George Carlin and Tim Russert, Two Social Commentators Paralleled

“I recently went to a new doctor and noticed he was located in something called the Professional Building. I felt better right away.” ~ George Carlin

This week we’ve been talking about heart health and saying a fond farewell to great men of our time in history, who’ve made a difference in our lives. Adding to our tribute is legendary comedian George Carlin, who struggled with a heart condition since the 1970's, and, died of heart failure at the age of 71. Immediately I thought of the closeness in time between Tim Russert and George Carlin’s deaths--so alike in their cause of death, similar in other ways, too-- both being social commentators…Yet each so different in personality, decorum and philosophy.

Like his Mentor Lenny Bruce, Carlin is known for his irreverence, but still he had incredible insight into the human condition. His approach was without pretense or embellishments. He told it like he saw it and he was ever consistent. Carlin is best known for his spiel on the 7 words you can’t say on television, although his comedic routine on “stuff” was one of my favorites. George Carlin was a left-of-center spokesperson for Everyman. He was a tad twisted and quite irreverent, but maybe that’s why America adored him—for speaking out with great shock factor, fearlessly. He was featured on The Tonight Show 130 times. Seems we couldn’t ever get enough of him.

In contrast, Tim Russert had a vast following, as well, but Carlin wasn’t exactly the same style of communicator as Russert. Not in the least. George was cleverly unique. He not only made people laugh, but he made people think about what he might've meant. He was usually p.o.’ed about something, and I suppose in a lot of ways, his rants were a purge of human frustration and gave his fans a sense of comic relief.

As I think of his memory and I smile at all he’s ever said, I’m reminded of one of his humorous quotes about heaven, which seems so appropriate now… “Cloud nine gets all the publicity, but cloud eight actually is cheaper, less crowded, and has a better view.”

Let’s hope that Carlin is on Cloud 8, having a meaningful conversation with Tim Russert.

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Heart Health and Eulogy to a Friend: On the Passing of Tim Russert

Although I have few obsessions in life, there is one I can't seem to escape; I am an avowed news junky. Staying abreast of local, state, national and world news is a passion. My wife will tell you, I'm pretty hard pressed to do anything at home without talk shows in the background, or one eye glancing at cable TV except, of course, during the ACC/SEC football season in the Fall. After 40 years of marriage, my wonderfully patient wife still puts up with me.

Tim Russert, host of NBC’s, Meet the Press, was one of the finest political commentators of our time. I never met him but I did catch a flight from Washington National to La Guardia once and he was on the same flight. Even back then, in his early career he was boyish looking and seemed like an unmade bed in appearance. I enjoyed watching and listening to him. It is with a heavy heart we had to say goodbye to him last week. I wanted to mention something here on this blog and touch on some of the lessons learned in Russert’s life and, now, in his passing.

He was a man with an inspired work ethic. His career path was a pure blue collar American success story: He was a regular guy like so many across this great Country. But he was destined for great things in life, too. His early career was in politics. He landed a job as an NBC executive in the late 80's and in 1991, he became the host of Meet the Press, serving in that capacity for the longest time of anyone.

I was one of Russert’s biggest fans , like so many across this great Country, because we all could identify with his background and his love of family, his faith, good fortune and our favorite NFL football team.

He was a loyal cuss wasn't he? We know Russert died doing what he loved—some will say he died working and that would not do the man justice...he died where he was doing what he felt was the most good and he would be the last to call it work. But then, that is only an opinion from a fellow who has been accused of being a workaholic..which of course isn't so.. It wasn't until a while after he died that his cause of death was uncovered—media reports said a heart attack.

A Newsweek report today discussed the fact that Russert had an enlarged heart, which is not uncommon among middle-aged men (he was 58). His autopsy showed coronary blockage, as well....and we now know he was being treated for coronary artery heart disease.

As a person who has been involved in healthcare all my adult life, I can't help but notice that even in his passing Russert leaves the world with a message: it is noble to live life passionately and to love unconditionally your family and Country and what you do for a living...but you need to take care of your health as well. While it is our business in perfusion to help and assist those whose hearts are damaged, we know all too well that lifestyle management and healthy choices can lessen the likelihood of disease and early heart related deaths. And isn't it our hope for all to help to enhance life and its quality for ourselves and our patients?

Tim Russert was a true American Hero and a regular guy...who loved his family, his Irish heritage and Catholic Faith , his hometown, his Rolling Rock , Bruce and the E Street Band and his avocation. If it's Sunday's will never again be the same...What a Country...go Bills...fond fun memories.

Well, one thing for sure....the berries won't be as sweet nor the milk as cold...for awhile yet. Tim Russert—a fine man—we will miss you bud.

Ralph E. Jordan
President and CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.