A loss for the nation

Many others, greater than I, known by many (or at least "heard" by many) have said the same..."Tim Russert's loss is a loss for the nation." Certainly his loss is palpable in the world of journalism, especially for his colleagues at NBC but I believe it really is a loss for the nation.

He was a standard bearer for journalistic integrity and someone who was always searching for the truth, regardless of policy or party or practice. It seemed to me that he was always sincere and always genuinely excited to find out more about so many things, especially politics.

While I did not know him personally, I felt like I did.

Maybe it was the fact that we were both from the Buffalo area. Maybe it was his unyielding love for the Bills. Probably, it was because whenever I heard him or saw him on Meet the Press, or on a debate, or as a commentator, I would stop to listen to what he had to say and so often smile. He was someone that I had always wanted to talk to as I knew it would not only be fascinating but educational. If not a journalist, I think he would have made a remarkable teacher.

Journalism was better because of Tim Russert and his loss will resound throughout the community, especially at NBC.

My heart goes out to his wife and son, but I am certain that they are grateful for his love and his goodness and his presence.

I mourn with so many others his loss and hope that his legacy will cause others to strive to be like him and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Blessings on your spirit Tim...you will be missed.

YES SHE CAN!

It has been a while since I have posted here as my life has been all over the place. I have had so many thoughts about so many things during these past couple months, but I am inspired today by the great Hillary Clinton to write here.

I have, and continue to be a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton even tho a few of my closest friends and colleagues have not supported her, even to the point of disparaging her. I defended her of course, but today, she transcended all of the pros and cons and proved that she is a most remarkable human being who believes that there are things larger than herself and her own goals.

I am someone who has always been very competitive and in many situations of "competition" I have faced defeat many times. I can say that when you suffer a loss in a race, in competition, in something that is so important to you, it is devastating. The fact that she was able to pick up from something so important to her and throw her support behind her revival so quickly, shows her amazing strength. I applaud her and because of her, I will now strongly support Barrack Obama to be the next President of the United States. Not something I was prepared to do a week ago.

I still have my doubts about Obama and am concerned that he is not seasoned enough to take on Washington. But I do believe that his values are close to my values and the issues that are important to the party are most important to me.

I urge anyone who cares about the principles that shape the Democratic Party to throw their support behind Barrack Obama.

Finally, the fact that a Presidential Candidate would mention the gay community in a positive light TWICE, in such an important speech, is overwhelming to me. I am so proud to have supported Hillary Clinton during her campaign, not just with my words and my money, but with my heart.

Blessings to you Hillary - you embody the American spirit and are a beacon of light for the future.