I subscribed to WM in 1982, after grad school. I devoured each issue! Mr. Peters influenced my thinking and perspective, both through his own writing, and especially through the writings of those he gathered into the magazine. You, Mr. Fallows, were first introduced to me through Washingtom Monthly. You have been a steady and reliable "think-prompter" since that time. I am grateful for Mr. Peters' ability to encourage good and great writers to say what they thought needed to be said.
Another admirable person I wish I had met in '75 when I was an intern in D.C.
Two serious questions (perhaps for another time, for sure):
1) Was CP exceptional during his heyday or did he have peers re his contributions?
2) Who is the CP of digital journalism today? Does anyone remind you of him?
Thank you for this moving tribute... Charlie Peters clearly demonstrates the possibilities and richness of a life well-lived in the real world with an enduring legacy to match. My condolences to his family both literally and as extended to you and your colleagues who benefited for having known him.
I know that you have suffered a couple of major, personal losses in the past week. I hope there's some small consolation that they lived long, meaningful, and wonderful lives.
When I resigned from the Foreign Service in 1969, a member of TWM board suggested that I write an ‘insider’ account of the FS, which, at that time, I was not ready to do.
This was my introduction to TWM and to Charlie.His principles and broad perspective resulted in a must read journal on government, especially in Washington. His book What Washington is Really Like in 1980 is as valid today as it was 43 years ago, although the debilitating process is accelerated these days.
His Tilting With Windmills I considered a must read through 2014.
Equally important was how Charlie mentored some of the most creative and boots-on-the-ground writers of two generations.
Jim, this was how I became a devotee of your marvelous insights. I first relished your articles on our military’s ‘misthinks.’ Your article on the absurdities of air craft carriers who, as part of three fleets, had one carrier fleet on station, another home being refitted, and a third for training, highlighted that this only provided about two dozen attack bombers, while the rest were to defend the carrier. Your book on the military I have long cherished.
You and your TWM colleagues continue to maintain Charlie’s principles and sharp analysis of government absurdities today.
I salute Charlie, Charlie’s mentees, and, especially, you.
One of Charlie Peters's great legacies to us all is the incredible group of alums of The Washington Monthly -- an honor role of American political journalists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
I subscribed to WM in 1982, after grad school. I devoured each issue! Mr. Peters influenced my thinking and perspective, both through his own writing, and especially through the writings of those he gathered into the magazine. You, Mr. Fallows, were first introduced to me through Washingtom Monthly. You have been a steady and reliable "think-prompter" since that time. I am grateful for Mr. Peters' ability to encourage good and great writers to say what they thought needed to be said.
Another admirable person I wish I had met in '75 when I was an intern in D.C.
Two serious questions (perhaps for another time, for sure):
1) Was CP exceptional during his heyday or did he have peers re his contributions?
2) Who is the CP of digital journalism today? Does anyone remind you of him?
Thank you for this moving tribute... Charlie Peters clearly demonstrates the possibilities and richness of a life well-lived in the real world with an enduring legacy to match. My condolences to his family both literally and as extended to you and your colleagues who benefited for having known him.
I know that you have suffered a couple of major, personal losses in the past week. I hope there's some small consolation that they lived long, meaningful, and wonderful lives.
Jim
When I resigned from the Foreign Service in 1969, a member of TWM board suggested that I write an ‘insider’ account of the FS, which, at that time, I was not ready to do.
This was my introduction to TWM and to Charlie.His principles and broad perspective resulted in a must read journal on government, especially in Washington. His book What Washington is Really Like in 1980 is as valid today as it was 43 years ago, although the debilitating process is accelerated these days.
His Tilting With Windmills I considered a must read through 2014.
Equally important was how Charlie mentored some of the most creative and boots-on-the-ground writers of two generations.
Jim, this was how I became a devotee of your marvelous insights. I first relished your articles on our military’s ‘misthinks.’ Your article on the absurdities of air craft carriers who, as part of three fleets, had one carrier fleet on station, another home being refitted, and a third for training, highlighted that this only provided about two dozen attack bombers, while the rest were to defend the carrier. Your book on the military I have long cherished.
You and your TWM colleagues continue to maintain Charlie’s principles and sharp analysis of government absurdities today.
I salute Charlie, Charlie’s mentees, and, especially, you.
One of Charlie Peters's great legacies to us all is the incredible group of alums of The Washington Monthly -- an honor role of American political journalists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
What a great mentor he has been for you and other top-class journalists