I was recently assigned a reading of René Descartes first meditation.  I found it quite ironic that such an influential writer of the seventeenth century could have so much in common with the man we know simply as Coach.  The following article is a summary of what Craig T. Nelson means to me, means to society, and will mean to future generations.

            Descartes plainly states that in his Fist Meditation are the reasons why we can doubt all things, especially material things.  It was so surprising that I would stumble onto these words of wisdom, only one day after watching one of the greatest episodes of The District.  It was clear that, like Descartes, Craig T. Nelson has lead an inquisitive, philosophical life.  He does what needs to be done and nothing more.  When he walks down the red carpet at the Grammy Awards does he wear any sort of outlandish garments?  No, of course not.  He is bigger and better than that.  Material things are not important to him.  We all remember that stirring episode of Coach when he clearly displayed his values on screen.  Thats right, thats the one.

            Craig T. Nelson is a multifaceted man.  I recently viewed and episode of The District where he was able to act no only as the Chief of Police but also a homeless bum, tourist, international spy, and vindictive killer.  This was all in the same episode mind you.  Who else could do that?  Thats what I thought.  Its hard to compare his talents to anyone other than that guy in Police Academy who could make all those noises with his mouth.  He was pretty damn cool and yet he still is not quite the caliber of Craig T. Nelson.

            Undeniably, Craig T. Nelsons greatest role was that of Chief Howard Hyde in the 1989 classic Turner and Hooch.  The Christian Spotlight movie review page dubbed the movie to be a cross between Lady and the Tramp and Old Yeller.  I could not agree more.  Craig T. Nelsons role only supports this claim that Turner and Hooch was a combination of two of the best movies of our time with what was indisputably the greatest cast ever assembled.  When the movie finally aired and the reviews were written, it was clear that the media had it out for Tom Hanks, and who can blame them?  He deserved it.  The point is that Craig T. Nelsons name was never mentioned.  He shall go down in history as the greatest actor of our time.

            It is clear that we have all learned something from this great man.  He taught us of heroism with his stunning victories in Vietnam.  He showed his incredible lust for life and desire to live by defeating the army of robots that attacked him.  He has showed us how inspirational his words can be, pushing people towards being the best they can be.  I can speak no more fond words of you Coach.  Youve meant a lot to me, a lot to society, and you shall mean a lot to the generations to come.  I thank you.