I shed tears today for a man I never knew. Kinda strange since I’m not typically the emotional type.

But something about this man’s story…

Something about the way he was reveered today by all of his closest friends and colleagues…

Something about it all happening on the set of such a historic show…

Something about it being father’s day…

Something about all that managed to grab hold of me and shake me and allow some deeply bottled emotions that I didn’t even know I had emerge.

Tim Russert was clearly a beloved father, son, friend, mentor and colleague to those who knew him. He was tireless in his pursuit to hold our nations leaders accountable for their decisions. Yet he always remained fair and balanced and he put his family first. Something I think alot of us need to work more tirelessly at. Including myself.

I’m not a deeply religious person but I do have some faith. Although my faith is always questioned when perfectly good people, role models to so many, are taken from us abruptly for no logical reason.

Tim Russert was in the prime of his life. He was at the center of the most exciting political race in the last 50 years and he thrived on it. Maybe in the end that’s what did him in, and I guess he probably wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

The nation lost one of it’s best on Friday. A humble man from a modest upbringing who ascended to one of the most powerful positions in the world. A man whose job it was to call presidents and politicians out on all their bullshit, for our benefit. I can’t even fathom who might be up to the task of filling that role now. I’m sure anyone who aspired for it previously no longer feels like they could ever measure up to the tragic legacy. Although I certainly hope this is not the end of Meet the Press. I’m sure that would be the last thing Mr. Russert would ever want to happen.

To has son Luke and his Father Big Russ (and the rest of the Russert family), I offer my most sincere condolonces. It’s not fair that all of your future father’s days will contain the sorrow of losing such a great man who obviously meant so much to you and cared about you both so deeply. I only hope that I can be inspired by him and strive to not only be the best son and Father I can be, but to also aspire to reach the top of my profession thru honesty, integrity, preparation, perseverance and hard work.

I knda neglected this blog after my chosen candidate, John Edwards, failed to make the cut. But in honor of Tim Russert, I’m going to do my best to revive it. I’m not a journalist nor do I pretend to be. And I’m certainly not objective or un-biased when it comes to politics. But what’s great about this country and what’s great about the web is anyone can have a voice. And in a time of such critical importance for our nation’s future, it’s time I made my voice heard again for anyone willing to take the time to listen.

Tags: , Congress, Democrat, Republican, Politics, President, WhiteHouse