Eberhart: Hearne deserves … BETTER
Note: I posted this as a comment in response to some of the unkind words people wrote regarding Hearne Christopher’s recent arrest. Hearne doesn’t know I’ve decided to create this as a separate post, though it’s his call as to whether it runs that way on KC Confidential. But I strongly feel this should run as a stand-alone post. I’ve edited it a bit and added a couple more thoughts. Here it is:
You know, you folks who are saying Hearne is somehow deserving of this really should stop and consider a few things. First of all, none of you knows if the man was legally intoxicated. Second, here’s a guy who COMES CLEAN about being arrested for this, unlike certain OTHER journalists I could name but won’t.
Third … come on, people! Wishing ill on someone else? Even if you don’t happen to like the guy? I believe in karma, too, and going around making statements like that … well, all I have to say is you’d better hope 2010 is kind and not ugly to you. I’m not into a bunch of woo-woo New Age B.S., and I know it’s a cliche, but it’s also true: What goes around, comes around.
Hearne Christopher and I have not always seen eye to eye. We had our differences when we were both at The Kansas City Star; over time, that happens. But I’ll tell you one thing: The guy has been one HELL of a good friend to me over the last 13 months of my life, which, by the way, have been the WORST 13 months of my life. Hearne used to have dealings on the phone with my late wife, Sherri Eberhart, when she was executive assistant to the general manager at Entercom Radio. He was ALWAYS respectful of her, and professional, and in addition, yeah, in classic Hearne fashion he would chat her up and usually end up putting a smile on her face before she switched him over to Bob Zuroweste. He didn’t have to do that; he simply could’ve treated her like an underling (which some callers did on a regular basis). But he didn’t, because Hearne’s not that kind of fellow.
I can’t tell you how many times over the last year my phone has rung, and Hearne’s been on the other end of the line, asking me how I’m doing in the wake of losing Sherri to cancer. Or how many times he’s checked on how I’m doing after losing my gig as books editor at The Star. He’s generously allowed me to write for this blog — and he’s also realized that during the last few months, as I’ve struggled with yet another challenge that I’d rather not go into, I can’t really contribute to the blog right now.
Speaking of life’s challenges: It’s not my place to go into details, but I can say that Hearne has faced quite a few of his own disappointments and hurts this last year. He has, in my opinion, stared them down with the toughness and determination of a gunslinger. I’ve watched him grow as a person; I’ve seen him become more compassionate, more sensitive to his friends’ needs, more intuitive about people and the human condition in general.
So, people: This isn’t a courtroom, and it’s not your place to convict him of any crime he might stand accused of; furthermore, this isn’t the Star Chamber or the Inquisition or the cutty stool or the stocks in the middle of the village — in other words, none of us has the moral authority to judge the man, unless we know him well. Not even then, really. I know Hearne much better now than I did a year ago. He’s a damned fine human being, and he deserves the benefit of the doubt. Ever hear of “innocent till proven guilty”? And how about “Judge not, lest ye be judged?” I’m sure you have, and for you to ignore those statements is both un-American and uncharitable.
As for those absurd comments regarding Hearne’s gamesmanship with the officer over the mugshot: People, that’s just Hearne being HEARNE. I don’t want to raise the ire of the Prairie Village cops — or, while I’m at it, Leawood — but on one occasion each with those departments, I’ve been pulled over and subjected to ridiculous questions and behavior. A few years ago, I had an officer (I won’t say which of the two police departments he was with) demand to search my vehicle. I should have refused; the guy had SQUAT when it came to any probable cause. But I said yes — and this rookie ended up pawing through the SODA cans on the back-seat floorboards. SODA cans! He did manage to prove one thing — that I was kind of a slob when it came to my vehicle. He also had my wife’s teeth chattering as he rooted around back there with the rear passenger door open and 20-degree air blasting in. Oh, and the REASON I was pulled over in the first place? Because it was TWO in the morning! The guy actually SAID that. To which I responded, “Then maybe you should tell the movie theaters in Johnson County not to have shows that start at 11:45 p.m.” He didn’t like that little comment one bit, but after upending half a dozen aluminum cans and finding only Mountain Dew on his fingers, he had no choice but to let me go on my way.
Maybe I’ve gotten a little off point here, so I’ll wind it up with this: Careful, those of you who are throwing stones. The truth is we ALL live in glass houses. Hearne, I am proud to count you as my friend. Hang tough, buddy.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Nice post JME. Life ain’t fair, that’s for sure. Miss you posting here. Don’t know what you’re going through but I wish you all the best.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:39 am
I secondnd your thoughts and words…Thnak you,,,,,
hearne is a stand up mofo, he was first to post the news here, like a good man would, and what?? the fkn aholes came out of the woodwork… fk them …they are not worthy to breath our air.
hearne, UDaMan Bro…keep on keeping on.
soooo…..party at your house this holiday? fk the bars and that BS…
oops…wait a minute,,,I have rule about PV…and Westwood…and mayberry BumFkEgYPT…THE RULE IS …DONT GO WHERE the little town cops run thier scams…Oh the lil pigs, with their little dicks?? but big guns…and A-thor-A-ti!! but with no crime, oh my?? what will they do for REVENUE???? they will turn to scamming/fking over honest citizens to make money … I am so pissed about this fknshit …. FK!!
those asshole in Westwood couldnt solve the only murder at the Apple market,, but dont you dare drive over 22 MPH on 47th street….
BEST IDEA…..DONT GO TO PV, OR WESTWOOD.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Anyone seriously bothered by the rants of anonymous people on message boards really needs to re-evaluate their priorities.
Anyone moved to write 1,000 words in defense of someone against said rants really needs to make better use of their time.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:06 am
John,
I commented on Hearne’s post and I will do so here as well. I am not here to argue whether or not Hearne is a good guy or a great friend, he very well might be. And I agree with your sentiment that people should not be wishing ill upon Hearne or saying he got what he deserved. I also agree that PV cops are looking for ANY reason to pull someone over and “discover” something. However, you are missing the main point.
Hearne, apparently (and I say apparently because he was arrested and there is no indication from Hearne’s post that he was not legally under the influence) was driving a vehicle under the influence. We can argue the merits of whether or not he was “fine” to drive or whether or not the legal limit is somehow unfair to those who just want to have a drink or two with dinner. But, the fact of the matter is, Hearne was breaking the law. If he was over the legal limit, there is no valid excuse such as “I was close to home” or “I was fine to drive.” If you break the law and are caught, you suffer the consequences.
Have I ever driven under the influence? Yes, I have, although I am not proud of it. The difference is, if I was busted for doing so, I would not try to “out” the cop who arrested me or try to turn around my illegal behavior into some sort of vendetta against police officers. Hearne got caught doing something illegal. Take your medicine and move on.
Oh, and also, it is a slipperly slope to discuss whether or not a driver is “fine” to drive or not. At what point does that driver not become so and what about those who honestly think they are fine and clearly are not. I knew a guy who knew there was a checkpoint, went through it anyway because he was “fine” and blew two times the legal limit. Sorry, but I do not take drunk people’s word on whether or not they are fit to drive.
Sorry for the length, but I felt this needed to be said.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:20 am
I did make a comment, but it was about smoking weed and eating cereal, that said, are you serious? I think Hearne would probably be the first to admit that he has penned some fairly snarky shit over other folks misfortune. Mike Hendricks or Nadia Pflaum, anyone? Sure, some of the comments were harsh and douchie, thats the nature of the beast, or the comment section.
I hope things turn out well for Hearne, because we all do stupid shit. Hearne breaking his owwn story wasn’t so much ballsy or forthcoming, as it was getting the jump on anyone who found out. I’d say he seems to be taking it in stride, even had that cockeyed grin thing going in his mug shot. You on the other hand might want to develop thicker skin.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:20 am
John-YOU ARE NOT SERIOUS ARE YOU?? I’ve only glanced at this but a few points. I admire Hearne for sharing this experience. But surely he and you would have to know that some will come to his defense, some will ridicule, and some will relate. If you or Hearne didn’t/don’t understand that then you are very naive and not very intelligent. Its like a musician that is shocked that not everyone likes his music.
As far as the line “None of us have the moral authority to judge the man, unless you know him well.” Again, are you serious? I don’t know Paris Hilton well but I’ve made some judgments. Folks have obviously made judgments about Sarah Palin, Carrie Prejean, etc. When you choose a public life certain things come with the territory. When you decide to be a gossip columnist, you are then shocked that people want to gossip about you? Mind Blowing!!!! As someone that has been in the public eye I understand what comes with it.
As far as not having the moral authority unless you know him well. So John you think the judge and the prosecuting attorney are going to spend the holidays with Hearne so they can get to know the real person?
John I don’t know you. But I’ve made some judgments based on your blog. You are very naive. Media people are very sensitive. And for you to accuse people of being un-American because they don’t agree with you take is the very example of being un-American. Guess you have never heard of these things in America called freedom of speech etc.
Here is my guess. Hearne is like ALL of us. A flawed human being. Hopefully he is trying to find ways to improve himself. Maybe sharing this incident is one of those ways. But quite frankly with friends that are enablers its going to be hard for him to grow as a person.
November 25th, 2009 at 11:14 am
As a former colleague of both Hearne and John Mark, I will agree with John Mark on many points. Hearne and I didn’t always see eye to eye in the many years when we both worked at The Star, but I consider Hearne a friend, and for anyone to wish him ill will, well, like JM said, karma – not to be trite – can be a bitch.
Hey, Hearne, I still love you and here’s to hoping for the best for you…
November 25th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Plus we all know that cops suck
November 25th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Unless some big guy’s beating the shit out of you, Jimmy, then you’re screaming like a girl for a cop to come to your aid.
November 26th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
John that was really nice of you. It’s far to easy to kick a person when they are down. I don’t know you but can tell you are a very classy genuine nice guy. I hope life gets better for you in the coming year. Hearne is very lucky to have you as a friend. I hope both of you find happiness and peace!
November 27th, 2009 at 9:12 am
cut the crap. Hearne is no different than the
other douchbags who drive under the influence.
Drinking and driving is dangerous. The police
officer should have maced him for being
so cocky. And worst of all…hearne should be
thanking the cop for saving hearne from really
screwing up his life. If hearne hits another car
while drunk…someone’s injured…then hearne
is really in trouble. If you drink …don’t drive!
As far as all this “whining” and love fest over
being there for friends. What exactly has hearne
faced this year. He spread shit about people that
isn’t true. He can ruin peoples lives with his
junk writing. So when the world turns upside down
for him I have no sympathy.
Not only that but he’s always backstabbing and
trying to run down other people. How good a person is that?
NO sympathy for hearne..just read his columns
over the years and realize that he’s a no good
guy who’s out for one thing..himself.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:16 am
All you former star writers need some therapy.
You let your media go to hell. You never
made the changes that were needed ti l it was
too late.
Now all your former jo0urnalists sit around and
say wo is me…I can’t believe whats going on
while you collect severance checks and unemployment.
Now stop your childish banter…go get a reall
job. Hearne…daddy’s money will keep you going so stop bashing the people left at the star…
November 28th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Mermaid is the queen of the attack dog yet here she is all sweet. WTF??? And she is always kicking folks. I like it much better when she disappears for months.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Uh, Jojo, I don’t know what you’re reading, but I don’t think any former Star reporter who has posted here is in any “woe is me” mode, at least not in regards to losing their jobs. In fact, your post seems to be the whiny one. John Mark mentions some personal hell he’s gone through that has nothing to do with The Star. You remind me of some of the people who used to call me in response to a story I written for The Star, the ones who didn’t bother to actually read the story – just wanted to react with their own, personal biased point-of-view, whether grounded in fact or not.
You don’t know me, but if you did, I guarantee you, not once would you have heard me lament any woe-is-me attitude in regards to losing my job at The Star after 20-plus years. Like I said, look in the mirror if you want to see the whiny one…just sayin’
And I don’t think anyone is condoning drinking and driving. Sometimes people – probably even you, Jojo – do stupid things. Does that mean their friends should abandon them?
November 29th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Concur we all do stupid things. Which would explain Hearne adding Tony to the site. I hope he gets help soon………..