OTHER VOICES

When I started writing this blog I hoped that it would be more than simply my comment and then your opinion if you cared. However, what I wanted most was to have a give-and-take among my readers.I hoped what I wrote would stimulate cross-talk, discussion, argument, disagreement, not only with me but with other readers.

Alas, I have not managed to find my way into that format with the energy generated by differing opinions. Your response would come only to me.

However, there is one way to generate cross-talk: that is to post your answers and let the readers join the discussion.

After my recent blog about "irrelevance" I got one response that I would like to share with all of you.

"Dear Larry:

Your recent cri de coeur was touching. You assumed that "like minded people" of your own generation would sympathize with your admonishments and condemnations, your deep loathing of misplaced apostrophes and those high English hedges that block your view of the ancient homes of the rich and privileged. You preach and preach, as though those who might read your blog didn't already know that the American Right is fraught with religious nuts and pro-lynch rednecks and gun-freaks. Your tedious rants are totally unnecessary and then you blame your readers for not getting it.

Would you want to listen to yourself? You can't even attend a concert without delivering a Mister know-all lecture on the composer and the artist and all that goes with it.

I felt sorry for you, jamming around tourist trap St. Ives, when only a few miles away, in the exquisite Tudor town of Totnes you could have been taking the little cruise boat down the river Dart when the tide was going out, seen the glorious countryside all the way to ancient Dartmouth, eaten the world's best fish and chips near the docks, and, when the tide turned a few hours later, puttered back upriver to Totnes where there are lovely pubs and hostelries and wonderful food to be had in a town built in the reign of Henry VII, not a straight line on the whole street.

What have you learned in 83 years? What truths have you discovered? Where do you find beauty in your life. What makes you happy? What do you love?

I wish you well
(name omitted)