Upon traveling through Georgia and South Carolina this past week, the subject was seemingly everywhere on the radio, in restaurants, taverns, and viewed on television.
The subject of "what needs to be done about this Obama" filled conversations in the room as though anything these people say can change history.
Sore losers. Pure and simple.
The old-timey phrase goes down hard, maybe too hard. Let's just say "winning happily deficient."
There are winners, and there are losers, in the competition for the nation's highest office. Just ask Al Gore.
This observer refuses to buy the idea of an offensive attitude or disrespect toward the office of Commander-In Chief has anything to do with race, region of the country, or level of education.
These demonstrations have been seen before, nine years ago, 17 years ago, 37 years ago just to name a few.
Rather, let the suggestion be put forward this is simply symptomatic of the way much of the American public, not a majority thank heaven, comes to grips with not getting their way or what they want.
Reminiscent of the child holding his breath, hoping to be rewarded by a toy or candy.
Having visited with old military service friends and family from Minnesota, Missouri, and New Mexico this past week at the wonderful Lake Lanier Islands of Georgia, it is apparent people are alike all over in at least one area of behavior.
They like to win.
The idea seemed to be given weight in a discussion concerning how the competitive nature, perhaps stubbornness, of some individuals must be reconciled in order to move along.
It is true in business, family situations, property disputes, religion, politics, and sports.
Oh, is it true in sports.
Few things can inspire bitter words from a person's mouth to equal the anger generated over a cross remark about one's family but, sports comes as close as any to creating ill will among otherwise friendly people.
Losing in sports, specifically college football, inspires its own dimension of denial, hostility, and stubborn refusal to accept what is a fact.
Look at the following examples.
Who among us has not been subjected to a conversation about how Miami was really better than Ohio State in 2002, was a victim an illegal play call, and should have been awarded the National Championship?
How many times have we been advised that Peyton Manning was the true winner of the 1997 Heisman Trophy but, was robbed of the award by authoritative forces who had it in for Tennessee?
Nebraska was fully entitled to play for the 2001 season BCS title, despite losing their final game by 26 points prior to the championship clash.
Michigan was railroaded out of the Rose Bowl by the Big 10 brass in 1973 following their unbeaten season which ended in a tie with undefeated Ohio State.
Johnny Majors of Tennessee should have won the 1956 Heisman Trophy over Paul Hornung of Notre Dame.
Alabama should be acknowledged as the 1966 National Champion over Notre Dame despite finishing No. 3 in the polls.
As anyone can see, there is plenty of room for anger, old hostilities, and stubborn refusal to accept reality among a wide group of fans in the college football game.
Perhaps even more so than in the political arena, sports can bring out the nastiest behavior in all of us.
May we all be thankful for what we have received, have the strength to accept things we can not change, and be more concerned with what has been accomplished instead of dwelling on where we have fallen short of our goal.
Hail to the Chief.
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