RoundTable - Week 1

First off, I'd like to officially welcome our newest Gentleman, Mr. Steve Bragale, to the fold. Steve provides a business and economic perspective to the site, which couldn't be more timely a need. I know he's hard at work on his first post about the "Big 3" bail-out, and I hope you're as excited to read it as I am.

Today also marks the beginning of a new weekly feature here at These Gentlemen - The RoundTable. Throughout the week you get to read about a variety of topics ranging from politics to art critiques, reviews to personal stories and anecdotes. Now every Monday, you'll get to read all of The Gentlemen's response to a specific question and get to see what we all think about a different issue. The questions will range from personal to philosophical to political, and it'll be interesting to compare and contrast - and you can look forward to that every Monday, in addition to our regular bevy of content.

Today also marks Damo's first contribution to the site, and we hope to see a lot more of him soon.

This week's question (and I think it's a fitting one to start with) -
"If you were to name one person you know who is a true gentleman, who would it be?"

DAVID:
My Uncle Mike.

Sophisticated. Witty. Debonair. Scrupled and wise with both money and advice. An excellent father and husband as well. Truly a gentleman.


DAMO:
Barack Obama

This is a clear choice, and the feature could be called "2008 Gentleman of the Year" -

Clearly, Obama is our 2008 Gentleman of the Year (happy to accept debate but expect none). Is everyone here familiar with the story about Obama accidentally cockblocking a local reporter, and then calling the next day to personally apologize!
http://comedy.videosift.com/video/Obama-apologizes-for-being-a-cockblocker

Obama is truly a 21st century gentleman.


DAN:
Barack Obama

Having given it a lot of thought, as played out as it is, I think my gentleman of the year has to be Barack Obama. His poise, intellegence, and the way he has charmed the entire nation makes him a first rate gentelman.


ADAM:
Tim Russert

Any person who's gone face to face with Tim Russert on television has described him as the most thorough and thoughtful interviewer they've ever encountered. He was a man of honesty and integrity; a great pursuer of truth. So respected was Russert that it was common knowledge that any serious political candidate must appear on Meet the Press. For 16 years Russert commanded the attention of 4 million loyal viewers every Sunday morning. While all of these things made Russert a great journalist, but what made him a standout gentleman was that he was also one of the kindest, gentlest people around. I had the chance to run into him a few times last spring at NBC before his passing. I already respected the man as a journalist, but just from meeting him a few times changed my perspective on what a great journalist is. Seriously, just from a few brief exchanges I was so completely humbled by his personality. There's a reason you hear Tom Brokaw and Bob Schieffer gush over what a wonderful person he was. Russert's presence was most missed during the final few months of this historic election process, but if it helps, he predicted the outcome back in May. Russert's untimely death occured in June of 2008 at the age of 58, and yet, his legacy is not in fact that of a revered journalist. Instead, he will be rememebered as a true family man and a gentleman who never sought the spotlight, but simply earned it.


JASON:
Jacob Cunningham

I've spoken at length before to a lot of people about one of the most caring, genuine, and selfless men I know - but maybe not in so public a forum. Allow me to rectify that. Jacob Cunningham is one of the best men and best friends you will have the opportunity to meet. I've seen him go through many changes over the years - interests, physical appearance, even at times beliefs. But what has never changed is his loyalty, his caring, his willingness to be there for anyone in need, his ability to overcome great adversity with charm and panache. and even though since giving up his vegan ways he has claimed to have found his 'rage' - I still see one of the nicest men I have ever had the opportunity to meet. He is a true Gentleman, and I'm lucky to have him as a friend.