In an age when an amateur pugilist became a universal hero, few could deny he was a champion of the world. Using a title less recognized than his given Leslie Townes name, Packy East didn’t make a big splash. The hits he took didn’t come from a Tyson, his skills didn’t float like a butterfly, or sting like a bee. No they taught him that his true talent would come from a different calling. The Pack man would travel to every corner of the world as an ambassador of Hope. Few would forget the joy and laughter that he brought to their town. Most would remember that they felt good and were touched with a little magic from home.
Bob Hope was not just a peerless comedian, a radio celebrity, a movie star or a TV icon. He was a certified human being. Living a life that transformed a mere man into an institution is rare. Today the odds are remote it could happen again or that another could rival his achievements. But that is not the real measure of the person.
Being the entertainer brought him fame and fortune, but his genuineness earned him respect. His legacy will be calculated differently by the media; however, for the common man, he was a prominent person who retained an ordinary man quality. Endearing himself came natural. The gift he presented us was himself. A man we could sincerely like.
That is basis of his special status. A public figure that was real, and deserving of admiration. The road to esteem and honor seeks to revere that which is worthy in the character of the individual. Bob Hope epitomized what his audience wanted for America, something to believe in and an individual who represented the dream.
The politics of Hope may not appeal to everyone, since many reside on a street of victims. But for those who retain self dignity and trust in basic principles that built a great nation, Bob was their man. Challenging authority with a sling of jest was his ultimate trademark. Even when rubbing elbows with public officials or playing golf with Presidents, the zing of irony was always present. Laughing with Presidents might well spin into exposing their vaudeville act for all the people to see and heed. A monologue from Bob could be more biting and effective than an entire year of Meet the Press.
Ribs of the commander and chief would cut across all party lines. Some examples that could do more than just poke fun at the obvious:
Dwight Eisenhower. “I played golf with him yesterday. It’s hard to beat a guy who rattles his medals while you’re putting. Ike uses a short Democrat for a tee.”
John F. Kennedy. “Have you heard about President Kennedy’s new youth Peace Corps to help foreign countries? It’s sort of Exodus with fraternity pins.”
Lyndon Johnson. “How about President Johnson meeting with Vietnam’s Gen. Ki in Hawaii? They’ve made a decision about Vietnam that should please everybody — they’re going to close it down.”
Richard Nixon. “It appears that the president taped all his conversations in the Oval Office. I just hope that 18 minutes of missing tape included some of the bad jokes I told him.”
Gerald Ford. “It’s not hard to find Jerry Ford on a golf course — you just follow the wounded.”
Ronald Reagan. “Nancy had some trouble with him in rehearsing their first dance for the (Inaugural Ball). It’s not easy to follow a partner who keeps circling to the right.”
George Bush. “The Los Angeles Times gave George Bush a C on his 100 days in office. No one knows what Dan Quayle got. He claims he lost his report card on his way home from the White House.”
While Bob will be venerated as the USO representative who did most for morale, his version of Patriotism always appeared pure. What emerged from every performance was an optimism that America was still GOOD. Even when foreign policy was suspect, Bob could get you to believe in the basic decency of Americans.
Thanks for the memory is more than a musical signature song. It is an anthem for a life worthy of living. His journey on a “Road to Utopia” more closely resembles the promise of what America could be and why she deserves to be saved. Bob Hope’s passing is a time to celebrate the “Yank of the Century”. The treasure that he left is the hope that we may all wake up to restore the real America. The one that transformed Packy East from a fighter into a defender of an entire nation. Bob Hope will be missed, so pay homage to his memory – revive the traditional America of his youth. It is that country that Bob loved and the same one that each of us should honor.
“Published originally at EtherZone.com : republication allowed with this notice and hyperlink intact.”