Art Buchwald is dying.

[trof]

By Suzette Martinez Standring
MILTON, Mass. Renowned columnist Art Buchwald has refused dialysis, and it's only a matter of time, maybe a short time, before he dies. For a man awaiting The Reaper, he's in unusually fine fettle.

I spent two days by his side to find Buchwald doesn't see himself as courageous, nor does he feel shored up by supernatural spiritual strength. To fade away naturally is the decision he made when faced with the alternative of being hooked up to a dialysis machine three times a week, for five hours at a stretch for the rest of his life.

He said, "I had two decisions. Continue dialysis, and that's boring to do three times a week, and I don't know where that's going, or I can just enjoy life and see where it takes me. I hated dialysis because it had to do with sitting there for five hours. It had to do with time. Once I made up my mind, that was it.”
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002115616

What a cool and funny guy. I'm gonna miss Art.

[Minnesota Libra]

1. He is one cool guy - HE WILL BE MISSED - nt

[gademocrat7]

2. I love his political wit. He will be missed.

[classof56]

3. He's cool and funny and brave.

I enjoyed his columns and writings for many, many years. His gentle humor brought healing laughter to millions. So sad that it cannot heal him, but he is an example of going gently into that good night and accepting the inevitable. I have missed his writings and will always remember him. His legacy will live on in a positive, affirming way. That's about as good as it gets in this old world.

Tired Old Cynic

[JitterbugPerfume]

4. Art is one of the coolest funniest people on the planet

he will be missed

[Warchild]

5. Aww

what a great guy...been a fan of his forever....

thanks for all the good laughs, Art.

Hope he has an easy ride to the other side

[electropop]

6. I've always liked him.

[pnorman]

7. Hee's a recent article by our beloved Art:

Chacun à son goût, or why we eat turkey: http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/11/23/opinion/edbuchwald.php

LONG LIVE ART!!

pnorman

[OzarkDem]

9. He will be missed

What a brilliant writer and satyrist. As a child I recall all the grownups discussing his latest columns. So witty, so honest. And didn't he really go after Nixon, Johnson and the Vietnam War?

Your link is a great sample of his writing.

[pnorman]

10. I'm missing him already!

I was looking through the list for a boo-hoo smiley, but finally decided that it wouldn't be appropriate for Art. Instead, I'll offer him this: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Art, we all love you. Keep them in stitches when you get to your next gig!!

pnorman

[im10ashus]

8. Bless his heart.

I heard he has given no reasons why he is refusing, but it is his choice. His columns always made my day. Here's one I kept a link to:

You Gotta Have Faith

By Art Buchwald

Thursday, April 21, 2005; Page C04


Jeepers creepers, the Republicans' dirty secret is out. The Democrats who are filibustering Congress are against people of faith. Leading the attack is Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, who speaks for all of God's children in the GOP.

Zack, the zealot, clued me in.

I asked, "Are you calling everyone who filibusters against judicial nominees an infidel?"

He replied, "What would you call them?"

I said, "Some of my best friends are Democrats, and I personally know several who go to church."

"That doesn't mean they have any faith. You can't believe in the Almighty if you don't believe in President Bush."

I said, "I see what you mean, but if you play the religious card, aren't you tearing down the wall between church and state?"

cont'd...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6222-2005Apr20.html

[xchrom]

11. i really love that guy and i will really miss him.

go in peace, mr buchwald.

[peekaloo]

12. Bless his heart.

a brave, funny man.

:-(

[Leopolds Ghost]

13. Wow. That is something else.

:cry:

[renate]

14. what a shame....

I totally respect his decision but it must be so hard for his friends and family.

It's one thing to turn off a life support machine when there's no chance of recovery--it'd be difficult but I could certainly do it for someone I loved if that were their wish--but refusing dialysis that would otherwise keep him alive and alert.... whew. That'd be a really tough one. I guess the greatest love of all would be to support a person in following their heart in a decision like this.

Go in peace, Art.

[Algorem]

15. he did an hour interview on NPR Feb. 24th-

http://www.wamu.org/programs/dr/06/02/24.php#10583

11:00Art Buchwald
Beloved columnist Art Buchwald talks about his life and his decision not to seek treatment for his kidney disease.

Listen to this segment

Real Audio
http://www.wamu.org/audio/dr/06/02/r2060224-10583.ram

Windows Media
http://www.wamu.org/audio/dr/06/02/r2060224-10583.asx

[Leopolds Ghost]

16. kick n/t