WILLIE GOES HEAD TO HEAD WITH THE BEAVER

Willie Nelson -- whose craggy face catches some of the wisdom and weariness of life -- said recently: "Rednecks, hippies, misfits; we're all the same." In the same newspaper edition, CBS announced its new boxed set of the classic "Leave it to Beaver" TV series.

The series was on the air during a gentler time, just after the Korean War and just before the assassination of President Kennedy (1957-1963). On the other hand, Willie Nelson's America has been around from the very first time the Colonials started battling the Native Americans for their land.

Which of the two Americas we wish to see depends largely on which America we prefer to see. These may be opposites, but philosophers have long argued that the finest minds are those which can hold and fathom opposing ideas all at the same time. Philosophers usually advocate subtle grays, not glaring blacks or whites.

The gray of Willie's ragamuffin world of proud hellions is no grayer than the Beaver's idyllic world of domestic harmony. It's just as real, just as compelling. Still, societies from always seek more harmony than hell. Our families, our schools, our religions and our governments all preach this. How then to balance these opposites...?

Tony Calvo -- wherever he is today! -- was my first and most enduring example of a hellion who did not and would not "fit in." He was my 7th grade locker partner who spent more time in the principal's office than anywhere else. Until he finally left school for a life of on-the-road freedom and mis-behavior. I, like the rest of Tony's class, stayed put, followed the rules, and occasionally wonder how much Tony's life was different than ours.

I always enjoyed Beaver's happy television family. I actually lived it as a kid back in the same neighborhood I shared with Tony.You see, fiction and fancy are not always foolish....! Especially when you discover they can come true. On the other hand, Tony and Willie and all the other passionate rebels without a cause continue to make more colorful stories. Even legends.

So here's a toast to them...from the safety and security of Beavers like me!