Robert, by geographical chance I am among the first with a posting today. I am in Hawaii celebrating my 50th anniversary with my wife and Hubbell reader Chris. I just read the long list of comments to yesterday's newsletter in which you spoke about a decline in subscribers and an uptick in abusive attacks on you regarding your positions and your pro-Biden stance. I want to note the outpouring of gratitude that many readers feel for your work and your leadership. And to encourage you to continue your work and your particular support of Joe Biden. Biden must be supported, not only because his great strengths but because his defeat by Trump would be a disaster for all we hold dear.
Also I want to underscore one of the great services your work provides. You words, ideas, persona, and encouragement bring together a community of other leaders, activists, students, and teachers who in turn activate others, strengthen others, and enlarge the circle of good thinking. You are like a teacher of a good class, where the benefit is not just from your wisdom, good as that is, but from the shared words of others. I could point to the names of dozens who I have learned from, been inspired by and emulated to I hope good effect and who will keep me engaged and thoughtful during the coming months. For another metaphor, you are the reef around which we fish, plants, and animals of all kinds congregate and thrive. Your words are important, your ideas are important, but on those days when you are tuckered, you could say, "Class discuss among yourselves," and the excitement and learning would still go on.
Just wanted you to know that. You might have some drop outs, but you are adding, in depth and I hope in numbers, active supporters for your work and grateful denizens who help the reef and our community and the larger sea of our world thrive. This is noble work, and your moral leadership has created an interlocking community made stronger by your focus. Keep the reef strong and let us all help continue to help each other thrive.
