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This is in reference to your commentary by Jim Mullen, “Village Idiot,” of July 2008 (Tim Russert, RTV). His column was regarding the death of Tim Russert. I have been thinking all this time what made Mr. Mullen compare his own dad to Tim Russert -- and with what looked like some kind of jealousy and resentment? Tim Russert's death was a great shock to the nation, because Mr. Russert was known to all. The courage of his death was not out of proportion at all -- I wish there had been more, not less, coverage. Nobody says that his death was more important than your father's, or my father's, or all the other millions of fathers that passed away and left grieving families and their friends. I know Mr. Russert would have never belittled your dad's death like you belittled his. Mr. Russert gave his son character, devotion to hard work, love of family, love and pride of country. What great gifts and testament! I still can't understand why it was necessary to compare the two men. Your father was loved by his family and friends and presumably you all gave him a beautiful goodbye. What in the world had his death anything in common with Mr. Russert's? Why relate the two? In his too-short a time on earth he was a role model for fathers and husbands, he was a friend and mentor to fledglings in his field. Fellow journalists spoke of his integrity and professionalism, what good company he was, how he added to laughter wherever he was. I am 71 years old and once during World War II there was another journalist -- Mr. Murrow -- don't remember his first name -- who inspired in me the same kind of trust and respect. Tim Russert got me hooked on the splendid world of American politics. And the most important reason why Tim Russert's passing was so terrible for millions of us -- was because he was so LOVED. The name of your column, Village Idiot, is very apt. Name Witheld Upon request West Palm Beach Goodbye Tim Russert In response to Tim Russert, RTV, most of us were shocked to hear of the sudden demise of newscaster Timothy Russert on Friday June 13. After watching on T.V and reading the accounts of his life, I began to think of the sadness of a sudden passing. Some years ago i viewed the closing scene of the final episode of the TV series, "The Thornbirds." You have to agree that the Cardinal, played by Richard Chamberlain, really went in a very charming fashion. Sitting in a lawn chair, looking at the beautiful scenery of Australia and his long time sweetheart, he gave a slight appearance of discomfort about the chest area, closed his eyes, and his hand dropped slowly to the side of the chair. That was it ! One, two, three and he went to that retreat behind those pearly gates reserved for all the good people on this earth that have made their reservations. Then two weeks later they did it to me again! With interrupted TV shows and a long column on page one of my daily paper, they told me that Gloria Swanson had died in her sleep. Well, that's okay for some folks, but count me out! I want about one or two hours notice that I am going to leave these parts for I have a few things that I would like to finish up before I am on my way. I want to sit by the phone and call my family and friends. I want to say something special and endearing to my wife and maybe I have a few things I want to explain to her about our life together. I need a little time to talk to my kids -- that I always tried to do the right things for them while they were growing up. Sometimes, it was really tough and I hope they will forgive some of the decisions, that as a parent, I just had to make. There are a few of my past business associates that I have a few words for and I'd like to have a few of those precious moments to say so long to my gin rummy and bridge buddies. There are a few car dealers that I have something to tell, as well as the builders that put together the last couple of houses I bought. Maybe too, I can get to those guys who wrote those guarantees and warranties on all the things I bought that we got stuck with during the years. Well, the list won't be that long and I should have a few moments left after all. Can I get over to the front door for a breath of fresh air? I really would take pleasure in getting one more look around the place. Then I wanna wave g'bye to all the folks around me that cared. I sure want to say to everyone, "I love you all." Now that would be the right way to go ! None of this one, two, three. Sorry you left us that way Tim, I am sure you would have wanted a few days notice. However, it isn't so pleasant to suffer and be in pain. Maybe it was for the best. I will miss you on "Meet the Press" every Sunday morning. Stanley Shotz West Palm Beach I LOVE the video gamer column, (You're damaging your brain with practical skills)! Just for perspective, whenever someone's raging about the "dangers" of computer play, I point out that I learned to map in my head through role-playing games on the computer. No idea how to do it before I started playing, do it now with ease. Ha! So there! My kids both learned to type without lessons or keyboarding games... and now they type more accurately and faster than I do (mine is above 70wpm). Linda British Columbia, Canada Bravo to Jim Mullen and his piece in "The Village Idiot," You're damaging your brain with practical skills. Few people are immune enough to rhetoric to think for themselves. My son taught himself to read, spell and type at the computer and video games long before school age. We are so quick to repeat ideas without considering their validity. I love to see voices like these urging others to think beyond the knee-jerk reaction. Kristi Speed Kelso, WA |
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