Mister Rogers

[Brian Cordova <blessedbrian@yahoo.com>]

  I never watched Mr. Rogers that much, however I do have a memory of 
channel-surfing a few years ago and finding his guest to be Margaret 
Hamilton (the wicked witch of the West).  The very kindly Ms. 
Hamilton spent a few moments of making up as the witch in order to 
demonstrate the difference between make-believe and reality, as it 
had always bothered her how much her character had frightened 
children all of these years (she had a deep love of children).  

  Another good memory of Mr. Rogers is even though he had already 
retired at the time, he came out of retirement long enough to address 
the many fears of children after the horrors of 9-11. 

  In many ways, Fred Rogers was similar to Professor Lupin, in 
teaching children not to avoid their fears, yet instead demonstrating 
ways of looking at them as to not to be overcome by them.

  An excellent lesson for adults as well.

  Brian:-)