An Appreciation-Russell Baker

Russell Baker, the noted columnist for the New York Times, who passed away earlier this year, was, like the best chroniclers of American life, clear eyed with a dry wit and perhaps ironically when read now, an understanding that no matter of much things change; so much remains the same.

This becomes apparent when reading his collection of columns from the 1070’s in the book, So This Is Depravity. In it, he explores, in his own inimical style, dysfunctional government, boorish politicians chasing the money and lying for the benefit of inattentive constituents, pointless destructive war, sexism, racism, the allure and corruption of the American myth, bad parents, and the new generation that has no thought for the old. He also notes our never-ending fetishing of personal habits and vices.

Sound familiar?

We are certain that we are so much better, more knowledgeable, and prescient of what the future…