Dear Joe,

You’re a tongue-tying traitor to the past. You’re a rebel and a showman. You’re my valentine, Joseph Howe.

It’s been almost 200 years now, Joe — 190 this March, but who’s counting? Where did all the time go? One minute, it’s March 2, 1835, and you’re protecting the liberty of the press, the next, I’m researching Canadian brands during a trade war. Oh, Joey baby. We’re so lost now. There’s tariffs and border disputes, and the smooth talkers are all against us. In these times of trouble — of heartache and worry — I think of you.

I think of you when I read. Oh, how you used to get lost in a book. You said, “if the book is amusing and the fire does not go out,” you might read the whole night through. I can hardly sleep these days, Joe, and when I do, I despair to wake.

I think of your words — your impact. You published an anonymous letter about the police and magistrates’ corruption. Even when you were tried in the courts by the very same people you sought to expose — charged with seditious libel, as if their extortion did not provoke mind and pen — you held your ground. No, you did more. You raised the bar. You showed the people of the court that freedom is action, and the press cannot act with a noose around its neck. Upon hearing your defense, ten minutes was all the jury needed. Indeed, “the press of Nova Scotia is free.”

You made mistakes. Who am I to forgive them? I benefit from only a chapter of your story — but what a marvellous chapter it was. A chapter soaked in liberal pride and integrity. They raised statues for that chapter. Plaques are forever etched with the letters that spell your name.

I think of what I can do for you. As a journalist in this province, you’ve given me so much. Your case became precedent, Joe. It feels like all I can do is honour that legacy. Keep writing and keep digging into the weeds of society. Maybe this year, I’ll light a candle. Maybe on March 2, I’ll scream your name in the quad. Who knows? Maybe we could start a movement. Joe Howe Day. How could we have done it without you?

With love,

Your valentine