With the flurry of the Democratic Convention still fresh in memory, politics is the topic on the front burner this week.

And a colleague's recent unusual comments about politics made me laugh.

"With all of the austere, reverent ceremonies marking the funeral of former President Ronald Reagan, I wonder what kind of ceremonies the other presidents will have when they die," she asked.

I'll be the first to admit that it wasn't something I'd thought much about previously, but then, I couldn't help but begin conjuring up a few thoughts.

Running through the list of former commander in chiefs still living is fairly easy. Figuring out how they might bid farewell to the earth is a bit more difficult. Pondering such a question shows the stark contrast between the men who once led our nation.

As we talked, our perceptions of the men, their lives and the way they'd likely be honored at the end of their lives came into focus.

At 91, Gerald Ford is the elder statesman of the group.

With solid heartland roots, having been born in Nebraska and raised in Michigan, Ford's services will likely be much like the man himself: Reserved with much more focus on values than on pomp and circumstance

Next in order of office and third in order of age, would be Jimmy Carter. The Georgia peanut farmer turned world leader will be 80 in October. Most likely Carter's strong Baptist roots will have any ceremony focused heavily on his faith and less on his career.

George H.W. Bush is a few months older than Carter, having turned 80 back in June. The Massachusetts native became America's youngest Navy pilot. A true hero of World War II, Bush earned a reputation for being tough. Later after attending Yale, Bush moved to Texas to build his fame and fortune in the oil business. Given Bush's mix of old and new world wealth, his funeral will likely be fairly down home and largely focused on his family life.

Bill Clinton, the youngest president and arguably the one with the most Playboy-like reputation of those living, gave us a chuckle when we came to him.

One word came to mind: barbecue. Clinton being the good Southern man that he is, or was, we figured he'd likely have a big, down home Arkansas barbecue. In case you've forgotten, Clinton also loved eating.

The Hope, Ark., native is known as much for his personal indiscretions - and the subsequent denials of the same - as for what he accomplished in office.

And, we surmised as we talked, a menagerie of his past exploits would attend Clinton's farewell barbecue. And, of course Hooters would likely cater it, at least that's what the Republican pollsters would say.

The current president, George W. Bush? Well, with hopes we don't set off red flags in some Secret Service office, here's what we thought.

Bush, born in Connecticut, raised in Texas, has deep Texas roots. He'd likely have a Tex-Mex barbecue affair complete with plenty of salsa and some country music.

While we all hope the ex-presidents live for a long time, pondering how they might say "goodbye" sure does make for an interesting conversation.

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext. 12 or by e-mail to kevin.cooper@irontontribune.com.