THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 10, 1996 TAG: 9609100003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 24 lines
Erving H. Gray (letters, Sept. 2) is correct in complaining of Guy Friddell's musings at Republican conventions and his relative silence about the administration of President Elmer Gantry.
Over the past 12 years and beyond, Friddell has never met a Democrat he didn't like, and has condescended only to Republicans who have ``grown,'' i.e., those who selectively endorsed liberal policies.
But consider the trade-offs! Friddell starts us smiling many mornings with a celebration of life's great trifles, from seersucker suits and Bergey's ice cream to the opening of collard season. His is an ever-helping hand to the Norfolk Zoo, the Botanical Garden or any worthwhile civic asset or undertaking that also bears an inkling of a good yarn.
I still remember his tribute to Vianne Webb, a fine-arts advocate who died in 1992, wishing I could write half so well or own a life worthy of the words.
TOM MATTHEWS
Virginia Beach, Sept. 3, 1996 by CNB