The Wisdom of Wiarton, Ontario, Canada

Dear Sheila, there is in fact a 2005 sociological study from UC-Berkley entitled Tony Soprano’s America. The basic theme is the system is “fixed,” which threatens institutional failure as people withdraw their confidence in the so-called democratic processes. I heard Dalton Camps in person, at lunch in fact in Kingston, when I lived there, talk about this danger, institutional failure! Barbara Tuchman, the late US historian (died 1984) warned this was greatest risk for US today. Your cartoon aligns with this. I often think of you, Bob Rix, Doug Nickel, Vera and Jack Byers, V.C. Last, John Johnson. Wiarton was formative big time for your humble servant here. I want to write a series of essays entitled “The Wisdom of Wiarton.” Bob’s passing has been hard for me, for he and I worked together, walked to school together, and, like you, remained loyal friends over many years. It seems life is pulling me in other directions now, but Wiarton, you, your family, are not forgotten. You will be in my proposed book of essays! Jane and I are off to New York City in May for a week. I just joined the UEL association of Canada! It is time! We are hoping a Liberal government will replace Harper. Do not follow the US into wars in the Middle East to preserve oil company profits. We are fighting here to preserve what little social security and medicare we have. However, I am now getting serious. I do not want the problems of the world to detract from my appreciation, value of your friendship over these many years. Jane and I will probably head for Ontario later in 2011. Hopefully we can visit then. Meanwhile, God bless. Paul