Okay, sure, Mr. Rogers is dead. But, eh, why quibble?
Today would've been his 84th birthday. In remembrance, PBS is running a documentary from a filmmaker who used to summer next door to Mr. Rogers--which goes on to explain how unbelievably flawless a human being he was. In today's media-driven, red-light saturated society, you half-expect a half-dozen illegitimate children to come forward, claiming Mr. Rogers ignored their pleas for child support because he had a jonesing for the nose candy and 30 racks of Natty Light.
But, no. Somehow, as if it's impossible for such kindness to exist in a human being, Mr. Rogers was what he was--practical low-priced sneakers and rainbow cardigans included.
So, to remember the man, here's Mr. Rogers and the famous 1969 Congressional hearings. Famous because public television was going to have its proposed $20 million dollar grant slashed in half. Famous because Mr. Rogers testified. Famous for Senator Pastore's flinty demeanor breaking down over six minutes until, under Mr. Rogers's soft-as-fleece assault, Pastore gives in.
(Okay, sure, it's dry. It's Mr. Rogers testifying. But watch it. It shows people can be rational and good.)
Today would've been his 84th birthday. In remembrance, PBS is running a documentary from a filmmaker who used to summer next door to Mr. Rogers--which goes on to explain how unbelievably flawless a human being he was. In today's media-driven, red-light saturated society, you half-expect a half-dozen illegitimate children to come forward, claiming Mr. Rogers ignored their pleas for child support because he had a jonesing for the nose candy and 30 racks of Natty Light.
But, no. Somehow, as if it's impossible for such kindness to exist in a human being, Mr. Rogers was what he was--practical low-priced sneakers and rainbow cardigans included.
So, to remember the man, here's Mr. Rogers and the famous 1969 Congressional hearings. Famous because public television was going to have its proposed $20 million dollar grant slashed in half. Famous because Mr. Rogers testified. Famous for Senator Pastore's flinty demeanor breaking down over six minutes until, under Mr. Rogers's soft-as-fleece assault, Pastore gives in.
(Okay, sure, it's dry. It's Mr. Rogers testifying. But watch it. It shows people can be rational and good.)
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