"Alright, you got the floor": Some hope from Mister Rogers.

“Alright Rogers, you got the floor.”

It's 1969. Mister Rogers (yes, that Mister Rogers) is testifying before Congress. Nixon wants to cut the PBS budget. If he succeeds, the country will save $20 million, but lose the voice of Mister Rogers each day.

The Congress guy (Chairman John Pastore) starts off by saying, in a cynical New York accent, "Alright Rogers, you got the floor."

In less than six minutes, this quiet man from Western Pennsylvania does a masterful job of explaining why what he does is important, and convincing that cynical congressman to reinstate the budget. You can watch the actual speech below (about 6 minutes). It’s worth the time.

As Mr. Rogers quotes the song he wrote about what to do when you're mad (hint: it's about control and owning your feelings and choices), I couldn't help but think about the state of our world. So many opportunities to disagree! So many chances to be offended and self-righteous. So many times each day to be angry at the people who we share this life with. It seems there are so many loud voices these days. This world really, really misses that quiet voice.

Alright, you got the floor, Mike.

I have "the floor" in my own life. When my words can help, not hurt. Be useful, not flippant. Why can't I try to be more like Mister Rogers? Insecurity, I guess. Cynicism. Frustration at no easy answers to all the challenges around us.

But I can try to be helpful instead of hopeless. Believe the good instead of give in to the bad. I sure need to.

Alright. You got the floor. 

The floor of your own life. Everyone you know and come into contact with are watching. What are you doing with it today?