In Memory of Tony Snow & Tim Russert: Paradigms of Decency

I didn’t write about Tim Russert’s passing, although I thought about it.

But, as I think about the passing of Tony Snow today, I am reminded of Tim Russert’s contribution to political discourse as well.

Tony Snow was an articulate conservative, who always argued conservative values and positions effectively.  But he was much more than that: he was a genuinely real human being who valued other people.

That made him rare in the world of politics.

One of his friends, Fox News’ Griff Jenkins, said of Snow during the July 12 broadcast, “Tony Snow taught me more about optimism, more about joy, more about overcoming, than anyone I have ever known.”

He was – along with Tim Russert – a man of true religion.  Both men came to radiate a sense of profound decency and goodness of character that characterized their work and changed the people around them.

It was from their Christian religion that both Tim Russert and Tony Snow obtained their values that so shaped and molded their characters that they were never without their smiles even during difficult times.  Somehow these two men “got it,” and were able to carry “it” with them even through the bloodsport atmosphere of the world of politics.

I have frequently considered my own tendency to take politics personally, and to consider the “other side” as a threat to everything I stand for and believe in.

The passing of men like Tim Russert and Tony Snow makes me think about the rightness and validity of my approach all the more.

I still believe that many Democrats in key positions of power genuinely do represent a threat to this country, and that I must fight to stand up for what I passionately believe is right and oppose what I passionately believe is wrong.  I also believe that a greater sense of civility would have a powerful positive impact on the nature of our political discourse and upon our society in general.

There’s a tension between these two ideas.  It’s almost like walking on a tightrope.

Men like Tim Russert and Tony Snow found the balance.

Their passing makes me think and gives me hope.  If they can find such a marvelous balance, perhaps I can also.

In any event, I have no question that both men are in heaven right now, arguing politics with smiles on their faces.  Maybe one day we will be able to do the same down here on earth.