My belated tribute to a friend, Jeffrey S. Matson, A.K.A. "nostamj"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

Folks, I was deeply saddened when I learned of Jeff's passing. So saddened that I called into Guy James' show and offered my personal tribute.

I'm not saying that my words weer profound in any way. I'm not saying that I ever met Jeff "in person," or that I can tell you anything about the man beyond his postings on DU, and a few PMs that happened between us.

I thought Jeff was a cool guy. Not because he's GONE. A lot of bad people leave this world. Jeff is not cool because he no longer is here in physical form. Jeff is cool because JEFF IS COOL. That's IT.

Jeff was a good guy. I called into the Guy James Show April 9th because that's what I thought. I'm not posting this because I think my tribute is eloquent or remarkable in any way. I'm posting it because right now, on Thursday April 28, we are awaiting a press conference by President Bush. A press conference in which, from all indications, he will blame ALL PROBLEMS IN THE WORLD on DEMOCRATS refusing to LET HIM HAVE HIS WAY...without QUESTION. Just AGREE with me and we'll all have freedom from terra, freedom from unemployment, freedom from anything we need freedom from. JUST AGREE WITH ME, ALWAYS.

I absolutely GUARANTEE that Jeff would have posted a thread on this.

Do you know how Jeff..."nostamj"...would have reacted?

He would have gathered up all of the political cartoons the next day and posted them on DU. To make you LAUGH. To make you THINK. To let you know that no matter how ridiculous this false messiah George W. Bush may be, the sun will rise tomorrow. Every day brings HOPE. Every day brings NEW OPPORTUNITY. To let you know that George W. Bush is NOT our "messiah."

THIS man was an OPTIMIST. THIS man is the man that ALL Democrats should aspire to BE. Look at Jeff's posts and you will understand how to take back the White House in 2008.

THAT'S the Jeff I remember. I want YOU to remember him too.

I lifted the photo from Sara Bimonte (sister of Jeffrey Matson) at the URL you'll see listed on the photo. The words were mine . They were not rehearsed, and they came from the heart. I miss Jeff. Whatever your religious persuasion, wherever you think we go when we die...the BEST POSSIBLE PLACE...that is where Jeff is. Logged into Democratic Underground. Wishing he could post, but loving every post he reads...just as he did when he walked among us.

I won't forget this man. I suggest that you don't either.

TO JEFF.



:toast:

[GardeningGal]

1. Great dedication

Being kind of a newbie, I didn't know him well. But I certainly enjoyed the TOONS threads.

[stellanoir]

2. may he RIP

What I remember most of him was of his deep concern for Mari 333 and how he intrepidly let us know what was going on with her when she was in transition dealing with the many hardships she faced over the last year. Therefore, I can only assume that he was a very caring person, and had always looked forward to his posts.

[demnan]

3. What a beautiful man in every way he was

thanks so much for doing this! :hug:

[JanMichael]

4. Kicking for Jeff

Robin, Keph and OlaftheWhite (whereever you are)

[rasputin1952]

5. I am still in shock over this loss...

nostamj was one of the Great Lights of DU.

May he Rest in Peace...he touched so many with his wit and wisdom...O8)

[Zomby Woof]

6. He was a damn good guy

I shared his love and appreciation for the art of poltical cartooning. His threads made the morass known as GD worth wading through, even with my promitive dial-up.

I am sorry he is no longer with us. :-(

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. Thank you, Mike for posting this eloquent thread!

Your words come from your heart, and they profoundly touch mine. I am nearly in tears over them. I am going to bookmark this thread so I can refer to it when I need inspiring...and I always need it.

It was such a privilege to know him and talk to him for the few brief times that I did. And now he's gone, and I have this vacuum, this hole in my heart, and in my brain too...The pain is so great.

Thank you.

[JanMichael]

8. He was such a welcome voice when I was on the Guy James Show.

I regret that Stephanie and I never went up to NYC to meet him, always, I'll regret that forever.

I miss him...