June 16, 2008
A wake is being held today for Tim Russert, the host of “Meet the Press,” who died last Friday of a heart attack at age 58. I knew Tim a little, which means when we saw each other in public, I would say, “Hi, Tim” and he’d say, “Hi, Cal.” We were anything but close friends.
I understand the drive and quest for fame, power and position here in Washington. It affects and infects a lot of us who work here, especially in media and politics.
Jesus said, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul?” Tim was a Roman Catholic. I do not know any more than that. But the orgy of media coverage was over the top. One would think a head of state had died. Tim Russert interviewed politicians on TV. That was his job and he did it well. But his volunteer work with the Boys and Girls Club of Washington will have a longer-lasting influence.
Scripture teaches that we are like puffs of smoke. Some will be forgotten before those who knew them die. A new generation will not have heard of any of us. Remember that as you choose which kingdom to invest in.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
