Little sad to see Rodricks retire

When we follow personalities in print or on the radio or television for a long time, they become a part of the daily fabric of our lives — friends, if you will. It is always sad when one retires or moves on for some other reason.

It is particularly sad when someone who has Dan Rodrick’s ability to paint such a vivid picture of the local scene decides “it’s time” (“Hey, Dan, how about four more years?” Jan. 13).

While their styles and subject matter differ, Rodricks reminds me of Michael Olesker, another talented writer who for many years wrote a column for The Baltimore Sun.

Here’s wishing Dan a long, happy and healthy retirement. Well done, sir.

— Jim Doty, Perry Hall

How a columnist could help us think

Nobody asked me, but I will miss you, Dan Rodricks (“Sun publisher: Nobody asked me, but The Sun will miss Dan Rodricks,” Jan. 10).

Although Maryland is my home state, over the years, Dan has taken me to places in Baltimore I have never seen and introduced me to some ordinary people who lived exceptional lives. His inspiring pen has changed me as well as other readers.

Although I do not always agree with Dan, especially politically, I have appreciated his well-researched observations. I am a stubborn, “tough old gal” and often, his pieces have caused me to consider something new; that in itself, is a task well achieved.

Many years ago, when Dan came to Hereford High School to speak to my students, they were able to questions and interact briefly with a famous writer who listened and intelligently conversed with them. I have not forgotten that day and neither have they.

Thank you again, Dan. As you begin your new life of sleeping in, deliciously and slowing sipping a second, third or fourth cup of coffee, enjoying time with your family, golfing, fly fishing or traveling to new places, know that we are experiencing a bit of melancholy over your absence. Godspeed. You have truly created a career well-lived.

Nobody asked me, but might there be another book of collected writings by Dan Rodricks in the future? I will be first in line at Barnes and Noble.

— Susan Cunningham Euker, Bel Air

Dan’s decency, humility will be missed most of all

Please pass along to Dan Rodricks my congratulations on his retirement (“Can there ever be another Rodricks?” Jan. 14). I am happy for him but sad for me. He is a talented, compassionate, knowledgeable writer who will be sorely missed.

I appreciate Dan’s understanding of the issues and his ability to make something complex understandable. He loves Baltimore, warts and all — as do I. As much as I appreciate Dan’s skills at his job, the thing that stands out the most is his decency, humility and love for his fellow man. I will miss spending time with him.

Thank you, Dan, for setting a fine example for all of us on how to live a good life.

— Susan Norton, Linthicum

Marilyn Mosby deserves to be pardoned

Last month, Georgia Corso asked in a letter to the editor, “Is anyone shedding tears for Marilyn Mosby?” (Dec. 19). Yes, I am because she prosecuted the police killing of Freddie Gray in 2015 and later let nonviolent marijuana offenders out of jail.

If anyone should be in prison, it should be the former coroner David Fowler, who told wrongly told the Baltimore state’s attorney that Gray died from a rough ride. Then Mosby told the grand jury that to cool the riots. Her mistake was to take Fowler’s word over witnesses who testified that Gray was bent like a pretzel by three arresting white cops as he hollered “you’re hurting my neck.”

In another police killing, Fowler claimed that George Floyd died from auto exhaust in Minneapolis in 2020. Fowler also covered up many police killings of young black men in Baltimore by saying the cause of their deaths were undetermined. To let Fowler walk free while Mosby rots in prison is an outrage that we should all protest loudly.

Mosby deserves to be pardoned by President Joe Biden for her courageous attempts for justice. They outweigh a housing indiscretion.

— Richard J. Ochs, Baltimore