In a message to Rich Veraa, Jack Ruttan wrote:
JR> he did. Why are all the great clowns sad sacks in real life? I've
Consider: someone with a healthy jovial disposition is likely to be more 
easily amused than a pathological depressive.  When Pagliacci in the depths 
of despair thinks of something that's capable of making him smile, the rest 
of us will think it's hilarious.
JR> Ever hear of "Casper Milquetoast?"
The timid soul, yes.
JR> Mind you, I love the narratives the old strips carried
JR> on. A little of a dead medium, like old time radio. Still, some
JR> alternative comic books are carrying on the tradition, and yours
JR> truly, when he can. 
Go for it.  Bring back our roots.
       Cheers,
           Rich
http://www.netside.net/~rveraa/
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