Happy Birthday, Star Trek.

Star Trek had already been canceled by the time I was born, but, mock all you want, the show has had a giant influence in my life. I’d like to think that Gene Roddenberry’s vision of a united Earth, devoid of racism, sexism and cultural exceptionalism helped shape both my political beliefs and my default feelings on universal equality.

I think, though, that it’s because, as a red-blooded American male, the reason I keep watching and loving this show … James T. Kirk is my first and longest lasting role model (except for my dad, who, let’s face it, could have kicked more ass but never lost control of his temper, even with me as a son).

A couple of videos after the jump…