gonzai | RIP A. Robert Kaufman

Bob Kaufman was the ultimate character. Actually, he was more like 3 or 4 characters wrapped up in one person. I ran into him from time to time at fairs and festivals, and I swear I never saw him with his mouth shut. Couldn't miss his van: it was so plastered with bumper stickers I often wondered how he saw out the windows or found the door handle. At one fair a couple years ago, his stand was next to mine. And there was virtually no traffic. So for some 5 hours or so, Bob harangued me. I've always been left of center but geez, he made me feel like I was Dick Cheney. Two days later, his tenant attacked him.

So long, Bob. You kept people honest around here. We'll miss you.

www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bal-md.kaufman28dec28,0,4426848.story