With the passing this week of former United States President Gerald Ford, the country mourns and family and members, along with government representatives, begin planning the state funeral. A volunteer from California has surprised everyone and stepped forward and offered himself as a participant.
Actor Chevy Chase, who has not had a successful film or television role in many years, became famous playing Ford on Saturday Night Live. His bumbling, stumbling, impression of the President helped to make Chevy Chase a household name.
Now, he has offered to portray the president at the funeral. Is this an attempt to revive a sagging career? Is the sight of Chevy falling and stumbling around the Capitol Rotunda the somber thing that a grieving nation and family want to see? Does the comedian really think that we want to relive his banging his head on doorjams, falling down airplane steps, or stepping in doggie doo doo? Do we really want to watch Chase fall out of a coffin, jump up, and say "Dead from Arlington National Cemetery, it's Saturday Night!"?
It is the opinion of this journalist funerals should be a place where families and friends gather to remember the deceased in solemn, restrained, and quiet reverence. Even this journalist does not find that funny. We are not amused.
