FROM OUR INBOX
We don’t care about feeling good about ourselves. Anybody can pat themselves on their own back. (Well... to tell the truth, after a half-century hunched over a typewriter and keyboard keys, I do have trouble reaching that far over my shoulder.) What we care about is you feeling good about what you read. P.J. has the clear view of what’s going on. I love it. This virus scare is robbing folks of their freedoms. NewWorld Order – those folks will take this incident and try to make their goals stronger to “bring us together.” Our politicians need desperately to restore our freedoms to work, travel, open schools, open the restaurants and bars, entertainment venues. Give our freedoms back. We may or may not get sick. It’s a personal thing. The nanny state won’t allow folks to do as they wish. Put decisions back in individuals’ laps. – Patricia M. P.J. O’Rourke comment: Well, Patricia, despite what I just said to Mitch, above, I’m not sure you’re going to feel good about reading what I’m about to say. I disagree with you. Every medical, scientific, and epidemiological expert to whom I’ve spoken (and I’ve spoken to a bunch of them), thinks it’s necessary to go into stay-at-home mode. Otherwise our health care system will be so overloaded that the gravely ill won’t be able to receive even decent palliative care. I wish I didn’t disagree with you because I share your worries about our freedoms. Government, by its nature, will use every
Re: Our Newest Readers Weigh In
Just wanted to pass along a hearty thumbs up to American Consequences . I would go to the ends of the earth (or Piscataway, NJ, a distinction without a difference) to read P. J. O’Rourke. Very happy to get my P. J. fix each month with the electronic arrival of your magazine. – Curtice M. P.J. O’Rourke comment: A far-reaching compliment! And, Curtice, I would go to the ends of the Earth for American Consequences readers like you – although I might draw the line at Piscataway, NJ. But it’s a moot point these days since we’re all being told to stay home with our families... which I have been dutifully doing. (Don’t say anything to my wife and kids, but Piscataway is starting to look pretty good.) Keep up the good work. I read the whole magazine from cover to cover in one sitting. It was really relevant. Thank you. – Mitch M. P.J. O’Rourke comment: You’re welcome, Mitch. Relevant is our aim. As somebody who has been writing and editing for... honest to gosh... 50 years, I think the key to relevance is full identification with the readers. Too many publications focus on doing what makes the writers and editors look important and feel good about themselves. That’s how the New Yorker got so boring – and irrelevant. (Although I do admit to liking their cartoons.)
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April 2020
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