As a 3 decade pogonophile, my beard has stood up to two governmental attacks. In the first, a feeral interviewer asked me whether I was more attached to my beard than the job he was offering me in Palo Alto. Once I responded that "it grew on me" the offer disappeared. In the other, my state hospital supervisor told me to shave it off so I could use a mask. I persuaded him that a) I wouldn't shave unless he did and b) Positive Pressure respirators (space helmets) were available as a reasonable accomodation. He got the message and I got the space helmet.

It is a pleasure only to have to touch up once a week, even though I use a hair shaper, which is a great cross between a straight razor and replacable blade.

May thy beards never grow less!