Benjamin Spock lived in near Rogers, Arkansas in Esculapia Hollow in the 70’s & 80’s. His step daughter attended Rogers High School. At one time, his book, Baby and Child Care, sold more copies than any other book than the Bible, even after his political opponents spread the false charge that he was for “permissiveness” in child care. He was an Olympic gold medalist, political activist, and presidential candidate. It saddens me that many people under 40 have never heard of him, even in this area where he lived. Whatever you thought of his politics, he was sincere, straightforward, engaging and difficult not to like. He was a wonderful man, but fame is fleeting. He wouldn’t care. You can read more about him at http://www.tititudorancea.com/z/benjamin_spock.htm
5 comments:
Thanks for the memos Virg. I liked Ben & his wife Mary Morgan a lot too. Ben got along with everyone who got to know him. Mary was charming, but could rub some people the wrong way. For example, I understand that Doc King was a bit shaken when she came to speak at RHS wearing a T-Shirt with "Anita Sucks" written on the front. (It may have said "Anita Sucks-oranges) For you young folks, the referenced Anita was Anita Bryant, singer, beauty queen, spokes person for Florida orange juice, and anti-gay activist.
Now Dr. Spock's book was studied more in our household when my two young ones were sproutin and getting into everything. Spock worked. He did not believe in beating a child, but when all else failed spanking was allowed. Many early morning hour were spent thumbing tHrough that book trying to solve a sleepless Night Spock was right on most of the time. Parents are fortunate to have Web MD today
Maybe I need to pick up a copy of that for Sid. He says that he now understands the role of parent is his job, with twenty eight to deal with.
However, I wonder the extent to which the enlightened/ indulgent approach accounts for the passive manner in which such children, of the baby boom generation, have come to tolerate the non-sense going on in our society from those who were not so raised? Anyone here willing to study that question?
BEN GAVE ME THE BEST ADVICE ABOUT HOW TO GET PAST THE BAD TASTE OF THE OLD GOLIGHTLY COLON PREP FOR COLONOSCOPY.HE WAS AN EXPERT SINCE HE HAD TO HAVE ONE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.HE POLITELY TOLD ME TO ADD ENOUGH SCOTCH INTO THE MIXTURE TO COVER THE TASTE.I MISS HIS VISITS .
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