Studs Terkel dies at 96, 10-31-08

Studs Terkel died Friday at 96 years of age, after a full and courageous life. He was a devoted liberal thinker in the best sense of the word, which, to me, has become so sadly twisted during his lifetime. Studs was for the "little man" and wanted that man to be heard as well. He believed that the "little person" had contributions to make which were equally important, if not moreso, than the person always seen in the finely tailored garbs.

I believe that my sainted mother, Mary Kegley, no doubt listened to Studs in his soap opera days during the early first half of the twentieth century. He interviewed far more than nine thousand people and had many books published. He also interviewed the famous and non-famous of this world in his Chicago radio programs. Studs sought the perspective of his interviewees on whatever topic he visited.

Although charged as a communist during the McCarthy era, I choose to believe that he would not be bullied to give in to "thought police" when investigated. He stuck to his liberal thought.

I, with my six books to date, am a minor emulator of the great Studs Terkel. I have been privileged to interview outstanding people. I admit that I have more interest in the earnest Christian's perspective above all of the others.

I wanted so much to meet with my friend from my back row seat, but his health turned down in his last couple of years and I was not so allowed. I have prayed for Studs Terkel and I hope that Jesus Christ, the Advocator for each of us before His Father, can make a case for him to enter Heaven. I don't believe the great man, Studs, would resent my prayers on his behalf.