The world lost two great men this past week: Leonard Nimoy and Boris Nemtsov.
Leonard Nimoy's portrayal of Spock in Star Trek TOS was nothing short of amazing to me. He took a fictional character , an alien (well half), and had him show more humanity than we often see in one another. I held a special place in my heart for Spock ever since the first time I saw him on my parent's old black and white tv back in the Sixties. I was a chubby nerdy little kid that didn't quite fit in. I loved playing with toy soldiers, reading comic books, and dreaming of being an astronaut someday.
To me Spock was a hero. He was what I wanted to be. He was different but at the same time cool. He was smart but at the same time cool. He was peaceful yet powerful. (And the ladies seemed to love him.)
Even after Star Trek went off of the air, I still loved Spock, Bones, and Kirk. I went to all of the movies and am not ashamed to admit that I got a bit teary-eyed when Spock died saving the Enterprise. I feel that way again now. It almost seems like I have lost an old friend. I'd like to thank Leonard Nimoy for making Mr. Spock such an important part of my life as-well-as in the lives of millions around the world. My condolences to his family and friends. Live long and prosper Leonard! Second star to the right and straight on till morning.
I wish that I could have known Boris Nemtsov. It seems like he was a man of peace. It seems that he deeply cared for his country. It seems like he was willing to risk everything to make things right in Russia. These beliefs cost him his life.
I was in Russia in 1993. I met some wonderful people there. I found that they were basically the same as we are. They shared all the same wants, needs, and desires that we have. Back then they thought that we hated them and wanted to destroy them. They were just as shocked to hear me say that we felt the same way about them.
The Russians are just people. People who want a better world and a better life. Boris Nemtsov seemed like that's what he wanted for them. Russia has lost a great leader. My condolences to Mr. Nemtsov's family and friends and to the Russian People. I join with you in the hope that his efforts were not in vain and that his death will help to facilitate a better tomorrow for Russia.