Thursday, November 11, 2004

Mr. Beller: Too Long in the Neighborhood

The name of Tom Beller's "Mr. Beller's Neighborhood" web site of course is a takeoff on the Mister Rogers TV show. Lately Beller has borrowed not just from the title, but also from Fred Rogers's childlike way of thinking and speaking. An example of this is Beller's recent essay, "Thank you for helping save democracy." An excerpt:

"If you support John Kerry for president and plan on voting for him, that is not enough. Voting and hoping is not enough. Democracy is an ocean, and your vote is a teaspoon in that body of water. You have to be a spoon yourself and help get some more votes into that ocean. You have to take action. If you and every person who feels strongly about John Kerry being a better choice for president takes action, he will win. BUT YOU MUST ACT!

"There are many ways to do this, but perhaps the easiest is to make phone calls. It is so necessary, and so satisfying."

Tom's essay is so satisfying! Has everyone become a spoon? (Can you believe this simpleton is considered one of New York City's best writers?)

But now he's sad. Mr. Beller is sad. Because Mr. Kerry lost. Not enough spoons. But be bright! Now Mr. Beller can work for Mr. Bush. Writing speeches. For Bush! A perfect fit!

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