A fevered day in the neighborhood

Herewith, fevered thoughts from a fevered mind supposedly rested by a weekend break:

In the first place, one subversive thought remains in my mind from prior to the weekend. On Friday, the Post-Gazette had a front-page picture of the finishing touches being made to the key-hole shaped opening in the bridge pier on the North Shore. It will serve as a remembrance to the beloved Fred Rogers, he famously of The Neighborhood.

When the 10-foot high bronze statue of Mister Rogers is placed there, it will make an impressive sight. But I wonder what future generations, while appreciative of a little park dedicated to children, will make of it.

My guess is that in 20 years most Americans, especially children, will have forgotten Mister Rogers, whose lasting fame depends on re-runs, which already get less air time than they once did.

The world constantly renews itself. Fame is fleeting and I fear that all the bronze cast for a good man can't change that fact. In short, I think we have erected a fine curiosity for the ages. I hope I am wrong.

Fevered though No. 2: I strongly disagree with Maureen Dowd's column this morning. Goodness knows, I have been a harsh critic of George W. Bush, but I don't think it is fair to criticize him for not ever going to Dover Air Force Base to witness the return of fallen servicemen. It was great that President Obama made this sad visit last week but what he did differs only in style - not in substance - from what Bush did in his private meetings with grieving families. Fair is fair.

Fevered thought No. 3: In response to my last posting about the mayor's race op-eds, Kevin Morris wrote: "Your paper requested crap, and the candidates delivered. It is kind of hypocritical for you to complain now."

No, it is not, for the elementary reason that we did not request crap. There was no letter saying, "We are in need of some crap to fill our op-ed page and we are hoping you can oblige."

That the candidates delivered crap was entirely their choice and it was revealing that they did so. A discerning voter - at least not one disposed to blame the Post-Gazette for making a fair-minded effort (that would be you too, Mr. McCloskey) - could take a lesson from this.

The fact is that a paper that serves the community should devote some of its space to provide candidates the chance to speak directly to the voters in their own unfiltered voice. What? You think differently?

If someone squanders this decent gesture, I reckon it is on them.

 

Posted Nov 02 2009, 12:35 PM by Reg Henry
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Comments

mugsy wrote re: A fevered day in the neighborhood
on Mon, Nov 2 2009 1:04 PM

I have spent the previous eight years wondering what Maureen Dowd would do once President Bush left office, and the past 10 months learning the answer; nothing. her friends should take up an intervention and help her to move on. It is to our host's credit that he calls her on it, this borders on obsession.

Mr. Henry, the stars must be aligned in an opportune configuration because it appears that we agree twice. The PG is not responsable for what their guest columnists might say. The idea of presenting a forum is good, the idea of squandering that opportunity is regretable. Fair, as you said, is fair. We, as readers, need to demand more. Not from the PG in this case, but from those who should have made good use of an opportunity that doesn't come around the corner every day.

thescarletpumpernickel wrote re: A fevered day in the neighborhood
on Mon, Nov 2 2009 2:46 PM

, you say?

Crap need not be a bad thing.

Famed philosopher Bronco Nagursky is reputed to have uttered the aphorism:

"Life is a sh*t sandwich, and each day we take another bite."

kevin morris wrote re: A fevered day in the neighborhood
on Mon, Nov 2 2009 3:02 PM

Reg, while you technically didn't request crap, you requested input from keisters. Their options were limited.