Gregory D.

Lee

Read Greg's bio and previous columns here

March 6, 2009

God Bless Paul Harvey

Like him or not, Paul Harvey is the guy whose picture is in the dictionary when you look up “legend.” He was an American icon who will be hard to replace.

As long as I can remember he was on the radio. His distinctive voice and style stood out from the rest. Actually, he was on the radio longer than I’ve been alive – about as long as Hall of Fame Dodgers play-by-play announcer Vin Scully. Considering that I’m 56, that’s a clue how enduring Mr. Harvey was.

He had a knack of melding news and commentary into a seamless transition to a commercial message. That is exactly what his job was. How many Bose music systems do you think he convinced people to buy? Engaging the audience long enough to listen to an inevitable commercial is capitalism at its best.

His “Rest Of The Story” radio segments featured unparalleled insights into who was doing what when the moment was most significant; unsung heroes who stepped up to the plate and did the right thing to benefit not only themselves but those around them. His research team revealed subtleties about the famous and infamous that will live on forever.

Mr. Harvey was the consummate gentleman and married to the same woman his entire adult lifetime. His wife, who he affectionately called “Angel,” was his long-time business manager, so how could he argue with the boss? Compare him to a modern day Hollywierd celebrity who doesn’t have a spouse, but has several kids with his “significant others.”

Unlike Mr. Harvey, if you prefer to have three ex-wives, pay alimony to each of them, plus child support, and forfeit half or most of your retirement funds to them, then Tommy Lee must be your role model. But, if you want to get your life straight, avoid poverty and do the right thing toward those you care about, then I strongly suggest you get married, study Paul Harvey’s lifestyle and ethics, and strive to do what he did while honoring us with his presence on this Earth.

Paul Harvey epitomized duty, honor, country, family and commitment. He is the role model Americans need to emulate. He discovered the formula that makes individuals satisfied with themselves and their decisions. He had the recipe for success and loved what he did. He was a traditional American who loved his country, loved the people who listened to him and even those who didn’t. He was a patriot who wanted everyone in his country to succeed, and couldn’t imagine someone who applied himself and worked hard not succeeding.

Paul Harvey had an incredible work ethic. He continued doing his broadcasts when others would have run for retirement at their first opportunity. Maybe his work contributed to his longevity. No one can say for sure. But I would suspect that God rewarded him with extended years on Earth so he could deliver the message that having principles and concern for others will be rewarded with an extended lifetime on this Earth before achieving your rightful place in Heaven. I just hope to meet him there someday.

No matter how you slice it, Paul Harvey lived the American dream and demonstrated what you will achieve with hard work, dedication to your craft and the drive to be the best you can be.

Mr. Harvey didn’t have any competition. He was someone who stood alone among the giants of broadcasting. He understood radio, and thought it was the best medium there was for people to see what was happening. That’s hard to compete with.

Gregory D. Lee is a nationally syndicated columnist for North Star Writers Group. He can be reached through his web site: www.gregorydlee.com.

© 2009 North Star Writers Group. May not be republished without permission.

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