A Raiders Fan's Rant: Sticking Up For The One True Nation

Before I start this rant, I will say that I'm sure it's going to anger some people.  That's ok.  Our great country (sorry, current soldier in Iraq, had to throw it in there) allows us all to share our opinions, and I'm sure some Raiders fans will read this and back me up. 

Recently, too many groups of fans in the NFL have decided that they need to be referred to as a "Nation".  (One more quick comment, I begrudgingly consider one other team to have a Nation; the damn Pittsburgh Steelers.)  Other than the Steelers, and more importantly than the Steelers, one team truly coined their league of fans as the Nation.  That's right.  There is one true Nation in football, the Raider Nation.

The Raider Nation has seen it all.  We've seen the renegade Raider teams.  We've seen the teams showing Pride and Poise.  We've seen the teams which, honestly, resemble a train wreck.  Some may say this hurts the Nation.  In my opinion, it makes us stronger and more rabid.  To be a member of the Raider Nation, you can't be a fair-weather fan. 

In my humble opinion, I'll tell you what I think makes a Nation.  The Raider Nation is a group of people where if you are anywhere else in the country, and you spot someone wearing the colors, you can go up and talk to them.  You instantly have a common bond.  No matter where I've gone in the world, this has proven true time and time over.  Recently, my friends back at our local Raiders club, across the country from Oakland, sent me a huge banner signed by them.  This isn't one or two people, it's many, many fans.  Written on the banner is a phrase known by heart to members of the Nation; JUST WIN, BABY!  Some people may argue that since we all live far from Oakland, we can't be true fans.  Not true in the Raider Nation.  A Nation doesn't just tailgate, we celebrate.  We celebrate being together, having fun, and basking in the loveable, though sometimes dysfunctional, members of our team. 

We're always looking for new members of the Raider Nation.  You have to have a few quirks, though.  Any of us will admit that.  Like it or not, you have to thrive on chaos.  You have to see the moves the Raiders make, and know that you're always going to be a little different than the rest of football fans.  But nobody has more fun thriving on that chaos.  No team draws more anger from football fans.  For every member of the Raider Nation, there are probably three Raider Haters.  From the die-hards sitting in the Black Hole to the office manager that hangs the Autumn Wind in his cubicle, we come from all walks of life.  That's what makes us a Nation. 

So to supporters of the other teams in the league, be fans.  Enjoy it.  Embrace it.  Football is a great game which, for the fall and winter, pulls friends together on Sundays, stirs the talk on Mondays, and just makes beer taste a little better.  But leave the Nation alone.  Come up with something that works for your team, because being a Nation is truely unique.  And nobody does unique better than the Silver and Black.