Although he hasn’t blogged here in a long while, and I too have mostly been a lurker for many years, I felt I had to come here to share the sad news that OPOL has passed away suddenly after a massive heart attack. I learned the sad news of Randy’s passing on Facebook.
He was a man of great force and charisma; a passionate and compassionate, uncompromising warrior for justice; a devoted father; a vet (iirc); an artist; a person who had lived a lot of life and drew insight and love from all of his experiences. He sometimes burned with righteous rage; he was alive and real and honest. And now he is no longer with us.
He was a friend and compatriot online here for many years and we also enjoyed a lot of good times in real life at Netroots Nation/YearlyKos. It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged, and many computers since those days, so I don’t have photos ready at hand and wouldn’t even know how to post them here if I did.
These days I mostly live in Kathmandu, so I can devote myself to the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. Everyday I am taught that the most profound reality to internalize and live by is that of impermanence; truly understanding impermanence in all of its profundity naturally allows for unbiased compassion and clear-seeing wisdom to arise, and yet with the shocking news of OPOL’s death, I realize I haven’t really taken it this profound teaching to heart. Let us live every moment with love and care, passion and compassion for this life—let us continue to make our shared world a better place for all beings.
We’ll miss you, dear brother OPOL. You were a hell of a human being, Randy. May you rest in peace and power!
All power to the people!