CHARLIE BROWN

 

    I’ve been watching some of the Charlie Brown Christmas shows.  I was thinking, wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if everyone fell into the categories of characters developed by  Charles Schultz?  When you think about it most everyone is represented, except bad people.   There is no room in Charlie’s world for bad people.  There are some that are rascals or envious of Charlie’s see-no-evil nature but underneath, they love Charlie. 

     I am hooked the second I hear the tinkling piano sounds of Schroeder.  No matter what is going on in your life how can you not mellow out at these smooth, flowing classic songs that conjure up all that is good with people.  I just turn to mush.  I am instantly transported to a world of good people doing good, simple things.  Sure there are your little confrontations between the characters and some making fun of the gullible Chuck, bruising of ego’s and even heartbreak but in the end everyone loves Charlie. 

     Imagine if Charlie was the president of the United States.  He would be the epitome of the can’t-we-all-get-along way of governing.  While maybe lacking in some of the worldly qualities required of a president, that’s what his cabinet is for.  Lucy would be Secretary of State.  None of the leaders of the world would want to be on her bad side.  Snoopy, with his assistant Woodstock, would be Secretary of Homeland Security.  The Red Baron’s stellar military career would make him a perfect fit.  Linus would be Vice President.  He would be the perfect confidant for Charlie and maybe Housing and Urban Development for Pig Pen or Department of the Interior for Peppermint Patty.  The possibilities are endless.

     The press conferences would be in the no nonsense, straight forward manner of the Peanuts gang.  No posturing here, just tell it like it is.  Voices from both sides would be heard, guaranteeing bi-partisan decisions.  When a tough choice need be made Charlie, with the sage advice of Linus, would not waver.

     Maybe Charlie Browns world is over simplified and unrealistic, but is it really?  If enough people put their shoulder to the wheel we can certainly move in that direction.  It would begin in the hearts of each one of us.  It is a goal worth striving for.  All I know is, when a Charlie Brown show is over, I feel better.

     This is one of my favorite quotes from Chuck. 

         “This is my depressed stance. When you're depressed, it makes a lot of difference how you stand. The worst thing you can do is straighten up and hold your head high because then you'll start to feel better. If you're going to get any joy out of being depressed, you've got to stand like this.”

     Let’s all straighten up and hold our heads high.