Why Football in America is Great

 The following is a rewrite from the original, in 2010

Football has been more than just a sport to me; it's been a classroom of life where I've learned the essence of teamwork, the resilience needed after defeat, and the discipline required for success. Each game, each season, has been a lesson in leadership, strategic thinking, and maintaining composure under pressure. But perhaps most importantly, football has taught me about community - how a shared passion can unite people, creating bonds that last well beyond the game. Whether it's learning to accept failure or celebrating success, the field has been my teacher, showing me how to navigate life's plays with grace and determination.

The Journey of Hope: Navigating the American Dream

 

The Human Story:

Imagine Ramon, Nora, and their young son, Felipe, living in Honduras, a nation grappling with violence, poverty, and political corruption. Both Ramon and Nora were laid off from their jobs at a local manufacturing plant, plunging their family into economic hardship. With no job prospects in sight in Tegucigalpa, the capital city, their savings soon vanished, leading to eviction from their home. Desperate for survival and a better future for Felipe, they joined a caravan heading towards the United States, a land rumored to offer opportunities for work and family unity. This narrative isn't unique; it's echoed by many who arrive at border cities like El Paso, Laredo, Nogales, and Tijuana. These individuals don't seek conflict but rather hope, a chance to work, and to keep their families together, despite the sorrow of leaving their homeland, culture, and ancestors behind.

The Mindset of the Democratic Party in America

        When we were all living in the jungle, before we built cities, some people began to notice that there were people amongst them who were doing a lot better than most. They had better food, women, clothes, etc.-and that made some people envious and hateful. How could you have a steak to eat, when I have nothing? How could everyone praise you, but ignore me? Such a dark emotion to feel at the sight of someone's achievement! Instead of channeling their ambition into productive or creative endeavors, envious individuals direct their energy towards destructive desires, wishing to diminish others rather than elevate themselves.

Trump Haters: A Personal Anecdote

    I've experienced what's been called "Trump Derangement Syndrome" (by his supporters), right here at home. My room mate is an intelligent, attractive lady with a talent for making people feel at ease.  She is often kind, considerate, and thoughtful of others-all in all, what we sometimes call "good people". The problem is, she passionately hates Donald Trump. She has said so many times in our conversations around the house, and often I overhear her on the phone venting this hatred on her friends, who seem to agree with her. Because her tirades against Trump, his wife, and his supporters are so vitriolic, sardonic, and passionately sincere, I wondered, why? I have no problem with people who dislike or even hate Trump's policies, but what is this personal thing that we are seeing all over the world, this irrational hatred for someone who is not a murderer, child molester, thug, or a pervert? Yes, you can disagree with Trump's policies. More power to you! You can work to effect the change you want to see in policy, you can help elect politicians who represent your values, but why, oh why? do you so thoroughly hate the man? Especially when his record, his Cabinet, and his stated platform, is pro-America (for all Americans), pro-prosperity, pro-human progress-where people are truly free to pursue their dreams and goals?