"One need not hope in order to undertake; nor succeed in order to persevere."
(William the Silent)

Those were tense days last June as we waited for a response from CBS. Jericho Rangers stood side-by-side on that fateful eve, and knew we'd next experience what could only be called an historic break through in our struggle for quality television. It was not yet fact that JERICHO was to return, but history had already been made by the Rangers.

For those of us in the "Boomer" generation, TV always had a presence in our lives. We grew up with the "Tube." It not only entertained us, but kept us informed on current events, cultural changes, and political upheavels. It was an escape from the mundane world, the world of Cold Wars and Vietnam. Today, television warns us of danger, and even teaches us how to protect our families in case of disaster. Once upon a time, an entire family sat in front of the TV every night; parents never had to fear what their children saw or heard. Networks had an unwritten rule to air more "adult-oriented" TV after the holy "family hour."

Networks used to offer quality programs, but as time passed, TV got more daring; the standards and practices boards got a little more lienent. Then someone thought up the Reality Show. A novel concept, that, and one with appeal. Reality shows are easy and cheap to produce. Networks are all about that saving money business. By using ordinary people, there's no need to pay actors. Have people build their own shelter in an exotic locale, and who needs elaborate sets? Before you can say, "Danger, Will Robinson," every network jumped on the bandwagon. There are reality shows about strangers sharing homes, millionaires finding wives, people hoping to land a job with Donald Trump and a hundred more. When the idea wells ran dry, producers looked to TV history for inspiration, and re-cast old sit-coms with ordinary people. They even revived the GONG SHOW -- complete with sarcastic host & has-been entertainers as judges -- and named it AMERICAN IDOL.

But those shows have one thing in common: the people willing to risk life and public humiliation are adults. Now CBS has come up with a new twist on the reality show. Forty children age 8-15, sans parental supervision, in a New Mexico "ghost town" will set up their own government, and "show adults how it's done." Of course, the kids aren't really unsupervised, but those children are pushed beyond their physical and emotional limits in competitions for privileges and prizes. All in the name of winning "scholarship" money. Several are in tears while other kids yell, berate and hurt their feelings. It takes the old "nobody wants X on their team" examble to extremes. KID NATION is just the latest program that exploits children as fodder for fun and profit, but that doesn't make the trend any less disturbing.

People questioned why we protested the cancellation of JERICHO. Take a look at KID NATION and anyone with an iota of intelligence will see why we fought hard for our show. JERICHO is a program for the entire family. Parents don't have to worry about nudity, graphic violence or strong language. The stories are well-written, the episodes well-acted, the cast professional and skilled. Compared to reality shows, JERICHO is a veritable haven for those who enjoy quality programming. That's why Jericho Rangers eagerly waited for CBS to make that official announcement, and why we hope there will be a 3rd season. We want JERICHO back as more than a mid-season replacement.

Although it may not quite be time to break out the champagne and celebrate, KID NATION has stirred a hornets' nest of controversy. Will CBS admit their mistake? Who knows -- but many of us are betting KID NATION won't be quite as popular as CBS would like it to be. Personally, I refuse to watch a show which I believe is setting a very bad precedent. Aren't America's children in enough trouble without demeaning them in front of millions of viewers? Oh, yeah ... KID NATION is a real winner, CBS. The sooner you admit that, the better it will be for all of us.

"Television is the first truly democratic culture --the first culture available to everybody and entirely goverend by what the people want. The most terrifying thing is what people do want." (Clive Barnes)