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Lynn,

A big thumbs up on your strip today and Lawrence's comment about having the right to get married. Hooray for Canada!! The U.S. has some serious catching up to do on this issue.

Donna, Illinois

I seriously do not understand all of these complaints about Anthony! What is everyone's problem with him? I really don't get it!

Fern, Santa Ana CA

Love, love, love your strip today!!! (Wed. Aug 6, 2008) Wondering how many cockamamie US publishers declined to print that one...thank you so much for all you do! I keep your link on my blog and look forward to reading daily.

Melanie J, Jacksonville Florida

Lynn, my appreciation of you as a person, your talent, and your keen way of putting things in words and pictures, has grown over this past weekend.

I visited a friend in Peterborough who had to put their dog of 14 years down - and this was the 1st year anniversary of saying good bye to Cindy. I was able to loan her my special copy of Remembering Farley and she found it very cathartic. Made me wish I had an extra copy for her to keep.

Thank you Lynn for being so honest and so YOU.

Peggy from Porcupine

Aughh! I've just read Lynn's Coffee Talk letter. What a great idea...she mentions drawing a comic novel. That would be so great. To have a long story with the FBorFW characters, but in a comic novel format, you know, like we used to have in the 50's, 60's and 70's? Remember the romance comics? The drawings were so beautiful. I bet Lynn's novel would be the greatest ever. Her drawings are out of this world, plus, her writing is the best. You'd see me running to the store to get my copy.

Diane G, Quebec

Bravo, Lynn. You're going to catch hell for what I imagine is the final Lawrence strip -- quite possibly from many of the same people who usually praise you here unconditionally -- but you did the right thing. As someone who lives in a state where people have the right to marry who they want, and who has gay friends and relatives in California and Canada, where people also have that right, I'm glad you took a moment before putting down your pen to celebrate that right. Don't let the reactionaries who write to gripe about this strip get you down; just know they're a dying breed. The rest of the continent will catch up with us one day.

Chris P, Boston MA

I can't for the life of me, understand why so many people think Liz is "settling" for Anthony. I am an independent, single, professional, woman who raised my son on my own. I have met my share of exciting, dashing, worthless men. Give me a man like Anthony! Hard-working, dedicated to his lady, a good father, sensible, and even-tempered. There doesn't need to be fireworks for there to be love. In fact, true love is not about fireworks at all! It is about committment, stability, and sharing whatever life holds for you. I have been with my better half for nine years and we have stayed together through so much, his mother's death just the latest thing. That is love, and I'm glad I have it.

Debbi D, Los Angeles

The strip for August 6, 2008:

Kudos on your thoughts, the strip and the sincerity of Lawrence's opinion.

It is wonderful that the right exists, and my it remain so.

Thank you again.

I'm an adult, straight as can be, a Christian and believe that God has love for all, not pick & choose by race, sexuality, creed or colour.

Janet M, Taber Alberta

I'm sorry, but the strip from August 6th, 2008 is just a bit too much.

Maybe up in Anything goes Canada or the left coast of the US this is fine, but for the majority of people around the world, marriage is created for one man and one woman.

Keep the politics of "gay marriage" out of the strip.

Christopher N, Big Lake, Minnesota

Re: Lawrence's statement in the August 6th strip -- OH YES! Hooray for civilized Canada!

E, Massachusetts, USA

Thank you for the strip of August 6, 2008. Your strip handles issues of personal and political importance with sensitivity and class. Hopefully, the day will come when the USA comes to its collective senses on issues of equality and fairness -- and we join our wiser neighbors to the north.

David M, Urbandale, IA, USA

You know, I know a lot of people were writing here in the coffee talk that they wanted to see Liz and Anthony show more affection- and they got there wish on Sat, 2 August. Really, though- the 2 of them together makes me go "ick" and I can't really put my finger on why. Right from when he first came on to her after the attack, telling her to "wait for him" he triggered my creep alarm. I don't really remember them from when they were younger, so I can't say I have been cheering for them. But Liz is relatively close in age to myself, and a guy like that is just creepy.

So, I am sure the wedding will be beautifully drawn and will make the Liz/Anthony shippers very happy. But I am going to get the creeps.

Rachel, The Netherlands

I certainly could have done without today's strip. Please don't push the gay agenda in this traditional family strip. You've created a gay character, we've lived with it. Please don't glorify the lifestyle.

Freddie, TN

I've read and loved the strip for years, but was a bit disappointed with what Lawrence said today. Does that mean that Jim and Iris, John and Elly, Mike and Deanna, and Liz and Anthony are *not* married in spirit? Does having the ceremony actually harm that in some way? Is that what Lawrence thinks? Or does Lawrence think he is less a person in some way?

Paul, Tampa

Todays strip is a keeper. I LOVE it! Thank you Lynn!!!! How wonderful that Lawrence is still so close with the Patterson's. He's a great guy!

Now, will you tell us what Dennis is up to? It would be great if he was at the wedding and took Liz out on the floor for a spin!

Genoa, The Berkshires MA

I've always enjoyed this strip, and I just wanted to thank Lynn Johnston for her positive portrayals and messages regarding gay issues. Her collected strips should be required reading in all school curricula. Thanks again for showing us all what "family values" really means.

Terry M, South Windsor CT

Bully!
You might catch flack for the stript today, but you make great points for equality and, well, fairness.

Please keep it up!

Cheers,

Jim B, Pennsylvania

This is the most anticipated comic strip wedding since Brenda Starr! And I see with the early start of the festivities, Lynn is allowing plenty of time to let us experience every aspect of the day. Nice!

I would love to see the wedding invitation art. How about sending us readers an invitation? Aren't we invited? It's not like we're not coming anyway!

Denise, Detroit

Further to John's "Bundle" == We had a "Society" Wedding at the Church in our Neighbourhood Last Summer. The Photo and Videographer EACH cost about $3,000! (You got a really nice "Wedding-Day Photojournal" Album along with all the various-sized Portraits, though, --and a professionally produced Tape/DVD jam-packed with lovely "visual effects".)

A mutli-Tiered, "High-End" Wedding Cake can cost $800-$1000,-- and I don't even WANT to think what a catered dinner -- with wine -- for at least 56 people (based on a count of the chairs in today's strip) would run to...

According to the Bridal Association of America, today's "Formal Weddings" can run to an average $29,000 US Dollars apiece. John probably saved $1500 on the gown and $1100 on the flowers, so that should help a bit.

Oh well, the cost doesn't seem to really bother anyone but John -- so let's tear up those invoices, and CELEBRATE!

Anna M, Winnipeg

Lynn,

Just had to send a note about today's strip, where Lawrence celebrates the fact that he and Nick could get married if they want to.

I loved it! And I love that you put it in! It is indeed wonderful that gay couples can be married in this country, and it's something worth celebrating. So thanks for bringing it up. :)

"Straight But Not Narrow,"

Nikki, Mount Forest ON

Thank you for today's strip!

Michelle, Brooklyn

I am so impressed with today's strip (August 6) and just needed to give you a pat on the back. I never miss this strip and feel connected to all the folk. Thank you!

P.C., Cumberland Plateau, TN

Thanks for today's strip. And thank you for your open support for so many years. It sure makes being out a more enjoyable experience seeing myself (sort of) in pop culture!

Peter, Rochester NY

Hi,
I like to read your comic from time to time in the Stars and Stripes paper. It seems so wholesome and supportive of a solid family unit. That seems to be deminishing these days and I have to say that I was very surprised to read the latest edition when the florist Nick discusses his "right" to be married to his "partner." I know everyone is different and has their own point of view, I was surprised; and disappointed.

Army Wife, Vicenza Italy

In regard to the August 6 strip, I am disappointed. You have a right to your opinions on controversial subjects, but please, in a syndicated strip which I assume goes all over the country, don't air your views in a strip which is supposed to be for entertainment purposes. This is the reason I don't read strips like Doonesbury; I want entertainment, not political correctness.

Ruth L, Abilene TX

After reading today's strip and the strong political statement that Lynn has made, I have to say that I am glad For Better or For Worse is coming to an end.

You blew it Lynn. This was one place I could look to and not have political views of one side or another shoved down my throat - now that is gone.

Jen, Virginia

Oh boy! You are going to hear about this one!
Good for you for putting this in. The "nervous Nellies" can cancel their subscriptions or "whatever"; however, this is the real world. Lawrence and his partner aren't harming anyone.

Sherill A., Seattle, Washington U.S.A.

It is such a joy to see that Liz and Anthony are finally having their happy ending after all this time.

Sure people make mistakes in the past, but this shows that a person can grow and learn from these mistakes to make better life choices.

Love is a once and a lifetime thing...and a soul mate is forever...I truly feel that Liz and Anthony are soul mates and are on their way to that happy ending.

Angela, Toronto ON

Thank you for showing that love comes in all different shapes, colors, sizes and people. Laurence's subtle comment about marriage is wonderful... not everyone married is in love, and not everyone in love is married.

Thanks again!!!

Jim I, Bloomington IN