A letter containing the signatures of over 200 captains was submitted to Congress today in support of their colleague Captain Kangaroo. The letter expressed profound disappointment over remarks made by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz in which he characterized the beloved children’s show host as presiding over kangaroo courts. The letter read in part:
“We are deeply saddened that a Member of Congress would so carelessly and callously disrespect the name and rank of an honorable American to make a political point. We call upon Representative Gaetz to issue a public apology to Captain Kangaroo, and to clarify the record regarding the Captain’s distinguished service to our country and generations of television viewers.”
Additionally, a number of signatories shared their fond remembrances of the much loved and widely respected Captain Kangaroo.
Captain Merrill Stubing wrote: “I was fortunate enough to attend officer’s training school with Captain Kangaroo. A finer man I’ve never known. After his retirement, he took many a voyage with us on the Pacific Princess and he always occupied a place of honor at the Captain’s Table. How dare Rep. Gaetz besmirch such a gracious and highly regarded man.”
Captain James T. Kirk added: “Captains Log: It has come to my attention that a Representative of the U.S. Congress on Earth has spoken ill of my cherished friend and colleague Captain Kangaroo. I have a good mind to transport the ill-mannered villain up here and smack that contemptuous smirk off his face.”
Captain Barney Miller added: “When we picked up Mr. Green Jeans for public intoxication, Captain Kangaroo dropped everything to come down to the precinct and bail out his friend. He sobered him up with some of Sgt. Yemana’s coffee, took him home and put him to bed. That’s the kind of guy Captain Kangaroo is.
Other signatories included such notables as Captain America, Captain Morgan, Captain Beefheart and Captain Sensible.
If there is something 