MinnLawyer Blog

My brother Jeffrey, a Medievalist who chairs the English Department at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., is a co-author of his own blog. Since that blog, “In the Middle,” specializes in Medieval literature, I rarely have occasion to mention it here. However, recently he posted an interesting tidbit that I thought might be of interest to our readership. The story centers on his taking my nephew Alex to fencing lessons. Make sure to read it through to the end to see the relevance. Here’s Jeff’s post:

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Given the profession of his dad, perhaps you will find no surprise in the fact that my son Alexander’s sport is fencing. Prodding at an opponent with an epée? What could be more medieval?

Fencing was not Alex’s first sport. We tried soccer, swimming, baseball … you name it. If they gave

My nephew Alex: Lord of the sword

Olympic medals for reading interminable series of fantasy novels, Alex would get the gold, but in the ordinary games of mere mortals he is, well, rather mediocre (and that makes him far more athletic than his dad, already). Yet fencing is not perfect just for its workouts (strenuous) or its violence (patent). The type of kid fencing attracts is also one of its selling points: quirky children, often with an offbeat sense of humor, dedicated, smart, a good sense of fun. Alex, in other words, has finally found a peer group as odd as he is.

As did I, in the parents who observe the workouts and matches. Among these parents I’ve had the chance to chat with casually is a man whose son Eric is passionate about fencing. Eric’s a great kid; he and Alex have hit off. And Eric’s dad is also a great guy. His name? Also Eric. Eric Holder.

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Zoiks! I hope my nephew is careful flailing a sharp object around the son of the U.S. Attorney General nominee. I could see that getting ugly really fast.

File this one under: “It’s a small world after all.”