When my long, boring commute is no longer boring, it’s bad news. On good boring days, I usually listen to network broadcasts. That is where I learned about the Comey firing in May.
According to CBS News, Comey was speaking with staff at the FBI’s LA offices when he learned of his ouster. The New York Times reports he first saw breaking news of his demise flashing on the monitors in the room.
Tom Wait, CBS News, May 9, 2017
Not even the courtesy of a face-to-face meeting? That was cold.
The next morning, my friend at the office looked a little haggard. Sometimes the role of manager seems to bear down on him. We have a pretty good relationship, so I thought a little light levity might help.
“I just have one request,” I said. “If I get fired, please don’t let me know by flashing it on a news monitor.” He and I laughed. Mission accomplished.
One part of the broadcast carried meaning that did not become clear until much later.
Continue reading “The Fading Humor of Presidential Pathos”