BERRY ON THE PRESENT CRISIS

There isn't an essayist writing today who I have more respect for than Wendell Berry. He thinks within an often marginalized tradition that nonetheless traces back in this nation to men such as Thomas Jefferson. His is a voice that needs to be heard whether you agree with him or not. He has some thoughtful things to say on current war and security issues. Often when the war drums are beating we want to push to the side anyone who would dare raise an objection. And generally those are the times we need to give the most careful thought.

The also essay appeared in an abridged form on page 5 of Sunday's New York Times in a paid advertisement.