What a Dad!

Tim Russert passed away yesterday.  The news has been inundated with his talents, his hard hitting style, his sense of family and his love for the Buffalo Bills NFL football team!  MSNBC is in shock.  They have had to bring back Tom Brokaw…just to fill the void.  What will be the future of NBC news without Tim Russert?

This is Father’s Day.  Tiger Wood’s has a terrific chance to capture his 14th Major Golf Tournament on a day his dad is also gone.  This wll be a very poignant day for Tiger whether he wins or loses.  His small baby will remind him – that he is also a Dad.  He is a Dad that has to set the standard for good conduct, set the standard for competitive drive and effort.  Set the standard for ethical and caring behavior to those weaker and less able in our society.

As we look around the Southern California area and Orange County we continue to look for those in our society that can set the standard for wise and caring behavior when it comes to politics.  We see the great ones like LA Councilman Bernard Parks…who is bringing along his son Bernard Jr. into the political process.   We see on the other side, Antonio Villaraigosa who has embarrassed his kids, wife and family by his wayward conduct with MIrthala Salinas a television news commentator!   We see the rich Henry Nicholas of Broadcom fame face disgrace and and Federal charges..called “The Kitchen Sink”…which sends the entirely wrong message to kids around the nation.

What kind of Dad…do you have?  Was he a drunk?  A child Abuser?  Was he so competitive that he slapped you down and embarrassed you in front our your schoolmates, your family, your mom?  Was he an unethical, liar, uncaring, despicable character that found little time to share his wisdom or teaching with you or anyone else.  What kind of Dad?  Was he right out of the “Brady Bunch”?  Was he like Spencer Tracy….in “Father of the Bride”?  Was he sure that you were able to go to College…even when he had to do without?  Did he help you buy your first car?  Your second?  Did he make you go to work when you were in High School…to better understand the ability to stand on your own?  Or did he mistreat your mom, divorce your mom or fool around on your mom?

Different types of Dads abound.  They all weren’t like in “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” with Ozzie, Harriet – David and Ricky Nelson.  Even in this famous family ….. Ricky died in plane crash!  There are always tragedies in every family.  It is called the “circle of life” my mom would say!  Dad’s have feet of clay!  They are just human beings, trying to do their best.  Some wind up doing drugs, robbing liquor stores and being shot down in the streets by police officers.  Some raise our spirits, send our emotions soaring and make us feel the most proud person in the universe!  Dad’s have power!  Today is the day we can say:  Happy Father’s Day!  Do your best dad….we will be pulling for you ….all the way!  Today might be a good day to reach over and wrap your arms around your Dad….in spite of the fact…that he can’t stand being touched by anyone!  Kiss him on the cheek….and say: “Love you Dad!”

Tim Russert left a “legacy”…in television reporting.  His Dad “Big Russ” and his son Luke who just graduated from Boston College – are now famous because of Tim!  Happy Father’s Day …Tim!