It's ironic that Ben watches so much 'Thomas and Friends', which was created by a minister, considering what heathens his parents are. Josh and I always deconstruct the underlying messages in the show about how being useful is more important than anything and how one must not cause confusion and delay. Boy would I big in big trouble. I am ALL about confusion and delay. The ethics in the show (as many of you are probably already well aware) are a bit of the old puritanical variety. It's all about hard work and sacrifice and not getting too big for your bonnet. I do like the emphasis on teamwork and helping out your friends. And I love how the fat, white, bald man is running the show. Gee, where have we seen THAT before?I read somewhere that it's bad to make fun of your child's program while they are watching and enjoying it (imagine that!) So when Josh and I really get going I have to remind him and myself to shut down the peanut gallery. Analyzing 'Thomas' should be restricted to a private activity, like some illicit vice we have. Don't think that's what the minister had in mind, do you?