Being the quintessential red blooded American comedic patriot was very good business for Bob Hope. He was the richest entertainer in the world.

To say that Bob Hope didn't financially benefit from his USO tours and status as the official US military sanctioned entertainer of the troops for decadeds, beggars belief. He had very good *financial* reasons for playing the patriotic entertainer.

As to his awards, he was never awarded, by either his peers or by critics, as an actor or a comedian. He was loaded down with humanitarian awards, service awards, a bunch of keys to cities, etc. But the honorary Oscar and Emmy were nods to his political power and clout, and his longevity. But there most certainly were not any awards ever given to Bob Hope for his talent. For a good reason.

I can appreciate that he died an icon. Sixty successful years in any business is something to be admired. But he isn't a sacred cow. Just a convenient pawn in the maudlin military nostalgia propaganda campaign. Just when the government needs it most too--when the war is going to hell in a hand basket. I'm sure Mr. Hope in heaven is enjoying the irony of his death deflecting the heat from the commander in chief.