Hail and Farewell, Rob Reiner

News of the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer this weekend fills me with sorrow. They were a loving and powerful couple, a voice and force for good. Their deaths are, tragically, symptomatic of the horribly irrational, delusional culture that has poisoned the American spirit.

Mr. Reiner has made more movies in my Top Ten favorite list than any other filmmaker. Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, Misery, A Few Good Men, This Is Spinal Tap–there’s half the list right there. And in those masterworks may be found a full spectrum of the light and the dark side of humanity: True Love, obsession, sacrifice, artifice, nostalgia, kindness, absurdity, loyalty, and Magic. Rob Reiner wore his love and fascination with his fellow beings on his sleeve.

Mr. Reiner, wherever you are or aren’t or have transcended, the world owes you and your Michele an enormous debt of gratitude. Very best regards and wishes to you, sir.