The Passing of Tony Snow

I was away from home this past weekend, and didn’t get a chance to make comments on the passing of Tony Snow.  I was sadden Saturday morning when I heard the news.   During an internship in my final year of college, which turned into my first paying (although not much) job out of college, I worked for a project by Paul Weyrich’s Free Congress Foundation.  The project was an attempt at television network dedicated to a conservative point a view called National Empowerment Television. 

One of my duties in the internship was to book guests for various shows on the network.  I was often pointed in the direction of this young columnist for the Detriot Free Press, Tony Snow.  Tony was just getting his start in front of the camera those days and he was always willing to do a show, no matter how short of notice we gave him.  He was always incredible gracious to be given the opportunity to come on any show. 

One thing I always remember about him is he was willing to give a lowly intern his cell phone number (this was in the days that not everyone had a cell phone) and told me to call him anytime  he was needed to fill in.  I had to call him often and regardless if it were his cell phone, home phone or business phone his was always the first voice you heard when the phone was answered.

Shortly after college, as I was moving on in my career, I gave Tony one last call, and he gave me the opportunity to sit down and talk about opportunities in Washington.  I was always very grateful for that and as his name started to grow in the national media I was always amazed at how down to earth he was.  Our paths never crossed again, outside of having some friends who worked with him in the White House communication office where they had nothing but praise for him in that he had not changed one bit. 

The world has lost a couple of good news people over the last couple of weeks.  Right at a time when we need good news people more than ever.

Rest in Peace Tony Snow.