If you haven’t read, Mickey’s “relevancy” has recently come under fire. When I read the headline, “Is Mickey Relevant”, the thought struck me...are we relevant? To question the relevancy of Mickey is, in fact, to question our own values.

You see, Mickey was born during a time when neighbors used to visit over the fence or borrow a cup of milk. It was an era when one would stop to help another change a tire at roadside in the rain. Folks didn’t mind giving a smile and a wave to strangers passing by on the street. “Goodwill” wasn’t a store on the corner selling used items, it was a term of which Mickey was the unknowing mascot. He didn’t try to become this, he just was. He was known world over for an entire portfolio of character that, like sand, is slipping through our fingers.

Many cartoon characters have come and gone, none that I can think of illustrate the good traits of humanity like Mickey does. In his first color role, “The Band Concert”, Mickey was the anchor in the storm, leading the band to finish their musical task, even in the midst of a tornado. In “Brave Little Taylor”, he was the hero, overcoming his fears, then conquering the giant. In 1933’s “Puppy Love” he was the romantic, winning over Minnie with a heart-shaped box of candy. Mickey is a resolute friend to Goofy and Donald. A faithful boyfriend to his sweetheart Minnie. A steadfast caregiver to Pluto. He is brave, intelligent, loyal and determined. He’s silly, shy, caring and forgiving. Mickey is everything that we should want to be. But is he relevant? The question begs...relevant to what?

Today’s offspring watch too much TV; play too many video games, read too few books. Many have no regard for authority, while disregarding deep ties to the family life.

When Mickey glowed from our cathode ray tubes, our values were more wholesome and realistic. Today, kids watch their idols vaunt a culture of vanity, sex, and mountains of money...the “bling bling”. These people want your kids to revere them, their “cribs” and their accolades. Hard work and commitment to the long haul take a back seat. After all, these idols are what, 20 years old?

Another example, some of the video games, which is animation, like Mickey, are based on cold-blooded murder. At first, these images on their screens are quite shocking, but after a while numbness sets in. It amazes me these things are “relevant” to kids or people in general for that matter.

And, as a side note, how did children throughout history ever survive without having a cell phone at the age of 12? The values taught through these and many other forms of “entertainment” is “me, mine, more“. Mickey?

Mickey and friends brought “I’m no fool” into our public schools. These presentations informed us about safety, health and other important issues. Common sense and decency were part of these films and in the everyday scholastic curriculum. Now schools are littered with drugs, sex, and guns. They are no longer safe, even teachers fear for their lives as the offenders are getting younger and younger.

When Mickey was born in 1928, he was juvenile. He didn’t have much regard for others as long as it brought a laugh. Then he grew up. He had to, as the world raised and requested him to become an ambassador for everything that is good. He became all things to all people. His personality hoisted him to the headship of an entire entertainment empire. No other penciled personality has ever carried the same load of responsibilities. Bugs Bunny was hysterical, but where is he now? His laughs always came at the expense of others. He never grew up.

Walt Disney and his animators left the coming generations a priceless gift before they passed. Leaving more than chuckles, they gave us hope in times of despair. Laughter in times of sadness. They demonstrated that good always overcomes evil, that a "spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down". Walt showed Americans the rest of the world and the rest of the world how great it is to be American.

Mickey Mouse is Walt Disney, and he exemplifies the values and qualities that made this nation great. Shall we cast him away with all of our other long lost standards in this country?

Mickey Mouse hasn’t changed. If we question the relevancy of a character that could be a wholesome alternative to what kids have now, then it’s gut check time. Is going to church or synagogue relevant? Obeying the law? Honesty? Integrity? These things are personal decisions affecting the outcome of individual character. As Mickey’s “relevancy” fades away, so do the traits that make us good people and this a great nation.

Many may think that I’m taking this too seriously. But to me, the “relevancy of Mickey” is a red flag that something is going wrong. Mickey Mouse isn’t just a cartoon character. He is a symbol. An Icon of an age of goodness. A logo for a lifestyle of kindness, decency, and innocence that is dissipating before our very eyes. He has comforted us in times of war, helped bring wealth to our economy, and brought our families closer together. Mickey Mouse is no less than a national treasure.

It’s quite obvious by now...I love the guy, and I know that millions of others do too. He will never be “irrelevant” to us. However this unfolds, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to live in a world minus the mouse.

Knowing him, If he could respond to those of us who still believe in him, he would probably say in his own bashful manner, “Aw shucks...that’s swell”.