Dave Hinz, who died in an auto accident on his way to work early Friday morning, will be missed. Steve Foley broke the tragic news at TMR, and the local paper gives us more details on Dave’s life and death. Below, Gamecock remembers him. The Directors and Contributors share the grief of our readers at Dave’s loss. – Dan McLaughlin.
The first time I moved to Atlanta was in 2001 after losing my father, best friend and pastor in South Carolina. Now, three months after moving back, this time from North Carolina after a 30 month absence, I lose one the best friends I never saw.
Dave Hinz and several other close friends I made on-line over the years, beginning at Redstate.com, helped to fill part of the void even though we never met face-to-face. I don’t like to leave the house, you see, unless I just have to.
After yesterday’s tragic loss of my good friend, I never will see Dave in the flesh, but am thankful that I got to know him so well and learned so much from him via telephone, email and the web. God surely sent Hinz my way to help guide the DeVine dinosaur (He always forded me to make technological leaps, as he said, beyond communication via smoke signals through Tweets!) in his new Atlanta, 21st Century life.
My first Redstate memories of Dave was as a life-long conservative who brought a more mature and grounded perspective to this rabid right wing convert.
My next memory was when this professionally trained journalist asked me to join him and a few others to start The HinzSight Report. I was humbled and honored and credit much of my ability to market myself to major newspapers since then, to the experience of being edited by Dave as well as the confidence his choice of me as Legal Editor, imbued.
I remember Dave sharing his new terrorism novel for me to read. No, God help us, not for Gamecock chicken scratch to proofread! Dave was the proofreader and substance. But he just wanted to see if I liked it because he knows that if I didn’t, I would say so.
It was good. I liked it. Dave was a real writer, not just an opinion hocker like me.
Dave was good at whatever he decided to do. I’m sure he was the best Fedex had to offer, and Dave was an Olympic-calibre track and field athlete and prolific cyclist.
But Dave’s passion was to turn his “citizen journalism” idea into a Drudge Report equivalent, only with more substance. I guess Dave mistrusted the Drive-by media even more than I, but he wanted to do more about it, and with the new 73wire.com venture it looked like his dream was becoming reality before our eyes.
My last communication to Dave was a “tweet” in which I stated that I had made 73wire one of my must reads several times a day to look at what headlines Dave and his partner at the new sight as well as TMR and MFOB, Steve Foley and the staff deemed important. I trust their judgment.
Now, two days on, and after two attempts to define the most American of holidays, the real meaning of Thanksgiving slaps the rooster in the face:
I am thankful for having friends like Dave Hinz. I miss you already buddy. Thanks for indulging this hot and cold Southern Fried Gamecock, and for gosh sakes, now you can have some of that good Eastern North Carlina Bar-be-que up there, that you came to love when you lived down in the Tar Heel State! Pork, not chicken or beef (You know the drill…)!
And Gamecock will be pulling for the Central Michigan Chippewas on College Football Saturdays, equally, right along with my USC and Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech, from now on!
God bless Dave Hinz and his family and loved ones.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Minority Report columns
“One man with courage makes a majority.” – Andrew Jackson
Originally published @ TMR’s The HinzSight Report and MFOB.
Steve Maley
KnightsofMalta
Dan Spencer
Moe Lane
Dan McLaughlin
He was a pip wasn't he?....
JadedByPolitics (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 10:11AM EST (link)David Hinz was a mature internet leader. He showed me how to be a little more constrained (imagine how bad I was at the beginning) and so many times he invoked that Hinz Rule at just the right time before insanity reigned supreme. I enjoyed our back and forth because he was very good at showing me how out of control I could get and softly bring me down to an intelligent response instead of an emotional response.
I mostly enjoyed our time beating up McCain over at TMR after he won the nomination and WE were no longer able to beat him up here because WE needed an outlet to kick the crap out of that loser of a candidate..heh!
David was one of my top five Conservatives on the internets (hattip to President Bush) along with Erick and GC, EPU and Foley and yes they are all Redstater & TMR’ers. I of course have many more respected people but it all begins and ends right here at Redstate.
David Hinz is going to be so very much missed and I know he now knows how much he helped this person who is JadedByPolitics dig in and get to the heart of the argument!
OBTW I still go off the rails but I come back a little quicker because of David Hinz!
Unified Patriots – How-To:
Activists Taking Action
GC, I know this is a heavy loss for you.
penguin2 (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 10:37AM EST (link)The first person I thought of when I saw the news on TMR, was you. Knowing how involved you were with him in these online journalistic endeavors, I can only guess how much pain you feel. I also know that you have great faith, as many of us do, that the Strength of the Lord will get us through and that David’s life will bear much fruit, perhaps even more in death. Our efforts and resolve can only grow and we are the better for having known a man such as David.
From my perspective, GC, you really did meet David, in mind and heart and spirit.
Take care.
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God. – Benjamin Franklin
When Good stands up to Evil, Evil blinks. – Vassar Bushmills
Conservative Education: Suggested Reading List
Activists Taking Action: Unified Patriots
Well said. n/t
Justin_Case (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 11:21AM EST (link).
amen and thx 'Case, pen2 and jaded - nt
Mike gamecock DeVine (Diary) Sunday, November 29th at 9:08AM EST (link)Mike DeVine’s Examiner.com, Charlotte Observer and The Minority Report columns
“One man with courage makes a majority.” – Andrew Jackson
We don't know each other but . . .
anastas (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 10:57AM EST (link)I know how it feels to lose someone close. Be strong and keep your chin up. When something happens to a Red State member, we all feel it and we all mourn.
He that lives upon hope will die fasting.
– Benjamin Franklin
Actually, Dave will never really be gone from Redstate.
mbecker908 (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 11:06AM EST (link)Unknowing Trolls will continue to sweep through, in their ignorance thinking they are sticking their thumb in our collective eye, when it reality they will be giving us the opportunity to remember Dave and the Hinz Rule!
He was wonderful friend and I’ll miss his writing and his insight.
Amen to that. Heh.
Dan McLaughlin (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 11:23AM EST (link)nt
“No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong.” – Winston Churchill
What was the Hinz Rule,
rec0n Saturday, November 28th at 11:55AM EST (link)if I may ask? Was it ‘blam’?
I did not know Mr. Hinz, but I do know loss. I’m so sorry you’ve all lost such a dear friend, my condolences to all of you, and his family as well.
GC, thank you for sharing your story and giving those of us who did not know your friend a little more insight.
The Hinz rule was, and is
TNJim (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 12:06PM EST (link)“Don’t feed the trolls” You usually end up in a pointless, circular arguement when you engage them. Best to just leave “Hinz Rule” in your comment title as a marker for the moderators and move on.
Sometimes, *after* firing a couple of live rounds at them
E Pluribus Unum (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 1:12PM EST (link)-nt
Kill the Terrorists
Protect the Borders
Punch the Hippies h/t IMAO
ah,
rec0n Sunday, November 29th at 1:58AM EST (link)that’s where the saying came from. He was right too.
Thanx, gentlemen.
This is terrible news.
Justin_Case (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 11:17AM EST (link)David was a friend to all and one who was a consistently fair and honest writer here.
I’ll always remember David giving my first diary, over three years ago, a .
Rest in peace, David, for I know you are know you are in a better place.
5 nt
Justin_Case (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 11:20AM EST (link)Thank you for front paging this...very much appreciated...nt
JadedByPolitics (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 11:29AM EST (link)…
Unified Patriots – How-To:
Activists Taking Action
Well said, Mike
Dave_in_Fla (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 11:32AM EST (link)Being late the Redstate party, I didn’t know David like so many others did.
But I did read his work regularly, and admired his style and candor. He will be missed, greatly.
Thank God that we have the Hinz Rule to remember him by.
“If they were merely incompetent, then at least SOME of their actions would have been to the benefit of the country.” – Joe McCarthy
I'm saddened to hear this news....
SusanAnne Hiller (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 11:47AM EST (link)AlthoughI am new to RedState as writer, I’m saddened to read of this loss. RedState is truly a family–online or otherwise. We share news, Tweet about our lives, kids, and share the funnies and share the losses. You never know what can happen during a day, a drive to work, an errand…it is all in God’s hands…that is why there is a rule in my house, that the last words spoken to anyone in my family leaving or on the phone is “I love you.” And we mean it, it’s not a reflexive must-do response. Our family’s prayers go to the Hinz family and may God protect them and keep them wrapped in His love during this time and throughout the Christmas season.
~SusanAnne
@susanannehiller on Twitter
Yes.
rec0n Saturday, November 28th at 11:59AM EST (link)“that is why there is a rule in my house, that the last words spoken to anyone in my family leaving or on the phone is “I love you.” ”
We do the same thing, for the same reason.
You know recOn we do the same in my house....
JadedByPolitics (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 12:10PM EST (link)it actually started when I married my husband and when my children were born it was said too many times to count in a day because I come from a family where it wasn’t said at all I think a lot of families whose parents were born in the late 30′s early 40′s were probably the same and it has now extended to every time we speak on the phone because the reality is I LOVE MY FAMILY and want them to know it for a FACT when I pass or they pass.
I recommend it to everyone because if you really love someone they ought to know it daily because when they are gone it’s to late to say it!
Unified Patriots – How-To:
Activists Taking Action
I'm use to it all the time when I talk to my Dad over the phone
Richard Mullins (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 12:23PM EST (link)So the let him know I love him is normal for me. Their is only to things that you can be sure of, your born and you die. Other than that everything is uncertain in life.
Richard Phillip Mullins BlogThe Squash Satire SiteNews on Happy Jet Airlines
Rmullins Pics
Rpmullins Twitter
Joe Biden is like a Decrepit Park owner with a Meth lab that happens to not only be a dealer but a user.
Let’s Bankrupt the Democratic paty. Make spend all the money to defend thier candidates.
We say it
rec0n Sunday, November 29th at 1:52AM EST (link)because, as I said, I do know loss. Quite a bit of loss, unfortunately. You never know when it will be the last time, But there were a lot of things that didn’t happen much when I was growing up, including the I love you’s, that we make a point of doing with our children. There is no ‘seen and not heard’ here
On the other hand there’s also a heartfelt appreciation of the silence at the end of the day too, lol.
Rest in Peace David
Hammer2008 (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 12:55PM EST (link)Many prayers said for his family and loved ones. I am saddened at his loss. He was a must read, a great thinker and blogger. He will be sorely missed.
I believe this was the last of his reports, his Morning Coffee News Update:
http://www.theminorityreportblog.com/hinzsight_story/david_hinz/2009/11/27/morning_coffee_news_update_11_27_09
If anyone gets wind of funeral arrangements, please post and pass.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Too much noise! “Noise! You’ll have noise enough before long. The Regulars are coming out.” ~ Paul Revere (April 18th, 1775′s eve…)
Mike, a fitting tribute to a great right-wing warrior
E Pluribus Unum (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 1:14PM EST (link)I probably do not feel it quite like you because you were so close to him and I was more on the periphery of Dave’s world.
Hang in there, friend. And like us all, let’s rededicate ourselves to fight the war just a little bit harder.
Kill the Terrorists
Protect the Borders
Punch the Hippies h/t IMAO
My God
kowalski (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 1:27PM EST (link)Dave Hinz was instrumental in my quest to try and cover the Presidential Debates in Manchester, NH for both the Republicans and Democrats. There was so much more I wished I could do.
Mike, please contact me directly and tell me that there is something I can do to help his family and loved ones. I’m aggrieved beyond words.
Defend Liberty — Join the NRA | Live in Massachusetts? Join GOAL.
I can share this remembrance
kowalski (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 1:58PM EST (link)Dave Hinz was a person I’ve never met either, a promenient and influential member of my extended family here on Redstate and later TMR/HinzSight.
The only contact I ever had with him was through over the telephone, just as I was starting my business in Massachusetts, in the heady days of the 2008 Presidential election campaign, and he was looking for someone with halfway-decent smarts and a little bit of sense to cover the Presidential debate in Manchester, NH back in early January of 2008.
It was a completely different kind of gig from what I had been used to doing and I went into the event prepared with a new laptop computer, a fully-functional camera, and all of the interest you could possibly imagine having.
I’m very proud of what I personally accomplished at that debate, which was to identify and point out to the hosts that they had inadvertently alllowed a group of 9/11 conspiracy theorists led by Jason Bermas into the Spin Room, where they subsequently staged a disruption and were arrested. I like to think that because I was there and recognized Bermas at least 20 minutes before he and his cadre of fools did their thing, I had informed the people at CNN of their presence. I had a very good rapport with CNN’s professional staff and I was grateful for it, and all partisanship went out the window when it came to informing them of the presence of this group, who were apparently there under false credentials, and who appeared there only to pimp their 9/11 conspiracy documentary and heckle Rudy Giuliani’s people.
I covered that event because of Dave Hinz, who helped me get the bonafide press credentials as a part of TMR and HinzSight. As a one-man reporting team I did the best I could.
Even more important are the conversations I had on the telephone with Dave: he was a true Conservative — understanding, articulate, funny and compassionate. He was devoting all his energy working for a cause he believed in, and I was honored to visit St. Anselm with the credentials he helped procure for me. I like to think it was a service I did for journalism that night, and it was all possible because of Dave.
When we examine our lives and try to identify the people we really cared for and trusted, I think we’ll all be astonished to realize that some of them are people we’ve never met. Dave Hinz is in that category for me and I am terribly saddened to hear that he’s no longer with us. He will be missed, and I will personally work to uphold and extend the spirit, principle and generosity he showed me.
What a loss.
Defend Liberty — Join the NRA | Live in Massachusetts? Join GOAL.
To Dave's family, friends, collegues & countrymen...
Veronica (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 1:35PM EST (link).. my sincere condolences.
As a newbie to Redstate, I look forward to reading his contributions and catching up on the history you’ve all shared.
May God bless Dave’s soul & may he rest in peace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on us. – St. Augustine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you GC for writing and to RS for front-paging.
streetwise (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 4:53PM EST (link)I miss Dave already- journalism warrior, gentleman, friend.
My Condolences
BigGator5 (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 5:25PM EST (link)My condolences to his friends and family.
I don’t know if this is too early to ask… However from what I read at the mlive.com article, he was working on a book. Will there be any plans on publishing it?
Educated (About The Issues Facing Us Today), Dedicated (To Making A Difference), And Highly Motivated (To Getting Things Done)
Stunned.
Thomas Crown (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 5:32PM EST (link)Rest in peace, David. My condolences to your family and loved ones, and to everyone at TMR.
———–
We are all heroes, you and Boo and I. Hamsters and rangers everywhere, rejoice!
I never met or spoke to him.
jdaman (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 5:34PM EST (link)But I hope that God will bless his soul, and that the Good Lord will bless and watch over his family.
“Status quo,” as you know, is Latin for “the mess we’re in”.
Good judgment comes from experience. Unfortunately, the experience usually comes from bad judgment.
When I and my family heard the news
mustango (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 7:42PM EST (link)we misheard David’s name at first and mistook it for that of a childhood friend of mine. Thankfully the wonders of DVR replay cleared that up quickly. Now I find out instead that he was a friend who I never got to know.
“I just miss — I miss being anonymous.” — Barack Obama
I fully sympathize, Mr. President. I miss you being anonymous too.
This is absolutely horrible news.
Martin Knight (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 7:54PM EST (link)He was a great guy and one of the people who helped make RedState what it is today.
My heart goes out to his family – let them not be too sad by remembering this; he’s back with He that sent him to this Earth – and He is ever merciful, kind and just.
I'm blown away
peg_c (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 8:26PM EST (link)I am so sorry about this and for all his family and friends. Dave wrote several essays I was riveted by. He had such solid principles and eloquence. He was a great conservative and I only “knew” him superficially.
Godspeed, Dave Hinz!
Government cannot be the solution when government is the problem.
Thanks for front paging this, guys.
itrytobenice (Diary) Saturday, November 28th at 9:30PM EST (link)We have all grown to know and love Dave as well as appreciate his writing, his hard work, and his enthusiasm.
Condolences to his family and friends. We will miss him terribly.
And can someone help me remember what his original name was? I believe it was HinzMI or MIHinz, but I just can’t remember for sure and now it is provoking me.
Proper grammar saves lives.
Let’s eat Grandma.
Let’s eat, Grandma.
when I first arrived at RS Dave was "DAHMich" nt
pilgrim (Diary) Sunday, November 29th at 9:13AM EST (link)That's the one.
itrytobenice (Diary) Sunday, November 29th at 4:55PM EST (link)Thanks for letting me borrow your memory.
Proper grammar saves lives.
Let’s eat Grandma.
Let’s eat, Grandma.
I mourn.
Section9 Saturday, November 28th at 9:38PM EST (link)Dave was instrumental in the formation of conservative opinion here. He was tough, reasonable, and fair. And he was a warrior for the Good Guys.
I will miss him.
Condolences to his family and friends.
“History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it”-Winston Churchill
I''' am a newcomer late to RedState, would like to know-
dudette Sunday, November 29th at 8:10AM EST (link)about Hinz’s writings—is he TMR? Is there a way to read his writings here at RedState? God bless you, Mr. Hinz, and please lend a hand from heaven in saving this blessed Republic.
He is TMR and he crossposted here...
JadedByPolitics (Diary) Sunday, November 29th at 9:16AM EST (link)I would just do a search on him and you should see his writings and he recently started another project with his buddies called 73wire http://73wire.com/
Unified Patriots – How-To:
Activists Taking Action
I am just completely blown away by this...
c17wife (Diary) Sunday, November 29th at 4:29PM EST (link)I’m not sure I have words. This is just devastating for all of us here and at TMR. I dunno know, a gaping hole comes to mind.
GC-you honor him well. As have others here on your thread.
First Mark Kilmer, now David. Wow, just wow.
RIP Dave
Duty is ours, outcomes belong to God.~Mike Pence