.. no need to appeal to authority as jas4850 has done. Just plain, old-fashioned observational logic combined with the ability to remember a variety of facts, and an understanding of the significance of issues.

And right on about the outrage. If Russert weren't a T.V. star, we wouldn't be any more concerned about his death then about the other thousands of deaths that day.

Not to mention dead Iraqis.

So is it Seymour Hirsh, or Seymour Herch?

Maybe it's Seemore Hersh, or Simor Horsch....

Gee, there's so many possibilities to choose from.

"realize that the world does not revolve around your opinion."

Really? It doesn't? Why, my whole world is crashing down!

Brian, most of the people here are writing because they enjoy writing. They also like participating in a public forum, rather then a one-way medium.

"he was a human being like you. Give him some respect and credit where credit is due."

What is the point of this? There's 6 billion human beings on Earth, why does Russert deserve any more respect then the rest?

Russert *was* very well paid. He died rich.

"That phrase originated in Sparta - though I don't recall the circumstances any longer."

How old *are* you, anyway?

Just kidding. Spot on, especially about the need to respond while the topic is up.

All this "respect the dead" stuff is just an effort to shut up dissenters.

"How about Grubert "The Intelligent" Uber Troll...or "Mr Opinions"..."

Nah. I don't like those as much.

-----------------------------------------

michael_carr, I read some random comment awhile ago about Salon having being purchased by a large corporation. Haven't looked into it, but I'm going to before my next renewal.

It is feeling more MSM in here lately....

I don't agree entirely, but I think I see where you're coming from, and your comments make sense.

""Russert was a real, live human being who did his best "

truth_machine:"A handy lie but no, he didn't."

How do you know? Russert might have thought what he was doing was journalism. He certainly was surrounded by people who told him he was doing a great job.

It's a bit more subtle then "A handy lie." But then you don't seem to do subtlety.

"But it is, let's be honest, sort of a cynical bit of spin."

Obama's political strength depends on hope and optimism. Cheap cynicism is the way to attack him, and this is a perfect example ( at the 'concern-troll' level ) The "Obama-bots" meme is another, suggesting that to be optimistic and hopeful is foolish.

Look for more appeals to cynicism.

I would make sure all the corrupt, entrenched powers in Washington knew well in advance my intention to clean them out, so my supporters could see what a principled fellow I was.

And it would give the corrupt, entrenched powers time to reflect on the error of their ways and start clearing out their desks in meek resignation.

Yep, that's just what I would do. I'm sure Glenn would too, were he running for Prez.

"I'd like to know at what point I can expect vindication in my support for a "change" agent."

You won't know until it happens, if it does happen. Maybe Obama does, and maybe he doesn't.

It's a bummer, but any Presidential candidate intending to actually take on the entrenched Washington powers can't win by saying so.

If Americans were more involved and less distracted by the difficulties of getting by, this could be different.

Remember what happened to Howard Dean after he publicly announced his intention to break up the media monopolies?

Hint: Google "The Dean Scream."

Buckshot15: ".. should be taken out behind the barn and given a good "talking to." SHAME ON YOU!"

Back on the farm, the only reason to take someone "out behind the barn," was to be given a good, hard SPANKING with a willow switch. If this is what you mean, the just say so!

But I don't want to watch.

TishiJo has the right response; it's the corporate MSM, stupid. ( no, I'm not talking about Conason; he knows this too well. )

Joe, I miss hearing your "dazed and confused" intro ( from the Frankin radio show. ) When are you going to get another regular radio spot?

Maybe Hartman would give you a slot. He likes smart reporters.

tdsoren:"And then there's Mr. Joe Wilson, who is portrayed as some poor victim when he's the one who has been caught in lie after lie"

Can you give even one clear example. Of course you can't. That's because the "Joe Wilson Lied" line is itself just a right-wing lie.

Your long winded post was certainly a lot of hot air.

The WP article was, as usual, full of innuendo and quotes from Republicans, and NOT ONE SPECIFIC SO-CALLED LIE.

Smear Joe Wilson with your right-wing MSM nonsense, Mr. 2-Post wonder.

I'm not going to waste any time Googling things for you, at 10 cents a post you can do it yourself.