Mister Rogers still to the rescue: Sanity amid Paris, San Bernardino horrors

Fred Rogers has been gone almost 13 years, but at a time of fear, violence and the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, “Mister Rogers” should be heard again in every neighborhood.

That’s the reaction of people to a video that’s resurfaced after nearly 35 years — showing the sweater-wearing gentleman explaining to parents, and adults, how to deal with the horrors of murder.

Reflecting at the time on the murder of John Lennon – 35 years ago Tuesday – and attempts on the lives of President Reagan and Pope John Paul II, Rogers in his soft voice urges children to express their feelings of hurt and even anger.

In the short clip, Rogers says even he gets angry, “especially when I hear about people hurting other people.”

He concludes by advising youngsters to look for people who can help. Rogers served as one of those people.

On fredrogers.org, commenters shared their feelings:

• Mr. Rogers get this right again. Boy do we need a person like him in the world now instead of some of the people that are claiming they will help and change the world with their racist thought and complete nonsense.
• This generation of children need Mr Rogers’ thoughts on violence. We parents need Mr Rogers advice as to how to address the topic with our young ones too.
• Boy do we need a person like him in the world now instead of some of the people that are claiming they will help and change the world with their racist thought and complete nonsense.