“Let folly be our cloak, a veil before the eyes of the enemy.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

By Jarret Liotta

WESTPORT — To steal a post out of my arch enemy Dan Woog’s Blog book, I thought I’d offer a column to squeak some praises for a motley selection of our Shire’s “Unsung Heroes” that — at least at the moment — I think deserve a hearty smack on the back and a toast of Miruvor.

The Rep to the State We Love to Hate

Jonathan Steinberg has taken a lot of guff this week, some of it even sparked by good reporting in this very publication.

Regardless of what faults people find with the man, I want to conclude this political season by giving him a positive shout out.

Unlike most people, I’ve seen Jonathan in action at Hartford hearings. I’ve watched him have to civilly contend with some of the most diabolical, detestable sorts of villains you’re likely to find this side of Mordor, and he did it with astounding aplomb and professional dignity.

Even separate of whatever calls and compromises he’s chosen to make in working his way through the oily swamps of political reality, I simply have to applaud him for driving up to that god-forsaken state house to sit in conference with that collection of yahoos. I certainly wouldn’t want to do it — I really don’t think most of us would — but he does and, I have to believe, he really tries to do the best he can in the process.

Further, as someone who’s attended close to as many arduous, embalming town meetings as Marpe himself, I’ve often been so surprised — even years before this election challenge — to see Steinberg in attendance as well, even though he didn’t need to be, taking part in the process as both a resident and a representative.

Jonathan has his faults — probably more than even me, if our readers are to be believed — but I applaud and appreciate his commitment, and I too think it would be ridiculous for him to abdicate his state seniority to take that third select seat.

Tooker Earned It

I won’t give Jen as hearty a back smack because she’s already won and someone needs to keep her right-sized.

But months ago I realized, if I were going to vote for her, one large reason would be out of simple appreciation for her extensive time commitment to this Shire.

This is one of those people who’ve devoted a ridiculous amount of hours to various boards and myriad issues, and regardless of where I see her views and votes on each, I honestly think she’s earned a chance to finally get some real compensation for her considerable time.

Like Steinberg, her political lot has already involved a countless parade of cloying characters peppering her person with issues, egos, opinions and more. It’s a sincere wonder to me she manages to keep a pleasant persona — one we wish her able to maintain.

If nothing else, I hope the first person’s salary will buy her a vacation or two amidst the mayhem, or perhaps at least an invisibility cloak that she can don now and again.

Some Schwing Wicked This Way Comes

Amidst maligning critique, I’ve also received many compliments about our election coverage from our good readers, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge our versatile Consulting Editor John Schwing for his valuable role in the process.

Like Saruman, Schwing is unknown to most common folk, yet he holds a rather Lou Grant-like legendary status among the dire scrubs who have made journalism their disheartening call in Fairfield County.

The closest thing I have to a mentor in this business, I worked under his crotchety thumb for decades while freelancing for the Westport News, Connecticut Post and other local pubs before his semi-retirement a few years back.

While his temperament and acerbic demeanor continue to make him a Sauron-like challenge to contend with on a daily basis, his contributions to our website — though largely behind the curtain — are nothing short of remarkable.

The Westport Journal — and Westport at large — is truly very lucky to have him on their watch.

Twas in the Darkest Depths of Mordor

Unpopular to say, but I’ve historically found the sometimes saccharine, overtly nationalistic ceremonies of military tributes a bit of a turn off.

Dove status aside, in my experience when people are wildly waving flags and donning uniforms to celebrate fighting entities, you’ve got to watch your back and hope they don’t recognize you as an adherent of Marx. (I’m talking about Groucho, of course, not Karl … Though did you know that Harpo’s real name was Adolph? … Kinda makes ya think, huh!)

Anyway, a few years ago, while working on a documentary film, I had the opportunity to interview 25 local military veterans ranging in age from 27 to 97. I learned some fascinating things about their experiences, but more about their attitudes and motives in relation to their military service.

Now I consider it a great gift to view these unique, admirable and interesting individuals — and many other veterans — as separate from their wars, their military machines and the bitter politics weaved throughout, and to simply recognize the time they invest — like our elected officials — in doing dirty work that most of us would never want to do.

That’s certainly worth hearty appreciation and a whole day of acknowledgement on Nov. 11. (11 a.m. at the VFW).

And while I don’t espouse the flawed concept of might making right, etc., as Jack Nicholson states so clearly in “A Few Good Men,” I do need them on that wall — at least today — devoting their serenity to the threat of dark forces so I can sit home and watch endless hours of television in my underwear while nursing my iced matcha latte and scarfing my orange glazed madeleines!

Cheers!!