Meeting Rafer Johnson: Namesake, inspiration

Son,

I'm very proud of you for the interview you did with Rafer Johnson.

When your dad and I named you, we didn't know that Johnson would become so involved in charitable work. We were just impressed with his ability as an athlete.

It makes me proud - as it would your dad if he were alive - to know you have such a namesake.
Love,
Mom

IS THERE A POST CAST OF THIS INTERVIEW.
RAFER IS ONE GREAT PERSON AND A GOOD FRIEND

BILL ROEN

great story, written by a pro...I wish I had a copy of the actual interview...Brenda sent me a link, but it didn't appear to work...I watch you in the early morning when I have trouble going to sleep...LOL>>>Norm

This is a very impressive article. I've shared it with several of my friends because of the heartfelt sentiment and careful consideration given to articulating the historical significance of Mr. Johnson's life, as well as his contribution to exposing youth to American History. Please dont ever stop writing articles like this. I wish these were the stories that flooded the news instead of the constant stream on war and distruction, that contributes to the pessimism our country suffers from.

Rafer, that was an excellent article on Rafer Johnson. What an incredible human being he is.

President-elect Obama is the epitome of Americana and the hope that we have overcome. Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream and opened the doors for Barack H. Obama to enter into REALITY. On the threshold of an American Dream, I always knew it would be possibe, but I never thought in my life time this moment would be real to me. I remember years ago, growing up and going to a private segrated Parochial school in Baltimore, Maryland. There was a very bright and academically astute 3rd grader in my class. This young boy was able to explain to the rest of the class such topics as Fidel Castro, Cuba, Republican versus Democrat parties, all of the past Presidents of the United States up to President Kennedy. Again, we were all 3rd graders – not politically interested. Well, one of the Nuns asked all of us: What do you want to be when you grow up? As 3rd graders, we gave the 'standard occupations' nurse, fireman, police officer, doctor or lawyer. This young 3rd grader (D.T) said, " I want to be President of the United States! I remember the laughter from the class and from the Nuns. The Nun did say, 'that is nice, but really, what would you like to be? Again, D.T. repeated and the Nun said, 'why don't you think to be a Lawyer, then maybe you could work hard and become a Judge". This of course was the reality of any child of color growing up during the 1950's and turbulent 60's. The thought of ever becoming the President of the United States was unthought of. The message sent, yes dear, you can be anyone/thing that you want – as long as you remember your place. I also remember being in the masses in Washington, D.C with my mom to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, I remember my mom attending sit-in's and civil rallies around Maryland for justice. I remember when my grandad (who died four years ago at age 99) told us in order for him to vote, the injustices and humiliation that he had to endure in Virginia. I remember, moving from Virginia to Baltimore (as a very small girl) and saw first hand the prejudice and injustices growing up in Old Baltimore. So, have we come along way, YES, is the journey still unfolding and do we have many miles to go, YES. Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King and others paved the way, for the man with the funny name: Barack Hussein Obama to open the door of reality, possibility and hope for all Americans. I am so VERY PROUD and HONORED to be an AMERICAN, a former USMC and have two daughters that proudly serve in the USMC. Thank you Faith B. Terrell

Rafer,
The story that you did about Michael Phelps caught smoking drugs upset me. You implied that the law should not waste their time prosecuting Phelps. Smoking dope is illegal, perioed. When people get caught, they should get punished, inluding the rich and famous.
Phelps should not be above the law. Do you think he should get away with what he did?

Christine Carter

Hi Rafe, Greetings from Winter Wonderland and the home of someone living the life of leisure and hating it!!!

I read the article and I am so proud of you. It had to be wonderful meeting him. Not only your namesake and someone your dad admired but someone who has made such a difference in the lives of others. If we all could leave such a mark or at least work toward that goal. I know you will do great things and always be successful.

I love you and I am truly proud of how far you've come in such a short time and I am proud to call you family. I tell people about you all the time. So I'm sure there a lots of people in KY that tune in just to see you (and the guys probably keep watching because of Robin, but oh well) LOL

You took a survey on whether or not people care what happens to Barry Bonds. You also stated that you disagreed with the majority of people that said they didn't care what happened to him and then said something to the effect of people should care what happens to him because he is a role model.
The question is not asking if what he did was right or wrong it simply asks whether they care or not and I strongly believe we shouldn't care what happens to him. If the average person were to use steroids would people care what happened to him or her? Probably not.

I think people should stop caring what celebrities and athletes are doing with their personal lives and what they wear. Maybe then they would be treated more like the rest of us instead of being put on a platform above everybody else and in lots of cases above the law.
I'm not saying people should stop looking up to these types of people as role models but if kids are doing things illegal just because their "Role Models" are doing them then parents or legal guardians are not doing their job very well. I believe as a society we are smarter than that, we know right from wrong and it should not matter wether or not famous people are doing illegal things or not. What should matter is that they get the same punishment that the average person would receive.
I remember watching news as a kid and I can't ever recall there being so much "garbage news" as I like to call it being reported like it is today. I'm not saying there wasn't any just not nearly as much. Does anyone else wonder that if people weren't so concerned about which athletes or movie star used drugs,what they wore yesterday,where they ate or even who they are dating, if someone would have realized where are economy was heading. WAKE UP PEOPLE. There are far more things way more important to worry about than what happens in celebrities lives.

In closing I think he should go to jail just like every other hard working american would if they were to get caught using drugs then lying about it. If making that much money puts these type of people above the law then maybe the president should be imposing some type of salary cap on athletes and other celebrities.I know there are a lot of famous people who do obey the laws and actually give back to good causes and I applaud those types celebrities but the bottom line is right is right and wrong is wrong.

I think that is a great story Raffie.. You write so much like your father, and I think that the name fits you well.. You truly have inspired me to even be a better person with your great, positive personality,,, I look so forward to waking up to see You, Robin and Bob. You guys inspire many people. Thank you for sharing how your father, Tim(othy) helped name you after such a great athlete!

Thanks for being you and who you are!!!

ONEBENTCHICK (ME ROOM AKA CHERYL)

Rafer,

Great story, and thanks for sharing it with us.

Could we _please_ lighten up on the controversy of steroid use in baseball and sports in general? It all comes down to us the fan- _we pay_ to see a guy throw the ball 100mph. And _we pay_ to see another guy hit that 100mph ball 400+ feet out of the park! Its *_US_* the fans that have driven the market for faster, more capable sports figures. And then we have the temerity to bitch and moan when they use some form of performance enhancing chemical. Please, people, just stop it. Get off your damn high horses and admit our complicity in this subject. Our fault, not theirs. Okay, dgms. Im off my soapbox now. Love yall, mean it.