Oakland Raiders: For Whom the Bell Tolls

Do we take life for granted? Did we take the victories of the Oakland Raiders for granted? Do we assume we will have a tomorrow? Do we hear the bell toll, for someone else, and then become sober for we know it tolls for us, too?

There are so many articles and comments that are calling for the ushering in of death for Al Davis. Do you not know that as you wish death for him, you wish it for yourself?

When death comes to one, it comes to all. The missing piece carried by the one who dies is also removed from our presence. When one person is transformed, then everyone in his midst will also be transformed.

I am in a pensive mood today because I realize my finiteness. I get up in the mornings, lately, excited to do research for another Oakland Raiders article. I enjoy this journey to understand the Oakland Raiders, their dilemmas, challenges, and paradoxes.

In some ways, I wish for the resurrection of the glory of the Oakland Raiders so soon that Mr. Al Davis can also celebrate the franchise's restoration with us.

I admit that I had high hopes for JaMarcus Russell. But, it seems, Russell has some type of deep-seated problem. He has not functioned optimally, yet.

Yes, I said, yet, because he just might be able to do better if his support system is better and his team connects and responds to him.

I have never heard of fans "booing" their quarterback. That must be painful for Russell's family to hear and for his friends to witness. Once more, how do you think it makes Russell feel when, I do believe, there are already undiagnosed problems in his career and life.

And, how do you think the entire team felt when they heard all of that booing during the 2009 season?

Then, we had high hopes for Bruce Gradkowski. But the higher power did not favor us for long. Although there was a breath of fresh air on the playing field, it lasted for such a short time.

What did we do for this type of punishment? Where are we going wrong, Raider Nation?

Next, we had our hopes built up that Frye could pull us up and out because Gradkowski had injuries and his term was cut short. Can you believe it? Frye, too, was injured.

When I first started writing these sports articles, I suggested that we forgive our debtors and that we seek forgiveness for our debts. It seems that something is amiss in the Oakland Raiders franchise. What is more disturbing is the financial status of the franchise. It is suffering, but I hope redemption is nigh.

Redemption is a strong word. That's what we need, strength. We need cohesion. We need a team who is close, who empathizes with each other, who are so close that they are like old couples who, when one starts a sentence, the mate finishes the thought.

We need camaraderie. We need to be connected.

John Donne actually wrote a meditation that included the line "for whom the bell tolls." In that same writing, he used the phrase "no man is an island." Furthermore, a commentary said that the meaning of the tolling bell could be a signal that we are next. It could also mean that we are notified that because we are connected, a part of us has died when we hear the bell toll.

So, if Al Davis were to leave us, then a part of us would be diminished. If Al Davis' bell tolls, then that bell is also tolling for us.

On the other hand, when Al Davis begins to win, again, then we will win, again.

So, the bell of victory tolls for us when it tolls for the Oakland Raiders.

Now we know "for whom the bell tolls." It tolls for thee.

Dedication to Dr. Anthony Bruni

This article is dedicated to Dr. Anthony Bruni, a professor of mathematics and colleague of mine. We were hired on the same day. Dr. Bruni's bell tolled about 10 days ago, and he was discovered this morning by other colleagues. A brilliant mathematician who made straight A's throughout his entire academic life and who will be greatly missed by students, friends, and colleagues.