Editor’s Letter
Happy Holidays! That long, strange trip we’ve been on that I
referred to in my last letter on this page has gotten even
stranger, now that election time is here. I can say only one
thing with complete certainty: This year is almost over. The rest of it
doesn’t matter much at this point, just that a new chapter is starting
soon and I’m pretty sure we’re all prepared to make the best of it.
Seriously, though, it’s easy to fall into the drama of this year and
act as if nothing is right with the world when, in fact, so much is. If
you have your health, if you have some family and good friends, if
you have a roof over your head and food in your belly, things aren’t
as bad as we have gotten used to making them out to be. While 2020 was a great year to moan,
groan and to perpetually scratch our heads as the world changed in weird ways, we are looking a
new year right in the eye – and my plan is to, as Chevy Chase said in National Lampoon’s
Christmas Vacation, “press on, and we’re gonna have the hap, hap, happiest 2021 since Bing
Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye.”
In this edition we’re going to talk about some beautiful butterfl ies, and a magic lady who can
make our dogs’ lives better. We will talk about how to honor those who gave part of their lives – or
all of it – to keep this country free and strong (after all, no one knows more about a bad year than
someone who spent it in war). We’re going to talk about a beautiful island couple and their World
War II love story for the ages ... you will love it ... and we thank Jane McVickar and the late Robert
Fischer for allowing us to share it.
Never doubt that the human spirit has the capacity to do the impossible. Never forget that
our country is still one of the greatest countries ever known, no matter who you voted for. Never
forget that love conquers all; as a matter of fact, remind yourself of that every day. We need to
return to peace, compassion, love for each other and, above all else, respect. Let this new year be
the year for that. Let us remember that no matter how we feel about politics, pandemics, Ford vs.
Chevy or the Monkees vs. the Beetles for that matter, we are all allowed to have, and to voice, an
opinion.
Former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg said it best: “Sometimes people say
unkind or thoughtless things, and when they do, it is best to be a little hard of hearing — to tune
out and not snap back in anger or impatience.” It doesn’t make you weak to not respond, it shows
you are a strong person who isn’t phased by another person’s temporary bitterness or anger.
Our book review is about a fantastic book called “Ragtime in the White House,” and it was
written by an outstanding Boca Grande resident, the late Eliot Vestner. He is one of those rare
men who I only got to speak with for a short time, but I was affected by him in a great way. If you
read it, I hope it prompts you to read the book, because you will fi nd out that one of our mostforgotten
presidents – William McKinley – was actually one of our greatest presidents in many
ways. The last line of Mr. Vestner’s book stands out to me, for so many reasons ...
“ McKinley’s presidency would serve us well as a model for the presidency in the 21st century, a
reminder that great leadership does not always require a loud voice.“
You don’t always have to yell to make your voice heard loudest. Sometimes, your actions will
speak even louder.
May the New Year bring you all peace, prosperity, love, patience, strength and happiness.
Be kind to one another, and be kind to yourself.
Whether you know it or not, you deserve it.
14 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • November/December • 2020
Marcy Shortuse
Editor-in-Chief, Gasparilla Magazine