The dissenter is every human being at those moments of his life when he resigns momentarily from the herd and thinks for himself.~ Archibald Macleish

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.~ Audrey Hepburn

Cherish forever what makes you unique, ‘cuz you're really a yawn if it goes.~ Bette Midler

Now my friends, I am opposed to the system of society in which we live today, not because I lack the natural equipment to do for myself but because I am not satisfied to make myself comfortable knowing that there are thousands of my fellow men who suffer for the barest necessities of life. We were taught under the old ethic that man's business on this earth was to look out for himself. That was the ethic of the jungle; the ethic of the wild beast. Take care of yourself, no matter what may become of your fellow man. Thousands of years ago the question was asked; ''Am I my brother's keeper?'' That question has never yet been answered in a way that is satisfactory to civilized society.

Yes, I am my brother's keeper. I am under a moral obligation to him that is inspired, not by any maudlin sentimentality but by the higher duty I owe myself. What would you think me if I were capable of seating myself at a table and gorging myself with food and saw about me the children of my fellow beings starving to death. (1908 speech)~ Eugene V. Debs

I’ve become reacquainted with television newscasters in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. I was quite impressed with Shepard Smith the night that He became so passionate while reporting from New Orleans during Bill O’Riley’s Program. Out of curiosity, I started researching articles on Mr. Smith. When one takes into consideration the scope of the events of our world that He has reported on, it should indicate the magnitude of the catastrophe that He was eye witness to. He may be seasoned, but He has not become hardened. His angst and His compassion were quite effectively transmitted across the airwaves.

His comment concerning singer Fats Domino and a ‘less than adequate sized rescue boat’ almost seemed to be one of those things you think about saying, think better of it, then say it anyway. He seemed to hesitate, think about it, and then it was as if the words took flight on their own. Were it not for the cataclysmically tragic circumstances that surrounded Fats Dominos brief disappearance, such comments would probably have found their way into many a comedians repertoire. As it was, it merely reflected a very human moment.

Reading through the bios, Mr. Smith has reported on or been witness to a vast number of the most heartrending events of our generation. There are a few small controversies that surround His career, but when you look at the controversies that surround most famous personalities, His don’t even bear mentioning. Although, I must admit, I do wish I would have seen the broadcast where He inadvertently misspoke and used the term “blow job” on the air. That had to have been a classic moment.

Irony and satire are my two favorite forms of humor. How can a vixen not admire a wry reporter from the “Fox” network who’s program is called “The Fox Report”? There are websites, message boards, fan club sites galore dedicated to Mr. Smith. There is no doubt that His fame and celebrity will escalate after this.

Remaining completely objective (I believe in the wake of Katrina when people referred to the media personalities remaining objective, they in essence meant emotionally detached) in those circumstances would take a monumental effort. But then again, maybe objectivity wasn’t what was needed. Maybe someone down-to-earth with a tell-it-like-it-is attitude was what was needed. For the vast majority of us, tragedy has become so sterile. We listen to the details, we see small bits and pieces, but our minds and senses cannot fully comprehend exactly what it is that people directly involved are going through.

I’m sure that when all is said and done, Reporting Fox Smith will achieve the highest journalistic awards attainable. And rightly so. He has earned them. The vixen-ometer also has Him pegged highly on the Fox scale.

On my list of people (living or dead) that I would love to sit and have a cup of coffee with and chat for an afternoon, Reporting Fox Smith would have to be in my top five. The other four of the five aren’t living, so what does that tell you?

I still believe in truth, justice and the American way. I do still believe that there are people out there, not perfect people, but people with more than a modicum of honor and integrity. From what I have seen in the reports and from what I have read in all the sites, I believe that Reporting Fox Smith is one of them. In a world that seems to get darker and bleaker daily, it is welcoming to see someone let their light shine.

Til next time...Love, sassy v 

© sassy vixen1 2005

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepard_Smith

I need a sign to let me know you're here
All of these lines are being crossed over the atmosphere
I need to know that things are gonna look up
'Cause I feel us drowning in a sea spilled from a cup

When there is no place safe and no safe place to put my head
When you feel the world shake from the words that are said

I need a sign to let me know you're here
'Cause my TV set just keeps it all from being clear
I want a reason for the way things have to be
I need a hand to help build up some kind of hope inside of me

And I'm calling all angels
I'm calling all you angels

When children have to play inside so they don't disappear
And private eyes solve marriage lies cause we don't talk for years
And football teams are kissing Queens
and losing sight of having dreams
In a world where what we want is only what we want until it's ours

I'm calling all angels
I'm calling all you angels