Note: I originaly posted this at DU, since they seem to need this more that you guys. So if you think your suffering from vertigo, just remember this warning.
I have been following the "civil" discourse here at DU and over at DKos regarding the passing of "Meet the Press" host and MSNBC GM Tim Russert. It seems to me, an ardent Obama supporter and life long Philly Democrat that things are getting a little bit out of hand.
Flames are 'a blazing in the threads and in the OP's over such topics as journalistic integrity, proper time to mourn, and even his actual credentials. But one post at DKos has really produced a combustible situation.
"There's a line over here, and on this side we're reading..."
The post, titled Russert Failed Us, has leaped from the virtual pages of DKos, and may end up a subject of tomorrow's "Worst Persons in the World".
One of the early commentors on this post was none other than Keith Olbermann. And within his response is a point that I believe those who wish to critique Tim Russert's career, and can't seem to understand why they are meeting resistance to this idea, might want to heed.
Keith Responded twice:
"This doesn't embarrass you? Seriously?"
To which he later commented poignantly:
"Yes. (There will be a time for this) When it's appropriate. When I am not in mourning for a friend.
May whoever or whatever you believe in, forgive you your incredible bad taste."
(note: context added)
Well, after being roundly smacked in his first OP, he came back for more. In a questioned attempt to reset the stage for his first OP, he posted this thermodynamic thread titled An Open Letter to Keith Olbermann. And though I may see his point, sorta, I'm still shaking my head as to why this post was even necessary.
Let me make 3 points to which you can do with as you will. It seems that perspective, and a bit of compassion is in order here (and when I say here, I'm referring to this moment in time).
1) MSNBC is nothing like FAUX!
All but FAUX News (the musician’s amplifier) were played like fiddles in the lead up to Iraq, but at least MSNBC, under Russert, admitted to their role and have strived to atone.
2) For Tim to do his job, he had to stand in the breach.
It is the legacy of Tim Russert that MSNBC has become the closest thing to an honest broker in the MSM. Though I wish he would have reported the story alluded to by the OP, one must keep in mind that the quickest way to ruin a career in journalism is to become the story. I thank him for providing the environment that has elevated Keith Olbermann, Dan Abrams, Chris Mathews (for the Philly perspective), and Rachel Maddow. Our country has a fighting chance thanks to this legacy.
3) As distasteful as it may be, sometimes you must play the tyrant’s game, if your goal is to temper his sword.
Or you can choose to shout impotently from outside the gates.
I look forward to the time when we can discuss the OP’s critique. I believe that Tim Russert would expect nothing less of us all. Until then, the heartfelt sympathy of my family, and this call for a bit of compassion and understanding, on both sides is all I have to offer to the Russert family, MSNBC, and our precarious 4th estate.
Let them mourn their friend. And if he is the man they say he is, they will be duty bound to take on the issues some may have, be the valid or not, about Tim Russert and his legacy.
And Keith...
Today mourn with a tear, the loss of a valiant mentor, for tomorrow, we mourn with the spear.
Home Too Soon.