Tim Russert

Tim Russert died today. I didn't really know Tim Russert, but I feel as if I did. I cried when I learned of his death. Just as if a friend was suddenly and irrevocably lost.
Tim Russert was born the same year as me. Only about a month before me, in fact. He was from another part of the country and another faith, but our growing up coincided and the things that we believed about our country were based on similar values. The history that was made during our life time is incredible to consider: the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam and assassinations, lunar landing, Woodstock, Watergate....We were there for some momentous events and the loss of innocence.
Tim Russert made a huge impression on me. He knew a great deal about things that I consider very important, and he was a journalist who came from a political background, but seemed to really get it that democracy exists in the light with citizens who are informed and constantly in search of the truth.
I am saddened for his family and for his colleagues. And I'm saddened because he was my generation, my peer, my fellow American and his death means that we are diminished by one whose voice sounded for what we all could be.
If it's Sunday, it's Meet the Press...without Tim Russert, it just won't be the same.