Very few times do I agree with Arizona Republic columnist E.J. Montini, but in his Sept. 18 editorial, he was spot on.  Central Michigan should do the classy thing and voluntarily forfeit their win against Oklahoma State because the refs wrongly allowed them an extra play which allowed their “Hail Mary” win.
 
But E.J., why stop there…
 
It is not too late for Nebraska to forfeit their win against Missouri because they were allowed a fifth down?  Also, in the 1972 Olympic basketball game, we all know the last three seconds would be played over and over until the USSR won. Russia, do the right thing, forfeit. What about Charles White’s phantom touchdown against Michigan in the 1979 Rose Bowl? Replays show he was down outside the 1 yard line. Come on USC, give up your national championship trophy for that year – be a sport.

But the best act of good sportsmanship would have been in the 1985 World Series. A third out should have been called in a play that replays show was not even close.  Game 6 over, St Louis wins the series. But that blown call gave Kansas City the win and blew the Cardinals out in game 7. Kansas City, it’s not too late, be a good sport and give that trophy to the Cardinals.
 
And thank you, E.J.   

​I encourage everyone to read the whole story of Francis Scott Key and how our National Anthem came to be. We all know how African Americans were abused in this country, and I have no idea how human beings could treat one another that way. We also know, regardless of race or career, there are bad apples and that everyone has the right to peaceful protest.
 
My father served on the USS Oklahoma as Pearl Harbor was being bombed. He was one of the lucky ones who swam to safety. Survivors were left behind waiting up to 48 hours for someone to torch through the hull. All this to preserve our freedom. If we had lost WWII, what would have happened if someone did not stand for Hitler’s anthem.
 
Go ahead, protest all you want. But choosing to degrade the people who gave you that freedom is the wrong way!

Not the way to create change

   My high school history teacher had a cat-o-nine-tails on his wall and beneath it a plaque which read, "The floggings will continue until morale improves." I am reminded of this as I think of the racial tension in the United States.
    Non-whites feel that they are treated worse than whites during routine police matters, even harmed or killed for no reason and insist on immediate punishment before any facts are out and the legal process begins.
   Many feel they need to vandalize businesses, disrupt political rallies, taunt and shout vulgarities at police while holding their iPhone hoping they can push one or two past their breaking point and lately, ambushing and murdering the very police who are protecting what is supposed to be a peaceful assembly. 
   Why? I suppose some believe that by behaving this way they will earn the love and respect they deserve. In other words, "The floggings will continue..."
                                                       Jeff Lewis, Mesa AZ

   Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred denied the appeal of Pete Rose to lift his ban from Major League Baseball. Mr. Manfred did the right thing. Even though "Charlie Hustle" made perfectly legal bets on his Cincinnati Reds team, think of what it was doing to our children, the corruption and ruined lives.
   Had Mr. Rose only beaten his girlfriend to near death in an elevator or spent $70,000 in a Las Vegas brothel nearly dying from massive cocaine ingestion, and illegal and immoral acts, he would have been welcomed back with thunderous applause and forgiveness.
   Thank you, Mr. Manfred, for keeping the best hitter in baseball history out of the Hall of Fame. Those sacred halls are reserved for more righteous athletes — like football's O.J. Simpson!
— Jeff Lewis, Mesa

Randy West, my prosthetist, and I will speak at the Arizona HOSA Conference, Phoenix Convention Center, Nov. 9th. This student-led organization for future health professionals promotes career opportunities in health care. I am so grateful for all the health care professionals who helped me through my journey. They were wonderful and we need more of them in the future. Time to sprinkle some inspiration.  

   Carol and I were married in my hospital room following my amputations. We recently celebrated our 10th Anniversary and renewed our vows of "unconditional love" for each other in a ceremony performed by Pastor Andy Hilla, Apache Wells Community Church. 
   I asked my close friend John Hamerski to stand by my side for the vows. He later thanked me in an email and wrote: "It has been a blessing to know both of you and to be inspired by both of you...We are all miracles in our own way because we have God's All Love inside each and everyone of us who chooses to follow His guidance and direction of our souls. You both are shining examples of how Christ has taught us to live our lives." 
  

In 2008 I was honored with a Courage Award from the Tempe Sports Authority Foundation along with Tricia Downing and Scott Hamilton. 

The 2015 honorees, Scott Bolzan, Joshua Sweeney and Amy Van Dyken-Rouen, were recognized this past weekend. I am both proud and humbled to be in their company. 
http://www.tempe-sports-authority-foundation.org/courage-awards-honorees-general.php 

Below with Scott Hamilton in 2008

My friend Ross Reck, a motivational speaker and author, wrote about my recent experience while riding the light rail system in his Ross Reck Reminder.

http://reminders.rossreck.com/cell-phones-do-not-excuse-us-from-noticing-people-in-need/

Learn more about Ross: http://www.rossreck.com
 

My 'letter to the editor' appeared in The Arizona Republic January, 10, 2015

This year, resolve to be more considerate of the disabled


   Hi, this is your friendly neighborhood quadruple amputee. 
   I have some advice for the New Year. You know those blue signs with the wheelchair picture? Pay attention to them.
   Get your face out of your phone and notice the handicapped person beside you on the light rail clinging to the post with both prosthetics and offer them your seat. 
   I know the handicapped stalls offer more space and those nice bars along the wall are a perfect place for your big gulp. Don't use them.
   And, just because you are using your parents' car doesn't mean you qualify for the handicapped space. I will be watching, and I will say something if you continue to be inconsiderate. 
   However, I would like to thank the 90-year-old woman who could barely walk for offering her seat to me. Even though I refused to make her get up, I nearly cried.
   Different generation I guess. 
                                                         -- Jeff Lewis, Mesa

http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/letters/2015/01/09/considerate-disabled/21499217/

My 'letter to the editor' below appeared in The Arizona Republic Dec. 27, 2014. 

Let's really show the police how grateful we are for them
   In July 1985, I was shot in the back while in my backyard. Because of it, I ultimately had to have my hands and feet amputated. 
   I am living a wonderful life because police officers stood over me knowing that the sniper might shoot again while the paramedics cared for me. 
   I would like to challenge everyone who is thankful for the sacrifices our finest make to set aside Jan. 5, 2015 to thank our police for what they do. 
   From 7 to 7:30 a.m. and again from 5:30 to 6 p.m. make signs that say only "Thank You" and stand across the street from your nearest police precinct and let them know that we appreciate the risks they take. 
                                                   -- Jeff Lewis, Mesa