I almost called this “Let’s talk About Ted” but who wants to give Ted that much air? Not me! Ted’s latest desperate grab for attention has him attacking that dastardly criminal mastermind…yes, THAT criminal mastermind! I am, of course, talking about Big Bird. I guess Ted is still trying to get people to forget that when Texas had an unprecedented winter storm and power crisis, he took his family to a fancy resort in Mexico, while some Texans froze to death. Or maybe this is to distract us from the work of the January 6th select committee and any testimony he might be compelled to give?

So let’s talk about Muppets instead!

Fun fact about me: When Sesame Street hit the TV airwaves, I was out of their intended age demographic, but I was totally enchanted. What a great way to encourage kids to learn: adorable fuzzy puppets, teaching both math and inclusion gently and cleverly. Heck, I wanted to count along with the Count!

I was so enchanted that it became a dream to go work at Henson’s Muppet studio,

I wanted to dream up and create these imaginative puppets (and definitely playing with them and making up their voices and personalities.)

I never got to do that. I wasn’t encouraged to chase after my impractical dreams. I was supposed to be sensible and marry a dentist. I avoided the dentist, and managed to shut out the can’ts and shoulds and become an artist. And if my felty pandas are at least slightly reminiscent of Muppets, well, that is just destiny fulfilling itself.

But meanwhile, back to Ted…

Ted thinks it’s a good idea to compare Big Bird’s excitement at getting his covid vaccine to communist indoctrination of children! In the usual way of GOP politicians trying to play gotcha and shame an imaginary character for promoting things that actually benefit people, the Twitter account for Big Bird for Senate @SenatorBigBird now is approaching 110K followers.(see also Devin Nunes’ Cow) Using gentle humor to point out Ted’s crimes and misdemeanors, he has shown the tiny hearted pettiness that Ted displays to his constituents. Gotcha!

Big Bird has assembled a formidable campaign team, including Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Bert, Elmo, and of course The Count! Is it only a matter of time before Kermit and Miss Piggy sign on? Real politicians are endorsing him, taking this opportunity to bring up real issues that affect Texas residents, in a way that pokes gentle fun at Ted. Somehow, I can’t imagine that Ted is amused. Does anyone think that his daughters have Big Bird for Senate posters in their rooms? Does anyone think they should send them one?

When will the GOP learn that you can’t defend Mr. Potato Head from emasculation on one hand, and then denounce Big Bird as a communist plant on the other? Are they trying to distract us from their actual crimes with their blatant buffoonery?

But meanwhile, we have a few ‘toons to share!

I think we have a lot of “Underbussing” to look forward to in the coming months!

I thought some people might like to be reminded of the introduction of Frank and Mikey!

Well, that wraps it up for this week! Let’s hope justice will be done!

Be the bear!
Bob T Panda