Harry Morgan, Al Davis, Kim Jong II: Prominent 2011 Deaths Will Affect Entertainment, Sports and Politics

COMMENTARY | We no longer live in "closed societies." Decades ago the "big news" was what we learned in the local paper and over the backyard fence. That's no longer the case. We are affected by global occurrences and that includes the deaths of important people. This year, 2011, the deaths of some people have affected us in many ways.

Kim Jong II

North Korea has affected the United States and indeed the world for over half-a-century. The Korean War has never been resolved and American troops still must serve there.

Unfortunately over the years Kim Jong II has kept North Korea isolated and his death does little to change the circumstances. It is expected his son, Kim Jong-Un, seen here paying respects to his father, will take over the nation.

This is a political death that answers no questions with respect to possible change and in fact keeps the secrecy of the North Korean in tact.

Al Davis

Sports play a major role in this country and football probably has the most ardent fans. Al Davis died in October as a legend of the game. Not only did he bring the Oakland Raiders to power as the "Bad Boys" of the NFL, he was instrumental in bringing the "new AFC" and "established NFC" under one roof.

Al Davis was a polarizing personality. You either loved him or you hated him. However there is no doubt the NFL would not be where it is today without him.

Harry Morgan

I say enough to intensity. Let's spend a moment with a gentle person. One of my favorite people, Harry Morgan, just passed away on Dec. 7 of this month.

Of course Morgan will be most remembered as Colonel Potter on the hit series "M*A*S*H." However I'm old enough to remember him in "Dragnet" years and years ago.

Morgan died at the age of 96. He brought a lot of joy in my life.

So there you have it: The tiniest possible microcosm of the human loss in 2011 possible. The world of politics, sports and entertainment will be affected. There will be loss or gain in the future; there's no way to know.

References:

NewYorkTimes.com, Bruce Weber, "Al Davis, the Controversial and Combative Raiders Coach, Dies at 82"

You Tube.com, "North Korea: "Great Successor" Kim Jong-un pays respects to Kim Jong-iI"

NewYorkTimes.com, Michael Pollak, "Harry Morgan, Colonel Potter on "M*A*S*H," Dies at 96"