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I’ve been reading a Pete Hamill novel called Forever where there’s a section on Boss Tweed, the infamous leader of Manhattan’s Tammany Hall inspiring this post since, Pete writes more about the good in The Boss rather than his better known flaws, like how much he did for the poor despite his legendary corruption. ![]()
Got me thinking.
My piece on Bobby Kennedy wasn’t as read as I had hoped realizing, not everyone sees the best of Bobby in the way that I do, along with Pete by the way, a great friend of his. ![]()
I’ve learned to look at the whole board when it comes to a person since, we consist of many components, the good as well as what can be improved.
It’s why journalist Peggy Noonan once his speech writer, only remembers the good in Ronald Reagan.
Same with the historian Richard Brookhiser who worked alongside William F. Buckley, not the most liked among his peers.
They made the choice to come away with grace rather than rust.
Isn’t it interesting that the two were friends. ![]()
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I’ll toss in Woody Allen who sadly will be remembered more for his alleged crimes then his films.
I’ve chosen not to read anymore about those allegations, preferring to hold dear Annie Hall and Manhattan, when he opens with George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue while sitting at sunrise on a bench with Diane Keaton overlooking the East River.
I never quite understand why we hold on so tightly to what’s tarnished, true or otherwise, since all it does is disappoint and sadden, breaking our hearts over and over again.
We’re all flawed stumbling through life, I believe most of us doing the best we can even if it reads as pretty poor.
There are exceptions of course, the Harveys of the world, but I’ll still close with my favorite Maya Angelou quote…
Do the best you can until you know better…then when you know better, do better.
Yes, let our acceptance of others be half full, rather than half empty.
Generosity, after all, is where the fruit falls. ![]()
Woody Allen’s Manhattan…1979
SB