Care about the Future? Don’t Miss “More than One Vote” on PBS

(A review written by Bob Etier)
A deeply thought-provoking examination of the state of education in America and its impact on  politics, More than One Vote debuts this week on public television stations (see local listings for day and time). In an era when voters—and citizens eligible

I remember voting booths like this one from the 60’s and 70’s.

to vote who can’t be bothered—question the value of their votes and resent their exclusion from the processes of government “by the people,” More than One Vote examines Americans’ attitudes about self-governing and their familiarity with how government works.
According to More than One Vote, “A better educated and informed electorate will demand a more  responsible government.” The program explores the work and ideals of individuals and institutions developing programs to teach how government works; classes in Civics, American History, and Free Enterprise for school-aged students; activities including essay and poster contests; and programs that encourage voters to be better informed.
In addition to fostering education, an advocacy program is being designed, aimed to develop non-biased congressional watch groups, monitor congressional attendance and voting records, establish educational oversight groups, and  conduct government efficiency studies. Skeptics, such as this reviewer, may wonder if such an expansive project is too ambitious to succeed, but will secretly cross their fingers and hope this initiative will have a positive impact on American politics and society.
Participating in More than One Vote, are journalists, educators, activists, and representatives of organizations dedicated to improving education, social issues, government, and politics. Also interviewed are notables such as Henry Kissinger, Benita Bogart, Danny Glover, Lise Egstrom, Julian F. Thibaut,and Rupert Murdoch.

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 NOTE:
This review appeared first as an appendix in The Presidents Club, by FCEtier.

More Than One Vote and this related review are works of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, and organizations mentioned are the product of the author’s imagination, or, if real, are used fictitiously without any intent to describe their actual conduct. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events is entirely coincidental.

Anytime you’re feeling lonely

Anytime you’re feeling blue

Anytime you feel down hearted…

That’s the time to dial up Leon Redbone on YouTube.

A few minutes in the time warp of this anachronistic nostalgia and you’ll be smiling for hours.

From my pictorial salute to Mr. Redbone.

When it comes to Leon Redbone himself,

There’s a great big mystery

It sure has worried me

And, it’s not diddy wah diddy (which was a popular cover of Redbone’s.)

Urban legends took on a life of their own with claims that he was Frank Zappa or Andy Kaufman–until he outlived them both.

I first saw Leon Redbone asking about diddy wah diddy on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson back in the Eighties. The “great big mystery” for most of us is who is this guy, where did he come from, and how does an artist with few (if any) charted recordings become so popular?

The voice, attire, style, demeanor, and repertoire combined to get my attention. The more I heard and saw, the more interested I became in this unique entertainer, whom I hear has now retired due to health reasons.

From my pictorial salute to Mr. Redbone.

Since posting my pictorial tribute on Facebook, several friends have reported new interest among their friends as they shared the photos on their pages. Regardless of the source of interest, or whose mouth spreads the word, it seems like Mr. Leon Redbone will continue to acquire new fans even in his retirement.