Middle East Conflicts Make Auburn-Alabama Feud Look Trivial

We are at an unprecedented time in history.  In just 18 days, the people of Egypt were able to oust the 30-year rule of Hosni Mubarak.  Now, other Middle Eastern countries have been emboldened to do the same.  The media has reported that in Libya, Yemen, Algeria and Bahrain, uprisings in protest of the government are occurring. 

As of Saturday, February 19, 2011, 84 people have been reported killed in Libya and at least five in Bahrain.  Men and women are willing to take a stand and give up their lives in order to attain more freedom, a freedom that is already enjoyed by citizens of the U.S.

Enter Alabama and Auburn.  After Auburn beat Alabama in the 2010 Iron Bowl, overzealous Auburn fans placed a Cam Newton Jersey over the statue of Bear Bryant.  This was an outrage to Alabama fans, and to put salt in the wounds Auburn defeated Oregon in the BCS Championship Game to match Alabama’s feat a year ago. 

Out of revenge, 62-year-old Harvey Almorn Updyke, Jr., an ardent Alabama fan, allegedly used tree-killing herbicide on the two oaks of Toomer’s Corner, a drug store that is also considered a University landmark.  Horticulturalists say that the trees are beyond the point of saving and will die.  These two oaks are traditional rolled with toilet paper after an Auburn win.

There is evidence that Updyke called a radio show and accused Auburn fans of rolling toilet paper at Toomer’s Corner after the death of Bear Bryant in 1983.  But a February 17, 2011 story in the War Eagle Reader clearly shows that this is not true.

Auburn fans scheduled a rally on Saturday, February 19, 2011 by the two trees.  If not careful, this feud could escalate into something that is beyond what it should be.  What if an overzealous Auburn fan tears down the Bryant statue?  What if Alabama fans retaliate by killing the actual War Eagle VII?  What if violence breaks out?  Already, the story is a sad commentary on the fans of both institutions. 

On June 14, 2003, Reo Hatfield, of the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud, proposed a peace treaty that was signed by both families.  Though the feud was over for more than 100 years, the two families wanted to be an example of how historical bitter rivals can take the next step of forgiveness and live in peace. 

The leadership of Auburn and Alabama should both take a similar initiative to quell the fire that is burning in the hearts of diehard fans before something else far worse than jerseys on statues and killing of trees happens.

While people in the Middle East are being examples of courage, risking their lives in standing up to dictatorial governments, the fans of Auburn and Alabama are being examples of cowardice.  Fans on both sides should take steps to stop the foolishness and promote forgiveness. 

People in the Middle East are wondering why people who have so much freedom and prosperity are fighting over college football. On the other hand, they are so preoccupied with more important matters that they probably couldn't care less.