Rest in Peace, Tim Russert

It is his family that bears the brunt of this tragedy of course, and my condolences go out to them. Considering the impact on the fourth estate though, his passing is a tragedy for the world.

American journalism in the era of clebutainment, corporate ownership and Rupert Murdoch is at its lowest ebb in 100 years. Our democracy depends on a free, independent press to tell us what’s going on, and today’s news media is asleep at the switch.

Russert was one of only two national TV reporters I’d actually consider “journalists” in the true sense (the other being Chris Matthews). The challenge now is for the younger generation of reporters to pick up his banner and continue the fight. I refuse to believe that Russert was a dinosaur- there must be more where he came from, now is your time. Don’t accept talking points at face value. Ask the tough questions. Don’t be afraid to piss people off. Value the truth above all else. Not to be hyperbolic, but the fate of the world depends on it. If there’d been more Tim Russerts on the job in 2003, maybe we could have stopped Mr. Bush’s folly in Iraq.

Thank you for all you gave us.