I miss political jousting foe Fran Blackney

My letters have brought out a variety of responses on The Bee’s website letters section, especially in the past several years. Some totally insulting, others filled with accolades, such as “best letter I read all year.”

Consequently, one of my consistent detractors, with lengthy responses to my letters, came from a woman named Fran Blackney, who I found later was communications director of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce. I often pondered her attention, asking myself, why does this women find such an obsessive need to mostly belittle and challenge my rhetorical masterpieces (tongue-in-cheek)?

When I read of her death, I lamented openly, without a trace of animosity. Just saddened about her passing. Although one finds it hard to agree with the Republican loyal opposition I held no personal malice but only respect for someone whom I received some moments of congenial and mostly collegial public disagreement in the public square.

It’s obvious she will be a major loss to many. I will miss her comments and critiques, sometimes not tempered, despite our ideological differences.

This story was originally published January 11, 2016 at 9:15 AM with the headline "I miss political jousting foe Fran Blackney."