Posted on 07/19/2008 5:45:14 PM PDT by InvisibleChurch
Some people ask me, usually vehement liberal Americans, how I could count amongst my few real friends, an arch-Republican spokesman for the Bush administration.
Well, Tony and I disagreed on most things political and came to robust verbal blows on the subject of climate change but that’s the charm of friendship. Life would indeed be a bore if all of your buddies agreed with everything you said and tap-danced to the same tired riff.
I like to think that Tony was a professional journalist and political commentator first and White House spokesman second. He could, I rather think, have filled the post of Press Secretary for an Obama or McCain administration with equal aplomb, dignity and bonhommie.
“An old-fashioned gentleman” is how my wife described him. Once, after Shona’s harassment by long-distance phone to his office in the White House, I asked Tony, “Did you ever get to meet Margaret Thatcher? “No, he replied. “Well, you just did,” I offered, to his great amusement.
With a family history of associated genetic risk, the long battle with colon cancer finally proved too much for even the ever-optimistic, ambitious T. Snow. His last email to me, less than three months before his death spoke of a planned family summer vacation in Italy, book deal, lecture tours and meeting up in August at our concert where I really wanted to get Tony up on stage at Wolftrap to have a flutey moment together, if only for one last time. Sadly, that will not now happen. But the memories of a good American, loyal to citizen and nation, will remain a treasure.
Tony badgered me for a couple of years to get a colonoscopy after my brother’s death from liver failure following his own colon cancer. I finally did just that and, although I never discussed the results with Tony, I am glad that I took his stern advice, not to put too fine a point on it. Good, solid advice to all middle-aged gents, especially where such cancer has been the unfortunately bountiful fruit of the family tree. Think on it, brothers. I shall renew my acquaintance with the one-eyed camera-snake later this year to check out that wondrous organ once again and will be thinking of the Snowman as I drift off into the land of nod, invitational buttocks gently parted. And, on waking, I will be all the better prepared for the outcome, whether good or not-so-good, having known and learned a little of life from Robert Anthony Snow. June 1, 1955 – July 12, 2008
Although I have never posted on the snowflakes/Tony Snow threads I have been a lurker.
For me Tony Snow was one of my top three journalists/hosts.
So grateful that such a man lived & left such a mark.
I have seen many videos of Tony playing Ian Anderson’s music but had no idea that they have ever shared a stage.
Thank you for posting this, Rest in Peace you great man & God bless all who knew & loved him...the numbers are great.
Excellent tribute. I know you feel the loss of your friend as many in the country who identified with his calm demeanor and sincere attitude.
Although I agree with you on his obvious ability to slide into the same role, whether it be Bush, Clinton or Obama, I think you would find him hard-pressed to do so out of an obligation to his internal moral compass. Of course, you knew him and I didn’t so I don’t mean to speak out of line, but it’s just the kind of guy he seemed to be.
It reveals a lot about his character that he didn’t let political disagreements get in the way of forging strong friendships. As much as it does yours.
Again, beautiful words. Thank you sharing this.
Gordon
Sitting on a park bench...
“Good man, good mind, good music. By UK standards probably a conservative, just my guess. He is in my top three of people I would like to meet before I move on.”
My respect for Tony Snow is immense; one of the few media faces I felt as though I had already “shared a beer with”, though I never had the fortune to meet him.
Interestingly, no one has gotten to one of the things that originally led me to listen to Tull. Jethro obviously wasn’t a band member, who was Jethro Tull? At the dawn of the 17th century, he revolutionized agriculture by inventing the seed drill and increasing production by an order of magnitude. That this seemingly mad Scotsman with a flute and no lead guitar even knew this, let alone named his traveling band after such a man was enough to con me out of the price of a vinyl album. Been hooked ever since.
Thanks for the ping!
Saw Tull in the 70s while in the Army in Germany. Golden Earring was touring with them. Best concert I ever saw . . . did Thick As A Brick as an encore.
Ian Anderson is the only poet I’ve ever understood.
RIP Tony and thank you Ian.
Yes he is.
You are welcome, LUV W!
You are welcome, Birthday Lady!
Thank you, AZamericonnie!
as I drift off into the land of nod, invitational buttocks gently parted.”
Geez, Jethro, wyancha’ write a song about it....
Thank you for the ping. I saw Jethro Tull a couple of times when they came to Buffalo (back when all bands came through here, in the late 60’s and early 70’s). Another lovely tribute from a friend of Tony’s.
:-)
I always liked Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull. I find his friendship with Tony Snow like strange bedfellows. Opposite attraction is why people can find true friendship when others believe there is no chance of finding a friend without having a common political belief.
RIP Tony Snow.
Benefit was always my favorite album by Tull.
Try the salmon...
It doesn't. Running a salmon and sheep ranch exposes one to all the wonders of what liberal policies can do to entrepreneurs.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.