you may have missed this thread. he was a gentleman.

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Dan Empfield
aka Slowman

No, I saw and read the thread. I just felt it appropriate now to remark singly on his passing. He was, indeed, a gentleman and one with whom one could disagree on an ideological basis and still like his commentary immensely because of the quality of his thought and writing. I don't know of a single person of liberal bent with whom he shared a debate forum who didn't like or respect him, and he them.

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"Politics is just show business for ugly people."

Pictures of this guy always look like a shadowy oil painting. Like a bizarre portrait,

He was one of the last of a dying breed.

Molly Ivins, George Will, Jack Germond, Morton Kondracke, Fred Barnes, Robert Novak, Elenore Clift, Cal Thomas, even that nutty Pat Buchanan - these are the folks I few up watching/reading. Civil discourse of ideas, along with a free press, is at the bedrock of a healthy republic. I miss those days.

And you’re correct about the comments section. It’s the dearth of discourse. It’s the worst of free speech - of ourselves. Don’t click it. It always dissapoints.

I find it interesting how many people feel the need to say 'I didn't agree with his politics but...' - as though simply posting a message of condolence wouldn't work without the caveat that he was a filthy conservative.

He was my dad's favorite political writer, hopefully they're hanging out up there right now.

I hear what you're saying but I don't believe that most folks mention that to discount his opinions. Often, I think it's intended to show greater respect, not less. In other words: "I disagree with him but he was so well thought and reasoned... I feel more informed for his thoughts and am glad I read them." Or, to put in a more common context - sports. When a legendary player dies/retires and fans from rival teams pay respect as deserved. i.e. - "I'm an XYZ fan here. While I hated what this player did on the field against my team. I always respected the way he/she played and wished he/she was on my team". (See retirement of Jason Witten for an example.)