LITTWIN: Not just closing doors, but dying
By Mike Littwin, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published February 27, 2009 at 12:05 a.m.
I've been thinking all day, for weeks really, how to describe what it means for a newspaper - my newspaper, your newspaper - to die.
I know many businesses are closing, particularly these days. But newspapers don't simply close. They die.
The world goes on without them, but it's not the same world. Even if it were the same world, hundreds of thousands of readers couldn't be sure because the paper wouldn't be there on your doorstep (OK, sometimes near the doorstep) to let them know.
And when a newspaper's gone, there's little enough to remember. We're a daily. Journalism is, as they say, history written in a hurry, all the news fit to print until deadline comes. A newspaper isn't meant to stand the test of time. It's meant to be true to that day, that moment.
Since I'm infamous at the Rocky for stretching deadline, somebody recently showed me a cartoon of God walking into an editor's office, and the editor telling him, "I know you want it to be perfect, but you've only got six days." I've written some columns, I swear to you, in little more than six minutes.
I'm a newspaper junkie. As one, I've spent my life going to basements of libraries to look at what we used to call the newspaper morgue - copies of old dead papers - and read how events were covered contemporaneously, without the historian's luxury of time and results. When Bob Dylan moved to New York from Minnesota, he'd spend winter days at the New York Public Library reading newspapers - not books - from the Civil War. And then he wrote songs that could have been ripped from a newspaper.
What I love about newspapers is that they're not perfect. I once had an old editor (not as old then as I am now) at the L.A. Times who used to joke each night that we'd finally put out the perfect paper, only to come in the next day and lament that there'd been an error or two - and that we'd try again. We never got there. We never stopped trying either.
People who talk about the importance of newspapers like to cite Thomas Jefferson, who said that if he had to choose between a government without newspapers and newspapers without a government, he'd choose newspapers. I like this quote better - I don't know who said it - which Jefferson would surely appreciate: "Everything you read in newspapers is absolutely true, except for that rare story of which you happen to have first-hand knowledge."
Readers routinely complain about bias in newspapers. People are human, including newspaper guys. (That's what we old guys are - not "journalists;" we didn't become journalists until about 1990.) But those who complain about bias never worked in a newsroom. They don't understand about daily newspapers - the miracle of producing one each and every day.
The Rocky has been a daily since Aug. 27, 1860. We come out every day, no matter what. And now we won't, ever again.
Still, the obit should be easy enough to write. The Rocky was 149 years old. And yet, somehow, at 149, the Rocky was close to its prime, at least as close as the city of Denver itself. The guys in suits cut our staff, citing something about the declining economics of newspapers. They cut our resources. On certain days, it seemed they were trying to cut our hearts out.
The guys in suits - and I say that as someone who doesn't own one - don't understand what it means to be in a newsroom, or if they once did, they forgot.
They're businessmen, who talk in terms of quarters. We talk in terms of stories. The Rocky lived. It breathed. It told stories that annoyed and ones that thrilled. I love both.
I loved, too, that it captured sounds and signs and loud, disturbing, private noises - the noise of the workaday world and the world that people tried to keep secret from the rest of us.
I've been writing for a newspaper since I was 16. There were plenty of newspaper jobs at the time - in the days of hot type, when you read the stuff backwards and upside down, and there weren't yet computers, only typewriters, and the guys in the composing room would slam your hand if you ever dared touch the hot type. It was romantic, at least if you were a kid and didn't care about making money or getting home anywhere near dinner time.
Whenever I see newspaper people talk about the importance of newspapers to democracy, I think how self-righteous they sound, even if they're right. The Rocky wasn't about saving democracy. At its best, it's scrappy and it's lively and it entertains while it informs.
Now, it won't do any of that.
Hell, I didn't sign up for journalism to save democracy or even because I couldn't stand the thought of going to law school. I signed up - and stayed signed up - because there isn't a job where you could possibly have more fun.
I came to the Rocky nearly 12 years ago from the Baltimore Sun. It may not surprise some of you why I left. The editor and I didn't get along, and the editor wasn't leaving. So I picked 12 cities in which I wanted to live, and Denver was the one where I got the job.
I had recently gotten back from the Sydney Olympics - do you have to ask why my job is so much fun? - and the Bush v. Gore election was going into overtime. I suggested to editor John Temple that I go to Florida. Temple wanted to know how much it would cost, and I said something snide like, "What's the limit on covering the future of the country?"
A friendly editor stepped in, got me a cheap flight, and I was there for most of the next five weeks. The papers are on the wall near Temple's office: "Standoff." "2 Strikes on Gore." "Not So Fast." At my desk - or what is my desk until they make me go - I have a Florida voting machine from 2000, with honest-to-God chads. My daughter bought it for me when Florida voting machines went electric. The machine cost a buck. Memories? Yeah, priceless.
It was a great story. I love great stories. One of my favorite newspaper quotes comes from Pete Hamill: "The best newspapermen I know are those most thrilled by the daily pump of city room excitements; they long fondly for a 'good murder;' they pray that assassinations, wars, catastrophes break on their editions."
I've covered them all. I've been trapped in fires. I've ducked bullets in riots. I've interviewed terrorists. I've interviewed Orioles manager Earl Weaver while he sat on a toilet. I wrote the columns, and those who agreed and those who didn't agree let me know, and I can't tell you which I enjoyed more. The e-mails keep pouring in. The nasty ones make me laugh. The nice ones make me cry.
Let me tell you what it means to be a newspaperman. I was in Grant Park in Chicago on Election Night to see Obama make his victory speech. I'd been covering the race - history on deadline - for 18 months, in a time when the Rocky was counting every dollar and couldn't afford it. That was commitment - at a level that some guys at corporate might have missed.
As I watched Obama give his speech, I couldn't help thinking that it was Election Night and that where I really wanted to be was in the newsroom - because there's nothing like Election Night, late into the night, in a newsroom.
I'm moving to another newsroom now, but it won't be the same. Before I go, I'll be out for a drink, or a few drinks, with my friends, and I'll think back to the day I met Red Smith, maybe the greatest columnist ever. On the day I met him, I introduced myself, and he invited me out with his friends for dinner and drinks - and more drinks. I was a cub reporter, and I knew I'd entered into a club I'd never want to leave.
I'll go out, and I'll drink to the Rocky, and I'll drink to the people who made the Rocky the Rocky, and I'll drink to the people who read the Rocky, and I'll drink to those who let me be part of their breakfast routine and who got the joke when it was funny and who cried with me when it wasn't funny and know now - 149 years in - what it means that the Rocky is gone.
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February 27, 2009
12:32 a.m.
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TravisH writes:
Great column.
February 27, 2009
2:04 a.m.
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SteveM writes:
I'm so sorry. I still don't get why the employees couldn't have banded together borrowed every cent from every person they knew 2nd mortgaged every home and presented a legitimate bid to buy the paper. Second option, I don't get why the Rocky couldn't be viable as an online only paper. You'd have to downsize staff but you'd have far less overhead when it come to distribution and printing.
Maybe nothing would work, it's just my mind wishing it weren't so.
February 27, 2009
6:09 a.m.
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Don_Lopez writes:
Had he known how much pain and suffering it would cause the newspaper industry I’m sure former Vice-President Al Gore would never have invented the Internet. But hindsight is always 20/20 and since then he has gone on to a much, much bigger invention: Global Warming.
There’s never a good time to lose your job but this may be one of the better ones because President Obama has promised to redistribute wealth in America by taking from those who produce and giving to those who don’t. Under that guideline Mr. Littwin should make out very well, indeed.
Finally, as a champion of the common man it’s important to remember the common man’s reaction when hearing Mr. Littwin had lost his job: “Who?”.
Schadenfreude on steroids.
February 27, 2009
6:46 a.m.
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LetsThink writes:
Mr. Littwin, we wish you well.
I hope you now realizee that liberal editors hastened the death of the Rocky Mountain Newspaper.
There was a disturbing imbalance of liberal vs. conservative edtiors on the staff. The indoctrination to liberal thinking was intense and incesssant.
As a result, many intelligent conservative readers canceled their subscriptions. That would not have been necessary if the editorial staff had tried to bring a semblance of fairness and balance.
No newspaper (or cable tv news) can survive when pandering to the liberal subscribers only.
But it's so sad that this fine newspaper had to be destroyed by liberals. I hope that they will now rethink their mission in life. The world needs to move beyond intentional indoctrination.
Foremost, I encourage you to seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Where we spend eternity is our most important objective during this short time on earth. Everything else is essentially meaningless striving after the wind (see the book of Ecclesiastes).
God bless the entire RMN staff.
February 27, 2009
7:01 a.m.
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GK writes:
Leave it to the selfish conservatives to turn a sad day into a political bashing.
February 27, 2009
7:03 a.m.
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stevea writes:
Maybe the Metropolis Daily Planet was financed by subscriptions, but in the rest of the world, subscriptions wouldn't pay for the paper clips used in the newsroom.
What a bunch of dull-witted claptrap.
So long, News (Rocky was Bullwinkle's friend). You'll be missed.
February 27, 2009
7:38 a.m.
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tao41 writes:
In reading most of the self serving comments so far on this article, it's clear that these commentators are somehow unaware that Mike Littwin, thank goodness, is going to be continuing his funny, at times insightful, and always readable opinion column at the Denver Post. Also do I ever agree with calvinbrodus. However I would not call letsthink a name like that, why indirectly compliment him?
February 27, 2009
7:50 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
I've met Littwin before, briefly, some years ago. A truly friendly, warm person, with none of the guardedness that folks in the press can sometimes display. Also, he was one of two RMN columnists to respond on occasion to the comments section of his columns (Salzman was the other one).
I also think he's the best columnist the RMN has, so I'm glad we'll still get to read his work at the Post. A very funny, skilled writer, and yes, while he's a liberal, he still pokes fun at liberal politicians, too. His detractors never seemed to pick up on that, for whatever reasons.
February 27, 2009
8:03 a.m.
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LetsThink writes:
I know that liberals love Mr. Littwin. That's not a surprise.
But he needs to rethink his approach if he wants to remain employed in the media.
We hope and pray that he learns from this lesson.
February 27, 2009
8:10 a.m.
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tao41 writes:
LetsThink posted this: "Foremost, I encourage you to seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Where we spend eternity is our most important objective during this short time on earth. Everything else is essentially meaningless striving after the wind (see the book of Ecclesiastes)".
I wonder how many of these Jesus aficonados would worship him (Jesus) if they realized that he was quite likely a short and dark complexioned, swarthy, Aramaic Jew? All the most popular renditions of Jesus show him as a BLUE eyed, RED haired, caucasian male. None of these could he ever have been, not if he had been born into an Aramaic family, where the bible places him in its' various accounts! Talk about the christians creating a god in their own image. Isn't that a clear violation of the commandment forbidding graven images anyhow? Just asking. So, enjoy your myths LetsThink, but please don't foist them on the rest of us. Especially since you don't seem to closely follow that fellows purported teachings. I suggest a reading of Christopher Hitchen's excellent book, "god is not GREAT" which will likely prove enlightening to all who doubt the mythology of christiandom. Or not. "Contempt prior to investigation is an abolute proof against enlightenment".
February 27, 2009
8:15 a.m.
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cmcray1 writes:
Littwin. Two or three times per week, I turn to the sports pages to see if you have come back to sports. I always read the sports first, because they are about so much more than sports--you knew that. I enjoyed many of the columnists, but You and Gene Amole wrote honestly and from the gut. I hear that you will go to the Post, and I will see you there......but I will look for you in the sports pages first.
February 27, 2009
8:18 a.m.
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tao41 writes:
I intentionally misspelled aficionados. Thought it better conveyed my sentiments.
February 27, 2009
8:21 a.m.
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Ottis writes:
LetsThink is a troll, not worth the time.
As an old newspaper reporter (1980s), I completely understand this column. I'll miss the Rocky, and I hope everyone there finds jobs they love as much. Best to all of you.
February 27, 2009
8:27 a.m.
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tao41 writes:
Troll it is then. Bet the Jesus folks don't realize that Mike is Jewish! Mazel tov.
February 27, 2009
8:37 a.m.
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djbrav writes:
LetsThink writes:
"I know that liberals love Mr. Littwin. That's not a surprise.
But he needs to rethink his approach if he wants to remain employed in the media.
We hope and pray that he learns from this lesson."
Mr. Littwin is still employed, LetsThink, with the other local newspaper. Your beloved and conservative columnist friend, Mike Rosen, did not meet the same fate. Kind of counter to your earlier comment that fleeing conservatives brought the RMN down isn't it?
February 27, 2009
9 a.m.
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Konyok writes:
Like for any other entertainer, it's always a balancing act for the newspaper columnist. To my own self be true, or please my readers?
Mike Littwin certainly presents a recognizable persona. He is spunky, indefatigable, witty and facile. But, he was never really quite "Denver." Reading his columns, I always had the sense that he would call a pop a soda. I always bristle at his big city know-it-all tone, devoid of any sincere sense of irony or tragedy.
I've never objected to Littwin's liberal/progressive opinion. You've gotta have some yin if you wanna have some yang, dontcha know. The thing that has always bothered me is that it always felt like he was reading somebody else's script, a fatal flaw for a columnist seeking the iconoclast's mantle. His political positions were always orthodox, and increasingly quite defensive. This contrasts greatly with Tina Griego whose positions are organic and obviously an authentic expression of who she is.
The twin templates for News columnists, at least for this generation, are Gene Amole and John Coit. Part of the reason that they are so beloved and Mike Littwin not is that those gentlemen expressed a kind of love and affection for their readers of every stripe that is missing in today's snarkfests.
All of that said, I do wish Mike well at the Post. That little bit of familiar yin will make my own transition easier.
When you see Lukas spouting off, well, that'll be me ...
February 27, 2009
9:08 a.m.
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Hank writes:
LetsThink -
"As a result, many intelligent conservative readers canceled their subscriptions."
Wow - you sure are deluded with your self importance aren't you?
"But it's so sad that this fine newspaper had to be destroyed by liberals. "
"But he needs to rethink his approach if he wants to remain employed in the media."
You don't suppose the internet might have contributed to the RMN's decline? And Littwin remains employed with the News.
What alternative reality do you live in LT? You are one sad individual, if anyone here needs praying for, it's you.
February 27, 2009
9:09 a.m.
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law1 writes:
Littwin, I frequently dislike your columns. But I think this is your best work.
February 27, 2009
9:12 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Konyok, are you a writer yourself? You express yourself very well. Just curious.
Of course, I still typically disagree with about fifty percent of what you write. :) For example, you seem to be inferring that Littwin is that tired old cliche, a "latte lovin' liberal." I just never picked up on that kind of snootiness from Littwin's writings. Snarky, yes, but snotty? No.
And interestingly, what you write to describe Littwin here is what I always felt about Mike Rosen's columns: "The thing that has always bothered me is that it always felt like he was reading somebody else's script, a fatal flaw for a columnist seeking the iconoclast's mantle. His political positions were always orthodox, and increasingly quite defensive."
Seriously, this actually describes Rosen to a T. If there was a false rumor being spread by Republicans, Rosen would pick it up - i.e., $30 million being spent on a mouse in San Francisco, a highspeed train from LA to Vegas, etc., etc. His columns were also pretty humorless, and if they did say something snarky, it was always, ALWAYS about a liberal. He never poked fun at conservatives, and that is one reason why there are few, if any, conservative comedians that everyone thinks are funny. They seem to be incapable of making fun of themselves, at the human condition in general.
Littwin, on the other hand, didn't spare his fellow liberals from some of his snarkiness. He also made fun of himself, from time to time. Again, this just never seemed to compute to his detractors. Granted, they were probably distracted and subsequently incensed by his zingers against them.
February 27, 2009
9:25 a.m.
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chrisrose writes:
I couldn't agree more about the suits. When they got into the newspaper business and decided they had to have a certain percentage of profit no matter what, it was the beginning of the end. Newspapers are able to gather and deliver information in a comprehensive and in- depth way that TV and the Internet will be unable to replicate.
February 27, 2009
9:30 a.m.
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cabodvr writes:
Give me a break Lopez! Why is it that insecure, hypocritical, conservatives with limited intellect like Lopez try to tie every current event to some right wing conspiracy theory no matter how unrelated it is to the matter at hand. I especially like the self-appointed "champion of the common man" moniker he ascribes to himself.
My fond farewell to the Rocky and all its staff. It is a tragedy and a nick in the armor of democracy and free speech every time a newspaper disappears. A free and open press is the backbone of a vibrant democracy. Maybe Lopez should focus on that instead of his tired old hyperbole, platitudes and bromides.
February 27, 2009
9:36 a.m.
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maxine writes:
It doesn't surprise me that Littwin is going to the Post. He'll fit in really well there.
February 27, 2009
9:58 a.m.
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Konyok writes:
Thanks, mytwosense. No, I'm just another wannabe stumbling around the planet ... ;)
I do largely agree with you about Rosen, with a couple of caveats. On occasion he does lay down his theoretical framework explaining why he believes a particular thing. Also, he has pretty much "gone native" as a Denverite.
But, Rosen often seems to use his ideology like a cookie cutter. (Do you remember the father in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding?" His fix for everything was chlorox. So it is for Rosen, most conservatives and the majority of progressives as well ... ) Worse, Rosen sometimes descends to silly mischaracterizations.
Mike Littwin is always coy and never explicitly reveals where he stands. Sure, occasionally he pokes a little fun at liberals, but always affectionately. He saves his big gun existential condemnations for conservatives. Worse, he shares a terrible progressive habit of saving the most damaging things for snarky asides.
Now, Mike's opacity might be a good thing. We do want our journalists to be objective, after all. It's understandable that a cuckold might want the pretense of fidelity. But, he can't keep up his poker face, he is just so gleeful when he's got a good gotcha.
By the way, is it pop or soda?
February 27, 2009
10 a.m.
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Konyok writes:
Whoops, that should be windex ... ;)
February 27, 2009
10 a.m.
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tao41 writes:
Once again Konyok, you have used your exotic sports car means of expressing yourself more precisely. Exactly what my school bus way of expressing my thoughts lacks. Kudos to you.
Also, cabodvr, mytwosense (see above) seems to have neocons and their followers pegged pretty darn well. They do seem to lack the ability to have fun, and do take themselves way too seriously. As Golda Mieir (former prime minister of Israel and Denver North High alumnus) once said, "don't be so humble, you aren't that great" to a peer, so I say to the neocons: don't be so arrogant, you aren't that smart!
February 27, 2009
10:18 a.m.
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joggle writes:
I'm glad you're going to be able to continue writing over at the Post. I used to only rarely read the sports columns and then happened to notice your reports in the sports section way back and thought to myself, "Hmm, this guy doesn't really belong in sports." I liked your columns but thought it was probably beneath your talent. This was back in college and I didn't have much time to read papers. A few years later, after graduating, I went back to check on the Rocky and found you were writing a column and reporting on big news stories which certainly made sense to me.
Good luck and keep up the good fight!
February 27, 2009
10:24 a.m.
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proper writes:
Here's a heartfelt thanks to all the great Rocky reporters who I read and admired over the years, including:
Pete Blake, Berny Morson, Jon Sanko, Gene Amole, D. Foster, Sue Lindsay, Joan Lowy.....the list goes on. The Rocky was always a hard-headed little newspaper with a big reach. At your best, you were nothing short of inspiring. --30--
February 27, 2009
10:25 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Konjok writes: "By the way, is it pop or soda?"
Well, I'm originally from the south, so neither. We would just say the brand name, i.e., Coke, Pepsi. I was actually an RC Cola fan in my youth. Don't even know if they make the stuff anymore.
February 27, 2009
10:34 a.m.
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joggle writes:
mytwosense: "Well, I'm originally from the south, so neither. We would just say the brand name, i.e., Coke, Pepsi."
Ditto. Worse sin committed was when you ask for a Coke and you're given a Pepsi (or visa versa).
I think RC Cola is still sold, at least in Texas.
February 27, 2009
10:40 a.m.
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Konyok writes:
tao,
Sports car? Jeez ...
What in tarnation do you guys mean by "neocon?"
Sometimes I get the feeling that I'm the only in these parts that fits the classic definition of neoconservative. I'm a former Marxist of the Trotskyist persuasion who has been convinced that free markets and bourgeous democracy are the most equitable social organization for all classes. Mostly libertarian in economic issues, cautiously liberal in social issues and mostly hawkish on the war on terror, I often find myself at odds with everyone. The only "neocon" stereotype that I don't fit is that I am gentile and my support for Israel is somewhat conditional.
To be honest, when I see this label tossed about my first reaction is that the writer must be anti semitic.
February 27, 2009
10:42 a.m.
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Konyok writes:
Well, for a dyed in the wool Coloradoan, it's a pop, whether Pepsi or Coke. Never a soda, that's what them flatlanders say.
;)
February 27, 2009
10:52 a.m.
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tao41 writes:
Where have all the neocons gone? Long time passing... we miss your pithy, yet abundantly silly, platitudinal exhortations to continued irrelevance. Please come back, I really do miss the target rich environment you present to us. Otherwise, we'll see all you other folks at the Denver Post opinion columns where our friends Littwin, Griego and Johnson will continue to hold forth. Chow, arrividerci, goodbye, mazel tov, and aweidershein (sp).
February 27, 2009
11:03 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Joggle writes: "Ditto. Worse sin committed was when you ask for a Coke and you're given a Pepsi (or visa versa)."
That's right! And we'd immediately know the difference.
I also liked Grape and Orange Nehi when I was a kid.
Konyok writes: "Well, for a dyed in the wool Coloradoan, it's a pop, whether Pepsi or Coke. Never a soda, that's what them flatlanders say."
Now see, to my southern ears, "pop" sounds like something a yankee would say. :) Anyway, real old-timers in the South also say "Bring me a co-cola."
February 27, 2009
11:04 a.m.
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tao41 writes:
P.S. Konyok, I meant that as a compliment to you! Neocon is just my, and others, way of saying neo conservative. Labelling one another is wrong, of course, but sometimes the convenience of a label seems to serve the expediency of the moment. Apologies for any offense taken or umbrage assumed. I also resist labels and am proud of my mixed heritage and potpourri of political, spiritual, moral, and ethical beliefs, they make me what I am. As a native Coloradan, we do call soft drinks "pop", at least in my North Denver neighborhood.
February 27, 2009
11:10 a.m.
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DougH writes:
LetsThink writes: "But he needs to rethink his approach if he wants to remain employed in the media."
A couple of things.
1. Mike is already employed at the Post , I got the email direct from the head guy .
2. Please don't bother to post your moronic nonsense on the Post's website. You are likely to be laughed out of town.
February 27, 2009
11:17 a.m.
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Konyok writes:
Labels are good, when accurate. (vid. Coke vs Pepsi!) They help us to know who's who and what's what.
May I humbly suggest that you use "wingnut?" That's what I call 'em. For my part, I do promise to be sparing in my use of "moonbat." (For example, Ward Churchill and his apologists.)
February 27, 2009
11:30 a.m.
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adamkadmon writes:
I guess some of these people will have to go whine about "liberal bias" in the Post now.
Or maybe they could just get together and form a newspaper that published absolutely nothing but their own narrow-minded views.
February 27, 2009
11:44 a.m.
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ActualThinker writes:
When are people going to realize that liberal or conservative bias do NOTHING towards the problems in the paper industry?? Please study some before posting, the problem is Craigslist and the economy killing ad revenue. From a subscription standpoint both papers have rates nationally. So what is going to replace your news? Blogs that have even more bias, but it will be bias slanted your way so that's ok. That's what always kills me when people complain about bias, it's never really about bias, it's about it not following their bias. They talk about how the news is liberal biased then go back to watching fox news.
February 27, 2009
11:45 a.m.
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joggle writes:
adamkadmon: "Or maybe they could just get together and form a newspaper that published absolutely nothing but their own narrow-minded views."
I know. It seems they think if there were only a paper that completely agreed with their viewpoints then that paper would be doing great. Well, there is such a paper and it's named the Washington Times and they aren't doing so hot either.
As Mr Littwin and others have mentioned before, advertising is way down which is a major source of any newspaper's revenue. For years papers have been struggling with a financial model to be profitable while competing with many free news sources available online.
February 27, 2009
11:56 a.m.
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adamkadmon writes:
I am now deeply regretting not having taken out more ads in the classifieds.
February 27, 2009
12:50 p.m.
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Konyok writes:
twosense,
We Colorado Republicans did take the abolitionist cause during the recent unpleasantness ....
;)
I'll see you over at the other place!
February 27, 2009
2:04 p.m.
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mosleyjackson writes:
Thanks Littwin. Always enjoy your POV. Keep up the good work, in spite of the haters. L'chaim, and to better days ahead.
And to those of you who believe that 'liberal bias' killed the newspaper, you don't know much, honestly, about economics, internal newspaper politics, or 'truth'. If you want 'truth', go to church. If you want history reported in a few minutes, read a newspaper. Better yet, buy one.
Peace.
Out.
February 27, 2009
2:44 p.m.
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peterpi writes:
If you read this, Mike Littwin, I'll see you on the other side. I always enjoyed your columns. Anyone else still reading this, I'll still be peterpi in the comments section of the Post.
LetsThink, if you saw Jesus of Nazareth on the streets, you'd immediately try to convert him. Why don't you open your mind's eye just a wee bit, and see other perspectives, eh? There are 6 billion people on this planet. Only 2 billion, tops, are Christian. Of those, I'd guess less than 100 million come close to your brand. So, no, I don't think 5.9 billion people are going to spend eternity in Hell because they disagree with you and your false god.
Imagine you meeting St. Peter at the pearly gates. Mike Littwin is ahead of you. They've got a brass band and a bottle of scotch and they usher him in. Then you are next. The gates slam shut, the band disappears, and a trap door starts forming underneath you ... and Mike has his notepad out, pen in hand, to cover What Happens Next.
Start thinking about someone other than yourself.
February 27, 2009
3:20 p.m.
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dirkle writes:
Thank you Scripps, ebay and Craigslist. See you at the Post.
February 27, 2009
3:29 p.m.
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tao41 writes:
Well, off I go to do a small amount of service work in the community in which I am privileged to live. Farewell to all of you who followed Mike Littwin here at the Rocky. I'll be continuing to offer my opinion about things at Mikes new home with the Denver Post. He will be found in their opinion section there, as he was here. I will be posting there as Erudite41, a name others find not apt but amusing.
February 27, 2009
7 p.m.
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greenleaf writes:
Darn, Konyok and mytwosense,
I might have waited too long! The two of you are in the top five of my favorite RMN posters. I hope to see the two of you for tears to come. Brother Konyok, I love calling you that because we once both stood on the tracks leading into Rocky Flats in our, as you put it, Marxist youth. Yet you and I are both scientists, native Coloradans and have a definite Libertarian slant. I would say in the entire Colorado universe that only two people can claim that set of characteristics! I even agree its pop! Konyok, on the other side( the Post) for me its still Greenleaf. For you is it Lucas?
Mytwosense, gentle, but very determined friend please join us at the Post. We desperately need to encourage them to a better blogging format and more good conversations.
February 27, 2009
7:03 p.m.
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greenleaf writes:
I was going to correct "tears to come" but it seems somehow poetic so I'm leaving it!
February 27, 2009
7:07 p.m.
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greenleaf writes:
To Mike Littwin,
I'll raise this one to you my friend! I don't always agree with you, but I appreciate good writing and you always provide it! Thank you!
February 27, 2009
9:41 p.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
mike -
nice to see you will still be just a click away. keep up the good work. i will miss the RMN dearly, now i just won't have to miss you as well. to all others at the RMN, thank you for all the years, and a fond farewell and good luck to all.......
February 28, 2009
10:29 a.m.
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Jeffco57 writes:
I took the paper my whole life up until about five years ago. The left slanted Rocky's columnists caused me to say, "enough is enough" and I cancelled my subscription. Was not looking for right slanted reporting, just something close to centrist...So long, farewell......
February 28, 2009
2:02 p.m.
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raoul writes:
I'd expect littwin's liberal rantings to be jacked up even more with angry left propaganda at his new home. how else will he stand out among his lib peers and so called "news" reporters at dp.
there will be an online alternative to the DP. til then I'm not viewing a page since it's not worth the 3 cent page hit they'll receive.
March 2, 2009
8:14 a.m.
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arby writes:
I'm truly sorry for the passing of the RMN. I have been reading the The Rocky since Molly Mayfield was the lonely hearts columnist. If you don't know who Molly was you are newcomer.
Good luck Mr. Littwin I have enjoyed your writing.
March 6, 2009
1:28 p.m.
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mikemikemom writes:
Dear, dear Rmn, I have been in grievous denial for a week now, and it's time to come out and see the new day...in the Post. Yikes. I loved you for the 31 years I have lived in Denver and will miss you dearly, and this goes for you Mike Littwin. My son, Mike, (different last name) works at the DNA (now, I guess, he just works at the Post?), and dated a person at the News. We're both in mourning. I'm curious as to how the Post has the money to hire all the columnist from the News? Hmmm...
Guess I'm just going to have to be glad they did, as I can still read the best columnists in the nation. Oh yeah, I'm a liberal. Gosh I'm sure it's hard to understand why anyone would be liberal after the past 8 years of great governing by the conservatives.
Well, enough. Here's to the RMN. We loved ya!
March 6, 2009
5:24 p.m.
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me2 writes:
LetsThink is a religious hedonist, nothing more.