Stephen's Own Domain 2008

Bill Maher once said in his New Rules last year that "New Rule: Death isn't always sad". In making reference at the time to Jerry Farwell. Well that same statement can be applied to Tim Russert, or anyone that we loss during bereavements. I know that when his death at work was announced as a result of a heart attack, it reminded me of one of my late uncles who went the same way as Tim did. Like Tim, my late uncle, Robert Lloyd Burton, died on the job while working as a bus driver for Milwaukee County. He also was a bass player (who by the way started in the family), had skills in HVAC, plus his character was "gentle" although he was a gentle giant. The morning of January 20th, 1999 was a shocker in our family that my uncle died at work. He worked at the Fond Du Lac Bus Station for the county. And yes, he did had co-workers who looked up to him as an inspiration. The strange thought of all of this, was the fact that he was at my parents house the night before his death. Very true folks! It took a toll on us as a family that week. Now I know I should be focusing on Tim Russert but I'm coming to him now.

For Tim Russert, yes his death too, was a shocker. It was shocker because of him of dying at his place of business. Similar of what happened to my uncle in 1999. I too watched Tim as he asked the tough questions to senators, presidents or any other government official or person that he interviewed. Or the coverages of the elections that he did. In my opinion, he was a class act for real. I also looked at his eyes most of the time while asking the questions. It's almost like intensity or determination. I never really saw that in any National newsperson like a Chris Wallace, Chris Matthews, George Stephanopolis, Juan Williams, Mara Liasson, or Cokie Roberts. Even Birt Hume, Hannity or Colmes, Greta, and I dare say, Bill O' Reilly. Or previously (before he went to work for Bush) Tony Snow.

Rev. Bernice King once spoke about God isn't going to find another MLK or CSK (that's Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King). I don't think the almighty isn't going to seek out "another Tim Russert". I say that because there can only be one like him. The Sunday Mornings and MSNBC (I know this is Fox) won't be the same without Tim Russert on it. And I know years ago, when Peter Jennings died, World News Tonight wasn't the same until Charles Gibson came in on a new plan.

Like everything else, the show (and competition) must go on. Even for NBC as a whole. And the same for Fox, ABC, and others. I know that Tim Russert died on Friday The 13th. The last person to die that I know of died on the same day, was Tupac Shakur. This was a week after he was shot in Las Vegas. I feel for his family going through this. So, like I said, the show will go on.