What a Lamb!

C-SPAN just had a marathon of 25 hours for viewers to call in. There were 29 guests and all of the hosts took turns for this special event as C-SPAN celebrated 25 years of call-in shows on its channel.

I was surprised to learn on the last hour that Brian Lamb, CEO, does not give input as to where the cameras go. I also didn't know this non-profit received a nickel from cable companies for every household that receives C-SPAN. For a public service, it's worth every penny I pay the cable company--and more. I have learned so much about the Congress's business...and have received more fair and balanced information about the political processes. The mainstream media is generally less than helpful anymore for me to make voting decisions, although I am still somewhat dependent on what they do.

I would have liked to have been a caller for this event, but it's been my experience that one has to wait a long time to get on the air. I decided to enjoy the celebration and listen to the others.

One woman called tonight to say she was paralyzed, yet C-SPAN took her many places. I can empathize as in many respects, C-SPAN is like the books I read as a child during summer vacations and my folks didn't have many bucks for us to go places.

For example, I would not be able to step foot into the chambers of the Hill if it weren't for C-SPAN. I would not have understood all of the symbolism in the Pope's funeral a few months ago, but C-SPAN hooked to Vatican TV and an American archbishop gave the viewers a much better insight about the whole celebration, including pointing out people who worked closely with and for the Pope.

Recently, JRE went to Iowa for the annual Harkin Steak Fry. It was something I really wanted to attend, but could not. But I got the best jists of it through watching On The Road to the White House, including seeing my friend Jackie at the very beginning of the program. I also met Elizabeth Edwards via C-SPAN when she was on the bus campaigning for him last year in Wisconsin.

It would be a pity to see the Lafayette, IN guy, Brian Lamb, retire. He's quite the character--and by far, still the most poised with his guests, and doesn't put up with a lot of balderdash from the callers. Mr. Lamb has done the greatest service for our country outside of fighting a war: bringing the Congress and President into our living rooms without biased political comment. He received a nomination for Congressional Medal of Honor last year.

I will miss the day he takes off his glasses after interviewing someone on Q & A (formerly, Booknotes). He created a shepherd, C-SPAN, to lead us through the political morass. Tomorrow, he turns 64. And we still want him around.