What an embarrassment.
An American icon dies, and the country mourns his passing, but a few anonymous assholes in the blogosphere believe they have some sort of duty to remind us all that Tim Russert was -- oh no! -- imperfect.
Some even feel the need to ridicule the rest of us for having the audacity to show a little respect for Russert and his family and friends (including fellow Kossack Keith Olbermann) by not immediately listing and analyzing all the ways Russert failed as a journalist.
These sad few are a blight on our virtual community.
And it's time for Kos to do something about it.
We know Russert wasn't perfect. We know that.
But that's not the point.
Tim Russert was like family to many of us in that, while we didn't always agree with him -- in fact, he infuriated us a great deal -- we still respected him and valued his voice. We looked forward to spending our Sunday mornings with him, hearing what he had to say, hearing him interview the most powerful and influential people in our government and in our world.
We didn't always agree with him. In fact, he frustrated and angered many of us on a regular basis.
But that's not the point.
The man died suddenly and unexpectedly. His friends and family are mourning his death. And many of us, here and around the country, are mourning as well.
And yet...
Some Kossacks apparently have no sense of shame. Since the news of Russert's death, they have been antagonizing this community with their insulting comments -- which have dominated the Hidden Comments section all weekend -- and even their diaries with such unbelievably disgusting titles as Burn in hell, tim russert, you talentless lackey, posted by acquittal.
These kinds of comments do not reflect the majority of Kossacks. They are, instead, the crazed and ego-driven rantings of a few people who apparently derive sick satisfaction from the suffering, pain, and tragedy of others.
While most Kossacks have been vigilant in hiding and condemning such comments, greater action seems appropriate at this point.
It is time for Kos to put a stop to these people. It is a poor reflection of this website; it is a poor reflection of this community; and it is a poor reflection of Kos.
Enough.
Despite my own criticisms of Keith Olbermann, I am horrified to know that he has actually seen these comments. Horrified to know that a friend -- not a virtual, Facebook friend, but an actual friend -- of Tim Russert saw such hateful words.
Olbermann spent the better part of Friday on air, choking back tears and trying to keep his voice from cracking as he spoke about his friend and interviewed others -- Republicans, Democrats, and journalists alike -- who all spoke with such love and reverence for their deceased friend.
And this is how he sees our community react to news of Russert's death.
What an embarrassment.
These commenters and diarists who seek to humiliate this community do not deserve to be a part of it.
Come on, Kos. It's time to step up -- for all of us.