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
Rest in Peace Tony — great American patriots will never be forgotten.
I have been a big fan of Ian Anderson for years on artistic levels, now I am an even bigger fan, but this does not surprise me.
A very nice tribute to Tony from Ian Anderson.
Nice tribute from Ian. RIP, Tony and may GOD bless
BTTT
It’s clear to me, atleast, that anyone who disliked Tony either never met him or has no soul.
“Benefit” and “Stand Up” , if you get a chance, search those albums out.
How very nice. A lovely tribute. So Mr. Tull recognizes goodness when he comes across it. Says a lot for him.
Rock and roll on a flute? Standing on one leg? Duuuuuude!
Special guy. Miss him.
LOL on me. I mean Mr. Anderson.
A colonoscopy saved my life. Cancerous lesion removed in early 2006. I’m clear so far.
Obviously I agree with Tony’s advice.
Most liberals are uncapable of grasping the idea that you can be friends real friends with people that you disagree with politically.
YO
While looking for the Tony & Ian video, I came across a keith olberman video spazzing out on Tony Snow. It’s such a sickening display of crapola. The left have no shame or heart.
Greatness is infective. God Bless Tony Snow.
I never heard of this side of Tony. Thank you thank you for the link.
A wonderful tribute by Ian to a wonderful human being.
Tull kind of lost me after “Thick as a Brick,” but after reading this you can count me as a huge fan!
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.