I’m getting a lot of e-mails like these:

Kathryn
I wanted to share with you a story about Mr. Weinberger. As a college senior, I wrote my thesis on SDI and its impact on ending the Cold War. On a whim, I figured I’d call Mr. Weinberger to see if he’d be willing to be interviewed for my thesis. I had no expectation that he’d answer my call, much less talk with me. I contacted his office at Forbes and spoke with his secretary. I explained to her what I was doing and she told me that she talk to him and get back to me. 15 minutes later she called back and asked if I had time to talk with him. He then gave me 30 minutes of his time, answering all of my questions and sharing a few stories as well. He could not have been more generous or gracious. I’m writing in hopes that you can in some way share my story with your readers. Too often it seems that we lose perspective on the human side of those serving in government. Here was a former Secretary of Defense willing to take time out of his day to talk to some no name college student he didn’t know. I’ve always been impressed and somewhat awed by this. Anyway, I enjoy reading The Corner, keep up the good work.
Best regards,
Mike LaFontaine
Kathryn Jean, the Cap Weinberger news …
… reminded me of the 1999 Baltic cruise, that included Weinberger. We were warned of the high cost of calling long distance from the boat ($7.50/min,) but when we docked at a Danish port, were told there was a phone booth at the dock, with regular international rates.
I looked down at that phone booth, and it had a long line of NRcruisers in front of it…about half way in was Weinberger, waiting as patiently as anyone.
Arn Nelson in CHicago