To the editor:
I enjoyed reading a recent letter (October 13, Tribal loyalty should not determine your vote in 2024), which appeared in the Record. I especially liked the sports analogy and can certainly relate. The author professes to be a diehard Steelers fan transplanted to Edwardsville from her native Pittsburgh many years ago. Conversely, I’m originally from northwest Pennsylvania and have spent most of my life living, and occasionally dying, with my beloved Cleveland Browns who she detests. Likewise, I’m sure!
That two polar opposite pro football fans could still agree on the political issues of our times shows that there is still hope for all of us.
Taking the author's football analogy a yard further, pro teams take for granted that the field they play on each week is level. They have confidence that the “zebras” will officiate the game to the best of their abilities without regard to the color of the player’s uniforms.
That is sadly not the case in politics. Rather than be impartial, current justice departments at the federal and state levels seem to be more an extension of their political persuasions. They make a lot of obviously bad calls and, most grievously, many non-calls. They demand indisputable evidence for any home team transgressions and exhibit “no harm, no foul” attitudes even when it exists. Think of it as home field advantage on steroids.
The media can be likened to game commentators up in the mics openly rooting for the home team, using their bully pulpit to denounce the opposition’s play at every turn. They’re quick to make excuses for their hometown heroes and downplay their flagrant fouls when they occur. Think of them as cheerleaders gone wild only without pompoms.
Under these less-than-ideal conditions, it’s hard for coaches to motivate and prepare a team going into games. It’s also difficult for players to focus and fine-tune as they prepare for hand-to-hand combat on the gridiron.
There is no bigger game than the upcoming 2024 election. We’ve all got to put our game faces on, pull our chin straps tight, and give it our best shots! Go Browns!
Bill Malec
O’Fallon, IL