By Jack Cawthon
As I write this I am wearing a mask to prevent sending a computer virus. I suggest you do
the same as I canât maintain a proper social distance from the computer, and most
importantly, I have always been anti-social myself. Some readers have told me that long
before the pandemic they always wore a mask while reading my column as it provided a
good coverage for the nose. I thanked them for sharing that with me.
For something like two years I have been absent from active duty at the Herald. The
executive editors honored me by choosing to do reruns of my columns. As I read those
old columns, there is a feeling that is difficult to describe, but perhaps I can sum it up in
one word: vanity! As of this writing I am coming to you live, but not overly lively.
As Mark Twain once said, or perhaps it was Adolph Hitler (I donât research this stuff, I
just write it) when rumors had spread about his death: the rumors of his death have been
greatly exaggerated . And that can be one result formed from reruns.
You need only look at some of the old TV shows now rerunning. Take Gunsmoke. For
something like 20 years or so Matt Dillon maintained his fast draw. We saw Matt age but
never flinch. Then not long back, Matt in his 80s, took a slow draw of breath and
departed this earthly plain to ride the heavenly ones where the liberals have banned all
guns. It may become boring but, ah, Matt there are the reruns.
Then there are the Cartwrights. Donât have information on them but olâ Hoss was always
overweight and the dad was up in years. Chances are they have found the big bonanza
where all the herds are rounded up by ghost riders in the sky.
Finally there is Perry Mason. He was a lawyer who never lost a case and never seemed
to charge for his services. Before Perry there was no doubt where to send the lawyers.
Now he may become a Supreme counselor representing just one major client full time.
Well, you see my point. I have long been in reruns and people may assume about me as
they did Mark Twain.
I still have time to correct some of those old columns, as what people speak and write
can live on forever without having it heavenly programmed. Itâs called a computer hard
drive.
Oh yes, words can come back to haunt one. In many of the past blathering I expressed
my dedication as a Republican. Oh the humanity! And that may say it. Itâs difficult not
to be a cynic as I have been let down so many times in my life. First it was Santa Claus,
then the Easter Bunny and then, and then, worst of all Richard Nixon. Then along came
George Junior Bush and there you have it friends!
So you see why I have come out even destroying my image as a classic. I can still make
amends. But to hedge my bets my next project is to visit my favorite haunt up in Preston
County, the old cemetery on the top of the knoll, where we have always observed social
distancing; my friends are six feet underground and I have been on top so far. They
wouldnât want to contaminant me and I certainly wouldnât want to harm them as my 20
years in a mental institution, even if fully accredited, might still be contagious even for
you folks who read this.
Fair warning, OK? Well, you can take off the mask now as you may have already
distanced yourself from me.
Personal note: I do appreciate the Herald for considering my writing worth rerunning and
for you readers, however few of you, for not becoming bored or expressing it if you have.
Itâs been a rather tough two years for me and my family. I may try a come-back, but you
may recall some of the old TV shows that tried that! | 
