The Difference Between Government and Politics

Everyone has guilty pleasures that they're not proud of. Mine just happens to be a minor addiction to the somewhat schlocky WB program, "7th Heaven."

I never watched the show in prime time, but they play reruns on ABC Family channel every day at 3pm Pacific, which just happens to be the same time I'm putting on my makeup for "The Screen Savers" and there just happens to be a television with cable in the makeup room. Monday through Friday I watch approximately 15 minutes of the show. That's all I want. That's all I need.

For the most part 7th Heaven is a simple program. Dramatic family problems happen and then they get resolved by the end of the hour. It's comforting. But in some ways the show is like a bizarro-world Brady Bunch. Although it's naturally more modern, it's also much more moral. I guess it's the difference between having a father character who's a minister versus a father character who's a 70's architect.

Like I said, the show is schlocky, but sometimes it can be surprising. Once they spent the better part of an hour trying to explain Japanese internment camps. And then a few days ago, they played an episode where this conversation took place:

Ruthie (approximately age 8): What's the difference between government and politics?
Simon (approximately age 13): Well, government is the law and politics is the way we get around the law.

Who would have thought the WB could be so profound?

Comments

[Garry From Canada]

Hey Megan!

You need makeup?!?

I just figgered someone as naturally beautiful as yourself wouldn't need such things! :^)

[Bill]

Eww, 7th Heaven. 'tis way too preachy for my tastes, but to each their own. :-)

[Jim]

Stick with the reruns - the show jumped the shark big time at the end of last season. This season is...beyond description.

[Lee]

"End of last season?" That show jumps the shark an average of 6.7 times an episode now.

[Mx]

Yeah, I'll stick with the Simpsons. Oh the joys of that show. And hey, ya know what show I watch whenever I can? It's great, it's witty, it's full of useful things for everyday life, and has the perfect cast. You might have heard of it, it comes on at 4:00 PST, it's live, (in best Patrick voice) it's The Screen Savers!!!!!!

*Sorry, couldn't resist, and yeah, TSS ROCKS! Woo hoo! Yay! Happy dance time! Woooooooooo*

[Katy Action]

Nooooo! Not 7th Heaven! I never watched a whole episode, but the bits I have seen were too sugary sweet.

[David Saylock]

7th Heaven has always appeared to me to be too perfect, even though they do occaisionally deal with 'disturbing' issues. It never seemed to be a show where a family of such a large size could be sustained on such a small salary. He is a minister, and as far as I know, the mother is nothing more than a soccer mom/homemaker.
Bleh.

[MonkeyMusicBoxGiver]

I like 7th heaven...what's wrong with Ruthy asking about politics? And they have strange problems I know, But they also are a TV show.

[Megan]

Zack - I think you misunderstood me. There's absolutely nothing wrong with Ruthie asking about politics. I was pointing to that as a good thing.

[kc]

I went to a catholic high school. one relegion teacher would give extra credit for watching the show and writting summaries of the episode. weaksauce

[Hurrishane]

7th Heaven is a great show, I never caught on til the second season. Lucy (Beverley Mitchell) is great although they really need to lighten up her role a bit.

[Andrew]

I myself watch 7th heaven and have for quite a while. Its kind of refreshing to have kids have some morals in this day and age. I myself am 28 and its nice not to hear kids disrespecting their parents and stuff on this show. I have noted that they do get all romantic and passionate somewhat on there but, over all the premises is the same as it was when it first started airing, nice to know I have something in common with my friend Megan. On the makeup thing, Megan dear, I dont think you really need make up you look just great the way you are. Im sure Marco would agree. :)

[Ozma511]

7th Heaven rocks! I've watched every episode and I catch it in reruns on ABC Family too! So glad I have something in common with Megan! :)

[anna]

I blushingly admit that I too watch 7th Heaven, just for the sheer cheese of the show. Most times I get too bombarded with the news I deal with on a daily basis, that I need something that will make itself better in an hour's time. The show quite often deals with some form of angst, crisis, or anxiety and usually resolves the problem in an acceptable; somewhat believeable manner, even if it is the WB. :)Anyone who needs some stress relieved should watch... it's easy to pick up on even if you haven't seen every episode.

[Rich]

About "raising such a large family on a minister's salary" - in a Protestant church, a minister's salary can be fairly reasonable, and the house is probably a manse (it is church property and the minister pays no rent). The pastor of a church that size (looks like 150-200 people in attendance) in a mainline denomination in an affluent town might make somewhere in the area of $50,000 cash salary plus the free house, utilities, and benefits (pension, medical, auto allowance). Pastors also pick up side income from weddings and funerals. A couple of weddings buys a nice set of golf clubs.

Remember, mainline pastors hold professional degrees, which means a minimum of Master of Divinity (which is a three-year graduate program) or a doctorate. And in mainline denominations, you pay your own way through seminary - the average mainline pastor leaves seminary with nearly $40,000 of student loan debt. Anyway, he wouldn't be wealthy, but he can raise a family.

[Tana]

I love the show 7th Heaven!!!
I can't wait untill the new espiodes.

[Tana]

I love the show 7th Heaven!!!
I can't wait untill the new espiodes.