Oddly, the passing of Bob Denver immediately brings my thoughts to the plight of New Orleans...

First, I'd like to take a moment to salute a gentleman that I never got to meet, Bob Denver (of Gilligan's Island fame.) His passing will most likely be underplayed during this time of crisis and the tremendous loss of life down in New Orleans.

Rightly so, I suppose. For we are a nation where the masses must come first. The only time where this is not the case is when the rights of the few are in jeopardy.

Now I am certain that some people will say that I shouldn't be reminded of a man of comedy during so much heartache, but I cant help it, I am. Let me explain.

I met Dawn Wells (another alum of Gilligan's Island) in the early '90's. We had a brief but poignant conversation about her experiences, Bob's experiences, and all of the good that came from her celebrity.

She didn't talk about wealth, for I am not certain that the cast of this show made out with a lot of fortune. Rather, she discussed how great it was that the show had a tendancy to comfort and enlighten, even though it was mainly a piece of comedy. She told me a handful of stories in which Bob (Gilligan), Allen (Skipper), Russell (Professor), and herself (MaryAnn) met with fans whose lives were literally transformed by the message of the show.

Many of the cast members never went on to star in major projects that would garner them tremendous salaries, yet most of them reveled in their roles as television's favorite castaways and doubled as humanitarians, citizens, and public icons for the cult followers.

The show itself is both revered and mocked for its simplicity, yet this is where I am reminded most about current conditions of our country. On the television show, seven people from completely different walks of life, learned to live together and more importantly, learned to help one another with their specific talents.

Fiction is often based on fact and sometimes fact is modeled on fiction, I currently see people from all walks, helping people from all walks. The New Orleans tragedy is a chance for us to practice acts of kindness, tolerance, hope, and help. And let us not ever forget to continue practicing these basic elements of human compassion long after the immediate needs are dealt with. In short, let us continue to be good to each other. This to me is the basic tenate of Gilligan's Island and the OVERSIMPLISTIC message of a world in need.

To those castaways from New Orleans, our hearts are with you. Hopefully you can find shelter from the storm and chaos in yor lives.

And I also want to say "goodbye" Gilligan, thanks for all you've done.