Posted by
Furious on Saturday, July 12, 2008 7:58:02 AM
I never had the chance to meet the man. I was never honored by his handshake or his wave. I never even had the opportunity to talk to him, much as I would have loved to. But I knew the man.
We shared a common political philosophy, conservative. But we were willing to compromise, if our opposition could convince us of their plans merits. There was never any meanness in anything he said. Nothing was ever personal. I honestly don’t think the man had an enemy. Perhaps a few detractors, maybe some critics and a few who strongly disagreed with him; but how could anyone hate the man? That would be virtually impossible.
We were almost the same age (I am a year his senior), so his recollections and sense of history closely resembled mine. We both fought the ravages of an insidious disease. Sadly, he lost his fight, and I- for whatever reason- have been granted a stay.
Unlike many of his critics, he spoke softly and with abundant logic. I never heard the man speak down to anyone. Although there were periods of thoughtful sarcasm, they were never insulting. Today, these are rare qualities.
He was intelligent enough to know that he didn’t know everything.
He was humble enough to consider the possibility that he, sometimes, might be wrong.
He was wise enough to know that by speaking softly; he would be better heard.
And he was brave enough to stare death in the eye-perhaps with a tear in his own-and not blink.
I pray that God embraces you, Tony Snow, your family and your millions of friends. You are just now gone but already missed.