Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Football & Politics - Professional Contact Sports

I watched the ending of that Cowboys - Eagles game last night. First time in quite a while, guess it shows how little else is on TV. (Did finish ole' Brother Cusslers new book though)

Anyway, after sixty minutes of smashmouth, high scoring football, I watched the opposing coaches walk to the center of the field for their perfunctory, unsmiling handshake. I watched Jerry Jones fist pumpin' and jumping up and down like he'd done something. But then I watched the players'

Battled and bloody, bandaged and turf-burned, they headed for their friends on the other team in the crowd and hi-fived each other, hugged, shook hands, and walked and talked . A mix of Silver and Green!

Somehow, I reckon the fans of the two teams in the stands, and in sports bars from Philly to Dallas and all spots in between didn't do that. I mean they didn't hi-five and back slap the fans of the other team --- the enemy --- 'those people'!! Matter of fact, I am sure that a few fist fights, arguments and such broke out in the parking lots across the country.

I sensed a metaphor for current American Politics of late in those scenes. The professionals, in congress and in the run for the White House, battle loudly - with vitriol, passion, and pointed barbs. With populist speeches and soaring rhetoric they get everybody's blood boiling.

Then the C-Span TV Lites go out, or the press conference cameras turn off, and they retire to the privacy of the Senate Cloak room, the House lounge, the Green Rooms, and start back slapping, kidding each other about the heat of the debate and light up their cigars. They even work out the details of the legislation that they will agree on when the lights come on again. Tomorrow the game starts anew for the public to observe.

Meanwhile, out on both coasts and in 'flyover' land, the partisan fans with adrenalin pumping grow their dislike for the other party - and even separate themselves socially because they can't discuss their 'team' without hard feelings coming to the fore.

At least the football teams have cuter cheerleaders than we have; Hannity & Limbaugh on one side, Combs and Snuffleopolis on the other.....

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