(no subject)

[merrily]

I should be writing an essay, but instead I'm listening to this totally wonderful and heartwarming podcast appreciation of Mister Rogers, and his neighbourhood. [Link goes to BoingBoing, because linking directly to the podcast makes it start playing, and you might not want that.]

Highlights: Mister Rogers testifying at a Senate hearing (or something?) about the importance of public television funding in making children feel cared for and happy. He recites one of his songs about how to handle being mad, and single-handedly charms the hardhearted budget committee into upping the public television budget from 9 mill to 22 million dollars.

Mister Rogers: Just So Awesome.

Comments

[human-loser.livejournal.com]

that senate hearing is an amazing fucking clip. The dude was just ready to obliterate Rogers, and in a handful of minutes, and never forgetting his manners, Rogers turns the situation completely around. That is some serious real life drama.

[merrilily.livejournal.com]

Also, it's a great example of sincere caring winning out. I was really touched to hear Fred Rogers explain that he felt it was important that he was able to use public television to provide an expression of care to the children watching the show. It's heartwarming and radical to have someone stand up and say, it's important that our children know they're loved, and we have an obligation to do that.

I mean, talk about a man of God. Fred Rogers was holy. My atheist self rarely feels that way, but Fred? Working for God, man. Working for God.