Tim Russert Autopsy: He Had an Enlarged Heart

46. "Only a man can be the pope, can be a priest, and can give Holy Communion." Hey, Bob S. ... You may want to bone up on your Catholic trivia there.

While true that A woman cannot be a priest or the pope, it's *not* true that a woman cannot give Holy Communion. Even back in the 70's, women could be lay ministers and give Holy Communion either during mass (at Churches with larger congregations or by way of delivering to home-bound individuals who were members of the Church)

Yes, the Roman Catholic Church (it is important, the distinction I mean, not all Catholic groups are the same even within Roman Catholicism and yes, Irish Catholics follow what is considered "Roman" Catholicism) was rather slow in the uptake as far as Altar Servers (letting females serve, I mean), but you've forgotten to mention that women can also be saints. Small thing to bring up? Not by the way you were bashing the Church. You made it seem as the only thing a woman can be in the "Church" was a nun. It's simply not true. I will grant you that the Priest issue is still being battled, but I think it would make more sense to perhaps allow Sisters (they really don't like being called Nuns) to perform Mass than to allow female Priests. They're both celibate, both take vows (which ones depends on the sect - some for instance, take vows of poverty while others do not) And you forget, Priests are also "Married" to the church. Yes, other Christian denominations have female Priests, but many, if not all (I'm not sure on the statistics) do not have "Sisters" in the way that the Roman Catholic Church does. (Someone please tell me if I'm wrong, but I've never heard of a protestant Convent)

Also, you make it seem as though women are not held in high regard in the Church. While most may feel that because they cannot perform Mass they are not equal to men, they do in fact hold a high place in the Church. Don't forget Mary... well both Marys actually. But it really does depend on which sect of the Roman Catholic Church we are talking about. The Jesuits are the of the most strict. (most adhering, I mean) They were the last hold-outs when it came to female Altar Servers, for instance.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not shilling for the Catholic Church... I'm an ex-Catholic myself who loves to point out when the R.C.C. gets it wrong, but undue or false criticism doesn't get anybody anywhere.

Posted at 11:31PM on Jun 15th 2008 by ~Khaj

47. # 34 PJ....sorry u r incorrect...he didn't die from DVT...although u r correct abt some who do after travelling. His Doctor spoke quiet clearly abt what happened and discussed the autopsy report. His plaque from coronary artery disease ruptured , u can read all abt it on just abt every news site.

Posted at 12:11AM on Jun 16th 2008 by True !

48. ATTENTION PEOPLE:

PLEASE STOP WASTING YOUR PATHETIC LIVES HERE ON THIS SITE....GO DO SOMETHING WORTHWHILE AND PRAY TO THE LORD THAT HE SAVES YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES...THIS IS NOT THE WAY GOD WANTED YOU TO LIVE YOUR LIVES.
LISTEN TO MOTHER SHE KNOWS RIGHT...

Posted at 12:14AM on Jun 16th 2008 by Mrs. Bushmann

49. I agree with myra...although I did not know him personally, the last couple of days have shown this man to be love by all. Presidents haven't been miss as much as this man will be. May the rest of us strice to achieve what this country can so richly provide us. Mr Tim Russert would have only marvel at the kindness in words that he has recieve in tribute!

God Bless America and the world. Michael

Posted at 1:11PM on Jun 16th 2008 by MIchael

50. I was so saddened to hear of Tim Russert's passing. How sad that he passed before Father's Day -- he was a loving father and husband. My heart goes out to his wife and son. I'm sure his father must be beside himself too....no parent should ever have to bury their children -- it's just not the way things are supposed to be.

Very sad...

Posted at 10:32AM on Jun 16th 2008 by Stacy

51. I was so saddened to hear of Tim Russert's passing. How sad that he passed before Father's Day -- he was a loving father and husband. My heart goes out to his wife and son. I'm sure his father must be beside himself too....no parent should ever have to bury their children -- it's just not the way things are supposed to be.

Very sad...

Posted at 12:51AM on Jun 16th 2008 by Stacy

52. "Put down the fork, lardo", you are an idiot. I'd imagine you're an internet troll, who gets off on "flaming" people to get reactions. I'd say it's PAINFULLY obvious that you didn't get enough hugs as a child and need to grow a heart. Good luck w/ that.

Posted at 3:00AM on Jun 16th 2008 by californiadreamer

53. This is the second time I've heard about a normal stress test and the person dropped dead shortly thereafter. The first was a friend of mine who had a heart attack while jogging. He was 46 years old.

Posted at 8:50AM on Jun 16th 2008 by Eagles Fan

54. Buffalo's favorite son was a media giant, but the hagiography is getting to be a bit over the top.

He had just returned from overseas travel, he was heavy, he needed to change his diet, rest and slow down his pace. His doctor was treating him with pills, but it now appears that bypass surgery would have been the more aggressive option. His doctor (cardiologist) is now saying that he was surprised by the turn of events, but what else could he say? Both he and Russert knew about the heart condition. This is just a sad reminder that some things cannot wait and should not be put off.

My condolences to Maureen Orth and his son. Rest in peace, Tim Russert.

Posted at 9:57AM on Jun 16th 2008 by Carolyn A-B

55. With all the talking heads on television, Tim Russert was one of the few who provided real information in a clear, cogent manner. Whenever Tim came on TV, whether it was Meet the Press or another show, I would always stop what I was doing and listen to what he had to say. Not many other people had that effect on me. It also seemed like he was a genuinely good guy -- someone who was not pompous or a phony. My deepest condolences to his family. I know Sundays will never be the same for me.

Posted at 10:17AM on Jun 16th 2008 by dci

56. Italy killed me! Who knows what he chomped on while on vacation with his family! He probably outdid himself!

Posted at 11:14AM on Jun 16th 2008 by Stiletto

57. seems to me the flight could have brought on the clotting. also how could they not know he had an enlarged heart? couldn't an ultrasound have shown that?

Posted at 12:51PM on Jun 17th 2008 by sad