Nor do I, Jim... although I'm not sure if this is just a custom or superstition. :confused: I'd guess it's meant, more than anything else, to protect the feelings of remaining family when their emotions are fragile at that time of passing. I do, however, know for sure my parents raised me to pay respect that way to the decedent's family.
But how's that work for Hitler and Stalin, and others?
No one seems to have a problem when others lay all sorts of curses and derision upon their legacies. Be sure, I'm not advocating to cut any dictators any slack...but who's the judge of such things?
I'll admit that I never really listed to RL all that much. No talk radio, really. But I really appreciated that RL never stopped emphasizing that ultimately he was an entertainer, who became a celebrity. He did not claim to be a "serious journalist" (whatever that means today?)
The catch is that he probably had 20-30+ IQ points on most "serious journalists", a much bigger bully pulpit and a complete absence of PCism. That drove his critics absolutely nuts. Their behavior with regard to his death has been shameful, bordering on the inhuman.
I'll admit that I never really listed to RL all that much. No talk radio, really. But I really appreciated that RL never stopped emphasizing that ultimately he was an entertainer, who became a celebrity. He did not claim to be a "serious journalist" (whatever that means today?)
The catch is that he probably had 20-30+ IQ points on most "serious journalists", a much bigger bully pulpit and a complete absence of PCism. That drove his critics absolutely nuts. Their behavior with regard to his death has been shameful, bordering on the inhuman.
Inhuman seems to be standard for a certain group. The crazier and more dramatic they get the happier they seem to be. There used to be a sort of feeling that " if you want to act and talk crazy do it at home". It was definitely frowned on in public. Now it seems to be a part of expressing opinions to show your value ( not going to say it :) ) Instead of "that person had some views I don't agree with" it has to be " that guy is worse than Hitler! He is the the most dangerous person in history!" . So it goes now. The higher the profile in Hollywood or politics the more dramatic and inane they seem to want to be. It would be funny if they weren't so serious about it. ****, it's funny anyways. :D
The whole idea seems to be cancel out everyone with opposing views. If that doesn't work it's time for a public tantrum. It can be disturbing when it's coming from a political office holder who is in the line of succession to the presidency .
