Safire's Take on Events: SEE YOU LATER KEITH OLBERMANN

Safire's Take on Events: SEE YOU LATER KEITH OLBERMANN: "Dear wonderful, opinionate­d, sensitive, knowledgea­ble, brilliant, taciturn and lovable Keith. It was an unbelievab­le shock to watch your ..."

SEE YOU LATER KEITH OLBERMANN

Dear wonderful, opinionate­d, sensitive, knowledgea­ble, brilliant, taciturn and lovable Keith. It was an unbelievab­le shock to watch your farewell unfold before my eyes. I had become comfortabl­e with my Friday nights with you, awaiting the reading of yet another of your great Thurber stories. You brought him to life. 

I found you a few years ago while channel-fl­ipping, and would pause to see what you had worn that night. I fell in love with your presence. Elegant is an understate­ment. Next, I would spend a bit of time on some of your segments, and started looking forward to Worst Persons. I liked Best Persons as well. And those Special Comments! I cheered them on, because you spoke scathing truth. I never missed a Countdown for years!

Lately I have watched your disgust with the "system". I will miss you, but I also realize that you have greatness in you, and were boxed-in by that little show. You do not seem the type to conform well to petty corporate silliness. You have a "big" brain in that head of yours, and I, for one, believe that you are more than capable of creating more. Whatever that might be, such as an "Olbermann Post". I will be there. 

I feel no loss. Instead I am anticipati­ng what juicy and wonderfull­y inspired "thing" you are about to create out of that fertile mind of yours, and I say, bring it on!

I will be there as your loyal and supportive fan.

Roger Ebert Apologizes For Using N-Word In Tweet

"Roger Ebert apologized Thursday after facing heated criticism for using the n-word in a tweet on Wednesday.
The famed film critic used the word in a Wednesday tweet that linked to a story about the removal of the n-word from a recent version of "Huckleberry Finn." The word has been replaced by "slave," a fact Ebert referenced in the tweet (edited screengrab below):

"I'd rather be called an n-word than a slave"

This is ridiculous­. I see no reason why Ebert should apologize. It is time to FREE THE WORD! Set it free. It is just a word when there is no vile impetus behind it. See to the people who misuse the word. Words only carry the power of the reader, the utterer, and the interprete­r.

Words can't harm. How the word is used can harm, and after all, you can't tell "the word" it hurt your feelings. Those who give life to the word, not only the ones who tremble, or get angry, hurt, or fearful at the mention of it, need look no further than to the individual who brought it to life, and the context in which it was used.

I don't know if I agree with Ebert regarding his preference as to what he would prefer to be called. Personally­, I go with "neither". Huckleberr­y Finn started this discussion­, which led Ebert to have an opinion. Shouldn't we be mad at him too?

THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As a proud supporter who knew in 2004 that you would someday be our President and Leader, one who stands firmly in your camp, and will be there volunteering, contributing, and working for you and your efforts until your last day in office in 2016.  Thank you.

I am not exhausted of supporting you.  I see you. It has always been clear to me what your vision was, and I have marveled at your strength, commitment, and temperament, in face of all the obstruction and downright hatred that has been hurled at you, but you have inspired me to be stronger through your strength of purpose, and your dogged determination to forge ahead in the face of the ridiculous, and sometimes petty opposition.

There were times when I faltered, but you did not, and for that I thank you, because you created a powerful contrast that cannot go unnoticed.  You are a brilliant strategist, a master chess player, and a political genius.

I see you, Mr. President.  I pray for you, and sometimes I have feared for the well-being of your absolutely amazingly beautiful family.  Your rock and partner Michelle Obama is an inspiration, and one of the sweetest, gentlest, warmest, First Ladies we have been graced with.  Your beautiful daughters are a part of our future, and I am awed at the love and closeness you and your family exude. Sasha and Malia will carry the torch for you for many years to come, as the product of a profoundly loving relationship.

I am so grateful for you, Mr. President.  Oh, it has been hard this past year!  Every obstacle natural and man-made has been thrown in your path, but like the amazing athlete you are, you dribbled your ball, you did your fake moves, you got around your opponent, and swoosh nothing but net! You also had some good slam dunks, and several hail Mary passes during the lame duck.  You hit several 3-pointers, and quite a few slam dunks. It has been absolutely fascinating to watch you.  Few people really see you, but I do.

Thank you for all the changes you have put into place.  Thank you for the lessons in resilience and grace in facing down those who have sought to paint a picture of you that is just an illusion.  Thank you for everything you have done for us.

Happy New Year Mr. President!