Former Bush Press Secretary, Tony Snow, Dead at 53

From the New York Times via AP:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Tony Snow, a conservative writer and commentator who cheerfully sparred with reporters in the White House briefing room during a stint as President Bush's press secretary, died early Saturday of colon cancer. Snow was 53 years old.

''Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Tony Snow,'' Bush said in a statement. ''The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character.''

Snow, who served as the first host of the television news program ''Fox News Sunday'' from 1996 to 2003, would later say that in the Bush administration he was enjoying ''the most exciting, intellectually aerobic job I'm ever going to have.''

Snow was working for Fox News Channel and Fox News Radio when he replaced Scott McClellan as press secretary in May 2006 during a White House shake-up. Unlike McClellan, who came to define caution and bland delivery from the White House podium, Snow was never shy about playing to the cameras.

I didn't know what stage his cancer was in but since we hadn't heard much from him lately, this isn't terribly surprising.

Unlike Wingnutdaily, I saw no evidence that any "lefties" wished Tony Snow anymore harm than they've wished me on other boards and blogs. He did represent Fox's partisan bent on the news which was irritating but I believe most Progressives wished him well.

My condolences to his friends and family. 53 is much too young to lose anyone.

The perfect gift to say, "Happy Birthday, George W!"

Courtesy of mooncat at Left in Alabama

Laura's [Bush] letter said she needed my help to make George's birthday "truly meaningful," and I'd like to oblige. She asked me to sign and return a card for George, along with a $62 dollar donation to the RNC. The inscription on the card started with "Thank you for your service and dedication to our country" and, much as I hate to disappoint Laura, I can't tell a lie that big, so the card remains unsent.

Sending $62 (or even more) to the RNC is a non-starter too, but I've come up with a plan to make George's 62nd birthday truly meaningful. Here it is:

I'm sending a $62 contribution to the DNC to mark the occasion of W's last birthday in Our House. My personal message to George is "Now get out, and don't let the door hit you in the ass when you leave." The NSA guys will forward that to him if he doesn't read this blog on his birthday.

I thought it was absolutely a BRILLIANT idea! She also suggests giving to the local Democratic Party or a candidate...even if it's $6.20, $62.00 or $620.00!

Here are some suggested donation destinations:

- Alaska Democratic Party

Also, here is their candidates page. From there you can find how to donate to any candidate you wish, especially State House and State Senate.