Tim Russert, R.I.P.

In his work as a host of ''Meet the Press'', Tim Russert addressed the most difficult political issues facing our country, including the War in Iraq. One might expect this to exert a somber and downbeat mood on him, as it has on many of us. But Tim was always upbeat and positive. He expressed this through his support of family and friends,loyalty to those who educated him, including the Jesuits, and enjoyment of sport and music. But beyond this, I felt he was helping us to define our values as a nation and give us the strength to address our problems without fear.

''Acerbic and aggressive'' indeed! These word choices better describe Bill O'Reilly than Tim Russert.

These words come to mind when I characterize Tim Russert's style: magnanimous, civil and incisive

The accolades pouring forth from media and politicos are articulate and often moving. I hope they are as authentic as Tim Russert was for his death affects we 60 year old upstate New Tork Roman Catholics who shared his history and his passion for news and, I believe, for seeking truth. A friend who is another political junkie called me right away and we nearly wept together as this good man who embodied some of our own history and values will be heard no more. Will there be other Catholic journalists who can remain as even handed and grounded and seeking the common good as Russert? Given the present Church ennui and the polarized media climate, I sadly very much wonder....

As a Buffalo Catholic I have been following the coverage of this extraordinary man in the local and national media. He was truly an exceptional man and a role model for everyone. He lived the core of the Catholic faith shamelessly. His death was a tragedy in the classic sense of the word, the eve of Fathers' Day weekend -- he who penned two exceptional books on the vocation of fatherhood. His quotation ''The best exercise for the heart is bending down and picking someone else up'' should be in the hearts of us all.

My Russert was an articulate, fair and a balanced interviewer. He was also proud up his Catholic upbringing and faith formation. A true inspiration for all young parents making the sacrifice of paying for Catholic education.

Please!! "acerbic style in interviews and aggressive personality," what a way to describe a man who was one of the least aggressive and far from acerbic men who conduct interviews that most of us have ever witnessed. Where pray tell did Jim Keane, SJ ever come up with that inaccurate and unflattering description of Tim Russert? Dr. Ann McKean

Thank you, Ann McKean. I wondered the same. If anything, I am amazed at the incredible humility and gentleness of character that was so apparent in a man of his position. In a magazine such as America, I would like to have seen Tim Russert's obit written by someone who understood the man better than Father Keane seems to have.