Send It To Andy!

Whether It's Fudge, Books Or Whistles, Lots Of Stuff Has Landed In Andy Rooney's Mailbox

(CBS)  This commentary was first published on April 26, 2009.

The following is a weekly 60 Minutes commentary by CBS News correspondent Andy Rooney.

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When I was about 12 years old, I remember at Christmas one year being ashamed of how much I liked it because of all the presents I got. It's a pretty complicated thought for a 12 year old kid but that's what I had.

I've always liked presents though. People send me a lot of things and I wish they wouldn't but I can't help liking them anyway.

I mean look at this - just a few of the things that have come in recently: this is a bottle of some kind of sauce. Now it's probably very good and from some one who likes me but it could be bad and from someone who hates me too, so I don't dare eat it.

Someone sent me this sports whistle. Why would anyone send me a whistle? The package says it's made of solid brass. It's triple plated and it has an extra sharp tone. Well good for it. But I certainly wouldn't want a whistle that was only double plated and made of brass that wasn't solid.

This goes under a door to keep the draft out. Someone's idea of what John McCain and Barack Obama look like. Not my idea of what either of them look like but what do I know?

"The American Government In Action" - this is a game. I never cared much for games. There's enough to play with in real life.

"The Baseball Dictionary." This book has a lot more than I want to know about baseball. I'm a football fan. Baseball is too caught up with numbers for me.

This is a pair of socks; I don't know who they’re for. They come up over my knees.

I don’t know what these two bags are for - why would I want two of them anyway?

This is called Almond Orange Honey. Seems like a good idea and the bees are certainly done a good job, but I never liked honey.

I said I liked fudge and that I never got any good fudge anymore - I haven't had any good fudge in years - so a lot of people sent me good fudge. I guess it's good. I haven't eaten all if it yet.

I said I shine my own shoes. The letter that came with this stuff says it brings leather back to life. It's nice to think about bringing leather back to life isn't it? I'll see if this brings my shoes back to life. I just hope my shoes don't eat my fudge.

[Larry-Sculptor]

Dear Andy,
Thanks so much for your work. I eagerly anticipate your piece every Sunday.
But tonight you stated that we Americans pay the highest taxes in the World, which is emphatically not the case. The citizens of only 7 or 8 prominent industrialized countries have lower income tax rates than ours. And although our corporate/central taxes are the highest, it's only by a few percentage points over, for example, the UK. Further, we don't have VAT but our equivalent is much lower than, say, most European nations, where I believe it supports universal health care. Needless to say, we don't have that either.
Sincerely,
Larry Perkins

[LionelMontanez]

As we all know everyone has the right to their own opinion in this country, but to get on national television and tell people not to complain because they have to pay $2.50 or more for gas and move to another country if you do not like it is really dumb and insensitive. Or to tell people that if medication is too expensive to stay sick or make their own pills is out of line, but I guess for someone like him (Andy Rooney) that has a lot of money it does not make a difference. Lets see him be able to make his own pills. Not everyone in this country makes 6 figure salaries or more. Why don't you go out to the real world once in while and see how the rest of the people in this country live. Or at least stop and think before you speak.

[bschwab61]

Dear Andy, My father, Arthur G Schmidt, is an 89 year old combat wounded veteran from WWII. You interviewed General Maurice Rose on the evening before he was killed in March of 1945. My father was with Gen Rose at the time he was shot and was shot at that time as well earning him a Purple Heart award. Arthur Schmidt would like to talk with you.

Sincerely,

Bernie Schwab

[Enyii]

Mr. Rooney,
Thank you for doing such a good job every Sunday on 60 minutes. Keep it up. My family and I enjoy watching 60 minutes and your segment every Sunday. However, I was disappointed with a comment you made on today?s segment about other countries celebrating Thanksgiving. You said, "No other country celebrates Thanksgiving except Canada. This is wrong. I am a dual citizen of Unites States of American and Nigeria and incorporate both cultures in raising my children. They were so disappointed to hear your comment because they know that Nigeria celebrates Thanksgiving too. Thanksgiving in Nigeria is celebrated in November as well. To Nigerians, Thanksgiving Day is a day to give thanks to God for all the good deeds He has done in one?s life. We eat and visit with families just as in the United States. The only difference is that Nigeria?s Thanksgiving Day starts with a mass celebrated in churches all over the country followed by dinner with family and friends. Nigerian Thanksgiving is tied more closely to our faith than in the United States.
CBS as a trusted news organization should ensure that accurate information is presented to the public. There are many holidays celebrated in the United States or Canada that are celebrated in other countries all over the world as well.
Thank you.
Stella

[rhmc430]

Andy, I watch your spot weekly on 60 Minutes. I think you, with your humor, hit things right on the head. I have thought for sometime that this country of ours is slowly going crazy and shooting for a collapse that no one in their wildest speculation would be able to predict. Two years ago when now President Barack Obama hit the national airwaves I first thought that he was too far out. By the time he was nominated for president I thought he was just what we needed, someone to shake things up, and get this nation and the world back on track. I am seventy-two years old and I have nine grandchildren. I want them to grow up in a nation such as I grew up in. To do this, we, the adults of 2009 must get things going the right way again. For the past several months I feel we have been swimming in circles. The politicians of the United States must come to the realization that we are all Americans, we all want what is right for the country and therefore we have to stop this continuous harping that "MY WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY, AND THE ONLY WAY".
We have to learn NOW, while we still have the chance, to work together. Everyone can offer suggestions, and by talking things over instead of the constant "NO, MY WAY OR NOTHING!", attitude we can come up with the best darn plan for everyone (and my grandkids). Would you like to join my cause?

[joewham]

Andy, you forgot one line item for becoming a US citizen...you must speak english

Joe

[summerwinds54]

Hi Andy, you may or may not read my comment but in hopes that you do, I want you to know that I am one of your most loyal fans. I watch 60 Minutes every week but you're the big reason I watch until the end at times. I think you are one of the most practical, unpretentious and well balanced men on television and there are alot. Your voice is calming and your presence comfortable. I really like you Andy...
Sincerely, Debra

[m1111k]

I cant believe you do a story on an alternative celebration for Nov 11th without mentioning that this day is also known as Armistice Day, a day celebrating the end to the war that was to end all wars.

[doorhanger]

While I do not watch 60 minutes there are times when it will be on but I will not have control of the remote.Not my house.I still remember the God bless America comments.I was in shock with your mindset about America.Your where saying,why.Two weeks later 9/11.Now veterans day?Wars are sometimes the only way to a solution.Hitler was not going to go quitly,niether is BIn Laden and the rest of those who want us dead.I will always remember and honor our veterans including you.You which has seen it first hand,war,should know.God bless America.

[cconover4]

Dear Andy, Thank you for speaking against war in general, and I hope you also agree that Iraq and Afghanistan have gone on too long. However, every time I hear you speak common sense like this, I remember your broadcast in Feb. 2003. Perhaps you should re-read it yourself and apologize.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/14/60minutes/rooney/main540729.shtml