by TChris

With the possible exception of Rush Limbaugh, drug addicts tend to be excoriated by the right. In the end, addicts aren't demons who deserved to be vilified; they're humans, with human failings. And, as this story demonstrates, with human strengths, as well.

A homeless man who did odd jobs for a local restaurateur was stabbed to death as he defended her against a knife-wielding intruder, authorities said.

Kelcy Ruiz, 32, was mourned as a hero for coming to the aid of Melida Murillo during an attack Monday at her Colombian restaurant, Mama Leonor. Ruiz, described by relatives as a crack cocaine addict who lived mainly on Miami's downtown streets, did occasional work for Murillo in exchange for food.

As a Miami police detective pointed out, Ruiz was "a forgotten member of society" who "acted better than most people who are not homeless." Let this be a lesson to those (including members of Congress) who believe that rehabilitation and redemption are impossible goals, and that individuals lose their value to society once they commit a drug crime.