Overblown

The death of Tim Russert to his family and friends was tragic. Whether it warranted the amount of coverage given to it on television, radio and in print is a separate question. From all accounts, and there were many, Russert was a good father and husband, and good at his job. There are hundreds of similar people who die every day without all the bells and whistles. Soilders return home from the war in a casket and their deaths are barely recognized any longer. The difference? Those people were not on television. Those deaths are only mentioned in the local paper, and sometimes a small price has to be paid to print the obit and a postage stamp sized picture of the deceased. One would think the world is about to end when a person who asks questions for a living and offers opinions passes away. Is this a case of jealousy? Probably. My parents were every bit as hard working as Russet, raised three responsible human beings and did volunteer work in the community beyond the call of duty until their deaths. Was the media camping outside the home after learning of their deaths? No. Did a cable station break into its coverage with the news? No. Did any schools offer space to hold a memorial service? No. Did the President of the United States pay his respects at the wake? No. Did they deserve to be honored? Yes.