Tony Snow

I watched as Tony Snow announced his decision to depart as the White House Press Secretary. Last night, I watched as he spoke with Bill O'Reilly. Tony previously was with FOX News and filled in for Bill in his absence on occasion.

I have to say that in this day of blow-hards in the political and news arenas, Tony Snow is quite enlightening to listen to. I've not seen or listened to anyone with the grace, honesty, and courage he portrays in a long, long time. Tony has one of the toughest jobs in dealing with the press. I've seen them in action, and it takes a tough person to deal with them. He always treated them professionally and with the utmost respect, no matter how dogmatic they were with him. He doesn't lack in the humor department either. His faith in God has allowed him to carry on in the darkest of times, battling cancer.

When O'Reilly pointedly asked him about his prognosis, he answered quite matter-of-factly and appeared very comfortable discussing the topic. The cancer has definitely aged him, but his personality shines through.

He reiterated that his decision to step down from his current post isn't about his health, but the fact that he can make more money speaking and writing. He's determined the financial windfalls are necessary to give financial stability to his family. I imagine he's looking at the possibility that (as good as his prognosis is now) things could spiral in a downward direction, and he needs to think about his family first.

I think the White House will lose one of the best tomorrow, a true gentleman in an un-gentle world, and I certainly wish him all the best.