David C. Meyer

Published online on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009

Age: 64

Occupation: Retired businessman.

Hobbies: Reading, photography, travel.

Bee reader since: 1970.

How many letters: 30 since 1995.

Favorite topics: Politics and human folly (but I repeat myself).

Why do you write? I believe in rational and logical expression. Too often those concepts are missing in our written and verbal discourse. Writing forces one to more precisely formulate thought, and being permitted a paltry 200 words on complex issues is a fun and masochistic activity.

Excerpt from recent letter: "There was a time when I believed Black Friday was called that because it created sales to boost the retailers' yearly sales figures. I now realize it was dark humor for a day in which people can enthusiastically display their greed and avarice that surely leaves a black mark on the soul of its participants."

Reaction to letters: Mostly favorable, at least to my face, but some of my conservative friends have expressed their disdain.

Topic that doesn't get enough attention: The belief that our government is inherently evil. Government in a democracy is only as good as its citizens. By the same token, government can be a powerful tool for creating a just and worthy society.

Education: Bachelor's degree in political science from Drake University. Some graduate work in public administration from USC, and many courses from various institutions taken for no other purpose than to confirm a statement a wise professor once told his class: "The purpose of a good education is to teach you how much you do not know."

Family: Wife of 37 years, Peggy; one son, Christopher, and his wife, Romie; two wonderful grandchildren who think I can walk on water; and approximately four cats who don't care.

Political philosophy: Unabashedly liberal by inclination, but willing to consider other approaches.

-- Compiled by Pam Rowse