LAS VEGAS, NV (March 16, 2009) — It shows how little I pay attention to Hollywood news these days.  I didn’t realize that Ron Silver was battling cancer.  A few weeks ago, I heard him on his radio show and thought his cadence was a bit labored.

News of his death this morning is sad.

I always enjoyed Silver’s portrayals on screen — especially his snarky political consulting role on West Wing.

However, most of my admiration goes to Silver’s out-spoken political views.  He moved from the Hollywood left to a right-wing activist.  Although I didn’t agree with most of his stands, Silver was articulate and not ideological in his backing of the Bush White House when it came to national security.

Silver was also quite good on his talk show that was carried by Sirius Satellite Radio on the station POTUS.  He was conservative but not extremist or mean-spirited.  He put a real voice on conservative issues.

Ron Silver will be missed as an actor and an activist.