Cross-posted @ http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com

Crossposted on my other blog:  http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com/

RIP Tim Russert

This is one tough post to write. In the short time I opened this blog, a reader can see I'm tough on the Media. It might be because I think some (if not many) are dumbing down the profession that holds so much accountability to its audience. But I hold a few of its members in high regard and one of those few was Tim Russert.

I can't believe he's gone. Like millions of people around the country and the world, I'm still in a state of shock that I'm not going to see Tim Russert on Meet The Press this Sunday. Not just for Sunday, the rest of the election season. This was a man who made politics fun and accessible to the everyday man. You didn't need to have an ivy-league education to understand Russert. Who can forget how he reduced the complexity of the 2000 November election to three simple words on a dry erase board: Florida, Florida, Florida!

Here I am young enough to be Russert's daughter but I never felt a generation gap in understanding him even though I pale in comparison to his intellect. I think that was the charm he brought to his viewers; a blue-collar kind of guy talking to the dignitaries of the land. And boy did he talk to them, more like grilled the truth out of them.

For my generation, his grilling but fair tactics was parodied on Saturday Night Live by the brilliant Darrell Hammond and he got the humor. He even did a fake-serious interview with fake Presidential candidate Stephen Colbert. Now that was a pundit who was in touch.

He showed how in touch he was with his best-selling book "Big Russ & Me." A story about life lessons from a father and son relationship. That book solidified his legacy of not just being one of the premiere journalists of his generation but a devoted father and son (not to talk of husband). He made many rekindle their relationships with their own fathers.

This is the second journalist I felt was taken too soon; the first was Peter Jennings. It showed how fickle life really is and to cherish every moment we're blessed with the gift. So in honor of Tim Russert's memory not just for the legacy he left for the excellence in journalism but to Dads everywhere.

On the eve of Father's Day, I would like to say Thanks Dad and MOD (My Other Dads) - I couldn't have been the fearless daughter without your guidance and my heartfelt condolence and prayers to the Russert family.

I mentioned once I was singing the blues while the writers’ strike was going on in Hollywood.  I must have read more books and magazines during those months than I ever did; and I was already an avid reader.  My favorite show, Grey’s Anatomy was also on hiatus during this time and I missed my weekly diet to check in with the “Doctors” of Seattle Grace Hospital.  Well the two-hour season finale was last night and it did not disappoint.  (What I thought of it will be in another post but first . . .)

I was never a person who jumped on board after the rest of America caught the “Grey’s Anatomy” bug; I was fan from day one.  I remember when the show started in the fall of 2005 right after “Desperate Housewives,” programming, I stuck around just to see what this hospital show was all about.  As usual, I came in with a little apprehension because at that time I thought most shows on TV sucked.  Also, I wondered how successful will another medical drama be since a few over the years I loved have either been cancelled or lust some luster. Shows that come to mind were Chicago’s Hope, City of Angels, and ER (after George Clooney left).  So my tepidity towards the new TV show was well placed.  However, the writing (the most important factor in my opinion) grabbed me the first few minutes, and the casting of the diverse actors made me an instant fan.

But I was worried if some Americans will get it and not let this great gem I have found NOT go to an early TV grave yard.  Well not to worry, month after month, the audience kept building and Grey’s became a bonafide hit.  Now “Grey’s” buzz words such as McDreamy, McSteamy, Va-jay-jay (to those living under a rock, let’s just say it refers to a certain female’s anatomy) have become everyday lexicon even the big O (Oprah Winfrey) who’s publicly made know for watching little or no TV, put her stamp of her “favorite” show to the point of using the buzz words (especially the va-jay-jay) on air.  Well, TV comedians had fun with that one.

What makes Grey’s successful is not just the medical mumbo-jumbo; that is there in abundance to make the show authentic.  However, it is the story about life and how complicated it is whether as a mother, daughter, wife, father, son, or husband and every other role one plays in this thing called life.  In one episode, a viewer could go from great comedic timing with the characters of the show and grief when a lovable character (I cried my eyes out when Denny – Izzie’s love) passes away.  It is where a so-called jerk (i.e. Alex) could have some redeeming qualities or for a person who made a mistake not to be defined by the misstep – I loved what the Nazi said to recurring character Dr. Montgomery not to let a man define her (great advice).

I haven’t liked Kobe Bean Bryant in over five years since he threw his then teammates under the bus.  That just wasn’t a player’s move.  The way I saw (and still see) it, if you get caught cheating and with an alleged rape charge over your head, face the music alone and don’t take your teammates, who were married or have significant others down with you.  But I can’t deny I love his game – I can make a distinction between the player and his performance.   And I must say he’s been going through an image makeover lately that I gave him an end of the season award for “finally being a great teammate.”

So there I was watching Game 1 of the Lakers Vs. Spurs series last night and I wondered for the first half what happened to the ball hugger Kobe with only two points. And why were the Lakers playing like this?  Secretly, I’m pulling for the Lakers just like I was pulling for the Hornets in the last series because I DON’T want to see the Spurs in the Finals.  The Spurs are great but they are BORING!!!  They are like watching a carpenter (led by the Big Fundamental Tim Duncan) at his craft (my apologies to Spurs fans and carpenters).  No sizzle, no larger than life personalities just the substance of playing ball.  I’m all for the notion of having substance over style but doggone it; why can’t I have both?  And the same theory goes for the game of basketball.  I will criticize a player with all flash with no fundamentals of the game in a minute and I will find him snooze-worthy when the role is reversed.

But back to last night’s game, for over three-quarters, it was like watching paint dry when the Spurs led by 20 points.  At that time, I’ve already found other programs on TV to amuse myself. I couldn’t believe the Lakers were playing like this with all the rest they got.  It was as if the proverbial rest turned to rust.  Then I came back in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter and I was like Whoa Kobe!  And for the rest of the game, I was transfixed!  This is why I agree with Dwyane Wade’s theory:  the fourth quarter is winning time.  I’ve seen some terrible upsets in many years of watching the game but I must say very few (not for a long time) against the Spurs.  The Lakers won led by Kobe’s heroics especially one against down and dirty defensive player Bruce Bowen (I will change my tune in a minute Bruce if you come back to the Miami Heat) with about 24 seconds left.  When Kobe was asked after the game why it took so long to start hitting and making shots, his response was: “I can get off at any time.”  Ok that answer has such double entendre I’m not even going to touch it. Anyhoo, I must say his brand of cockiness was reminiscent of the one and only “Airness,” who had the game to back it up.  I think His Airness will be proud of Kobe’s game last night. 

I love chivalry and the very emphatic comment Barack Obama sent to the GOP in his Interview with Good Morning America to “lay off his wife” send a clear message that chivalry isn’t dead.  Hallelujah!  There’s hope!   In case you haven’t heard, the Tennessee GOP ran an explosive video featuring Michelle Obama saying for the first time in her adult life, she was proud to be an American.  Granted, the GOP took the comments out of context to the point of depicting Michelle Obama as unpatriotic.

I came against this tactic when Chelsea Clinton was being asked “stupid” questions on the campaign trails for her mother.  Folks who think the families of the said candidates are fair game need to have their decency meter checked.  Ok, granted, Bill Clinton is another level – so maybe there could be an exception being a former President.  But don’t go after the rest of the family members to change thousands or millions of votes when they are have not being involved in the candidate’s decisions.

Here’s my message to the GOP:  Please try something new!  Obviously these videos are not working like they did four years ago.  You have lost three key seats to the Democratic Party in Congress with all the exploitive images of Obama.   Most recently in Mississippi with Travis Childers, an extremely conservative state and they could see through your ploy.    Here’s a suggestion:  how about you talk about the policies you’re against and for?  There is a shift going on in the American political arena; maybe it’s time you jumped on board.

It’s been a while since I did a round-up of the week’s news but this has been an eventful week to say the least.  So here goes:

1. Sen. Hillary Clinton wins West Virginia:  Congratulations Sen. Clinton but the numbers still don’t add up for the nomination.  I’m all for her to complete her race all in the name of democracy but to be honest unless the Super delegates do some “smoke screen” back room techniques, the winner* should be Sen. Barack Obama.

2.      President Bush sacrifices golf for the war:  Of all the stupid comments (check out the video here) I’ve being subject to listen to for the last eight years from W, this one ranks up there.  In an interview with Politico.com, Bush made this quote:  “I don’t want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander in chief playing golf,” he said. “I feel I owe it to the families to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal.” Ok Mr. President, let me tell you how to send the “right signal,” about the war:  Put some funding into Walter Reed hospital for injured soldiers to get proper care; the same goes for the GI bill to increase benefits that are depleting.  Also, treat the thousands of veterans with dignity who are going homeless when they return from war.  The aforementioned signals are just a start . . .

3. Sen. John Edwards endorses Obama:  This is really a “Johnny come lately” move.  Hey Johnny, you got your jet ski? (anyone who watches Stephen Colbert knows what I’m talking about).  But they say better late than never, so I ain’t mad at ya!  Edwards was one of (if not) the most courted endorser.  His message on poverty needed to be brought to the spotlight.  I’m not saying he could be the VP., but I must say they both look good out there a couple of days ago.
4. Bush pulls a Hitler on Obama:  I could say all kinds of things about a President who has said he wouldn’t involve himself in the 2008 election race but let me have the Democrats of the Senate have their say – What say you Madame Speaker?  Nancy Pelosi:  “This was beneath the dignity of the Office of the President.” And you Sen. Clinton?  Clinton:  “President Bush's comparison of any Democrat to Nazi appeasers is offensive and outrageous, especially in the light of his failures in foreign policy. This is the kind of statement that has no place in any presidential address.”  Democratic leader Harry Reid:  “irresponsible and reckless.”  How about the implied attack on you Sen. Obama?  Obama:  “This is sad . . . a false political attack . . .” And the last word will go to you Chairman of Foreign policy – Sen. Biden:  “This is Bull****, this is Malackey. This is outrageous, for the president of the United States to go to a foreign country, to sit in the Knesset ... and make this kind of ridiculous statement.”  Go on Biden!  Tell us how you really feel J

One of the burning topics on my mind since last February when I started blogging actively was the issue of interracial relationships.  However, the political scene kept me quite busy among other things.  But a few days ago, I read an article of Mildred Loving’s passing and I knew I would be remiss if I didn’t write the piece before the week was over.

Mildred Loving was one half of the iconic couple who made interracial marriage legal in the seminal case of Loving vs. Virginia of 1967.  Mildred was black and her husband Richard was white.  They were actually married in 1958 in Washington – where interracial marriage was legal but when they returned home in Virginia, both of them arrested, jailed and banished from the state for 25 years.  Well the case went all the way to the Supreme Court where justice prevailed to make it legal in ALL states regardless of race.

Mildred lost Richard in 1975 due to a car crash and she never remarried nor granted interviews even during last year’s 40^th anniversary.  She never felt what she did was such a grand thing but oh I begged to differ . . . it was monumental!

Ok this is aside from what I normally blog about but I must say it is bugging me.  At first, when I heard Mariah Carey married Nick Cannon, I just laughed to myself and said I would believe it when I see it.  Well, my eyes finally saw it yesterday at a checkout stand, the wedding pictures in color on People magazine.  Are you kidding me?  I’m all for the older woman and young guy; if it makes you happy . . . (the Sheryl Crow song) but how do you get married after six weeks.  Not only that, the guy (Cannon) has a big tattoo of your name all over his back.  Now that’s one of the things I don’t get.  I don’t care how in LOVE/LUST you might be; don’t tattoo the guy’s name on any part of your body and vice-versa.  That is a permanent inscription to what can be a temporary situation.

I want to know what these two are drinking.  Nick Cannon just broke off his engagement to Victoria Secret Model Selita Ebanks whom he proposed to at Madison Square Garden.  Another pet peeve of mine; making way over the top proposals for something you don’t know if the answer is going to be a “yes.”  Actually, I think those guys try to MAKE you say yes with such grandiose proposals – at least that’s what I’ve said to my friends.  To be honest, once in a while, it’s a guilty pleasure of mine when that guy is turned down.  Before I start getting comments, let me be clear; yes I’m a romantic.  But I digress.

Back to these two lust birds, I’m no betting girl but looking at the history of these two serial daters in Carey and Cannon, I could almost start counting the months . . .

Oh the taste of sweet revenge!  Can I just say this?  Barack Obama’s decisive victory in North Carolina and nail-biter but in the end an almost upset was the proudest I’ve felt for any political victory.  I felt what this Senator from Illinois has had to deal with the past couple of weeks (not talking of a couple of months ago) with the whole Wright issue was just uncalled for especially when John McCain with seeking John Hagee’s endorsement is just done as a brush off.  So take that all you political pundits and big ups to the American people who can actually think for themselves . . . imagine that!

We’re living in some confusing times and I’ve got a lot to get off my chest on various issues and gosh was it a slow week (not!):

• Miley Cyrus and the Vanity Fair Photo fiasco – Note to self:  I will not buy the latest Vanity Fair since I have an almost six year old Goddaughter who for the past year is obsessed with everything Hannah Montana – no need to dash her fantasy of a heroine, it’s like telling a kid there’s no Santa Claus.  Note to Miley’s handlers: Give due diligence to this girl’s (not woman’s) career, pay attention to perception. Note to Miley:  You made a mistake, too bad it had to be so public but keep your chin up; this is all part of growing up.  Also, a side note:   Enjoy being a girl at the moment; you’re only 15, you will have a lot of time to be sexy (trust me).  Note to all the public:  leave Miley Cyrus alone!

• Supreme Court Justice Scalia on 60 Minutes – Anyone caught 60 Minutes last Sunday?  That is your vote at work!  I will never tell a person not to vote for a candidate for President of his/her choice but please really think because such person might elect a position (Supreme Court Justice) which is for a lifetime.  This guy arrogantly told folks to “get over it” on the 2000 voting debacle in Florida.  Not only that, he said torture is not a “cruel” or “unusual” punishment.  My request to the Justice:  How about I try it (especially waterboarding) on you since it’s not such “a cruel or unusual punishment?”

• NBA Playoffs – My prediction:  The San Antonio Spurs will win it back-to-back for the first time and Basketball fans like me are relegated to another year of BORING playoffs.

• Rev. Wright Mania – I’ve dedicated two posts to this issue this week, my plea to the media is to now concentrate on the REAL issues.

• The President Public Address On the Economy – You gotta love W for his ostrich-like tendency to keep his head in the sand rather than being real.  Nice green (money) tie Mr. President.   The President called the economy having a “slow patch,” “a little downtown,”  “not having a magic wand,” everything else so as NOT to say the “R” word.   Mr. President, I spent time in business school and can I just spell it out what my textbooks, classmates, and professors would call this time: R-E-C-E-S-S-I-O-N.

• Paula Abdul’s “IDOL” moment – I want to know why this particular Paula confused moment became news on all morning and evening shows for a couple of days?  Paula is one-of-a-kind and thus the charm of the American Idol show?  So now people are wondering if the show isn’t really “reality” but a scripted one.  Those folks really need to get a life!  I mean the outrage! How do you confuse reality and scripted when you could always count on Randy to say “Dawg, the song is kind of pitchy,” Paula to say “you look lovely/beautiful (forget the singing) tonight,” and Judge Dread (I mean Simon) to say “that was utterly forgettable, it was like being on a cruise ship?”

• Grey’s Anatomy is Back – Boy am I glad to check in with my favorite doctors at Seattle Grace!  Welcome “McDreamy” and “McSteamy” (love you) with their boyhood shenanigans and “the Nazi” who always keeps them in line.

 That’s a few things to mull over about our muddled world as I head into the weekend.  I’ll try to escape reality a bit and watch the “Iron Man,” maybe even catch McDreamy (I mean Patrick Dempsey) in “Made of Honor.”  Make your weekend a great one!