Fred Thompson always leaned toward truth and fairness. He was a politician above the Party line. Nobody had to tell him right from wrong. His intelligence and logic prevailed. Yes he would have made one of the best US President in history. Too bad he wasn't born in Canada, we would have made him Prime Minister. My respect to the family.
2
There are comments here that criticize those who point to Sen. Thompson's unabashed promotion of reverse mortgages.
What those comments fail to consider is that there are many things that vulnerable seniors fear, but two of the most feared are: "nursing homes" and "medicaid." Sen. Thompson knew this. But he didn't have to say these words explicitly in his commercials. Instead, he and his mortgage backers took advantage of this fear and charge usurious origination fees and interest rates to steal as much equity as possible in homes. I am not fan of inherited wealth. And I do believe seniors should stay in their homes as long as possible. But there is an issue of reasonableness, fairness and greed here. After reasonable costs and profits, better that any remaining equity in a home go to heirs or charitable bequest rather than, as is often the case, the entire estate being stolen by so-called mortgage lenders. Keep in mind that mortgage lenders of reverse mortgages do not extend the credit unless the property is fully secured.
Sen. Thompson knew full well what happens in the typical reverse mortgage. He was an attorney. He was a senator. For anything he may have done to expose wrongdoing in Watergate, his legacy also includes being a co-conspirator in taking advantage of the vulnerable.
What those comments fail to consider is that there are many things that vulnerable seniors fear, but two of the most feared are: "nursing homes" and "medicaid." Sen. Thompson knew this. But he didn't have to say these words explicitly in his commercials. Instead, he and his mortgage backers took advantage of this fear and charge usurious origination fees and interest rates to steal as much equity as possible in homes. I am not fan of inherited wealth. And I do believe seniors should stay in their homes as long as possible. But there is an issue of reasonableness, fairness and greed here. After reasonable costs and profits, better that any remaining equity in a home go to heirs or charitable bequest rather than, as is often the case, the entire estate being stolen by so-called mortgage lenders. Keep in mind that mortgage lenders of reverse mortgages do not extend the credit unless the property is fully secured.
Sen. Thompson knew full well what happens in the typical reverse mortgage. He was an attorney. He was a senator. For anything he may have done to expose wrongdoing in Watergate, his legacy also includes being a co-conspirator in taking advantage of the vulnerable.
3
One of the truly multi-dimensional men of note in the 20th and 21st centuries.
3
America has lost a truly gifted man. My prayers to his family.
2
I remember when he ran for POTUS. What a joke. Running for POTUS was hard work and he wanted nothing of it. Being a movie star is much easier than being a Senator or a presidential candidate. But an interesting life.
1
"He had the common touch."
-Jesse, the slacker newsstand guy
Seriously though, even though like others I was kinda sad seeing him do the reverse mortgage commercials, I really like him as a actor. Was so-so about him as a senator. He seemed like a nice guy though.
-Jesse, the slacker newsstand guy
Seriously though, even though like others I was kinda sad seeing him do the reverse mortgage commercials, I really like him as a actor. Was so-so about him as a senator. He seemed like a nice guy though.
2
Condolences to Sen. Thompson's family. This versatile, actor, politician, lawyer, GOP senator and overall statesman never did get enough credit for publicly exposing Richard Nixon and his White House henchmen as the crooks that they were.
3
That's because Nixon's own tapes revealed that he didn't deserve it.
Very good Senator. One of the last "moderates." Usually, only partisan in election years.
2
Whether as an actor or a politician (is there a difference?), people were drawn to Fred Thompson because he was at once soft-spoken and authoritative, because he was kind and generous, but most of all because he was courageous, courageous in the way he lived his life, courageous in perhaps one of the more pivotal moments in modern American history.
"His tough questioning of Alexander Butterfield, a former aide to President Richard M. Nixon, led to the revelation of recording devices in the Oval Office, a turning point in the investigation that ended in the president’s resignation."
Would there were an equally courageous Democrat today: Mrs. Clinton's obstruction-of-justice numbers alone, (60k+30k+30k+1 counts), vs. Nixon's, literally took Bob Woodward's breath away.
Perhaps Fred Thompson's passing will remind the weak-kneed–perhaps even the knee-capped–of Thompson's courage to oppose powerful political forces within his own party.
"His tough questioning of Alexander Butterfield, a former aide to President Richard M. Nixon, led to the revelation of recording devices in the Oval Office, a turning point in the investigation that ended in the president’s resignation."
Would there were an equally courageous Democrat today: Mrs. Clinton's obstruction-of-justice numbers alone, (60k+30k+30k+1 counts), vs. Nixon's, literally took Bob Woodward's breath away.
Perhaps Fred Thompson's passing will remind the weak-kneed–perhaps even the knee-capped–of Thompson's courage to oppose powerful political forces within his own party.
2
Was it courage that prompted Mr. Thompson to tip off the White House?
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/19675541/ns/politics-decision_08/t/fred-thomps...
Or just another example of IOKIYAR?
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/19675541/ns/politics-decision_08/t/fred-thomps...
Or just another example of IOKIYAR?
From his obituary in The Tennessean:
"Gore, the former vice president, said Mr. Thompson's 'extraordinary integrity while working with Senator Howard Baker on the Watergate Committee helped our nation find its way.'
'I was deeply inspired by his matter-of-fact, no-nonsense moral courage in that crucible,' Gore said. 'Tennessee and our nation owe a great debt to Fred Thompson.'"
"Gore, the former vice president, said Mr. Thompson's 'extraordinary integrity while working with Senator Howard Baker on the Watergate Committee helped our nation find its way.'
'I was deeply inspired by his matter-of-fact, no-nonsense moral courage in that crucible,' Gore said. 'Tennessee and our nation owe a great debt to Fred Thompson.'"
To what end? Your loaded verb, "tip," suggests nefarious intent. Prosecutors routinely inform defendants of the evidence to make them understand their exposure. Time was of the essence in this case as no less than the stability of the country was at stake.
Read Rotunda, "Hillary's E-mails and the Law." (WSJ) Unlike Clinton and her deleted emails/scrubbed server, Nixon would not destroy the tapes; he understood such destruction would constitute felony obstruction of justice with potential jail time and disbarment.
Clinton, by contrast, thinks she is above the law. Given the lack of courage on the Left, maybe she is.
Read Rotunda, "Hillary's E-mails and the Law." (WSJ) Unlike Clinton and her deleted emails/scrubbed server, Nixon would not destroy the tapes; he understood such destruction would constitute felony obstruction of justice with potential jail time and disbarment.
Clinton, by contrast, thinks she is above the law. Given the lack of courage on the Left, maybe she is.
1
The problem with Fred Thompson's presidential ambitions, was he was not corrupt enough to belong to the club. That's a good thing. RIP Freedy.
1
Not mentioned here, Mr. Thompson was notable in his early TV role as the nasty factory boss on the "Roseanne" show, in one of her many dismal jobs. Quite a hoot to watch the verbal parrying between them.
4
He placed principle above politics, something unknown today.
3
I was ready to post my deep objections to Thompson`s commercials for reverse mortgages which do not pass the smell test of any rational person but I see by the top 50 Readers Picks (most recommended posts) that my concerns are similar to many others. IF he was an honourable man why did he become the spokesperson to scam so many elderly people ?
Hopefully the commercials will end now.
Hopefully the commercials will end now.
7
We live in an age where image and reality - the mask that is human - is annealed to the soul of a public persona by the multiple forms of media. Is the politician on the Senate steps uttering scripted lines to the news camera's much different that the actors uttering Mr. Wolf's and his stellar team?
The biting bile of so many of these comments reflects an Age of Schadenfreude. If one cannot separate out the good of a life from taking a job to sell insurance, irrespective of its viability, then this comment section has become little more than another screaming match more suited for Jerry Springer and Fox. The Times has an obligation to edit these submission - this is not an open blog or post or whatever they call it. This is the last paper of record. Dignity, before vitriolic drama. Mr. Thompson is deceased, not running for president. These comments feel like a bunch of angry hunters taking pot shots at a corpse. SHAME!
The biting bile of so many of these comments reflects an Age of Schadenfreude. If one cannot separate out the good of a life from taking a job to sell insurance, irrespective of its viability, then this comment section has become little more than another screaming match more suited for Jerry Springer and Fox. The Times has an obligation to edit these submission - this is not an open blog or post or whatever they call it. This is the last paper of record. Dignity, before vitriolic drama. Mr. Thompson is deceased, not running for president. These comments feel like a bunch of angry hunters taking pot shots at a corpse. SHAME!
6
Ummm . . . he did run for president. As I recall he withheld the somewhat relevant information at the time that he was under treatment for the same cancer that killed him. I don't hear anyone screaming here. To the contrary, what I read are for the most part well reasoned and analytic criticisms of the financial instrument Mr. Thompson, a lawyer, ex-Senator, and actor, was being paid to sell. If you don't believe that a man owes the integrity accrued by his reputation to what he chooses to endorse, then fine, like many you advocate legalized prostitution. But, don't expect me to omit it from your obit.
8
It's a shame that he felt the need or greed to promote ripping off the vulnerable elderly with his "sincere" advice on reverse mortgages. I will not mis him but at the same time also did not wish for his demise so I'll just say "bye".
5
"Marie" is a wonderful true story about a whistle-blower in Tennessee. It has Sissy Spacek and is totally worth watching, both for entertainment and as a lesson concerning corruption in government. Fred Thompson is very good as himself.
I completely disagree with Mr. Thompson's politics, but I have to give him credit for helping my mother when she was fighting TVA. TVA was swapping valuable land on rivers and lakes - land which had been seized via eminent domain - selling it to developers and saying they were trading land of equal value. Not only was this false, there was favoritism and a lack of oversight in how they were dispensing this valuable land. I think she helped prevent them from doing one specific deal, and the whole land-swap thing was ended later on. It's very hard to fight a big agency like TVA and when she called Thompson for some help (don't remember what kind of help), he took her call and obliged. So I'm grateful for that.
I completely disagree with Mr. Thompson's politics, but I have to give him credit for helping my mother when she was fighting TVA. TVA was swapping valuable land on rivers and lakes - land which had been seized via eminent domain - selling it to developers and saying they were trading land of equal value. Not only was this false, there was favoritism and a lack of oversight in how they were dispensing this valuable land. I think she helped prevent them from doing one specific deal, and the whole land-swap thing was ended later on. It's very hard to fight a big agency like TVA and when she called Thompson for some help (don't remember what kind of help), he took her call and obliged. So I'm grateful for that.
5
Unfortunately, his role as a pitchman for one of those creative "financial products" is what I will remember him for.
I'm sure that there are financially-desperate people who have no choice but to tap the equity in their homes to meet their living expenses, but a product that allows them to lose all their equity after borrowing only a little is thievery disguised as business.
Calling it "government-insured", and proclaiming that borrowers retain ownership of their home are on a par with the lies that were used to sell people junk mortgages before the 2008 crash.
I'm sure that there are financially-desperate people who have no choice but to tap the equity in their homes to meet their living expenses, but a product that allows them to lose all their equity after borrowing only a little is thievery disguised as business.
Calling it "government-insured", and proclaiming that borrowers retain ownership of their home are on a par with the lies that were used to sell people junk mortgages before the 2008 crash.
7
A Renaissance man, and not improbably: politics and theater have so much in common. Thompson had substantial talents in both and as a lawyer (which can also have a dramatic component).
Though many will remember his turns in the movies and on TV, he also did a very brief stint on Broadway. I saw him in a stage version of "A Time to Kill," and he commanded the stage (the play closed after a very limited run). To the great tally of the American experience he contributed substantially.
Though many will remember his turns in the movies and on TV, he also did a very brief stint on Broadway. I saw him in a stage version of "A Time to Kill," and he commanded the stage (the play closed after a very limited run). To the great tally of the American experience he contributed substantially.
1
I will remember Fred Thompson for two reasons not mentioned in this article. First, he must have been handsomely paid to hawk reverse mortgages for AAG, which can be financially destructive to the often poorly-informed, elderly Americans who enter into them. Surely he had to have been aware of this. Second, when the issue of marriage equality arose during his presidential campaign, Thompson criticized "activist judges," saying that the public should rely only state legislatures to enact legislation related to marriage equality, adding that no state (at that time) had done so. The legislature of the most populous state of all, California, had indeed passed marriage equality legislation -- not once but twice -- that were sent to the governor for his signature. The governor, one Arnold Schwarzenegger, girly-man that he is, was afraid to do so, and vetoed both of them.
15
shilling for reverse mortgages??? This is the only thing I knew about this man and I was disgusted watching him in this ad -- enticing seniors to give up their
equity to greedy bankers is not a great legacy and why this long article
about this man in the NY Times???
equity to greedy bankers is not a great legacy and why this long article
about this man in the NY Times???
4
When will America grow up instead of being a couch potato and believe TV nonsense like all that stuff pushed around by Fred. He was smart and made a quick buck. The follower is the guilty one.
2
America loses another man of tremendous integrity and character. Soon we will be left with none. RIP Fred Tompson.
2
In an interview, the actor Kirk Douglas was asked why he chose acting as a career. His answer: "It beat getting a real job." Ever since I heard that response, I've looked at those log-term incumbent politicians in a different light.
2
When Senator Thompson was considering a run for the Presidency I telephoned his office. To my surprise he answered the phone. I asked if I could join his campaign organization if the race materialized. He kindly replied that if he did decide to run he suspected he would have little to do with staffing as party organization would take it over completely. Senator Thompson was right, as he usually was. One thing I learned on that call - we were within a week of being the same age. I'll miss the man.
4
Fred Thompson -- the only Republican I ever voted for. RIP
4
Fred Thompson was the genuine article, a Lincolnesque character, right down to his height and that stentorian voice, wrapped in his small-town southern accent. That he could be believable as a NYC District Attorney on "Law and Order" was more a testament to his acting gravitas than being "right for the part". I remember him at the Watergate hearings so many years ago; he was very, very effective and memorable. He might have made a much better president than any of the clowns in his party running now. He was conservative, but rational. Too bad. RIP.
5
Thompson voted against expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. He voted for the federal Defense of Marriage Act, and voted against a federal bill that would have prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Thanks for nothing, Fred.
4
He voted for the federal Defense of Marriage Act,
==================
Which was of course supported by Hillary Clinton and signed into law by her husband
==================
Which was of course supported by Hillary Clinton and signed into law by her husband
1
I think the real issue is that Thompson would still vote for the Defense of Marriage Act today while both Bill and Hillary have long denounced it as a mistake. Move on.
3
I am saddened to hear about Mr. Thompson's passing, particularly as we hear how treatable NHL is due to miracle drugs like Rituxin etc. People still die from these diseases and we must never stop our quest for a complete cure to cancer.
RIP to a wonderful man who lit up the stage no matter it's theater.
RIP to a wonderful man who lit up the stage no matter it's theater.
2
Thompson lobbied Congress on behalf of the Tennessee Savings and Loan League to pass the Garn–St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982, which deregulated the Savings and Loan industry. A large congressional majority and President Ronald Reagan supported the act but it was said to be a factor that led to the savings and loan crisis.Thompson received $1,600 for communicating with some congressional staffers on this issue
thanks a bunch, freddie
thanks a bunch, freddie
3
Wow. I'm certainly no fan of any Republican politician but the bile being spewed here about Fred Thompson is really in poor taste -- and reflects ill on those writing it.
Reverse mortgages are a very expensive tool and not suitable for everyone but they do have their uses. As a single person with no dependents, for example, and a paid-for home in an area where market values consistently grew even during the recession, I may use one to pay for home health care as needed in old age, if the costs exceed my savings and what other insurance benefits will provide. I know what the up-front fees are and feel that's a price worth paying to avoid a nursing home. And no one will be left in the lurch when I die and the house reverts to the lender.
Obviously those with spouses and other dependents need to assess the ramifications differently. But with a growing number of solo homeowners in the United States and a widespread dread of ending up in a nursing home, it would be a shame to see the reverse mortgage option go away.
People "hurt" by reverse mortgages usually didn't do their homework, or made idiotic personal decisions about excluding spouses from the deal, or didn't get appropriate legal advice ahead of time. They were happy to sign on the dotted line when cash was in play -- that doesn't make the industry predatory any more than advertising sporty sedans to people driving old clunkers makes the auto industry predatory.
Reverse mortgages are a very expensive tool and not suitable for everyone but they do have their uses. As a single person with no dependents, for example, and a paid-for home in an area where market values consistently grew even during the recession, I may use one to pay for home health care as needed in old age, if the costs exceed my savings and what other insurance benefits will provide. I know what the up-front fees are and feel that's a price worth paying to avoid a nursing home. And no one will be left in the lurch when I die and the house reverts to the lender.
Obviously those with spouses and other dependents need to assess the ramifications differently. But with a growing number of solo homeowners in the United States and a widespread dread of ending up in a nursing home, it would be a shame to see the reverse mortgage option go away.
People "hurt" by reverse mortgages usually didn't do their homework, or made idiotic personal decisions about excluding spouses from the deal, or didn't get appropriate legal advice ahead of time. They were happy to sign on the dotted line when cash was in play -- that doesn't make the industry predatory any more than advertising sporty sedans to people driving old clunkers makes the auto industry predatory.
3
I know lots of folks who were simply conned into their RMs. Someone profited. Not them.
8
People "hurt" by reverse mortgages usually didn't do their homework, or made idiotic personal decisions about excluding spouses from the deal, or didn't get appropriate legal advice ahead of time.
==============
We seem incapable of holding anyone responsible for his own behavior or judgement anymore
==============
We seem incapable of holding anyone responsible for his own behavior or judgement anymore
2
It strikes me that a man just died and this is not the time to make political capital out of his demise but rather to remember his contributions to the country in the political theater and entertainment industry assuming there is a difference. Politicians of all stripes have branched out after government service to profit-making Foundations, advertizing, huge corporations and law firms.
3
Fred didn't discover the White House tapes. That was down a few days prior to his asking the question. He did, however, ask the question out loud and in public. Nixon referred to him as being "dumb", so that makes me respect him just a touch.
Sad to use his particular acting skills and presence and voice to shill for reverse mortgages. He was a lawyer. He knew what he was selling. For a minority of people they were beneficial, but for the most part, they destroyed equity and put people in unrecoverable debt.
If people didn't think much of him what is the proper time to wait before stating that? 1 day? 2 weeks? 1 month? Up until that point, they should lie and express wild admiration and respect? Sometimes, people for whom you have no respect die also..
Sad to use his particular acting skills and presence and voice to shill for reverse mortgages. He was a lawyer. He knew what he was selling. For a minority of people they were beneficial, but for the most part, they destroyed equity and put people in unrecoverable debt.
If people didn't think much of him what is the proper time to wait before stating that? 1 day? 2 weeks? 1 month? Up until that point, they should lie and express wild admiration and respect? Sometimes, people for whom you have no respect die also..
4
Proof that only the good die young.
2
My condolences to his family and friends, of course. I feel certain Fred was square with them.
But I am distressed that he ran for presidential nomination while in remission from a deadly cancer and never mentioned that fact. Fred Thompson was a weak campaigner that year and I worry that illness was on his mind. I think he should have been candid: voters need to know, and other people like Ike and JFK also should have been forthcoming, too. Without knowing the late Senator's health problem, we assumed we had all the facts. Tom Eagleton's depression also needed to be known, not to dismiss him but to understand him. These people are human beings, and we need such important information about them before we elect them, not decades later.
But I am distressed that he ran for presidential nomination while in remission from a deadly cancer and never mentioned that fact. Fred Thompson was a weak campaigner that year and I worry that illness was on his mind. I think he should have been candid: voters need to know, and other people like Ike and JFK also should have been forthcoming, too. Without knowing the late Senator's health problem, we assumed we had all the facts. Tom Eagleton's depression also needed to be known, not to dismiss him but to understand him. These people are human beings, and we need such important information about them before we elect them, not decades later.
5
Mr Solomon, and what do you think the response would have been if he had divulged he was in remission? Many people have their cancer in remission and live full, healthy lives. In remission is just that. Knowing how people knee jerk to everything, I suspect publicizing it would have been tantamount to pulling out of the race.
You are wrong. He did disclose his illness: indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a slow-growing, chronic, incurable form of NHL whose progression is managed. I know because his NHL was a factor I considered when I evaluated his candidacy.
Condolences to the family. I thought Thompson was much older than 73, wow. No one is forced to sign up for a reverse mortgage. Plus, people should make financial decision based on their own research and not based on the comments from some huckster on TV who will say anything for money.
3
From a liberal Democrat who has been married for 50+ years:
Fred Thompson appears to have led as good and exemplary a life as is possible in these days. The many gifts he was given were well spent.
As to those commercials in his decline, I believe that among the most financially pressed members of our society are divorced men who are on the downward track in earnings. Sometimes a man has to do what he has to do.
Fred Thompson appears to have led as good and exemplary a life as is possible in these days. The many gifts he was given were well spent.
As to those commercials in his decline, I believe that among the most financially pressed members of our society are divorced men who are on the downward track in earnings. Sometimes a man has to do what he has to do.
4
Rest in peace, Fred Thompson. For a boy who came from nothing, you kept reaching for more, trying to improve yourself and make life better for your family. It was a good run. I trust there's plenty of good Tennessee whisky where you are now.
Oh ... one more thing. Your questioning of Alexander Butterfield illustrates why Congressmen should leave witness interrogations to their staff attorneys. If the Trey Dowdy committee had had enough sense (well, duh) to have their staff attorneys interrogate Hillary Clinton rather than attempt it (incredibly stupidly and without any apparent preparation) themselves, it might have produced at least marginally significant results. But nooooo.
Oh ... one more thing. Your questioning of Alexander Butterfield illustrates why Congressmen should leave witness interrogations to their staff attorneys. If the Trey Dowdy committee had had enough sense (well, duh) to have their staff attorneys interrogate Hillary Clinton rather than attempt it (incredibly stupidly and without any apparent preparation) themselves, it might have produced at least marginally significant results. But nooooo.
9
Sen. Howard Baker was a smart, seasoned politician whereas Tray Gowdy is anything but.
@ Agent 86
You are obviously unaware the dolts - including Mr. Gowdy - who populated the committee, were all former prosecutors…………….
You are obviously unaware the dolts - including Mr. Gowdy - who populated the committee, were all former prosecutors…………….
1
A productive life. Bon voyage.
2
Many of the comments here show a complete lack of understanding of reverse mortgages. The commenters assume they are just scams. In fact they can be very helpful to some people. Imagine that you are 80 and are running out of retirement money but have a house worth $500,000. You can't pay the taxes on the house along with your other expenses. At that point you have a choice between selling your house or taking out a reverse mortgage that will pay you hundreds of thousands of dollars and does not have to be repaid until you die or leave the home.
I am an attorney but I have not closed any reverse mortgages nor have I received money from them at all. But I have recommended them to elderly clients who find themselves in financial jams.
The only people who complain about reverse mortgages are the children of the elderly people who end up getting less of an inheritance.
I am an attorney but I have not closed any reverse mortgages nor have I received money from them at all. But I have recommended them to elderly clients who find themselves in financial jams.
The only people who complain about reverse mortgages are the children of the elderly people who end up getting less of an inheritance.
6
A character actor on TV, on the big screen and in "real life". Nothing great, nothing terrible. Status Quo in Hollywood and Washington. So what's wrong with that? RIP.
2
I was in college during the Watergate hearings, and our school set up TV monitors all around the student center for us to watch the proceedings. Lots of cut classes and consumed coffee during that time, with many of our professors joining us for this mesmerizing event.
I'll never forget Mr. Thompson's grilling of Alexander Butterfield and the sudden and complete hush that came over hundreds of students and faculty when Butterfield disclosed that there was an Oval Office taping system. Stone silence, and then the realization that Nixon was truly vulnerable. We couldn't believe what we were hearing.
Must-see TV if ever it existed.
I'll never forget Mr. Thompson's grilling of Alexander Butterfield and the sudden and complete hush that came over hundreds of students and faculty when Butterfield disclosed that there was an Oval Office taping system. Stone silence, and then the realization that Nixon was truly vulnerable. We couldn't believe what we were hearing.
Must-see TV if ever it existed.
6
Shouldn't the headline read "former Actor, Presidential Candidate and Senator.
It's slightly quotidian yet the perfect order of today and Mr. Thompson's life.
It's slightly quotidian yet the perfect order of today and Mr. Thompson's life.
If Fred Thompson took the AAG spokesman job because he needed more money in his old age, perhaps he should have taken a reverse mortgage on his home.
13
So. Well. Said.
5
Fred Thompson had cancer and he also had children under the age of 10 when he took the job as a reverse mortgage spokesman. Do you think you would turn down a paying job selling a legal product if it meant your children would have a secure future?
Granted, it is a little sad to see a former senator and presidential candidate selling a commercial product - any commercial product - but you don't know what his financial situation was.
And besides. It is heartless, petty and indeed cowardly to criticize a man on the day he died when he does not have the ability to defend himself.
Granted, it is a little sad to see a former senator and presidential candidate selling a commercial product - any commercial product - but you don't know what his financial situation was.
And besides. It is heartless, petty and indeed cowardly to criticize a man on the day he died when he does not have the ability to defend himself.
4
I know a couple of oldsters who took reverse mortgages on their homes. They were shocked and heartbroken when I told them that the reverse mortgage was a loan, would have to be repaid when they died, and therefore they would not be able to leave the home to their children. They were totally ignorant of this fundamental aspect of a reverse mortgage. Yes, it may be legal, but the target client is an oldster. As someone of Medicare age, it is my observation that the older people get, the stupider and more trusting they become. That is why scammers, con men and fraudsters target seniors. There is something that does not conform to my ethical compass about allowing one's trusted reputation to be used in such a way. No matter how much one may need the money.
7
So young!
2
Shame on all you negative posters. Didn't your mothers teach you better manners?
Quoting a great philosopher: And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. Shake it off.
Rest in peace, Fred Thompson.
Quoting a great philosopher: And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. Shake it off.
Rest in peace, Fred Thompson.
6
A most interesting and varied life with ups, downs and all-arounds.
Relished his "Watergate" role, enjoyed his "Law&Order" role, didn't care for his role as a US Senator, was appalled by his 'reverse mortgage' role but, as with Joe Paterno, thought it a 'real bummer' that he couldn't have left life on one of his many high notes.
Relished his "Watergate" role, enjoyed his "Law&Order" role, didn't care for his role as a US Senator, was appalled by his 'reverse mortgage' role but, as with Joe Paterno, thought it a 'real bummer' that he couldn't have left life on one of his many high notes.
4
The Nixon White House tapes eventually revealed that Thompson served as a "mole" on the Senate Watergate Committee, reporting from the inside directly to the President's Men exactly what was going on. He wasn't a hero. He was just another underhanded partisan hack.
13
His "mole-ness" is immaterial because the damage was already done. They were investigating the depth to which the President and his team had dug to do their dirty tricks. All Fred did was tell them what the read in the paper the next day.
1
Fred Thompson was legitmate as the type he was cast for and in the public offices he held. Like many older folks .. who may still need to make a living …you take what you can get.. How about being a greeter at Walmart.. Serving up fries at some fast food joint… Fred got a deal pitching reverse Mortgages and like it or not, it fed his family. Don't know why he couldn't capitalize on his lawyer credits.. but then again.. I didn't have lymphoma to deal with. Actors do what hey can.. look at the distinguished actor William Devane.. pitching gold… Pays the bills.. In our youth obssesed world when you get to a certain age, you do what ya can. Please read Article on elderly folks living and dying in South Korea in this same edition of paper and let me know what your choice would be given the limited opportunities for the lderly here at home.
7
th money in commercial voice overs is sometimes more than th actor made in his entire acting career
1
Your article implies that there is a distinction to be made "between national politics and mass-market entertainment." Yikes! Who knew?
From what I learned of Senator Thompson, mostly second-hand from staff members, he was a kind man, generous with his emotional support to people who needed it. This is oftentimes more important than the money. Totally authentic, a nice man.
From what I learned of Senator Thompson, mostly second-hand from staff members, he was a kind man, generous with his emotional support to people who needed it. This is oftentimes more important than the money. Totally authentic, a nice man.
11
Whatever else, he was a great actor. His role to me, as a lawyer, on Law and Order was very believable and did a great service in educating the public to the problems of law enforcement. No, I didn't like the reverse mortgage commercials. That was not the measure of the man.
2
He was my favorite DA on "Law and Order," but I thought he was nuts to try to run for president. Now, when I see who is running, I think he was better than I thought.
7
Die Hard 2. Loved him in that role. What an interesting life, we should all be lucky enough to have such eclectic wanderings.
17
I am rather surprised at all the negative comments about reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgages are not necessarily a scam. A reverse mortgage enabled my parents to live out their twilight years freed of financial stress by drawing down on the equity in their home. I don't know what would have happened without it...actually I do: I and my brothers and sister would have been burdened with the responsibility of supporting my parents financially.
4
Actually unreceivedogma - you and your brothers likely would have done better for your parents by arranging to purchase their home from them or holding in a trust and then selling it. RM's make their money by charging a higher rate for the funds they 'advance' - They are in essence buying a home for a portion of its worth and often with a sunset clause relieving them of the potential liability of a 'lifetime estate,' if the elderly live 'too long.'
9
A good man. He will be missed.
2
He's the one who questioned Alex Butterfield, White House aide under Nixon, about the existence of the White House taping system. After Butterfield revealed (albeit reluctantly) its existence, Nixon was trapped.
Subpoenas for those tapes and other WH documents would follow until our beleaguered 37th POTUS was forced to give up the "smoking gun" tape.
I admire Thompson's direct, no-nonsense approach to situations like this.
RIP
Subpoenas for those tapes and other WH documents would follow until our beleaguered 37th POTUS was forced to give up the "smoking gun" tape.
I admire Thompson's direct, no-nonsense approach to situations like this.
RIP
3
Prior to Butterfield's unprompted gaffe, Thompson was a 'deep throat' directly to the Nixon White House on planned questions by the committee. Read your history.
11
So apparently, and no disrespect intended, Mr. Thompson was never going to finish a second term if he won back in 2008?
3
I see quite a few comments disparaging this man for his reverse mortgage commercials.
That may well be deserved criticism but my goodness it's very poor taste to offer that critique the day the man dies.
That may well be deserved criticism but my goodness it's very poor taste to offer that critique the day the man dies.
4
Go watch him in the Watergate hearings. If you can't find it anywhere else, it's in the recent Dick Cavett documentary. The gravitas, seriousness, and willingness to put country above party is unimaginable today. For that alone we owe him an eternal debt of gratitude.
36
Todd in Hong Kong- The Watergate Tapes reveal that the mole on the Watergate Committee was Mr. Thompson. His 'performance' on that committee was sheer fakery.
11
I remember that also was gripping TV at the time. But turns out later they had known about the taping system before the TV cameras were turned on so that portion was just for show. Anyway RIP Fred
3
Wow! When I read some of these vitriolic comments, I thought I'd stumbled into an article about the Catholic Church or the CNN website.
8
Like the Romans in the days of Cicero, I wonder if Fred's passing is a portent of things to come for the Republican Party? Fred's demise also brings to mind Marco Rubio's personal finances: I wonder if Marco ever had to get a reverse-mortgage to climb out of debt?
9
I think its a shame that some political figures become spokespeople for some questionable products and services. What is last is often what is best remembered. Fred will always be remembered as a pitchman for reverse mortgages.
I remember, late in her life, Eleanor Roosevelt became a pitch woman for Good Luck Margarine. That was not a good move for her legacy. Did she need the cash? Did Fred need the cash?
I remember, late in her life, Eleanor Roosevelt became a pitch woman for Good Luck Margarine. That was not a good move for her legacy. Did she need the cash? Did Fred need the cash?
16
I am unaware that an elderly parent ever lost their home to using a particular brand of margarine endorsed by Eleanor Roosevelt. How startling. I agree stooping to sell any product is a bit crass, but selling debt, or erections on demand seems a bit more crass to some than butter and eggs, or what we once thought to be a healthful substitute.
9
Roosevelt was acting as spokesperson for the legislative move to deregulate margarine -- a low-cost product that was heavily regulated by the dairy industry, which wanted to use the law to promote sales of high-priced butter.
Thanks to an absurd example of corporate welfare, federal law prevented margarine from having yellow coloring added to it. It was sold with a package of dye, that the user had to mash into an unattractive lump of lardy-looking gunk. The industry was "protecting" the public on the grounds that consumers would be fooled into buying margarine if it were faked to look like butter. Margarine manufacturers responded with scientific evidence (discredited decades later) that margarine was a safer, healthier product Margarine was a very stigmatized product as a result.
Roosevelt was selling health benefits, the attractive appearance, and demonstrating the difference between of pre-dyed margarine and butter. Her appearance was more akin to a public service announcement. She did not need the money.
Thanks to an absurd example of corporate welfare, federal law prevented margarine from having yellow coloring added to it. It was sold with a package of dye, that the user had to mash into an unattractive lump of lardy-looking gunk. The industry was "protecting" the public on the grounds that consumers would be fooled into buying margarine if it were faked to look like butter. Margarine manufacturers responded with scientific evidence (discredited decades later) that margarine was a safer, healthier product Margarine was a very stigmatized product as a result.
Roosevelt was selling health benefits, the attractive appearance, and demonstrating the difference between of pre-dyed margarine and butter. Her appearance was more akin to a public service announcement. She did not need the money.
6
He did a superb job in the Watergate hearings. He wasn’t there to polish his image but to ask clear questions in short sentences designed to exact precise answers. Both he and then Senator Joe Biden were exemplary in their jobs.
Comparing them to the clowns that ran the Benghazi hearings was night and day.
I liked him both as the hard nosed hard right wing Arthur Branch on Law and Order (I enjoyed his head to head battles with the more leftist Sam Waterston as ADA Jack McCoy) and as the real prosecutor in the Watergate hearings. I will miss him...but then L&O will always find a syndication spot on TV!
I felt badly for him in the 2007-2008 GOP nominations. He couldn’t quite separate out the actor from the politician. But I had greater respect for him than I did for Reagan.
Comparing them to the clowns that ran the Benghazi hearings was night and day.
I liked him both as the hard nosed hard right wing Arthur Branch on Law and Order (I enjoyed his head to head battles with the more leftist Sam Waterston as ADA Jack McCoy) and as the real prosecutor in the Watergate hearings. I will miss him...but then L&O will always find a syndication spot on TV!
I felt badly for him in the 2007-2008 GOP nominations. He couldn’t quite separate out the actor from the politician. But I had greater respect for him than I did for Reagan.
19
I had greater respect for him than Clinton. Or either of them for that matter.
Nuschler - you do know - or maybe not- that Fred Thompson was tipping off the Nixon White House and their witnesses as to the day's questions and throwing softballs until Butterfield 'misspoke' about the taping system and the whole shebang blew up?
4
Please, no more Hollywood buffoons in government. We actual statesmen, not people who play statesmen.
26
John,
I sense that you really don't know a thing about Fred Thompson and his accomplishments. Calling him a buffoon is a real cheap shot.
I sense that you really don't know a thing about Fred Thompson and his accomplishments. Calling him a buffoon is a real cheap shot.
18
He played a buffoon, when highlighting "his" pick-up truck in his presidential campaign.
2
Hollywood buffoons look good compared to the statesmen we currently have.
2
Like him or not, and many might not like him because of his most recent political positions, he was an impressive figure. He was an attorney who served the Watergate committee -- this when Republican Senators held statesmen status. He later became a respectable actor -- his gravitas lending itself to roles like the one he played in The Hunt for Red October -- this long before his role in Law and Order. Indeed, his role in Law and Order came after he had served as a U.S. Senator himself and ran for President. He was a likable, warm and strong no-nonsense persona with a list of accomplishments that very few have matched. His shilling for reverse mortgages? Who knows what that was about. I'm reminded of the Bob Seger lyric, "Some men go just where they want. Some men never go at all."
29
Oops. My chronology is off. He ran for President after the Law and Order role.
3
"Who knows what that was about?" Is that the way you gloss over his selling his likeness to convince gullible seniors to sign over the equity in their homes?
35
That was about greed and cashing in on his public service.
3
His life had tragic moments and he is survived by a younger second wife a young children. He did what he had to do to provide for them with what was left leftbfrom his divorce. An insignificant member of the passing parade, singnifying nothing much beyond that life end badly.
5
He took that AAG gig because there was no other way for him to put food on the family?
2
Here's hoping he didn't have a reverse mortgage.
3
All the awful, small-minded, bitter and nasty comments here about Fred Thompson's commercials for reverse mortgages at the end of his life! Dear me, the nasty, mean-spirited people who just focus on one small iota of a man's life, then write to the NY Times with their hate. What about his family, his life, his time as a US Senator, his acting ability? What about that? Is all that nothing to you? You just want to savage a dead man for some commercials he made at the end of his life? Dear me, how mean and awful Liberals are. This is a glimpse into the psyche of Hillary voters.
65
Yes Pedro - how petty and mean fussing over those old folks being defrauded out of their homes by the fine print that taketh away as the big print giveth. How much bigger spirited of the right to drag slandering Hillary Clinton from off stage into comments regarding borderline fraud being perpetrated by heartless usurers to wrest what is often the sole survivable asset from the family of lower and middle income families.
Frankly - the current crop of Republican wannabes are doing their best to shill for borderline products as a way of mustering their cred - look at Ben Carson and his nutritional supplements. Look at the Donald, and, well, everything he's ever touched. Understandably, there must be money in it for the 'United We Stand Super PACs' to be funding comments on the boards that distract from their embarrassment of riches of shameless shills and consciousless barkers.
Frankly - the current crop of Republican wannabes are doing their best to shill for borderline products as a way of mustering their cred - look at Ben Carson and his nutritional supplements. Look at the Donald, and, well, everything he's ever touched. Understandably, there must be money in it for the 'United We Stand Super PACs' to be funding comments on the boards that distract from their embarrassment of riches of shameless shills and consciousless barkers.
168
My mother got one of those reverse mortgage commercials because someone she trusted on the teevee said it was Ok. Believe you me, it was more than just an iota on our lives. Thousands of dollars in legal fees, down the tubes. The house gone. I don't blame Fred; I blame Ronnie Reagan. Still, Fred did do the commercials, along with The Fonze.
I don't hate the guy but it was a blight on his memory.
I don't hate the guy but it was a blight on his memory.
97
At first I thought by ''barkers'' you meant ''bankers'' - but then I realized shills and barkers go together. And maybe bankers and barkers are one and the same these days.
25
Well, I generally vote for the other side, but Fred Thompson embodied old-style Republicanism, conservative and reasonable. The episodes of Law and Order featuring him are just great. He always brought the kind of authenticity that show requires. We'll all miss him.
48
He was an actor. Get it? An actor. He acted out the roles you saw. Ya know, like Batman and Superman? You didn't see the real man, except perhaps you got a taste of him when you saw him spruiking reverse mortgages.
7
He may have been many things and had many successful careers, but he was no actor. He had no range, no depth, just an ability to play himself and find roles where he fit. He always played the same character - a successful authoritative man power. Real acting wold have been playing a homeless man or a villain or even playing Arthur Branch, Liberal District Attorney from Brooklyn (with accent). And btw - I never for a moment believed that Manhattan would elect a Conservative Republican DA. Queens maybe. Staten Island definitely. But Manhattan?
Damn! Caught me off guard. Just saw him in commercial today. Great guy. Great actor. The good die young!!! RIP!!
11
"After the committee concluded its work, Mr. Thompson embarked on a lucrative legal and lobbying career.”
Spare me the rest .
Not interested.
Spare me the rest .
Not interested.
37
Hey Pete, ever stick your head outside there in Boise? Notice anything different in the weather?
50
What a bunch of twaddle Pedro. Gore may be boring, but, the money he made other than what he inherited was from investing in Google. Their is a trollish cast to your multiple lies and posts.
46
Fred Thompson epitomized the role of US Senator. NOT a lifelong job on the government dole, NOT a path to higher office, just a job that should be done well for the people who elected him. What's so hard about that? Ted Kennedy was exactly the opposite. He used the Senate to aggrandize political power for four decades. Exactly what our Founding Fathers did NOT envision. See the difference? Fair and unfair.
16
Sadly, increasingly, Fred Thomson does epitomize the role of U.S. Senator, but, not as you attempt to insert, against all facts, by 'not seeking higher office.' Fred did seek the Presidency you might recall. Facts are so unfair. Stubborn things, as John Adams observed.
59
What about Reagan's nearly 3 decades in politics.
2
Why would anyone besmirch their reputation selling reverse mortgages? Sorry can't give him a pass on this disgusting money grab.
100
A reverse mortgage can be a useful tool in helping people whose income is not sufficient for their needs get cash out of their homes. Unfortunately, as with many financial instruments, some institutions took advantage of their customers, or, rather, customers' spouses or co-habitating dependents, but the government has cracked down with respect to those abuses. In any case, Mr. Thompson was hired to pitch a legal product and may not have known of the problems associated with it.
17
Reverse mortgages are not the "easy solution" to elderly needs for cash as presented on TV commercials -- but they are appropriate in some limited circumstances, for some individuals. And they are entirely legal.
1
Fred Thompson was a smart man. Do you really think he "may not have known about the problems associated with" reverse mortgages? Really?
3
While certainly an affable and multi-faceted man, his October 2002 vote in the u.s. Senate for the Iraq invasion should not be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends.
13
Points off for telling Jack McCoy that he'd never make D.A.
10
Also for firing that blond DA for disagreeing with his right-wing worldview. He was as stunned as every viewer of the program when she asked, "This isn't because I'm a lesbian, is it?" Law and Order was a great show for years, but the writing really declined towards the end. The acting declined, too. Thompson was no Steven Hill.
1
R.I.P. Mr. Thompson. A far better actor than his Republican counterparts these days.
22
Somewhere in the obit could have been mention of that distinctive voice he had.
I believe it had something to do with the stage he chose to act on when choosing a profession.
I believe it had something to do with the stage he chose to act on when choosing a profession.
14
And there is no mention of his family -- wives and children....
9
mvs2001 - there is information about his first wife, who helped support them as he finished his education, and with whom he had a daughter, Betsy, who died in 2002 of an accidental overdose. There's also mention of his second wife, with whom he had two children in the aughts. Those children are not named, which may be either because their names are not commonly known, or because they must be quite young and thus granted a measure of privacy.
1
Both wives and all 3 children are indeed in the article.
1
Sen Thomas is mocked for pitching 'reverse mortgages' I will leave morality of doing that to them, but it was a living.
And as Glenda Jackson's character said in 'Sunday, Bloody Sunday'
"Something is better than nothing, but sometimes nothing is better than some things".
And as Glenda Jackson's character said in 'Sunday, Bloody Sunday'
"Something is better than nothing, but sometimes nothing is better than some things".
7
They are 'snarking' about his shilling for fraudulently represented usurious loans, Pedro - not his politics. Dear God, learn to read!
69
right, Pedro - stop with the partisan blathering - so, we should forget about all of those hateful and nasty comments made about Obama and Hillary... tell me again who is "at heart, nasty, bitter, unforgiving, truculent, empty" ??
33
@Hulamedia: Obama and Hillary are not DEAD.
If conservatives were making ugly, snarky remarks at the funeral of either of them, I (and Pedro) would say the same things.
If conservatives were making ugly, snarky remarks at the funeral of either of them, I (and Pedro) would say the same things.
1
Watching this celeb ride the GOP Presidential Klown Kar for publicity, then use that exposure to attempt to bamboozle the elderly into reverse mortgages via commercials run on Fox News was distressing. He can be credited with opening the can of worms that peaked with Glenn Beck's shameful behavior - selling overpriced gold by instigating economic fear in retirees.
65
I worked with Thompson in 2006 on the set of the little seen Albert Brook's film "Looking For Comedy In The Muslim World". As the camera operator I confess to shamelessly taking advantage of his presence and making sure I placed him right next to me and the camera during his off-camera portions in a sequence involving a group around a conference table. During short breaks between the filming he very patiently and candidly answered my Watergate questions giving this history junkie a very unique experience.
39
Thank you for this tidbit. It would be a nice tableau in a film about looking for comedy in Hollywood, looking for comedy in the Muslim World. Kind of Everett Dirksen does Ishtar. Did Albert Brooks worry that it wasn't funny? Out loud?
6
Hawking scam reverse mortgages, which leave families in shambles upon the death of a gullible, innumerate loved one, will forever ruin his reputation.
126
I came to comments knowing that there would likely be disrespectful statements. Didn't know it would be the first one I saw. NYT readers never disappoint. Hopefully people will be kinder to you on your day.
20
Mark - If I end up as NYTimes front-page material then I'll take the bad with the good.
24
If I do anything that gratuitously harmful to others, I won't expect it to be forgotten.
1
re: Reverse Mortgages
The man did what he did to pay the bills.
Can't wait to see the comments on Alex Trebeck's obit.
The man did what he did to pay the bills.
Can't wait to see the comments on Alex Trebeck's obit.
11
@Alocksley: "I did what I did to pay the bills" isn't a defense that would stand up in court. It's certainly not a valid excuse for ripping off vulnerable elderly people. The kinds of scams Thompson shilled for and profited from perfectly illustrate why government regulation of business is needed. Thank you, Fred.
1
Didn't always agree with him. Always respected him. Condolences to his family.
16
He was a good man and will be missed.
17
I loved him in Days of Thunder as the NASCAR president jumping on the two "monkeys" playing with the football! I still laugh at Freds performance! Will miss him.
5
He seems to have been one of those vanity candidates for Senate, although in his case, he had some idea what a Senator easily did. He finished out his life doing commercials for reverse mortgages--Bob Dole's commercials for erectile dysfunction medications seemed classy by comparison. Not an easy life for writing a respectful obit.
60
Well now we have Ben Carson and Donald Trump doing their penance in shill purgatory reality TV in advance as path to the presidency. Full circle? Or full Coriolis Effect?
22
I vote for down the drain - the latter choice.
7
Would love to know how his finances were? Always thought he sold himself cheap with those commercials.
Did he need the money???
Did he need the money???
34
I called him Dalton-Fred; don't know why.
Liked him a lot on Law & Order; he was skating-edge-Honest as Arthur Branch.
Reverse Mortgages? He was paid for those advertisements, and I knew they had unmentioned problems. Somebody eventually had to pay it back. Performers have done worse for a paycheck.
Liked him a lot on Law & Order; he was skating-edge-Honest as Arthur Branch.
Reverse Mortgages? He was paid for those advertisements, and I knew they had unmentioned problems. Somebody eventually had to pay it back. Performers have done worse for a paycheck.
6
Godspeed, Fred Thompson, a decent man and patriot.
16
So young! Seemed like a fabulously classy person. He will be missed.
And to those of you -- this is what sometimes makes me ashamed about Liberals -- snickering about reverse mortgages: check up on what it is, and why you may seek recourse in something like that some day.
And to those of you -- this is what sometimes makes me ashamed about Liberals -- snickering about reverse mortgages: check up on what it is, and why you may seek recourse in something like that some day.
13
I know much about reverse mortgages. I looked in considerable detail into arranging one for my mother after my father died, and another for my father-in-law after his wife died.
At first, I thought the reverse mortgages seemed like a good deal. Then, eventually, after much difficulty, I was able to get hold of copies of the small print - all the many complex terms and conditions that are never disclosed up front. Unlike most folks I read the terms and conditions from front to back, several times. Then I did more research into the implications. Some of them were horrifying.
In general, these people who provide reverse mortgages are dishonest charlatans of the worst order. Those knowingly spruiking their wares are anything but decent and honourable human beings.
At first, I thought the reverse mortgages seemed like a good deal. Then, eventually, after much difficulty, I was able to get hold of copies of the small print - all the many complex terms and conditions that are never disclosed up front. Unlike most folks I read the terms and conditions from front to back, several times. Then I did more research into the implications. Some of them were horrifying.
In general, these people who provide reverse mortgages are dishonest charlatans of the worst order. Those knowingly spruiking their wares are anything but decent and honourable human beings.
59
The inability to distinguish sincerity from lies-for-profit is the self-imposed ball & chain of the credulous.
16
@Colenso, your savvy or gullibility is neither endorsement for, nor condemnation of reverse mortgages.
I have no idea what your particular situation was. But to paint it with a broad brush is simply unfair. (As as aside, I have nothing whatsoever to do with that industry or anything remotely related).
It's obviously too late for you, but I suggest that people who are actually interested in facts rather than opinions read this from President Obama's HUD: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hec...
I have no idea what your particular situation was. But to paint it with a broad brush is simply unfair. (As as aside, I have nothing whatsoever to do with that industry or anything remotely related).
It's obviously too late for you, but I suggest that people who are actually interested in facts rather than opinions read this from President Obama's HUD: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hec...
3
I wince at the fraud perpetrated by Fred on gullible senior citizens who bought his promotion of reverse mortgages. Should've stuck to the movies and left politics alone.
152
First ''Pedro'' admonishes ''Libs'' for taking poor Freddy to task for contributing to a product that defrauds oldsters of their last remaining asset for 'bashing the deceased'' - then he exhumes the corpse of Ted Kennedy to spit on it. Now that's a proud republican troll for ya!
38
Thank you. Well said.
6
I am no fan of Fred. I will not miss him.
However, reverse mortgages are absolutely not a fraud. A reverse mortgage is what allowed my parents, living on extremely limited means, to enjoy their twilight years relatively free of financial stress by drawing down on the equity in their home.
Do your homework, please.
However, reverse mortgages are absolutely not a fraud. A reverse mortgage is what allowed my parents, living on extremely limited means, to enjoy their twilight years relatively free of financial stress by drawing down on the equity in their home.
Do your homework, please.
4
A friend of mine worked for him in the early 70s. He said Fred Thompson was a very generous and kind man.
22
RIP Thompson, but don't give him credit for the questions that led to Alexander Butterfield's revelations about Oval Office recordings. That belongs to deputy minority counsel Donald Sanders, who, according to Bob Woodward in "The Last of the President's Men," was pretty much prompted to ask the question by Butterfield himself.
In fact, as Woodward also reveals, up until the disclosure of the tapes, Thompson and Howard Baker were feeding information to Nixon about the committee's investigation.
In fact, as Woodward also reveals, up until the disclosure of the tapes, Thompson and Howard Baker were feeding information to Nixon about the committee's investigation.
108
Glad someone brought up Thompson's role as Nixon's mole on the Watergate committee (Howard Baker was another mole). Folks forget that Republicans supported Nixon almost to he end, and even those who welcomed his resignation never forgave Democrats for Nixon's downfall. Indeed, I remember after Clinton's impeachment quite a few Republicans publicly stating: "This was for Nixon." Those who believe today's GOP is very different from establishment Republicans of yesteryear do not know their US history.
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2007/07/04/not-all-would-put-heroic-she...
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16019179
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2007/07/04/not-all-would-put-heroic-she...
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16019179
At another time, Fred Thompson could have been another Ronald Reagan...
6
He was Reagan, but the country learned from the first one.
18
Unique, the last of his generation.
Multidimensional, gifted, balanced.
Real as all day long. Would have made an interesting president.
Ronald Reagan was good enough, when managed. Don Regan found all that out, and was fired by his wife.
Fred Thompson might have been lots better. He had principle.
And he smelled the rot in Richard Nixon.
Certainly more intelligent than Reagan.
Multidimensional, gifted, balanced.
Real as all day long. Would have made an interesting president.
Ronald Reagan was good enough, when managed. Don Regan found all that out, and was fired by his wife.
Fred Thompson might have been lots better. He had principle.
And he smelled the rot in Richard Nixon.
Certainly more intelligent than Reagan.
45
Thanks to Fred, many seniors died without principal.
4
Most Republicans were smarter(more intelligent than Reagan).Fred Thompson was a good actor but a lousy pitch man.
1
Sorry, but Fred served as a Nixon spy on the Committee, as others point out here, it is well documented in the Nixon tapes, along with Tricky's low opinion of Fred's IQ. The info on the taping system was unearthed inadvertently by assistant committee counsel. The committee questioning that confirmed it was all orchestrated. He traded in his old model for a new model. He chased vanity and insecurity by having a second family to go with his second childhood. He encountered the midlife mortality many of us do. He had to raise money for his second brood as alimony was taking care of wife #1. He had to go front for Reza Jahagiri who was scrambling for a Peter Gates replacement when Mr. Mission Impossible died unexpectedly.
had an unusual career that bridged the worlds of national politics and mass-market entertainment
those are one and th same
those are one and th same
25
I became a fan of Fred Thompson during the Watergate hearings for his obvious integrity and determination to get to the truth. And he was also fine actor. But I could have done without seeing a former US Senator doing TV commercials, aimed at seniors, for reverse mortgages.
117
No kidding because the commercials about government guaranteed loans that essentially leave family estates in ruin is an odd gig for someone who tried to carry Reagan's mantle that government is the problem.
136
His "integrity" led him to leak internal info and strategy from the investigation with the White House and to frame questions and orchestrate disclosures according to Nixon's preferences.
He served the GOP, not the Senate, not the people.
He served the GOP, not the Senate, not the people.
27
Thank you, BobNelson2. Why aren't the facts about Thompson's dishonesty during the Watergate hearings included in his obits? Because they were revealed much later, and they contradict a carefully created false public image.
5
Always had great respect for this man.....a great American who'll be sorely missed .
8
Requiescat in pace. A lesson to modern Republicans what a civic minded Republican looked like.
16
Remember him most from the Watergate Hearings...a fair-minded Republican who wanted answers. He and Baker and Weicker were among the last of the pragmatic and ethical Republicans. Bye Bye Miss American Pie...
44
Please, don't compare his in any way to Howard Baker and Lowell Weicker, they were statesmen, thompson was horrible.
Not a big movie goer but liked him in 'Hunt for Red October.' RIP Fred.
9
A favorite character in my favorite movie and one of the good guys, that was Fred.
2
Liked him in the first Die Hard movie.
2
He was tremendous in an excellent TV series, "Wise Guy" as a bad guy, Knox Pooley, in a story arc as the leader of an extremist cult. Scary good.
It was a much more nuanced role than the by the numbers Arthur Branch, with an accent that would never play as a Manhattan DA.
It was a much more nuanced role than the by the numbers Arthur Branch, with an accent that would never play as a Manhattan DA.
2
"Mr. Thompson, a former Republican lawmaker from Tennessee who ran for president, had an unusual career that bridged the worlds of national politics and mass-market "
Condolences to the family.
However, Mr. Thompson was a man of few accomplishments who demonstrates how little one has to do to get a front-page obituary in the NY Times. It's pretty sad.
Condolences to the family.
However, Mr. Thompson was a man of few accomplishments who demonstrates how little one has to do to get a front-page obituary in the NY Times. It's pretty sad.
85
I'm sure the family is consoled with your comments.
14
Few accomplishments? Really? And just what have you accomplished that qualifies you to be such a harsh critic?
9
Which of his families, Mark? I'm sure my family on my brother's side would like to get their in-laws reverse mortgage released. How about some sympathy for the victims from you Republicans, instead of false veneration and piety for the recently departed con men?
15
What a great man--if only the country could be led by such a forthright person...but I'm dreaming.
6
Yes, you are very definitely dreaming.
22
You're illucinating if you ascribe to him those attributes; I enjoyed his movies and hope he was as tough in the leaving as he was in his acting - rip.
5
RIP Knox Pooley.
2