"Go get ‘em." That is how Tim Russert would wrap up his story conferences with reporters. The legendary moderator of Meet The Press died today in Washington, DC. He is a legend who will truly be missed. Nobody was more feared by leaders than Tim Russert on the hot seat, he will truly be missed.
I am writing to express my deepest sympathies on the loss of our friend Dwight White. On behalf of Michelle and our entire campaign family, I share my prayers with his family and friends today.
I came to know Dwight months ago, as he was one of my earliest supporters in Pennsylvania. I remember the excitement and the hope that he held for our future and the strong support he gave to me, to my staff and supporters throughout the past months. In the final days of the campaign here in Pennsylvania, Dwight and his fellow Steelers hopped on a bus and hit the road to stump for us in this great state. I will never forget his commitment to our cause and his incredible devotion not just to the Democratic Party, but to changing this country for the better.
I remember telling Dwight that coming from Hawaii I didn't have a home football team, so I always cheered on the Steelers. Dwight and I had a laugh over it then, but I always did feel that Dwight was on my team -- a friend who'd fight hard for what he believes in.
I wrote about this a few months ago, when hip-hop icon Nas blew up the spot at the Grammys.
Over a month ago he dropped the lead single to his upcoming album "The N Word", a song called "Be A N-gger Too". This song caught a lot of flak, even from many in the hip-hop community. But just when you thought it was safe to be politically correct, Nas drops a short-film styled video to "Be A N-gger Too."
Very, very interesting and much more though provoking than you might have thought.
Over the last several months, this primary campaign has driven to say some unflattering things about you and your campaign. I could roll out my laundry list of gripes but I'm going to take a page from your speech today and not look to the past. I will on focus on the amazing speech you gave today. I applaud your grace, spirit of unity and appeal to supporters to ensure a democrat takes the oath of office in January 2009. Hats off to you Senator, after that speech like Senator Obama said, "Senator Clinton is on anybody's short list for VP." I never thought I would say this, I can't wait to see you and Senator Obama sharing a stage at the first post-primary unity rally. Enjoy your vacation and be well, you made me proud to be an American today.
Good Night and Good Luck.
“Seeking to forget makes exile all the longer; the secret of redemption lies in remembrance.” - Richard von Weizsaecker
Today I received a shocking email informing me of a tremendous loss to the Pittsburgh community. 4-time Super Bowl Champ Pittsburgh Steeler Dwight White passed away this morning in Pittsburgh. The details surrounding his death are not yet known, I'm truly devastated by the loss.
In the last year, Dwight has become a mentor and a teacher to me and a true example of how to transition from the NFL to the game of life. A few months ago we were together and we talked about how the Patriots blew their chance to be the best team ever, he then asked me "Do you know who the best team ever was," as he pointed at one of his 4 Super Bowl rings. He didn't have all 4 on, but I tell you that everyone needs to see a Super Bowl ring up close. Talk about Bling!
I will miss his spirit, sense of humor and his no nonsense approach to life, business and politics. I remember the early meetings we had with him to get on board with Barack Obama's campaign. He asked all the right questions and raised reasonable concerns. Nevertheless, we got him on board and he ran to be an Obama delegate in Pennsylvania's April 22nd Primary Election. I'll never forget seeing him on stage with Joy Woodruff, Dan Rooney, Senator Bob Casey and Franco Harris on the friday before the election in PA. I can't believe that would be the last time I would see him alive.
Steeler fans get your terrible towels and wave'em one time for Dwight, we'll never forget you Champ.
Diondega is the original name of my hometown, Pittsburgh, PA. The name was given to us by the Seneca Nation in the 17th or 18th century. The word means "the forks" referring to the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, where present day Pittsburgh has stood since 1758.
For the last several years, my close friends have often referred to Pittsburgh as Diondega. The name has become a rallying cry in our mission to transform a dying rustbelt town of into a vibrant, diverse, and economically competitive 21st century metropolis.
412 is the area code for the Pittsburgh region, if you were curious. My original blog The Diondega Journal has been on hiatus since summer 2005. Think of Diondega 412 the remix version.
The Plural Majority is a blog dedicated too political analysis and cultural commentary from the perspective of Gen X'ers & Millennials (aka The Plural Majority) who represent an emerging progressive American political movement that is more diverse than any in this country's history. The purpose of this blog is to provide a platform to discuss politics, current events and popular culture from a "Plural Majority" point of view.
