Sports and Politics

We are going to break new ground today on my blog. For the first time in the history of this blog we will deviate from politics. I want to lead off by saying congratulations to my sister-in-law, Tasha Riley, on the completion of her first MARATHON! It was an incredible and inspiring day in Santa Clarita as the entire family came together to celebrate Tasha's accomplishment. At the after party, at the Riley house, I was gazing out at the foreign luxury cars and taking note of the various bumper stickers placed on these cars. We had Obama/Biden, we had McCain/Palin, and curiously we had a Nobama sticker. As I walked in the house to grab a cold one I was struck with how sports and politics do indeed have a common thread. They both involve the unknown and thus allow the observer to form his own theories and opinions of what will happen. They both include setting a goal (getting elected or completing a marathon) and require dedication and hard work. In sports and politics you are setting yourself up for potential failure or embarrassment and dare to dream big. Tasha set a goal for herself over a year ago, trained hard, and pulled off the greatest physical accomplishment of her life. (besides
childbirth-thanks Jeff) So, as I was gazing at the bumper stickers on these high end foreign made cars I was thinking to myself how much time and energy people spend on politics and how much ANGER their is in the political process. At the risk of sounding like Dr. Phil, I have to ask, how is that working for you? We are the most prosperous country in the history of the world and we will transfer political power in a peaceful, law-abiding way. We have nothing to fear from our government, we are allowed to practice whatever religious beliefs we have, we have the best military in the world and people are literally dying to get into our country. The Riley/Trenton/Nespor/Jacobs families have all been incredibly blessed. Life is all about perspective and whatever happens tomorrow will not influence how you live your life or the relationships you have with people. Life will go on no matter who you vote for. If politics is making you a happier, more loving and compassionate person than I encourage you to continue to listen/watch as much political T.V. or radio as possible. If watching political coverage stirs up negative emotions such as anger, bitterness or resentment than I encourage you to take a break from it all. Turn off talk-radio, mute O'Reilly or Olberman, don't click on Drudge, and remember what is important in life. I love politics and I am just as guilty in getting caught up in the us versus them mentality that permeates politics as anyone. So, how do sports and politics come together? We are all one team, we are one country and we will all be proud of our new President. Hey, the Raiders lost on Sunday, Obama might lose tomorrow,(but I doubt it) but I will still get up in the morning knowing that I live in the greatest country in the world with the best family I could have! I am so lucky to have the family that I do and to be able to live the life that I have! So if you are for McCain or for Obama just remember that who you are and what you value in life has nothing to do with politics. Life will go on, and I promise, no gloating tomorrow!