Perhaps you are viewingTerry Eastland's exit press conference from the Justice Department in 1988 (included in this article) again or (as I am) for the first time. Anyone looking for an example of class or for the definition of integrity, need look no further; Eastland in his remarks is the gold standard for both.
JVL, very sorry for your loss. I’ll admit I had never heard of Terry Eastland until this article. But after reading your words and watching the video I understand why you respected and revered Mr. Eastland. What I do remember is that period of time when it seemed like the right and left could always find common ground and reporters and political servants respected one another and often times were even friends. Thank you for sharing this. It gives me a little hope that perhaps there are people like Terry Eastland still serving in our government.
I’m recuperating from an operation, in bed and forced to follow the news on MSNBC. Their coverage of anything is a mile wide and an inch deep, so I am reaching out to my favorite Bulwarker-er for some insight.
Given the chaos in the House, with a Trumped-up (pun intended) impeachment looming under threat of McCarthy losing his speakership, who actually COULD call for the speaker’s removal? Could any House member do it, or just a Repug, or just a MAGA-Repug?
If I were in the House, (I would be a Democrat or Independent), I would call McCarthy’s bluff for being the idiot he is and get him voted out.
Here in Canada, it used to be when a government department had a major scandal, the Minitser who was responsible for the Ministry that was overseeing said department would fall on their sword and resign. If they didn't usually the Prime Minister would ask for their resignatin. Time and again these past 30 years or so, it is just not Political Norms but Societal ones that are taking a beating. When Public Leaders are not held accountale, is it really a surprise that Wall Street Executives, Judges, College Coaches, car thiefs, shop lifters and insurrectionists try to spin and lie to skirt being accountable? This isn't a crooked line, but rather a pretty straight one as why things are in the state they are in. That is message that kids are receiving. It is Also why it is that under no circumsatnce should Trump and his cronies be allowed to skate on his crimes regardless of their "Severity". I am sorry about your loss JVL, but it seems Terry epitomized what we should be seeking more of today!
To join the choir here: My condolences on your loss, it sounds like it was a loss for us all.
I have a question related to Mr. Eastman, and Mr. Will, and others from that philosophical position that character matters. I've seen conservatives venerate Mr. Eastman, and Mr. Will and others who although conservative in their thinking, were AMERICAN in their goals, and had, (for lack of a better word) STANDARDS in how they thought about and approached the world.
What happened?
Was there a critical mass of people who mouthed the party line, but didn't believe in it themselves? Did the mature thoughtful folks wear out their welcome? One minute faith was being given to Mitt Romney, and the next a person with no moral compass whatsoever was elected. Is the answer money?
On Kristol: one of my favorite things about the Bulwark is the opportunity for me (a leftist who has long seen Kristol as a cardboard villain) to watch Bill come alive as a brilliant, evenhanded and empathetic man who I never get tired of hearing.
The charming news that he would pick up coffee for underlings does not surprise me.
Really sorry for your loss, Jonathan. It says a lot about both of you that you feel Terry's loss so deeply. You were lucky to have found one another and I'm glad you did. Thank you for introducing Terry to us. His press conference shows what a class act he was.
I watched the full press conference by Terry Eastland. Mesmerizing! The modesty, sincerity, honesty, directness, respectful conviction, and gentle good humor. No rancor or bitterness. No blaming others or throwing anyone under the bus. When asked if he was saving his comments for a tell all book he replies that those who know him know that it's not what he would do.
Even given that it was another time, I'm sure he stood out from the rest of the pack.
It may not be true that every man's death diminishes us, but his surely does.
Thank you for reminding us of what grace and wit looked like. Loved Mr. Eastland's grace and wit. Example: "Are you saying that working in the media incapacitates a person for government service?"
I really appreciate your remembrances of Terry Eastland, JVL. I have no remembrance of him (had other things going on back in the day, but at 26, that should be normal I suspect) I Watched the first part of the video and this was definitely a step back in time when the GOP was generally directed toward policy and was not a Cult of personality. Very bittersweet to watch that and read about that man. His family should be proud of him, I suspect.
Not hard to listen to more than just 4 minutes of what's all but absent in DC and most all of politics writ large as well these days, that being anything at all bearing even a close semblance to a class act such as this.
Sorry for the loss of your friend, JVL. But whenever someone like this departs this life, it's a loss for all of us in one way or another.
There is a paucity in leadership roles like Mr. Eastland. We are all the poorer for it. The events in DC today demonstrate the abysmal level of leadership. My most heartfelt condolences to you and to those who loved Mr. Eastland. May his memory be a blessing.
Wonderful tribute to Terry Eastman. I wasn’t following politics back when he worked for Meese; I had two full time jobs, being a wife and mom and teaching math to somewhat reluctant high schoolers, so until today I never heard of Terry Eastman. I thank you for introducing me to one of your heroes and send you my sympathy for your loss.
Perhaps you are viewingTerry Eastland's exit press conference from the Justice Department in 1988 (included in this article) again or (as I am) for the first time. Anyone looking for an example of class or for the definition of integrity, need look no further; Eastland in his remarks is the gold standard for both.
JVL, very sorry for your loss. I’ll admit I had never heard of Terry Eastland until this article. But after reading your words and watching the video I understand why you respected and revered Mr. Eastland. What I do remember is that period of time when it seemed like the right and left could always find common ground and reporters and political servants respected one another and often times were even friends. Thank you for sharing this. It gives me a little hope that perhaps there are people like Terry Eastland still serving in our government.
JVL,
I’m recuperating from an operation, in bed and forced to follow the news on MSNBC. Their coverage of anything is a mile wide and an inch deep, so I am reaching out to my favorite Bulwarker-er for some insight.
Given the chaos in the House, with a Trumped-up (pun intended) impeachment looming under threat of McCarthy losing his speakership, who actually COULD call for the speaker’s removal? Could any House member do it, or just a Repug, or just a MAGA-Repug?
If I were in the House, (I would be a Democrat or Independent), I would call McCarthy’s bluff for being the idiot he is and get him voted out.
Here in Canada, it used to be when a government department had a major scandal, the Minitser who was responsible for the Ministry that was overseeing said department would fall on their sword and resign. If they didn't usually the Prime Minister would ask for their resignatin. Time and again these past 30 years or so, it is just not Political Norms but Societal ones that are taking a beating. When Public Leaders are not held accountale, is it really a surprise that Wall Street Executives, Judges, College Coaches, car thiefs, shop lifters and insurrectionists try to spin and lie to skirt being accountable? This isn't a crooked line, but rather a pretty straight one as why things are in the state they are in. That is message that kids are receiving. It is Also why it is that under no circumsatnce should Trump and his cronies be allowed to skate on his crimes regardless of their "Severity". I am sorry about your loss JVL, but it seems Terry epitomized what we should be seeking more of today!
I’m so sorry for your loss of a friend and mentor. This is a loving, thoughtful tribute.
To join the choir here: My condolences on your loss, it sounds like it was a loss for us all.
I have a question related to Mr. Eastman, and Mr. Will, and others from that philosophical position that character matters. I've seen conservatives venerate Mr. Eastman, and Mr. Will and others who although conservative in their thinking, were AMERICAN in their goals, and had, (for lack of a better word) STANDARDS in how they thought about and approached the world.
What happened?
Was there a critical mass of people who mouthed the party line, but didn't believe in it themselves? Did the mature thoughtful folks wear out their welcome? One minute faith was being given to Mitt Romney, and the next a person with no moral compass whatsoever was elected. Is the answer money?
On Kristol: one of my favorite things about the Bulwark is the opportunity for me (a leftist who has long seen Kristol as a cardboard villain) to watch Bill come alive as a brilliant, evenhanded and empathetic man who I never get tired of hearing.
The charming news that he would pick up coffee for underlings does not surprise me.
Really sorry for your loss, Jonathan. It says a lot about both of you that you feel Terry's loss so deeply. You were lucky to have found one another and I'm glad you did. Thank you for introducing Terry to us. His press conference shows what a class act he was.
I watched the full press conference by Terry Eastland. Mesmerizing! The modesty, sincerity, honesty, directness, respectful conviction, and gentle good humor. No rancor or bitterness. No blaming others or throwing anyone under the bus. When asked if he was saving his comments for a tell all book he replies that those who know him know that it's not what he would do.
Even given that it was another time, I'm sure he stood out from the rest of the pack.
It may not be true that every man's death diminishes us, but his surely does.
I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, JVL.
Thank you for reminding us of what grace and wit looked like. Loved Mr. Eastland's grace and wit. Example: "Are you saying that working in the media incapacitates a person for government service?"
Lovely tribute, JVL, my condolences--and also my congratulations on having such a remarkable North Star early in your career.
I really appreciate your remembrances of Terry Eastland, JVL. I have no remembrance of him (had other things going on back in the day, but at 26, that should be normal I suspect) I Watched the first part of the video and this was definitely a step back in time when the GOP was generally directed toward policy and was not a Cult of personality. Very bittersweet to watch that and read about that man. His family should be proud of him, I suspect.
RE: Terry Eastland video
Not hard to listen to more than just 4 minutes of what's all but absent in DC and most all of politics writ large as well these days, that being anything at all bearing even a close semblance to a class act such as this.
Sorry for the loss of your friend, JVL. But whenever someone like this departs this life, it's a loss for all of us in one way or another.
There is a paucity in leadership roles like Mr. Eastland. We are all the poorer for it. The events in DC today demonstrate the abysmal level of leadership. My most heartfelt condolences to you and to those who loved Mr. Eastland. May his memory be a blessing.
When I was in college (many moons ago), I read Mr. Eastland’s book, “Ending Affirmative Action”, for a Race and Politics class.
Very well written; even though I did not agree with it, the arguments were cogent and well articulated.
I had not realized he was a DOJ spokesperson. My respect for him has now grown. God speed Mr. Eastland.
Wonderful tribute to Terry Eastman. I wasn’t following politics back when he worked for Meese; I had two full time jobs, being a wife and mom and teaching math to somewhat reluctant high schoolers, so until today I never heard of Terry Eastman. I thank you for introducing me to one of your heroes and send you my sympathy for your loss.