The UNITED States

Football. A national past time, or obsession. No matter where you live or what you know about the sport, you will attach to a team. Maybe it is the cute mascot, or the color of the uniform, or because they are from the same part of the country or because it is the team others are cheering against. Whatever the reason, we adopt them as personal friends and the end results of their performance gives meaning to our lives or at least to our football parties.

So what is it anyway, that draws a country together to watch grown men run around in tights and throw a lemon shaped leather ball around a grass field, with stripes? It could be the amazement of watching the physical and mental ability displayed by these guys who work hours everyday to perfect their craft. It could be, but I think, not so much. More likely it is because in some way they are able to do what we used to do, what we would like to do, or what we would like to do to others! Admit it, a good tackle wound be so much fun!

I love that a simple thing like sports can eliminate the barriers between people. Sure we may cheer for opposing teams, but, we will cheer. It reminds of the Shirley Temple films back in the depression. It took the minds of a troubled country off war or financial hardship. Everyone wanted to tap dance and sing a little ditty. With sports we can forget for a moment troubled times in our lives, our country or our world. And we get to have some fun in the process.

So now is the season for the country to unite and cheer with one loud voice "GO......?" You can fill in the blank, and perhaps we will meet in the Super Bowl for a final yell fest before we get back to the routine of life.