At One Time, Cuddling Was a Relative Matter

The article “Aw, C’mon ... Give Wolfowitz a Hug” (Commentary, June 27) piqued my interest. I didn’t know Paul Wolfowitz, deputy secretary of Defense, needed a hug; I had thought he needed a well- thought-out strategy. I really don’t know how much of the blame for the failed occupation of Iraq to attribute to him, but a hug or two wouldn’t hurt.

As for hugs and touching, I as one of the people of the Pearl Harbor generation received plenty of hugs and pile-ons from my wife (of now 60 years) and children, grandparents, uncles and aunts, to name but a few. We were early to marry, some early to divorce, but we weren’t that lonely or so out of touch to have to rush down to the nearest petting parlor for our strokes.

I think today’s live-alone singles, who are away from family and living in the big city, do have special needs. The affection and love from a gentle hand on the brow or buss on the cheek might just be enough to carry them through another day. I will happily volunteer to cuddle or hug on demand without charge. Just ask for Uncle Fud.

Bud Markel

Redondo Beach