Dear Team USA: A Message to Our Team on Behalf of Every American

Dear USA Basketball,

These days the United States is struggling through a housing crisis, there are more unemployed Americans than anytime in history, and the dollar is currently the Euro's bitch. 

So at a time like this, thank God for the Olympics. 

We will win more gold medals in the Games than any other country—always have and probably always will.  But in 2008 the one we want the most is in basketball.

Other sports in the Olympics are mainly individual.  Tyson Gay vs. Asafa Powell in 100 meter dash.  Michael Phelps against the rest of the the U.S. Olympic Swim Team. The list goes on. 

But in basketball, the sport we created, it's us against the world!  Not just the host team Yao Ming (a.k.a. China), not Argentina, not just Pau Gasol, but the Entire World. 

Everybody wants to be us.  For most of the teams, beating us is their gold medal.  Greece can go 1-9 in the tournament, but as long as that one win is against the U.S., then their mission is accomplished. 

And the crazy part is, the bullseye on your backs has never been bigger.  People see the U.S.A Basketball team as a wounded duck, and every country in the world is waiting in line to kick us while we're down. 

But that's just it—you're not down.

You are still the best team on this Earth.  All you have to do is play like it!  The Original Dream Team went out to every game in Barcelona in '92 with a purpose—not just to win, but to completely embarrass the other country. 

And that should be your goal this month.  Don't just win, make a statement.  Make the Chinese wish they had never hosted the Olympics by embarrassing them in front of their entire country.  Make every player on Argentina's and Spain's teams wish they would have stuck to soccer. 

LeBron and Kobe, I know you had a tough time in the playoffs and the Finals over the past two years, but here's a chance to do something much bigger than winning the so-called "World Championship"—winning a gold medal.  A real "World Championship." 

Play together and it should be a piece of cake.  Prove you are not only the best players in the world, but also the best team.

You've also got a chance to make difference in the lives of more than just Americans.  This is your stage to help the people of Darfur by making a statement, no matter how minimal, against host China, which is are helping fuel the genocide in the Sudan. 

In 1968, John Carlos and Tommie Smith announced their presence and cause to the world during the medal ceremony in Mexico City, with nothing more than two black gloves.  LeBron, you are the most influential and recognized athlete in the world, and the rest of you guys are household names as well.  Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

Its you agaisnt the world, fellas.  Make us proud.  360 million strong in America have your back.  UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.

Sincerely,

The United States of America