Liz and I agree about most things, particulary in relation to our child-rearing philosophy. We're firm believers in [link(http://www.smithical.com/pics/sept_04/dad_read.jpg)]education[/link], [link(http://www.smithical.com/pics/sept_04/elmo.jpg)]limited tv[/link], and [link(http://www.smithical.com/pics/august_04/peek2.JPG)]really cute kids[/link]. And we respect each other's differences in opinion. But I cannot allow her to so publicly decry and disparage the good reputation of one of the most respected and honorable members of [I]animalia mammalia carnivora[/I], the raccoon.

[pic(http://bss.sfsu.edu:224/courses/Fall00Projects/raccoonfig1.jpg)]

It's hard to say when first I discovered the jollity of its ringed bushy tail or its curious pointy nose; I still have the first book I remember reading, [I]Little Rascal[/I], and I'm sure Rowan and all future Smith progeny will find a quiet place under the dining room table, and not emerge until they've read every browned page. In its 4 chapters I learned how smart the raccoon is: catching crayfish and seemingly washing them in the creek water before eating; I learned how curious they are: getting into all sorts of mischief around the country home. Of course, I also learned in the sad final chapter that raccoons are meant to live in the wild, and not as pets (sorry for the spoiler).

But to characterize them as rabies-infested scum-of-the-animal-kingdom is hardly accurate. Note the following:

"Last year like 350,000 people were attacked by rabies-infected dogs and cats, while only 3 people were licked by a rabid raccoon..."

Okay, I made that up. But my point is still valid. And I think I'm in good company in my endorsement of raccoons as childhood animal-buddies: there's Ranger Rick, whom the National Wildlife Federation saw fit to promote as chief executive animal; our elder readers will remember [link(http://www.collectors.olympic.org/e/fimo/memorabilia/mascot/mascot_1980_winter_10_e.html)]Roni the Raccoon[/link], endearing mascot of the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics; and of course Rocky Raccoon, who lives on in song today with such great lyrics as "Da na na na.. do do do do do..." And who can argue with The Beatles.

So as long as I'm there are stuff animals at the bedtime ritual, and as long as there's a bookshelf in the nursery, the raccoon will roam free...