Here’s the thing about Brian Williams’ departure
It is said that writers should write about what they know. I agree. Personal experiences often play a hand in writing. No matter what one writes, past experiences can help mold and shape the words. So today, I write about someone I have never met, but for whom I feel appreciation and deep respect. I think this way because, in a storm of journalistic dishonesty, this person was one we did not have to worry about that with.
His name is Brian Williams. He has worked in many places, but most recently, MSNBC. Williams is not and never has been just another journalist. His courage, dry wit, and sunny optimism all have set him apart. He turned the art of giving us the facts into something enjoyable even in the darkest of times.
I know I am not alone. I have seen the comments from many Palmer Report readers. I know you will miss him as I will.
So I say this:
Mr. Williams, thank you. You have helped many people through much darkness. You have made us laugh. You have made us cry. You have made each one of us a bit more knowledgeable. Many have speculated who might replace you. But the truth is I doubt anybody could.
There were many days of darkness during the Trump years. There were nights of agony. We paid attention to your words, which were so calming through it all. When President Biden won the election, we danced in joy. We were “dancing, dancing through the nights and days” (Jacques Brel).
But now, our marathon of dance will not include nightly visits with you. It is sad. We wish you the best — only sunlight. There is no way to describe what you have meant to so many, but I think you know and understand.
And finally, people — be sure to tune in to Brian’s podcast, “We Interrupt This Broadcast.” It will be about history and breaking news events from different periods.
Thank you, Brian Williams.
