Tim, I do not bet ~~ it is a terrifying addiction that left someone close to me in a terrible situation. I should as soon be an alcoholic or a chain-smoker as a gambler. But I must say I think your view unnecessarily pessimistic, &, if I may say so, peculiarly and unnecessarily ill-natured. He is a more intelligent and stable man than his father, and I they strike me as a young, well-meaning, forward-looking couple, probably with a genuine regard for one another; and I think it rather unmannerly to approach their relationship in so negative a fashion. Of course I don't expect an invitation ~ from them or any other couple with whom I am completely unacquainted. But I have been exceptionally fortunate in two most loving marriages, and would prefer to wish any about-to-marry couple the same. The evil of racism, to which we all vigorously object, is, I would urge, that it is prejudice against someone for the birth they could not help. I am distressed to see so much prejudice against this young man for having had the adventitiousness to be born who he is. He can no more help having been born future king than I can help having been born to Jewish parents; so many ill-natured people would do well to get off his back & give him the chance of a happy marriage. I greatly admire Zen's post just preceding this of mine.

♥♫❤Michael❤♫♥