Where do we -- all Americans -- go from here?

I am a registered Republican with Conservative/Libertarian beliefs.

If that makes me a gay-hating, misogynist, racist who only wants to reward the rich, than I guess you can stop reading.

If you do, that says more about you than it does me.

I think people that know me personally would describe me differently – at least I hope so.

If, however, you want to have real discussions about serious issues, then I’m all ears (with some mouth).

The country basically voted 50-50. The Democrats rule the Presidency and the Senate, the Republicans run House of Representatives.

The only mandate appears to be this: Work together!

Very few things in life today are black and white. The world is more complicated than ever, and the U.S. continues to change ethnically, socially, religiously and politically.

I am very thankful for the family, role models and education I’ve had – I know not everyone has been as fortunate, and their opinions are no less important than mine.

Government certainly has a role to play in all our lives, and certain people need the support of certain programs.

The Declaration of Independence includes the line: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Note the inclusion of the word pursuit. Thomas Jefferson understood attaining happiness takes some work.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, The Land of Immigrants welcomed many people, mostly from Europe.  The new citizens had their disagreements – as evidenced by Democrats and Republicans both gaining national control at different times -- but generally speaking, they shared beliefs when it came to faith, freedom, liberty and hard work.

The modern immigrants come from all over the world. Many are from Central and South America, which has contributed to the growth explosion of Latinos.

I’ve heard people say our desires are the same – peace, liberty and prosperity for all – we just disagree how to get there.

Hopefully, that’s true. I just pray that immigrants who come from poor and struggling countries don’t accept American mediocrity because it’s better than that from where they came.

America can be so much.

The immigrants in the late-19th and early-20th Centuries were motivated to build a better life here. I, for one, am thankful for that.

Are modern immigrants as motivated? Some are, but others seem to want things handed to them -- and they are not alone.

Nearly 20 years ago, I went from being a New York City sportswriter who had been on national TV to an unemployed person who pumped gas to earn some cash. It was humbling and evaporated my self-esteem, but I did what I had to do to pay bills.

I'd like to think everyone would have done the same, though I'm often guilty of trying to see the good in all people.

As for those whose families have been here for generations, the world and country of 50-100 years ago is gone. Is some ways that’s good (easy communication, modern technology), in other ways, that’s scary (terrorism).

Again, we need to start discussing topics in a respectful, serious nature.

For example, the idea of drug testing for welfare recipients sounds like a no brainer to me on the surface. Of course we should.

But …

Will that stop such people from doing drugs? Unlikely. There’s a better chance of these people finding money elsewhere through crime and shadiness.

We’re in debt to China. Think the Communists there will let us off the hook like we would?

Iran might get a nuclear bomb. Assuming you think Iran’s president is not a terrorist, how long will it be before a terrorist organization gets its hands on that bomb?

Many people talk about how we have to leave the world a better place for our children and our children’s children. Unfortunately, people on all sides of the political spectrum often talk nobly but act selfishly.

We also need to understand all media is slanted in one fashion or another. The most obvious examples are MSNBC (on which Chris Matthews said he was glad for Hurricane Sandy because it benefitted  Obama) and Fox, but all media outlets should be viewed with skepticism.

Just the fact a network or newspaper decides what is news and what is not news leaves us at their mercy,

Obviously, this year’s election prompted many of us to expose our beliefs more than normal. The results mean some people are thrilled today and others are distraught.

We all should be concerned.

We all should be hopeful the political parties work together the next two years to tackle some serious issues.

We also should have faith in democracy, where people are free to exchange beliefs and opinions without fear.

“Exchanging” means discussing – not labeling those who might not share our beliefs, and not relying on 30-second TV spots as if they some up an issue and a person’s stance.

Opposing sides staring each other down can’t work. People need to compromise and come together.

At least it would be a start.

Memories of CBSSports.com/Sportsline

Here's a quick list of top memories from my 14 years, 11 months at CBSSports.com/Sportsline.

(Note: There are many more. These just came to mind first. Feel free to add. )

 -- On my interview, being told by Mark Mariani: "If you get the job, that’ll be the last time you wear a tie."

-- Steve Miller doing his dance around a sombrero on the Newsroom floor to celebrate the rising stock price.

-- Getting our favorite Frenchman, Arnaud Giudicelli, riled up by telling him, “It should be called the Tour de Europe or the Tour de France/Switzerland/Belgium/etc." after learning the race enters those countries, too.

-- Walking to the Fax machine to send a stock sell order before being talked out of it by a co-worker, who made sense by saying we were heading into March and the best time of the year for the company. The price proceeded to free fall into oblivion.

-- Often asking Dave Fagan, “Buzz, how’d the Yankees do last night,” knowing full well the Yankees had won.

-- Team Tylenol

-- Softball

-- Bullshitting with, learning from, and informing the Newsroom folks. 

-- Ordering deep-dish pizza from Giordano's in Chicago and eating it with Dave Richard, Dave Salinas and Aaron Weisberg.

-- My all-time favorite Springsteen show memory with Joe Flynn, Mark Swanson and Scott Miller in Jacksonville. Made new friends; the entire day was an experience. You had to be there.

-- Talking to my Dad for the last time when he called to tell me he had bought me a blueberry iBook laptop. A week later he died.

-- Covering the 2003 & 2004 NLCS, including the Steve Bartman Game 6, and 2003 World Series with Scott Miller.

-- Playing in the CBSSports.com the golf scramble, mostly with Team Swanson and Craig Stanke, but one year with Charlie’s Angels (Kira Harrell, Margaret Chow and Kate Schafer).

-- Sept. 11, 2001 (9/11) and IM-ing a sarcastic comment concerning Mike Kahn’s column to ... Mike Kahn. The message had been intended for Mike Millet.

-- Teaming with Microsoft for MMOD. (I should have purchased "I survived Silverlight" T-shirts for me, Joe Flynn and Lou Thomas.)

-- Giving Corey Guerrero an “official F—k You” on a stressful opening Thursday of MMOD and the NCAA Tournament.

Marlins Park

(Note: Marlins Park photos below)

Thanks to my career in sports media, combined with my love of baseball, I've been able to visit many of the MLB ballparks, including some no longer active (e.g Tiger Stadium, which with a fully enclosed upper deck was very cozy, very intimate.)

My all-time favorite ballpark, for the unique experience it offers, is Wrigley Field. You have to attend a Cubs day game, preferably on a Friday or Saturday, to understand.

Of the modern-day ballparks, my favorites are:

5. Coors Field -- There's nothing like seeing the Rockies above the outfield.

4. Yankee Stadium -- Yes I'm a little biased here, but even I admit the luxury love seats take away from the overall ballpark atmosphere. Love the field-level auxiliary scoreboard.

3. SAFECO Field -- I remember eating clam chowder out of a bread bowl while Felix Hernandez was throwing tiny Tylenols (a Bob Klapisch phrase if there ever were one).

2.  Minute Maid Park -- The Astros-Cardinals NLCS certainly created enough atmosphere, but the elevated train in left field and the hill in center added just as much.

1. AT&T Park -- Location, location, location ... and the park itself is awesome, too.

I haven't been to Pittsburgh's PNC Park, which I've heard several people say is tops in the Majors. Also haven't been to Jacobs Field, the Ballpark in Arlington, Nationals Park, Miller Park, Great American Ballpark or Citi Field. What I mean is, I haven't been to them YET.

Last year I made it to Citizens Bank Park, an impressive replacement for the cookie-cutter Vet.

It has been a while since visiting Camden Yards, the first of the modern-day ballparks. The more recently built parks have been able to tweak and enhance the standard set in Baltimore.

As for Fenway park, well, I haven't been there since the 1980s. (I'm sure it's at or near the top for many fans, but why credit the Red Sox when I really don't have to. :)

And as of this year in South Florida, we have Marlins Park.

Compared to their former home, the Marlins should be happy and proud about their new facility, the smallest ballpark in the majors. (The size helps make the crowds look better. :) )

If you go to a Marlins game, make sure you check out the Bobblehead Museum, a glass case on the lower-level concourse between home and first. The well-discussed Home Run (insert your noun, I'll use Machine) in left-center isn't too bad, and it helps give Marlins Park a South Florida feel.

One thing I wish were better: The view of Downtown Miami.

Looking out past and over left field isn't bad when the glass panes are open, but that won't be the case 90-percent of the time. At night, the combination or dark panes and few well-lighted buildings combine to mean the view is, at best, disappointing; at worst, the view is non-existent.

As for the parking and traffic, they're not as bad as has been publicized. Of course, going to a Mets/Phillies game or a postseason game might be a little different.

Buy a prepaid garage ticket and leave a little early if traffic is going to ruin your night. :)

All in all, the Marlins hit a home run. Not a grand slam, but they still cross the plate.

Some photos:

The view from Section 5, Row 19, Seats 17-18. Not bad for $30 per seat.

Center field, right field and the large video screen.

Hanley Ramirez batting in the first. 

Hanley Ramirez, Andy Warhol style.

I paid this attractive woman from Ecuador to take a photo with me. :) Not really ...

Usually where I sit when attending a Marlins game.

A view from Standing Room in left field.

Looking home from SRO in left field.

Making our way around the ballpark.

See previous caption.

The Bobblehead Museum.

No. 44, Reggie Jackson between Lou Gehrig and Derek Jeter. (At least, that's what the names say.)

Nice view, but I'd prefer the sights at the Clevelander on Ocean Ave.

Logan Morrison is about to hit a score-tying homer.

The Home Run machine starting up.

I should have taken a video of this instead of the photo.

C'mon Bruce, play ball

I’ve gotten the question from several people: How can you, a libertarian/conservative, be a fan of … or worse, pay to see! … a lefty such as Bruce Springsteen?

Not only has The Boss promoted socialist-like ideals and supported the most liberal politicians, they say, he’s a hypocrite -- a true capitalist speaking and singing about how corporations and the wealthy have exploited, used and forgotten the nation’s poor people.

As I thought about it all, an analogy came to mind: Major League Baseball and the United States.

Granted, it’s not a perfect analogy. But:

• MLB has 30 teams, the U.S. 50 states

• Both include groups of haves and haves not

• Both include groups (teams, citizens) who struggle to compete with those more fortunate.

In MLB, not every team is located in a top media market that offers much more in terms of fans and dollars. To assist the smaller-market teams, a “luxury tax” tries and spread some wealth.

More than anything, though, it’s up to the individual teams to make wise decisions in terms of philosophy and talent acquisition. The motivation to compete and, hopefully, win keeps alive the dream of being on top.

In the U.S., not every person is lucky enough to be born into a good, stable environment that includes either wealth or the ability to meet all needs.

To assist the needy, taxes have been used to foster entitlement programs. For 
the truly poor, and for people incapable of satisfying basic needs, those programs should be applauded.

However, just as in sports, an individual’s desire to compete and excel should be a fundamental requirement to play.  

Which brings me back to Bruce Springsteen.

I don’t buy the “hypocrite” knock. Just because Springsteen has a lot of cash now doesn’t mean he can’t relate to those in need. Anybody familiar with his background should be well aware The Boss was not born into wealth.

And let’s assume Springsteen can’t relate to the poor. Is it being a hypocrite to defend those who can’t defend themselves? I’m not talking about people who choose not to defend themselves, but those unable to.

I grew up listening to Springsteen because I liked his sound and I respect his talent. That will not change.

Plus, art is subjective and interpretive, isn't it?

But I do have two issues with The Boss' political message:

1.    The accusations often are arrogant and mean-spirited. (Right-wing messages can be vicious, too, but they are extremely more likely to be called out by the media.)

2.    More government involvement is not the answer to most problems. The Bill of Rights guarantees a number of personal freedoms, limits the government's power in judicial and other proceedings, and reserve some powers to the states and the public. The Bill of Rights does not guarantee handouts. It does not guarantee fairness.

Look, my ancestors came from Ireland. The only things they arrived with were the clothes on their back and a desire to live a better life. 

They succeeded by holding onto that dream, working hard and making the most of their opportunities.

As someone who has benefitted from those before me, I try to do my part by helping people in need, and contributing financially when and where I can.

I do, however, wish more people saw the opportunities presented to them by living in the U.S. I'm disappointed more people do not have the had the inner drive to compete and excel -- like the Cardinals, Rays, Brewers, etc. 

What Ever Happened To ...?

The date: Feb. 16, 2032 – 20 years from now.

The Sports Game Show Network has a hot new show hosted by former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. The winner receives a Championship Belt.

Tonight’s first contestant faces the category: “What Ever Happened To …”

1. Tim Tebow

“Serving his first term as U.S. Senator (R-Fla.).” CORRECT

2. Jeremy Lin

“Who?”

Sorry. Correct answer: Whereabouts unknown.

3..Bret Favre

"Nursing injuries suffered during his third stint in the Wrangler Senior Football League.” CORRECT

4..Eli Manning

"The four-time Super Bowl MVP and brother Peyton both work for their older brother, Cooper." CORRECT

5. Derek Jeter

“Owns a jewelry line that specializes in rings.” CORRECT

6. Lebron James

“The face of a group trying to buy the Cleveland Cavaliers.” CORRECT

7. .Chad Johnson

“Now known as Chad Cincuenta Cuatro, has vowed to change his last name every year.” CORRECT

BONUS QUESTION

Kris Humphries

“I thought this was about athletes? … Who?” PARTIALLYCORRECT.

Correct answer: Who cares?

If only these athletes played today

With football seaosn having ended, Tebow mania has subsided ... for now.

No worries, though. The void has been filled by a little Lin-sanity.

Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is the current athlete being forced down the throats of sports fans by today's entertainment and sports media (ESPM).

Then again, many fans seem all too willing to accept being told what's important. After all, why should people think for themsleves when they can be couch potatoes and turn on the idiot box?

Tebow, Lin: Flashes in the pan or long-term quality?

Who cares? Doesn't matter.

There's no patience in today's world, which seeks immediate gratification.

All the hoopla surrounding current sports sensation Lin makes me wonder what if today's 24/7 ESPM was alive and well in 1976 -- the year of "The Bird."

Mark Fidrych, a flaky, curly haired right-hander, resembled "Sesame Street's" Big Bird. On the mound, Fidrych would bend down and groom the mound with his hands, talk to the baseball and slap high-fives with teammates in the middle of the diamond.

Can't you just see it, the Bird miked up for the MLB Network during a start? Or a cable reality series called, "The Bird Cage."

Then there was "Ickey" Woods, the former Bengals running back best remembered for his "Ickey Shuffle" end zone dance.

Ickey would have been a natural for "Dancing With the Stars."

But nobody would have sent ratings higher than former Indians rookie of the year Joe Charboneau.

"Super Joe" would dye his hair unnatural colors, open beer bottles with his eye socket, and drink beer with a straw through his nose. He also reportedly did his own dental work and fixed a broken nose with a pair of pliers and a few shots of Jack Daniel's whiskey.

A song entitled "Go Joe Charboneau" reached No. 3 on the local charts.

Charboneau could have been a triple threat -- TV, movies and the music charts.

But that was 1980 -- a good 7-8 years before Tebow and Lin were born.

And a time when sports fans were able to think for themselves a little more.

Chinese and MSG

Apparently it helps to be Chinese at Madison Square Garden. The dog world's Jeremy Lin -- a Pekingese -- won Best in Show on Tuesday night.

But I must say, the other Best in Show contenders resembled ... well ... dogs!

The Pekingese looked more like a Pillow Pet knockoff that a dog.

Plus, the dog's handler slyly combed the hairy pillow during it's time before the ultimate judge.

Seems like cheating to me. :)

Tiger's no King

I always root against Tiger Woods.

Wait, check that -- I always root for him to be in contention. Good for business, good for golf.

But I couldn't care less if Tiger wins another tournament.

It has nothing to do with Woods' personal problems. If some of us lived under an intense 24/7 public microscope, we'd be embarrassed about a few things, too.

My problem with Tiger is the same reason Arnold Palmer might be my favorite athlete of all-time -- if you're perceived to be bigger than the game, don't act like it.

We live in times when athletes/celebrities are put on pedestals that us mere mortals are allowed to look up at. There have been a few who, in the media's mind, have transcended the games they play.

Woods. Michael Jordan. Tom Brady. Derek Jeter. The list goes on.

Since the early 1960s, Palmer also has lived with "bigger than golf" status. He won a lot, often in thrilling fashion and with great charisma. He also experienced crushing defeats, then acted with class.

During his period of dominance, Tiger Woods -- both the person and the corporation -- was bigger than sport itself and knew it.

The arrogance of Tiger's "people," the bullying ways of Tiger's former caddie (What was his name? LOL) and Woods' aura that said, "Clear the way, it's Tiger Time," made me sick.

I learned many years ago nobody -- yes Tebow fans, nobody -- is 100 percent what they seem to be. And too often, what you see on camera disappears as soon as the red light goes off.

Based on what I've seen firsthand several times, and what I've heard from other people, Arnold Palmer lives up to his billing.

Respectful of others. Honest. Appreciative that he was able to play golf and benefit so much from it.

When it comes to golf, I define "King" as someone who serves the game and its people.

A "Tiger" is the opposite -- someone who expects and demands that others bow to him.

Arnold Palmer never enters the discussion when people talk about the greatest golfer of all-time. That topic usually is reserved for Nicklaus and Woods.

Funny, I never really rooted for Jack, either. :)

Walking with JoePa

When I learned of Joe Paterno's death -- first on Saturday night, then Sunday :) -- two things immediately came to mind.

First, I felt very sad thinking how Paterno's Penn State career had ended. Hopefully, people will look at the entire body of work before handing down their version of Paterno's legacy.

Forget the win-loss record -- decades of hard work and trying to be a positive role model should not be erased completely by any inaction amid the Jerry Sandusky alleged sickness.

Second, I thought back to my one-on-one interaction with Paterno during my previous life at the New York Post.

I had been sent to New York's famed 21 Club -- a former prohibition-era speakeasy :) -- to cover a college football luncheon. (I forget what the event was for, perhaps that year's College Football Hall of Fame members ...)

For some reason, I was the only reporter there. I spoke with Paterno for a while, and then we both departed 21 the at the same time. We chatted while heading west on 52nd Street.

"My wife and I are going to Flatbush (Brooklyn) tomorow for the first time in 20 years," Paterno told me.

"Oh, really? Well, Coach, it has changed a bit," I said with a laugh.

He proceeded to tell me how as an altar boy in his parish, he and others sometimes were sent over to Ebbets Field to work during Brooklyn Dodgers games.

I'll always remember seeing one 30-something guy walking toward us on Avenue of the Americas, looking right at Paterno. As we passed him, the guy stopped. I glanced back to see the guy shaking his head as if to say, "Nah, can't be," and continued on.

When we reached my car, I asked Paterno if he needed a ride. "Thanks but I'm gonna walk for a little bit," he said.

I said goodbye, and watched as JoePa, hands in his pockets, hustled up A of A toward Central Park.

I remember thinking to myself, "The only things missing are the black cleats."

---

People today love to define others.

Whether one is an average Joe (or Charlie) like me, or a celebrity/pro athlete, people love to put labels on others

Can't do this. Will never do that. Greatest ever. A loser.

And in a world in which perception becomes reality, such tags can be painful and difficult to erase or alter.

There's also the patience issue -- few people have it, especially in sports.

All that is why Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning should be feeling extra super today.

Less than two months ago, Coughlin's future as Giants coach was in doubt.

Playoff teams don't lose to Seattle and Washington at home. Another late-season collapse, and he's history.

But the Giants coach had a different mindset. He understood the NFL season has many ups and downs. He knew his team had endured key injuries, but didn't use that as an excuse -- it comes with the gridiron territory. Coughlin knew it would be to easy to panic and point fingers, but instead he showed strength in displaying patience.

Coughlin was rewarded, thanks in large part to the play of Manning.

The guy who had the gaul to say before the season he thought he was an "elite" QB, played this season as just that. He lifted his teammates with his arm, and showed the mettle of a champion with his heart and guts.

Entering this season, Eli's biggest sin -- other than forcing a draft-day trade from San Diego to New York -- was that he wasn't his brother.

He's no Peyton. He got lucky in Super Bowl XLII. He's always good for a dumb play.

He might not be as spectacular at Drew Brees, or throw the ball quite like Aaron Rodgers. He also is not a pretty-boy quarterback like the guy in New England.

He's Eli Manning, the New York's "Eli-te" QB who will be trying to help the Giants win a second Super Bowl.

I'll tag him with this: He's got class. He's got balls. He doesn't have to take a backseat to anyone.

-----

Remember two things: 1. Treat others as you would like to be treated. 2. You get out of life what you put into it.