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. :)