Things are a whole hell of a lot easier when we were little. For many of us, the random concerns about school work, the world state of affairs, increasing bills, the failing economy, or what that hottie from the gym thought of us were far gone from our head. In fact, the biggest thing we had to worry about was whether our Moms or Dads were going to give us Oreos after dinner, and hoping that our favorite T.V show wasn't a rerun.

By the time kids are probably 7 or 8, society has drawn a lot of gender lines. Boys like Transformers, cars, blowing things up, and running around. Girls like dolls, horses, being Princess, My Little Pony, and the color pink. Before then, however, children's entertainment is wonderfully all-inclusive-- kids of all genders and races, and sometimes their parents, can sit down and enjoy what's going on.

For our generation, one of those shows was Mr. Rogers. Fred Rogers, who was born in Pennsylvania and started off as a puppeteer, shows kids the importance of caring, learning, and always have a good sweater on hand. His shows often covered light-hearted subjects such as music, or teaching children the fact that it's impossible to get sucked down the bathroom drain (a common fear at that age)-- but also heavier topics, such as hospitals or the Gulf war. His calm, soothing presence was both loving and educational, and I'm pretty sure I'm a better person for having watched his shows. When he passed in 2003 of stomach cancer, I know that I shed a tear for what felt like the loss of a small part of my childhood.

However, the generation behind us may not have his benefit.

As the Chicago Tribue reports, many PBS stations are taking Rogers off the air, citing that he just isn't getting the ratings that he used to. Upset fans are calling the station, saying that just because the group of children has (unfortunately) grown smaller, doesn't make it less important. I know, I know, I'm being a huge sentimentalist here, and I know how ratings work, but Mr. Rogers is an icon, and to take him out of children's programs when he helped define it just feels wrong.

Fortunately, there is some hope. A Milwaukee station received so many calls and letters requesting the show stay, that it has decided to keep the show on air. 

While writing your local PBS station seems pointless and probably like too much of a hassle, I'm hoping others will consider doing the same. Actually, I just hope I'm not the last generation to see Mr. Rogers take off his shoes and tell me about the world.