Mr. Rogers 1969 Testimony to Senate to save Educational Television

Nov 30, 2017 11:03 PM

thesameasyours

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197101

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5158

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He spoke from the heart, letting them know what his program is about

A program they had never heard of or seen before

Nixon wanted to cut the funding in half, and they gave him 6 minutes to convince them not too.

After hearing his heartfelt speech they could not deny Mr. Rogers, for this I am grateful.
http://www.fredrogers.org/frc/news/45-years-ago-mister-rogers-addressed-congress

Transcript http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fredrogerssenatetestimonypbs.htm

I miss the time when real discussion was given respect.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I will always upvote Mr. Rogers. Next to my father, he was probably the biggest male influence on my life.

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

v

8 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

This seems weird to say, but... back when people seemed to have souls, during the Nixon administration.

8 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

He was an amazing person. I hope if they ever make a movie about his life that Edward Norton plays him

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Or zachary quinto

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Watch his eyes. He keeps eye contact almost the entire time. It's remarkable.

8 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

Wow...Go to the link and actually listen to him. listen to the way he talks. He is so careful with his words. Color me impressed.

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Shut up and take my money.

8 years ago | Likes 34 Dislikes 2

Yeah, mine too

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 40 Dislikes 1

There's a reason this man's sweater is in the Smithsonian.

8 years ago | Likes 66 Dislikes 0

Oh wow. That's quite remarkable. (Not sarcasm, in case I have downvote fairies)

8 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

Mr. Rogers was awesome. I remember watching his show right before Reading Rainbow.

8 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

"Well, I'm supposed to be a pretty tough guy, and this is the first time I've had goose bumps for the last two days."

8 years ago | Likes 24 Dislikes 0

Not only did they not deny him, they gave him more money!

8 years ago | Likes 29 Dislikes 0

He signed my bible a few month before he died :( I was two

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Mr. Roger's has a point about all the guns in cartoons, and mental health. Maybe a connection, Idk. Haven't dropped an anvil on anyone yet!

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I don't think it promotes violence. I think it just desensitizes everyone in all forms of media. People don't care when they hear about a

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Mass shooting on the 7o clock news. We've had too much thrown at us to where little if nothing matters anymore.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I forget the award he was presented, lifetime achievement or something, but that speech was another example of what a good human he was. RIP

8 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

You can really tell that with how everyone looked after that 10 second pause.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

And to think this man won the ultimate showdown

8 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

I grew up watching his show, one of the only positive things from my childhood. I will admit to getting choked up.

8 years ago | Likes 52 Dislikes 0

I’m sorry that it’s one of the few.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Same

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Sorry to hear that your childhood wasn’t positive. I had both good and bad

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Man there's nothing better then changing someone's viewpoint.

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Well, educating them so they can make a better, more informed decision.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

We did not deserve such an amazing human being such as he

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

but it was what we needed growing up. I'm grateful to have watched and learned as a child, gonna play these for my kids

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

look for the helpers

8 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

That always chokes me up. Great advice from a parent to a scared child.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKy7ljRr0AA

8 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

Interesting .

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

. Mr Rogers talks to Washington

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I hope more people see this.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Oh shit I got bitch tears.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

thank fucking you +1

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

He was my hero growing up. Cool side note, his niece was a student teacher for my biology class when I was in high school.

8 years ago | Likes 32 Dislikes 0

Go on...

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Sadly, that's the story. Think I was a sophomore, and she was the student teacher for honors biology. Good teacher, but she refused to just-

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Let us talk about uncle Fred like we wanted too.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Was she a good person to?

8 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

Fuck yes.

8 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

Yay!

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I just actually cried.. I'm so sad

8 years ago | Likes 27 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

From one of his songs: It's alright to cry, crying takes the sad out of you. It's alright to cry, it might make you feel better.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

My God I remember the first time I heard this. I cried so hard that day.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I remember this from 1st grade in 1981.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

That man had a heart big enough to encompass all the world. I wonder, what in his life made him such a charitable soul.

8 years ago | Likes 203 Dislikes 1

No social media.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

He was the second coming, and we missed it, probably. Either that, or he was as truly special as we all are, and he gave his gift to all.

8 years ago | Likes 42 Dislikes 2

I honestly think saying he’s the second coming would take away from how truly special this man was, since it would indicate something 1/?

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

2/2 he was something supernatural. He truly embodies kindness and compassion, which is no easy task

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I heard somewhere that he was a pastor (non-child molesting type) but still was awesome enough to keep his personal views off of the show.

8 years ago | Likes 48 Dislikes 2

He was a Presbyterian minister. For almost as long as he worked on tv.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

You seem to have very negative views of pastors

8 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 5

-was just generalising and felt the need to add the “(non-child molesting type)” comment. Assuming no personal bad experiences ofc.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

lol ok forgot about the "non-child molesting type" haha. But yeah still, admire TF out of Rog

8 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

I'm not sure he does, I think it's admirable Mr. Rogers put his religion aside to include all kids universally in his messages.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

Yeah. Excellent point.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

I think people always remember the bad news. Im sure and believe there’s way more good pastors than the bad/weak ones. Maybe StumbleJunkie-

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

And there was actually a Senator listening to him that was willing to have his mind changed. Good Guy John Pastore

8 years ago | Likes 176 Dislikes 2

It's almost like a powerful person making a decision vs a puppet powerful person caving to money in fear to keep their status quo

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

He actually gave 22 mil to PBS because of mister Rogers. Not the 20mil they were asking.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Everyone has to listen when Mr Rogers talks. He's like a cool breese when he talks in his calm considered tone.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

The pace he speaks is so considered. I agree - a cool breeze when he talks.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

If you're interested here is a breakdown of his tactics plus other interesting stuff https://youtu.be/_DGdDQrXv5U

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Great link though.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I don’t think he thought it was tactics I think he honestly just naturally knew how to talk to people.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Holy shit that was so good it made me log onto YT to favorite. Best link I've clicked on all year +1

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Doot

6 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Thank you! This is so very interesting!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Damn good video man.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I grew up in a homeless shelter with a shit mom and no dad. The guy who ran the shelter made sure that the communal tv was always available1

8 years ago | Likes 1083 Dislikes 3

8 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

2for me and my little brother when Mr.Rogers was on. This man did so much for me. Im crying knowing i can never thank or repay him.

8 years ago | Likes 791 Dislikes 1

<3

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

You just did

8 years ago | Likes 80 Dislikes 0

Thank you.

8 years ago | Likes 27 Dislikes 0

be the kind of person he thought all of us could be, that's how you thank him.

8 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

<3

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You can pay it forward.

8 years ago | Likes 369 Dislikes 0

He'd probably prefer that. I'll aim to do both. Pay forward now... hopefully get a chance to pay him back later.

8 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

I try to as often as i can. But i think from now on when i pay it forward i will specifically mention that the deed is courtesy of Mr.Rogers

8 years ago | Likes 122 Dislikes 0

Dude...why you give me feels ?

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I think he knows...Godspeed

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Be the man Mr Rogers knew you could be, and repay him by making just even your own neighbourhood that bit friendlier.

8 years ago | Likes 193 Dislikes 0

Im on it! Thank you!

8 years ago | Likes 54 Dislikes 0

How to change the world, one random act of kindness a day

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Doesn't have to be random

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You may n0t be Jesus, but you can definitely make someone's day a but better every day

8 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

I’m. Read. Ing. It. All. In. A. Ro. Bot’s. Voice. L. O. L.

8 years ago | Likes 147 Dislikes 14

Watching the vid in the link below is much much better and faster

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It hurt, but I did that too.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

the video is tough to watch. dude talks super slow.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

This comment deserves more points.

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 7

I read it in his voice. Did you watch Mr Rogers?

8 years ago | Likes 24 Dislikes 0

Me too! I felt so warm reading 'I like you just the way you are' .

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I did, and the incredibly fucking slow text had me reading it in his voice but sounding robotic because of how long the pauses are.

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 1

Nah, he was before my time. Heard nothing but good things about him, though.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

If you watch the video (easy YouTube search "Mr Rogers congress") you'll see that the timing of the text matches the cadence of his voice.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Will do.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You know what really pisses me off? People blamed him for the feeling of entitlement in our generation.

8 years ago | Likes 571 Dislikes 7

Because we are, and should feel entitled what our last generation has done for us. We show that entitlement because we respect their effort

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 31

I feel like my first boss wrote this.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Guess no one knows sarcasm unless i wrote /s

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

WHAT KIND OF MONSTER IS CAPABLE?!

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

The only thing he believed every child was entitled to was Love.

8 years ago | Likes 39 Dislikes 1

Who is our?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

They can obble gobble down on my fucking sac.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I will literally fight anyone who thinks that

8 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 1

He is not to blame. His message was very much correct. It is the misinterpretation, selfish or otherwise, that has lead people to feel

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

That they are entitled.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

This confuses me on a profound level. Could you explain their logic for having that opinion?

8 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

Basically they claim that by saying they're special he's telling them they deserve things without working. Bullcrap, but it's often argued.

8 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

Yes, it was obviously Mr. Roger's fault, and totally not the parents who gave out participation trophies because "everyone's a winner".

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

He was around when our parents were young. So their complaint is irrelevant.

8 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 1

Anyone who believes that is entitled to a beat down

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Under appreciated comment.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

And that is so counter to everything Mr. Rogers Neighborhood taught: try, fail OR succeed, learn either way; don't be an asshole.

8 years ago | Likes 45 Dislikes 0

:( His show was the only time I felt safe at home for my first 9 years that I remember. I can't believe people would say that about him.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I’m sorry you didn’t feel safe at home. Are you doing ok now?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

oh yea im 26 and finally well adjusted thank you for asking :)

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

i'm glad to hear that

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

If anything, we need more of him. He was big on owning your problems, being in control, and responsibility.

8 years ago | Likes 85 Dislikes 0

What?! Who?

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

The answer will not surprise you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29lmR_357rA

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

They obviously missed his message.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Thanks I didn’t have source to back my comment up with.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What do you do with the mad that you feel? When you feel so mad you could bite.

8 years ago | Likes 118 Dislikes 0

When i seen that video it gave me goosebumps lol so pure and real

8 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Rise up and seize the means of production.

8 years ago | Likes 74 Dislikes 2

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Yes comrade.

8 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 1

Let the workers unite! A collective regime of peace and love.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

The whole world must know of our peaceful ways BY FORCE.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I bite something. Usually my lips or my fingers though.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I chew on my lips. And then pick them til they’re semi-bleeding. :(

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Always has to be something though. I have never been able to just sit and not bite on something.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yeah I used to rip off hangnails til I bled and had bandaids I'm nearly all my fingers. Now I just nibble the inside of my lips/cheeks.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Oh and when it's not that I lightly grind my teeth. I only remembered because I was just doing it.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0