A Journalism Legend

I include myself as one of millions who tuned in each week to watch Tim Russert. He was one of the most well-respected, influential political journalist of his time. Described at once as tough and objective, kind and personable, Russert epitomized journalistic integrity throughout his career, which includes 17 years as host of "Meet the Press." Russert was a man of faith, devoted to his family and his profession. He was also a patriot. And one of the highest compliments to Russert is that he was determined in seeking accountability from public officials - a great service to his country. Tim Russert will be sorely missed.

Couldn't We See This Coming?

Zimbabwe is a sovereign state. There, I said it. That was hard to say because the government of Robert Mugabe seems to have done its best to pursue illegitimacy. On Wednesday, Mugabe's political opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai, was arrested at a roadblock by the Zimbabwean police (read: Mugabe's henchmen). Tsvangirai had been in self-imposed exile for fear of assassination following the March elections in which he narrowly defeated Mugabe. He recently reemerged to build support and momentum for the runoff election scheduled for June 27th. However, Mugabe is making it clear he has no intention of leaving office, and that he will not be deterred by the international community of concerned, yet powerless NGOs and disaffected Western governments. As long as there is an illusion of democracy in Zimbabwe, an enabler in Thabo Mbeki and little interest from Western states, Mugabe will continue his cowardly and shameful dictatorship - and Zimbabweans will continue to suffer.