you suspect that you know the culprits, call it in! Don’t waste a second. There is no question that this case will be broken, but in the meantime let’s get these monsters off the street, into court, and hopefully a place where they can never see the light of day.

The fantastic game between the Flyers and Rangers “vintage” players featured a few of the hockey greats who were playing with joint replacements. First of all, what an inspiration! Just watching Bernie Parent, Bill Barber , Clarkie and the whole crew in action, was so much fun.

But the game also brought up an interesting question: Can “more mature” and other recipients of joint replacement attempt to re-live the glory days, or even start or learn a new sport?

It was time to go to the source, one of this area’s best – Dr. Andrew Star, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery Dr.  at Abington Memorial Hospital.

“It’s important to be realistic,”  Star says.

“Too much repetition and going to extremes, should be avoided. It’s all a matter of degree, and very important that former or future athletes don’t go macho. Common sense rules. If you have a joint replacement, or if you don’t, and want to get back in the game that you love, don’t expect to reach the same kind of limits you expected ‘back in the day.’ Skiers and skilled hikers can settle for less pressure and still have a great time. The reason golfers do so well at any age is because the points of joint tension are only realized for a limited amount of shots!”

What about the ageless Bernie Parent?

“Well, remember, Bernie, who thrilled the crowd last week, only played 5 minutes. Yes, he was a standout, but he knew there would be limits, and he worked within the range that was safe and fun, for him and for us.”

Good advice, especially for golfers, although it’s safe to say that when Dr. Star is talking about taking a “limited amount of shots,” he certainly wasn’t talking about my ability as a golfer.

Have fun. Be safe. Talk to your doctor first.

GRANITE STATE—

The outcome in New Hampshire is a foregone conclusion since its Romney territory, but there’s an aspect of this contest that is very unusual. Independents can vote in the Republican primary. The most interesting aspect of the outcome is where those independents go.  In 2008, many of tem went to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. You may remember that Clinton won in New Hampshire, after being defeated by Obama in Iowa the week before. Frankly, Independents are the last hope of moderate Jon Huntsman, who has labeled New Hampshire a critical election that will determine whether he stays in the race. Another reality: polling of independents has been tricky in these kind of “open primaries. 40 percent of New Hampshire voters identify themselves as independent.

A YOUNG AND TALENTED BROADCASTER -

Word has reached us that Robert Traynham, originally from Philadelphia, has been named a political analyst for MSNBC. Robert is one of the brightest political analysts on the national scene. He has run the Comcast Network headquarters for four years in Washington, where he anchored Roll Call TV. And now. he will complement the election-year team of the cable network. For NBC News, this is a win. For our friend, it’s another ascent in his career as one of the nation’s most knowledgeable pundits.

Don’t look now but the Iowa outcome could shock! The Des Moines Register Poll had Rick Santorum with 15 percent, but in the final two days of the poll he had surged to over 20 percent. That would be within striking distance of Mitt Romney. Make no mistake about it – Romney is the perceived frontrunner but it must be disturbing to Republican National leaders that the well funded former Governor has not been able to seal the deal. We’ll see.

MURDER IN THE CITY-

It’s very disturbing. 6 people murdered over a two day period in Philadelphia this holiday weekend. Something new? No. But what’s disturbing is that we seem to be numb to the news. we have accepted it as a common occurrence. This is no good! The Mayor is on it, the Police Commissioner is on it, but I don’t feel the sense of the community that we have an emergency in the city. Do you? The new City Council and the Mayor should prioritize as their first order of business a new plan to cut crime, and fast, before crime cuts into any future growth of the city.

IRAN PAIN-

A dangerous game is being played out by the killer regime in Iran. First they warn. Then the cave. They warned of cutting off the water routes to oil tankers. Then, they backed off and asked for talks. Then, they tested a missile and boasted of having new nuclear rods. But here’s the unnoticed story of the week. The U.S. has agreed to allow American firms to sell dramatic new anti-missile capabilities to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and several other moderate Middle East states who fear nuclear blackmail from Iran. That move speaks volumes.

First of all, happy holidays to everyone.

I find this season and this time-period in general, the final quarter of 2011, is seriously grim. From the Sandusky crisis at Penn State, the Bill Conlin mess, the gutless political mindset in Washington, the hypocrisy of so many of our leaders, it has been a season of disappointment and doubt. And yet the American people  are better than the negative stories that have enveloped the nation. When I meet people, I still see smiles and optimism, individual bursts of kindness and courtesy. It has always been that way; the people rising amidst the turmoil surrounding them.

It is amazing. After all, we’ve watched selfish political leaders, hardly patriots, more like pretenders, walking away from compromise. They are the men and women of vengeance rather than the representatives of the people. We worry about the safety of our children, especially when we read the accusations of abuse. In a more bizarre way, some lawmakers in Washington shame their offices with ego-curdling attacks on the First Lady and others in power.  There are so few class acts on the national scene.

Open microphones pick up slander and sinister intentions.

Our candidates are, sometimes scary. We have a man running for President, a doctor, who favors pot-smoking, some forms of prostitution, and rejects any form of health care legislation. The man, Ron Paul, attacks our strong ally in the Middle East, Israel, while disgracing our living and dead soldiers who did so much, and care so much, by suggesting that we stay away from wars, even when the national interest is a priority. We live in a land where politicians and some radio broadcasters play the race card every day. Remember Rwanda?

It’s grim. But you feel a little better when average people do extraordinary things for others, and do it quietly and with resolve. It’s what many of you do all through your lives.

The problem is that we have few heroes among our public figures, and millions of rather quiet heroes who do their thing out of the spotlight.  Sadly, though, it’s the public people who set examples and lower the bar for gross human behavior. When a stupid celebrity does something stupid, they are setting examples for young people. When a petulant athlete acts badly, younger athletes take the ball and repeat the examples .

We need some public heroes, especially in this community, people who take risks for the common good, especially in a time when many public people are accused of ugly crimes, bad behavior, and hateful acts.

Peace on Earth? Maybe.

Good Will Toward Men?  We’ve got a way to go.