When guiding lights go out
With the death of British playwright Harold Pinter on Christmas Eve, the world lost another of its visionaries. Pinter won the Nobel Prize for literature and had an influence on young playwrights that never can be understated.
In fact, 2008 saw the passing of many souls who strove to keep the world from slouching into darkness.
For society to progress, it takes more than inspired political leaders. The guiding lights must come from across the board; from the arts, sciences, religions and trades. Reading a compass is easy. But being a compass is something else again. And a heart that can always find "true north" is a gift that should not only be celebrated but mourned when it is lost.
And this year the world lost several inspired guides.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the Russian author who stood like a lighthouse against the tide of Soviet Communism, was a man with a fierce sense of morality. Like St. Jerome, he pulled no punches and he had a gift of language unparalleled in his time. He will be missed.
The Maharishi Yogi, best known as the guru to the Beatles, offered alternatives with his Transcendental Meditation courses and helped young and old find their true core by taking alternative routes.
Paul Weyrich, founder of the Heritage Foundation, beamed his light from the political right and was able to influence the direction of the nation because of his light's wattage, power and scope.
Ditto for William F. Buckley Jr.
Tim Russert brought humanity and a "long view" to his "Meet the Press" interviews.
Tony Snow brought humanity and strength of character to his position as the administration's press secretary.
Randy Pausch gave a speech that touched the soul.
Bo Diddley did the same with his music.
And finally, there was the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Savvy publications, Newsweek for example, gave President Hinckley the same amount of space and ink as it gave other notables like director Syndney Pollack and author Michael Crichton.
And with reason.
The magazine wrote that wherever President Hinckley went, "crowds waved white handkerchiefs. And he went a lot of places." Then after ticking off the highlights of his worldwide ministry and life, the piece concludes, "And to think: he hated to travel."
Sometimes, it seems, you go where you're wanted to go.
Recent comments
Quoting from the editorial: "...had an influence on young playwrights...
Irony | Dec. 27, 2008 at 9:22 p.m.
Whotta crab.
No one is saying Solzhenitsyn's works aren't
beloved...
Andt Dad | Dec. 27, 2008 at 1:20 p.m.
I'm not sure what you'll gain by heaping praise on Harold Pinter, an...
Solzhenitsyn yes; Pinter no | Dec. 27, 2008 at 10:52 a.m.
- Price for redistricting plan challenged 1:04 a.m.
- Basketball campers learn service 1:02 a.m.
- Parra fills in as speedskating coach 12:57 a.m.
- Center of Excellence aims to help 12:54 a.m.
- Royals rally past Red Sox 12:49 a.m.
- Phillies' offense bails out Moyer again 12:48 a.m.
- RSL hoping to earn crowd's support 12:46 a.m.
- Beelines 12:46 a.m.
- Locke leads Owlz to 7-1 win 12:42 a.m.
- Bees skipper, pitcher ejected in loss 12:37 a.m.
- Send Boozer to the Bulls?
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Okur signs two-year extension
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
- MWC, WAC rushed into BCS
- 'The Story of R.C. Willey'
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
138 - Letters: Palin mistreated
136 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
134 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
122 - Send Boozer to the Bulls?
82 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Moon landing: Let's hear from you
73 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70 - Letters: Time for a revolution
69
Through the years, I've always raised eyebrows whenever I tell people...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
Blazers get the unbalanced trade they seek while not signing Millsap away...
Ricky Bobby - THE JAZZ DO NOT WANT TO TAKE BACK EQUAL SALARIES. They want to...
Despite the fact that logging has all but stopped in the pacific northwest...
My understanding of what FAIR is trying to do, is to provide well thought out...
Jazz will resign Milsap. If they don't it will be ahuge mistake. First off,...
I was waiting for it to be burned on the big metal structure right by the...
Hey Ute fan... the Utes had a good season. And keep throwing that BCS bowl...
Tyrus Thomas is in the last year of his contract too so what is the point for...
CougarKeith, people don't know how to properly retire the flag, what they did...
It is just talk but since it was brought up: IF we can get Prizbilla &...



