I stumbled into this Garrison Keillor column on (of all things!) the Chicago Tribune webpage. Here's an excerpt:
"We English majors need a mouthpiece in Congress the caliber of Republican Rep. Don Young of Alaska. And we need to promote public libraries as a tool in the war against terror. How many readers of Edith Wharton have engaged in terroristic acts? I challenge you to name one. Therefore, the reading of Edith Wharton is a proven deterrent to terror. Do we need to wait until our cities lie in smoking ruins before we wake up to the fact that a first-class public library is a vital link in national defense?"
Read and enjoy!
As a card-carrying member of the Professional Organization of English Majors (POEM), I can only quote that great sage Pogo: "I'se quietly proud."
Posted by: Bonnie | August 17, 2005 at 08:49 PM
He's started writing one weekly: http://tms.tribune.com/newsreleases/050517-1_tms.html
And, who knew? He's an Episcopalian.
Posted by: Laura | August 18, 2005 at 09:50 PM
OOoh... you can read the old ones on the PHC website. I love the one about cell phones (8/2/05).
http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/features/deskofgk/2005/old_scout/
Posted by: Laura | August 18, 2005 at 09:59 PM
Did you also know that a radio station in Kentucky (thank the goodness it wasn't Tennessee) cancelled Writer's Almanac for "offensive language"? I think they uncancelled it later, but guess ole Garrison is really somebody now...
Posted by: nell | August 19, 2005 at 06:53 AM