Brings back lots of nostalgic memories of the early 1950s. I was a conservative without knowing it even then -- having no concept, as a small-town kid, of any other way of thinking or living -- doggone!
In 1952 Milton Berle owned Tuesday night television with his 8 p.m. show, Texaco Star Theatre. The small DuMont network decided to put Sheen on the air opposite Berle as something of a sacrificial lamb, thinking a program with no potential may as well be on in a time slot with no chance. Initially, Life is Worth Living aired on only three stations nationwide. The show proved popular with audiences, however, and immediately began cutting into the ratings of Berle and Frank Sinatra, who had a Tuesday night show on CBS. Within two months Sheen's show was seen on 15 stations, and the bishop was overwhelmed with fan mail and requests to sit in the studio audience. NBC even tried to lure him away from DuMont at one point, but loyalty bid the bishop decline. At the 1952 Emmy Awards, Sheen defeated Edward R. Murrow, Lucille Ball and Arthur Godfrey for the title of Most Outstanding Television Personality. Upon accepting his award, he said, "I wish to thank my four writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John."
Brings back lots of nostalgic memories of the early 1950s. I was a conservative without knowing it even then -- having no concept, as a small-town kid, of any other way of thinking or living -- doggone!
We were most fortunate to have grown up during that period in US history. As you may recall, stores were closed on Sunday which was truly a day of worship followed by family dinner.. As kids, we played outside all day. And the games were simple - tag, cops & robbers, roller skates, riding bikes and, as you pointed out, applying entrepreneurial skills to earn a few extra dollars. We interacted with neighbors, offering to carry a grocery bag or open a door. Doors were not locked. Life was simpler.
Contrast that with today's youth who spend hours each day in front of a tv, interacting with electronic games, txting, tweeting, and hanging out at the mall. Home cooked family meal? Fast food for all. Sunday worship has been replaced with sports and shopping (not enough time in the week for God).
Pendulums swing. We have witnessed how far it has swung from conservative to liberal. There is only one other direction it can move and that is back to the right. Let's hope and pray that we have an opportunity to witness that.
Thanks for the ping, post and memories. Enjoyed them very much.