I have a significant number of friends and acquaintances that ascribe to a political ideology that differs from mine. We discuss, debate, sometimes argue, and do actually on occasion learn from each other. I also have a number of friends (and family) who wear a lot of maize and blue, while I wear green and white. We too debate, tease, and on occasion gloat with respect to our respective football team’s athletic endeavors. What we do NOT do is denigrate each other, much less call each other despicable names. Sadly, respectful discourse does not seem to be terribly popular across America today.
Being a reasonable guy trying to gain understanding, I simply have to ask a question: Does anyone really think that destroying property, insulting fellow Americans, obstructing public event participation, and refusing to accept Constitutionally-defined Presidential electoral results are appropriate and effective means by which to persuade others to change their team loyalty?
To those that think it is, I believe you are wrong, and your beliefs and methods will continue to leave you in your present situation, that being that in all of the political/governmental areas that matter, you are losing the game. Yes, your team racked up more total yards of offense (the popular vote), but you failed to score enough touchdowns (winning states). Your team especially failed to score touchdowns from inside the Red Zone (MI, OH, PA, WI).
In addition, what’s with all of the vitriolic name-calling? I’ve read that there are 3,144 counties in the USA. Virtually every major news source agrees that President Donald Trump won a little over 2,600, and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won about 490, resulting in the final State tally of 30 vs 20. What in the world gives you right to label ALL of those who voted differently than you as stupid, hateful, sexist, bigoted and racist (just to list a few)?
How is it that you are SO much more intelligent, compassionate, and rational than nearly 63 million of your fellow citizens? Is this really the way we want Americans (football fans or not) to demonstrate tolerance, intellect, insight, understanding, and knowledge of the true nature of the culture in which we live today? And by the way, all the intellect, insight, understanding, and knowledge in the world doesn’t mean a thing if nothing is actually accomplished for the greater good.
To that, I’m not impressed by political strategy, game plan, what plays are called, or even total yards. I’m more interested in positive outcomes, successful results…, touchdowns! And I really don’t even care which team within the House, Senate or Executive Office has the ball, as long as AMERICAN touchdowns are being scored. Unfortunately, today in America it seems that Democrats are completely offended by Republican-scored touchdowns, even when liberal, or working class, or inner-city constituents benefit.
One final thought: Lately it seems that the ONLY way to be sure that you don’t OFFEND anyone, is to NEVER take a stand on anything. Two of our fellow Americans have been very politically outspoken over the past several months, offering up all manner of opinion and solutions. At the risk of once again being vilified by many, including members of my own family, I am going to take a stand: I really do NOT believe that America would be a better place for all under the “guidance” of Rosie O’Donnell and/or Snoop Dogg.
If, because of my stance you find me offensive, I’ll respond with the simple, yet poignant words of Shane Falco: “Yeah. Yeah, I can live with that.”
Five by Five from the 457 