Reading my newsfeed over the past few days has brought me a bit of consternation over the continuing polarity that keeps fueling divisiveness in the United States. Let me say upfront that I believe both sides of the political fence are to blame.
I don't know when the presidency began getting involved in acknowledging sports champions, except when President Nixon made a call to Texas Longhorns Head Coach Darrell Royal after Texas defeated Arkansas 15-14 in a classic game in 1969. Lately a call from or a visit to the White House has become a political firestorm, and the news this weekend kept it burning.
Mookie Betts, and other Boston Red Sox, have stated emphatically that they will not pay a visit to the White House as a protest to President Trump's policies/stances. He has that right, and that's not my gripe. Neither am I condoning President Trump's lack of diplomatic skill when publicly lambasted, whether factual or not. My concern is that neither side is willing to humble themselves and give an ear to what they oppose.
I believe both conservatives and liberals have dug in their heals so much that the game of chicken will end up tragically for both. And the new generation is following in the footsteps of both.
I believe what should transpire is this (and I don't care who takes the lead):
- President Trump should offer an invitation to celebrate a team's accomplishments AND give the players a chance to voice some concerns about his policies;
- Team leaders, Betts, Steph Curry, etc, should insist on a meeting with the President to discuss their political concerns instead of just refusing to show up to the invitation.
I believe both sides have been listening to the wrong advice, the one which tells them that there's nothing right about what the other wants. One side MUST show civility, and a desire to be open to another's viewpoint, otherwise the gap keeps widening and the old adage becomes a reality, "a house divided will fall."
And that's my concern.
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“Aslan didn't tell Pole what would happen. He only told her what to do. That fellow will be the death of us once he's up, I shouldn't wonder. But that doesn't let us off following the signs.” - Puddleglum in The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis