🚀 go-pugleaf

Dear Valarie:

 I thank you for your honest response to my questions, and rest assured
it's because of the respect I have for vaudville and movie pioneers,
especially your father, that I get 
defensive on the subject.
 When I was a boy, one of my favorite T.V. programs was the Amos n' Andy
Show, I remember them well. It was a finely written and well cast
production, having nothing at all in common with the radio show.
 As for variations on a theme, I agree, the Honeymooners and many others
"borrowed" quite liberally, Sanford and Son in my opinion was heavily
influenced by the show as well. Especially the part of Grady Wilson,
played by the late Whitman Mayo who, again, in my opion was merely a
contemporary knock off of the Lightnin character.
 It's because of the bad rap laid at the feet of men like your dad,
Stepin Fetchit, or the great Bill "Bo Jangles" Robinson by people who,
for the most part wouldn't know Harriet Beecher Stowe from Bedtime For
Bonzo that I especially get riled...
 In the stereotyped roles your father was often forced to accept I saw
the humble, quiet dignity of a man who would publicly undertake and
endure such treatment in order to survive, during a time when his own
humanity was barely respected, much less recognized.
 And doing so without becoming bitter and hateful, as reflected in your
kind and gracious letter only tells me your father did what he set out
to do; keep his family together and raise his children well. In my book,
that's the highest praise and the best legacy any father could hope to
leave. You should be proud of him.
 It's unfortunate that so much of the mediocrity that passes for talent
and celebrity today just don't seem to understand that. For instance,
all throughout the holiday season, there was Yoko Ono, who has more
money than you or I will ever see, lives a very luxurios lifestyle in
the most exclusive (restricted) of neighborhoods; shilling for American
Express. Says Yoko: "we've come a long way in helping the homeless, but
there's so much more that _YOU_ can do"... I found that patronizing,
insulting and contemptible. For every $1,000 dollars you run up on your
American Espress Card, Yoko Ono will deliver a shiny new dime to the
soup kitchen or flop house of your choice...
 And while your parents are fighting tooth and nail in relative
obscurity to do something positive, we fawn all over the Yoko Onos' of
the world, for their great character and contributions to humanity.
 I'm reminded of something I heard in a recent speech by J.C. Watts who
summed it up best. "Character, is when you do the right thing..... While
nobody's looking...

 If I had any doubts about your sincerity Valarie, it's in large part
due to that...

 And if I did hold any misconceptions, I stand corrected.

Please give your parents my warmest wishes,
And for what it's worth, you may count on my support...

Barry Smith