By Deliriousindc
She sat on the hard pew, squeezed between the freshman Congressman from Podunk and the Legislative Director for the Useless Committee. In the somber twilight of the church, the senior Senator from Whatsis reigned high in the pulpit behind the gleaming white casket, waxing poetic about the deceased’s long record of selfless public service. Wait, she thought, wasn’t it your interview calling him a corrupt stooge and pervert that caused him to commit suicide in the first place? Then she remembered there would be a sumptuous repast with an open bar afterwards. The alcohol ought to cover the taste of disgust.
I wrote this piece long before the passing of President George H. W. Bush. I requested that it not go live today in view of the funeral of the late President; apparently, the editors missed my request. Please excuse the timing of this release. I mean no disrespect to our late President.
President Bush’s memory aside, your story demonstrates indicates logical consequences for all involved. So true. Now whether one should speak no ill of the dead, at least not at their funeral, is another question. . JerryinDC.
It is a well-written story that could apply to just about any politician and his/her relationship with the media. Timing not withstanding, this piece says a lot in its 101 words. Well done.
Thanks for telling it like it is — too often these days! Yep, a little corn likker, or whatever’s around as a substitute, can take the edge off efforts to set the record straight on such occasions, even if it may seem to have been a bit harsh — yet only in mind — on the legacy of a fool. A bit of brave truth, if only in thought, is welcome at another’s life’s end, even if no one else is aware of it. Have another sip? -RT
Well-written. It always seems to be the most long-winded person! It’s also most bothersome when you smell the repast food from the kitchen in the sanctuary. I often note people excusing themselves from the service with one finger up and sneaking down to either eat early or get a to go box and get out of there.
Just to make it clear, this tale is about a typical DC funeral for the city’s political class — of which I’ve sometimes been a bit player. It’s definitely not a typical funeral for most of DC’s residents. Jerry in DC
Wasn’t this story run near the beginning of December?
Yes. I had them take it down in the morning of 12/4 because of the late President Bush’s funeral. They generously reran it
Deliciously well done!
I loved it when I read it in December and it remains delicious.
Eileen
Cynic – wonderful cynic …