Farewell, Charlie.

• Author: Toedt, D.C., III
• Position: LETTERS - Letter to the editor

I was surprised by the tears that formed in my eyes when I read the final paragraph of Charles Peters's January/ February column, announcing that because of advancing age it would be his last regular "Tilting at Windmills" piece. That column has long been my favorite feature of the Monthly. Mr. Peters's writing has usually been a near-perfect blend of liberalism and realism, of unselfishness and pragmatism. He never lets his compassion keep him from facing the facts of human weakness, or vice versa. His column specifically, and the Monthly in general, have been instrumental in the evolution of this lifelong Republican's political views toward the "opportunity, responsibility, community" trinity that Paul Glastris mentioned in his own column. For the good of the nation, I hope we continue to see more "Tilting" columns in the future. No matter what, it's a certainty that Monthly readers everywhere will join in saying to Mr. Peters: Well done, good health, and many happy remaining years.

D. C. Toedt III

Houston, Tex.

Fare Thee Well, Mr. Peters.

I have been a subscriber for many years, and "Tilting at Windmills" has been the first--and sometimes the only--article that I have read start to finish every issue. It will be a sad day when I next open the magazine and not find Charles Peters writing in a succinct and blunt manner about all that he surveys each month.

May I wish him a wonderful journey into retirement knowing that he fulfilled this reader's satisfaction in learning what has grabbed his attention. I will miss his words and ideas and hope the magazine can find someone who has the wit and eye to continue his observations.

John Reay

Minneapolis, Minn.

I've been a reader of the Washington Monthly for over thirty years, and while there are things about it I like and dislike, the two constants for me have been the book reviews--and Charlie Peters's columns.

I will miss them. Reading "Tilting at Windmills" was like listening to my father and uncles discussing politics on the porch at our house on Keuka Lake in upstate New York. My father and those uncles, as of December 12, have all passed from the scene, and now so does Charlie.

Godspeed and be well, Mr. Peters.

Jim Pisula

Fort Collins, Colo.

I just read the final entry in the January/February "Tilting at Windmills" column, and I had to take a moment to express both my sadness that it will no longer be in every issue and my appreciation for all the years that Mr. Peters "tilted." I subscribe...