For decades, George and I talked practically every Sunday. On several occasions, we promised each other to participate at the other’s memorial service. Knowing George, he will in all likelihood have found some ingenious way to uphold his end of the bargain, perhaps drafting remarks welcoming me to his present location. I am in no hurry to find out, especially as I still need to qualify for where he is.

He was a Marine, an economist, a diplomat, a patriot and a statesman. He was also my friend.

The U.S. must protect its citizens from disease while starting the urgent work of planning for a new epoch.