Two Old Men

The first, William F. Buckley, died yesterday at age 82. Loved by many, respected by just about everyone else, he led a full, full life. And a good one too. Helped bring down Communism, and wrote mystery novels. Had a TV show. etc etc etc Like I said, a full, full life.

The other old man is much less well known. Pat Cunningham is a former columnist for the Rockford Register-Star. When I lived in the Rockford area many years ago, I really enjoyed reading his columns. They were fresh, with an offbeat perspective. So when I found out he was starting a blog recently, I was excited. I even recommended that you read it.

Unfortunately, the Pat Cunningham of today is not the same person I remember. Well, he is the same human being, with the same face, but his writing now is just the window into the soul of a bitter, bitter man. BILL BUCKLEY, SNIVELING RACIST, DIES was his post from yesterday. His entire blog is a variation on that theme.

Why some old people are happy in the midst of numerous ailments while others are old and bitter and shriveled up before their time is one of those mysteries of life. And while it always sad to lose a fellow like William F. Buckley, it's not nearly as sad as watching the slow, painful decay of a bitter old man like Pat Cunningham.

Comments

[Pat Cunningham]

Tom,two things: 1) My blog is not entirely a variation on my dissing of Bill Buckley, and 2) My slow decay is not at all painful. But, hey, thanks for the kind words about my work of yore.