Chad's spot for various thoughts, musings, poetry, ideas and whatnot

Thursday, June 12, 2003

Good Night, David

David Brinkley has died. As I've said before, I have admired David Brinkley as a journalist for as long as I can remember. As I grew to some level of politcal conciousness, it was Brinkley, first with NBC and then with ABC who was a constant commentator on the political landscape I was navigating. While many of my generation claim Ronald Reagan as their political guide, I have to admit that for me it was David Brinkley and his band of journalists that I watched many a Sunday morning while waiting for football to begin. Those who know me and my political views can propably see the influence.

Even though he apologized for his comments during the 1996 presidential election broadcasts (and he should have) I have to say that I agreed with every word. In fact, I don't know that I ever really disagreed with much Brinkley said. In his collection of "This Week" ending homilies, I found precious little I could find fault with in his observations of Washington, the political system and the IRS. In fact, I still think his idea on reducing filling your taxes to a 3" x 5" card is about the best solution to the tax mess we all find ourselves in come April 15th.

So long, David. I've missed you since you retired in '97. I just wish that the news anchors and commentators of today were as good at journalism as you were. Maybe in their reflections of your contributions they will find the courage to be a bit less blow-dried and cardboard and step out and offer real journalism instead of Washington/Wall Street spin mongering.

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