In Memoriam

Four soldiers died in separate incidents in Iraq today. The soldiers were important, not only to their families and their friends, and not only to the country they have served. They were important because of the limitless potential that each one represented, and the hope that a better way might be found to end competitive homicide.

Eugene McCarthy, former Democratic Senator from Minnesota, died today. Few people who grew up in the 1960s could ever forget him. He was an antiwar Senator during Vietnam, and his campaign helped unseat Lyndon Johnson. Clean for Gene, baby.

Richard Pryor died today. He was a breakthrough black comedian, funny, acerbic and disturbing. He co-wrote the movie Blazing Saddles with Mel Brooks, and the movie is a personal favorite (I've seen it so many times I can quote large parts of it by heart).

Six deaths.

Two were famous, four were famous in their communities.

All will be missed.