Do you ever miss the “good ole days” when the Lone Ranger could dispense justice without fanfare or press conferences – and the local citizens had to ask “Who was that mask man? And when he could tell his trusted companion Tonto “I’ll shoot if I have too, but I will shoot to wound not to kill. If a man must die it is up to the law to decide that” and the viewing audience wouldn’t smirk.
Those times were not perfect. Beneath the wholesome exterior portrayed on television, there were vigilante hangings, unequal opportunities for women, (remember when girls could only play half-court basketball?), rivers on fire, organized crime alive and influential; and tobacco companies were still testifying that cigarettes didn’t kill.
I wouldn’t want to go back to those days, (although if I was eight again and knew what I know now – it would be tempting). But in our current cynical and distrustful times, there is something wishful and innocent, like a fresh breeze from a land faraway, about the beliefs the Lone Ranger held as a role model for the young children of the time – including myself. And I wonder do these values have any relevance today?
So just for a moment, let’s go back to a time sixty years ago and remember the ideals of the Lone Ranger.
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“I believe: that to have a friend, a man must be one; that all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world; that God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself; in being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right; that a man should make the most of what equipment he has; that ‘this government of the people, by the people, and for the people’ shall live always; that men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number; that sooner or later…somewhere…somehow…we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken; that all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever; in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.”
Last reminder. The Center’s annual summer rummage sale is this Thursday (June 27th) and Friday from 9:00 – 4:00; and ending on Saturday with the traditional bag sale from 9:00 until noon. As the saying goes “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
The one-of-a-kind Quilt, stitched together with fifteen historic cloth pictures, will be raffled off at the Cowboy Breakfast on July 20th – less than a month away. So time is running out to purchase your winning ticket. Raffle tickets are available at the Center for $1.00 apiece.
I’ve heard from Tim, the manager of The Dalles ReStore, that they are busier than ever this summer selling quality new or slightly used building materials and furniture at a fraction of retail prices.And to accommodate all the activity, they are open from 9:00- 6:00 during the summer months. But with longer hours Tim is also looking for more volunteers. If you want to help (all the income goes to support local Habitat projects) give him a call at 541-296-4486. Or better yet drop in at 1001 W 6th.
And before the commercial break ends and the show returns, playing tonight at the Center is “For the Good Times”. And on Tuesday, July 2nd starting at 7:00 PM the Strawberry Mountain Band will keep you busy till the sun fades into the evening skies. All ages are welcome and donations are always appreciated.
Tonto called the Lone Ranger Kemo Sahbee (also spelled Kemo Sabe or Kemosabe) meaning “trusted friend” or “trusted scout”. (And the winner this week is Betty Richmond.) But this week’s “Remember When” question is about another series that transitioned from radio to television. It portrayed a middle class family living in the Midwest and starred Robert Young (on both radio and television) as the father and a General Insurance agent. What was the name of this comedy that aired on television from 1954 until 1960? Mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a copy of a “Good Driver Agreement” from the Robert Young Good Driver Club.
Well, it has been another week trying to keep the “body busy and the mind delighted”. Until we meet again, consider this Swedish proverb: “Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; love more, and all good things will be yours.”
