Life has often been compared to a sporting event. All those playbook maneuvers designed to outwit an opponent and make a point. According to actor Tom Hanks, playing the coach of a women's baseball team in the movie , 'A League of Their Own', "There is no crying in baseball." He may have said and meant it, but seriously, there are lots of tears shed, in the stadium and on the field. Football is downright bloody and even golf should be renamed for it's emotional baggage. I have been whacked with a hockey stick in games of field hockey and even been walloped during badminton. Both times I saw stars, and I didn't even get an autograph.
Whatever sporting season it is, we strategize, gear up and 'play'. Fans on either side are not so friendly while supporting their team. After the final moment is called at game's end, we swarm the field, carry our selves to the streets and generally let off high emotions of glee or steam.
You can't take that to the highway, or holiday shopping, but a lot of people still try. Black Friday, has all the earmarks of outwitting, outmaneuvering and out right fighting for a bargain.
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People love a good competition and when there is a chance to win-win, well, there should be a trophy in the game of parking spaces. I trolled the parking lot at the mall, waited, with turn signal blazing, only to have a man, zip in and steal my spot. As he emerged victorious, with tiny son in tow, he loudly exclaimed, "That's how it's DONE Son!" No wonder people drag a key on paint or dump a soft drink by the driver's side door. I am calm and polite, but honestly still got pretty mad.
Picture a football game without pads and helmets, where all the fans of both sides, sit next to one another and cheer for whomever scores. Backslapping and congratulating a masterful play by a player on the other team. Right...one big happy family. How about politely clapping....sitting down to dinner together and complimenting the winner when it isn't our winner.
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Picture again, if you will, a player jockeying for a point, simply stating, "Would you kindly move over? It's my turn." His opponent accommodating with a gracious sweep of the arm says, "Of course, you would do the same for me." The customary 'Thank you" by the first player, and everyone else, just smiles and makes room. Afterwards the entire field and crowds in the stands, yells with enthusiasm, "Good Job!"
HA! Never ever going to happen, and still we try to go at everyday life like athletes. Revelling in outdoing and undermining one another. Personal attacks are veiled and body language disguised. That is the political arena. We have opposing teams viewing to run our everyday lives and it's no wonder collectively, be want to throw the bums out. The winner of any debate of policy or issue is going to be eaten alive, next time.
....And yet, somehow, we are supposed to put away slights and angers and work together, united and energized to serve the greater good and be better people. Does this sound just a little bit ridiculous? It would take a saint or savior to rally all the factions and be completely fair.
What if....there was only one side...ours, and instead of powerful teams who claim the same side, ....individuals, who set plans, act politely to one another, and then...we vote? Welcome to Fantasy Politics. If history repeats itself, and it really does, we all lose a little respect and get upset, until next time, this is your announcer, truly hoping, that the best man or woman becomes our next leader.
Gratefully,
Mary
