A Death In The Family
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
There's been a death in the family and the funeral was yesterday. There was singing and laughter, tears and joy — a perfect funeral in many ways.
But, like all families, there are certain factions that just don't get along. And in Atlanta yesterday, some of those grievances were dragged right into church.
I watched the replay of Coretta Scott King's service on C-SPAN last night. I must say, I loved it.
I loved that Joseph Lowery — one of the co-founders of the SCLC — rhymed his message and didn't mince words about war and peace. I loved that President Bush "41" spun that moment into one of the biggest laughs of the day. Poppy said he used to keep score in the Oval Office and Joe Lowery always won.
Some will complain today that the funeral was no place for politics, no place for personal attacks. Did it make anyone uncomfortable? Well, that was Martin and Coretta's sole purpose — to take America out of its comfort zone.
And I say amen to that.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on manyCBS Radio News affiliates across the country.
By Harry Smith