The Larry Kane Report

The dustup between Professor Gates and Police Officer Crowley in Cambridge was another flashpoint for race baiters around the country, and President Obama made a mistake by getting involved, offering his opinion that  the police acted stupidly. By now, he, you and I know that there are no winners in race debates, because there are so many racists that any detour from politically correct behavior gives gutless race haters on all sides of the divide the ammunition they need to stir up more hate.

The President tried to patch things up by wisely calling the prof and the cop and blessing both with his usual expertise, hoping to put an end to the new racial stirrings that are arising over the calamity in Cambridge,

It’s been a sour week. How about those nabobs of nastiness who are still, without evidence, trying to prove that the President was not born in Hawaii. Give it up! It’s getting sickening already.

Judging by the responses to the swim club controversy, things are still bad out there. I can’t believe the people who are trying to make excuses for the clueless swim club leadership. I can’t believe the people who are blaming the campers for the problem. Gimme a break! I’m sick of the hate that exists in our society, much of it spawned by the broadcasters who use their radio and TV platform to play the race card.

The FCC worries about the exposure of Janet Jackson’s nipple, but it cares not about the indecency of radio talkers who subtely turn everything into a battle against minorities.

I’m angry about the fact that there’s too many people with hate in  their hearts in this country, and not enough respect for others.

And for some of the moronic racists who write here and to other blogs, read a book, find a shrink, get a life.

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There was simply no one like him – no one who has ever had his impact, or talent, that extraordinary mix of credibility and sense of history. Walter Cronkite was more than a chronicler of critical history, but a member of the family, who we trusted like a father, and idolized as a national leader. He held no office, but he was respected as a hero of the First Amendment.

My memories of Cronkite are so numerous that it would take volumes, but two special moments come to mind. The  first was on a tortuous day, the afternoon of November 22, 1963, the day that President Kennedy was shot. I was a young radio newsman, at the time working in St. Louis. After the initial reports, and the shock of telling the story, I waited for the dreaded confirmation. The wire machines were silent. All of a sudden, I looked at the black and white TV screen, where Cronkite suddenly appeared. He was just wearing a shirt and tie, and he looked upset. His hand went to his eye. Holding back tears, he confirmed that the President was dead. If Cronkite said it, it had to be true, I thought. That’s how powerful he was. When he said it, it had to be true.

Fast forward to the end of July 1969. Forty years ago this month, Cronkite anchored the most dramatic hours of the end of the turbulent sixties, the landing on the moon. Cronkite lusted for news of the Space program. He cheered it on through the decade, as curious about the pioneering space adventures as we were. But that night was the night of all nights, as he watched, on a Saturday night, and listened to him deliver detail by detail, the weight of history on his voice and manner.

I met Cronkite numerous times during my time with CBS. I idolized him, the journalistic path he had taken, and the fact that he was such a fantastic writer, and mentor. Unlike many of the divas and egomaniacs of the current news business, Cronkite was down-to-earth, and aware of where he came from, the humble roots that motivated him to work hard and succeed.

In 1991, when Bob Simon went missing in Iraq, I called him and requested a one on one satellite interview. He was gracious and said, “Larry, just set it up and I’ll be ready to go.” During the interview, Cronkite said, “Don’t worry about Simon. He’s one of the best and crafty news people in the business. He’s alive, and we’ll hear from him soon.”

A few days later, Simon was freed by his captors. Cronkite was right on. He always was.

The man left permanent anchoring in 1984. Before and after, in public life and private endeavors, Walter Cronkite touched the national soul in a way that no broadcaster will ever do again.

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Somebody, a smart and savvy person, finally figured it out Sunday. After an embarrassing mess that brought negative imagery to this region, cooler heads prevailed and the Valley Swim Club decided to ask everyone back who was turned away. You’ve got to hope that the invite was genuine and that finally, this crisis will be over. I’m sure some of the clowns who write to this space, will find a way to polarize this issue. But the fact is very simple: This is 2009 and what happened at the swim club should never be happening in America, anywhere, anytime!

CHENEY

Finally, a scandal that has legs. The print and Congressional accusations that Dick Cheney ordered that the CIA hold back info on a super-secret spy program will be the motivation for a criminal investigation. Only eight members of Congress, are, by law, required to be briefed on super secret spy operations. So why would Cheney break a law by covering it up? That is, if he did what the reports allege. Watch this one carefully.

SPORTS WRITER’S PREMATURE BURIAL

Philly sportswriters (not all of them) are fickle. With most of them , the glass is half empty. After all, ten days ago they were buring the Phillies in a maze of nastiness. You would have thought that the Phils were in last place. These reporters are all pretty good writers, but they must feel that one bad losing streak, or a few bad series, will end a season. It used to be that great sportswriters brought you inside stories of the game. Now, some of them act liked spoiled fans who believe that you are only as good as your last at-bat. Bring back Bill Lyon already, and run Stan Hochman every day.

MORE ON PALIN -

My sources confirm what some are speculating – that Sarah Palin wants freedom -the freedom to make $75.000 a pop to speak to conservative audiences around the nation. it’s all about money and the seductive lure of celebrity. But if she wants celebrity, she had better get ready to handle a tough news media and her political enemies. For anyone as exciting and controversial as Palin, chaos and controversy will come with the territory.

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PALIN – CAN’T TAKE THE HEAT

Sarah Palin can’t take the heat. So she’s leaving office. It’s fairly obvious that the allegedly brazen Alaskan Governor is thin skinned, and hates the published, broadcast and political attacks on her. Can’t blame her. It’s been vicious. But that’s the price you pay for public life. It’s hard to say what will happen in the long run, but her hopes for the Presidency have been damaged. She will always be viewed as a quitter. It is unheard of for someone to give up a Governor’s seat because they are sensitive. After all, she’s got 18 months left. She was elected for four years, but served two and a half. It’s interesting that love Governor Mark Sanford is fighting to keep his job in the swirl of scandal. There is no scandal surrounding Palin, but she is walking away, on her own.

CRISIS WORSENS

Things are falling apart again in Iran. The powerful religious leaders in Qum, the spiritual capital of Iran, have issued a broad statement challenging the integrity of the election. This is dangerous business. And so is this…

The latest THREAT from Iran is a sign of the desperation and fear of the hard-line Iranian regime. The threat to put imprisoned members of the British Embassy staff on trial is a clear signal that the hard liners fear for their power, and are being inspired by groups of mad men who want to take the west to the brink.

This latest threat, although frightening, could be part of the game playing of a sick regime. But it has to be taken seriously. I will tell you this: If Iran puts the embassy workers on trial, sanctions will elevate and there will be  real possibility of military action.

THE I-95 QUESTION

Memories are short in this town. Some city planners are thinking about cutting off a piece of the expressway, forcing people to detour on to Delaware Avenue. in hopes of creating a mecca for public life in the Columbus Avenue corridor. That’s exactly where we were back in the 70’s. when political opposition left the highway closed for that same section, and caused some of the greatest traffic nightmares in Philadelphia history. The idea has its merits, but how about improving the waterfront area without disturbing the flow of traffic.

Can you imagine the traffic nightmare after a  Phillies or  Eagles game?

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