"You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment."

The above quote is from Francis Urquhart, the main character of the 1990 BBC TV drama, House of Cards, who was played by the late Ian Richardson.

I apologize for the sparseness of my blog entries of late. This is due partly to my continued adjustment to being retired, and my enjoyment of much-needed rest. It is also due partly to some recent unpleasantness you may have read about in the press, which has been somewhat distracting.

As I recently told a high school student who asked my advice on a "day of silence" he was planning, silence is not my usual approach to activism. But I have decided to heed some good advice and shut up about the unpleasantness. There are, fortunately, many other things to talk about. So I thank you in advance for your indulgence and for the many good wishes I have received.