To Niilo’s fine family:I posted a comment to Niilo and the family on April 28, as soon as I received Harry’s message, I also posted Harry’s on our several democratic socialist discussion lists, prefacing it with mention of the fine work by both Niilo and the wide-ranging Harry.

I am not Finnish — am a Native American — but my spouse of 47 years is substantially Finnish. Both Eldri and I have always appreciated our fine friendship with Niilo and have always been truly grateful for his excellent and sparky letters and the books and related materials that he has sent us.

Niilo, you are a true friend and a solid fighter for social justice — for all. When we think of you, we think of a great mountain of flint, sturdy and enduring always. And that great mountain looks and points far beyond to the better world for humanity and helps trail-blaze to it — for all of us in “the save the world business.”

Take care, old friend and our prayers and best thoughts go always to you and your most wonderful family!

In Solidarity always –

Hunter [Hunter Bear] and Eldri Gray.

(Hunter and Eldri Gray posted this on May 4, 2008 at 2:08 am, as a comment on “Posting Comments.” I apologize to him for not moving it forward to its own stand alone. There are challenges with the format of this site which I am trying to work with, and one of those is that your comment is attached to whatever post you commented on. I am now happy to have people post on “About” because I am better about moving your comments out of there to a stand alone post all your very own. –Chena)