Please Help the NFL Players

During the last several months I've watched with intrigue the debate between the NFL owners and players. 

Filled with bickering, squabbling, and a money-grubbing tug-of-war, they've captured a great deal of air time with their angry, selfish debates.  It certainly points out a sad fact of American life and the reality of where many of our priorities lie.  It seems more time is spent worrying about sports than about issues that impact people's lives in a very personal and important way, so here is what I offer as my answer and solution to the dilema. 

Fellow Americans everywhere, over the last several months I've watched in stunned disbelief while the tragic events of the NFL have unfolded.  Our brave NFL players have fought so hard to avoid being locked-out of the upcoming season and and losing their salaries. 

I've asked myself, "How could this happen in America?"  Have we become so apathetic that we can sit back and watch this sickening chain of events occur and do nothing about it?  After all, these young, talented, highly educated men have given their all to their job and their country and have asked for so little in return!

Sunday night football is what I live and breath for.  It keeps me going when the going gets rough.  It gives me the courage to get up every Monday and trudge to work with my mop and broom, get down on my knees to clean floors and give thanks for the NFL. 

When I'm down and think nothing can get any better, my spirits are lifted as they perform their wonderful victory dances at the goal line!  That alone is worth the meager salaries they earn.  They probably had to take a credited class for that expertise.  It's simply heartwarming and makes such a positive difference in the lives of America's suffering masses.  This is what America is all about.  This is what we've sacrificed and died for...knowing that freedom rings when the NFL is on the playing field.

The very thought of them losing their almost insultingly meager salaries for months or, God forbid, an entire season, causes me incredible distress.  How could this happen in the greatest nation on earth?  Where are the safety nets for these wonderfully talented and deserving individuals?  Has America become so calloused that they can think only of themselves?

I, for one, have certainly done a great deal of soul-searching and feel tremendous shame that I've focused only on myself and my family's needs.  So what if I'm pretty much destitute and hanging on by a slender thread!  So what if I have to clean houses for a living!  So what if I can't afford to go to the doctor and have my ear flushed out so I can hear again!  Heck...most people don't have anything worth listening to anyway!  I can wait another year or so to have my teeth cleaned and fixed.  It doesn't matter that I need new underwear because the elastic is totally shot!  

I now realize that sending money to children in Appalachia was a true misappropriation of my funds....after all, they're used to being poor.  They really have nothing to miss; whereas our NFL superstars would suffer greatly if their lifestyles were impacted.

As a caring, compassionate nation, we just can't let that happen.  I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.  What about those seniors who get meals on wheels?  Why is the government subsidizing such a ridiculous program?  They don't need a lot of food.  They're not running down the field to catch a magic ball.  Who cares if our veterans come home less than whole?  They chose that job ... so it's not my fault.  What about the families with mouths to feed, bills piling up, mortgages to pay and skyrocketing insurance costs?  Why can't they just tighten their belts, go to one meal a day and buy a camper to live in?

Where is Washington when you need them?  Why isn't there a stimulus program being created to fill this tragic void?  Washington....are you listening?  Mr. President, can't you please step up to the plate and print some much need green backs for these great guys?

I know I'm certainly going to re-evaluate my priorities.  I will not let another day go by where our wonderful NFL players have to worry about where they're going to vacation, or that they won't be able to buy another luxury car, or go out for a much needed night on the town because of their stress-filled jobs.  They shouldn't have to beg for the right to live the lifestyle they so richly deserve and have quickly become accustomed to.

Won't you join with me?  I have my checkbook ready and will write a generous check to help subsidize these most deserving individuals.  I only wish I had more to give.  I do have the gold bracelet that my father gave to my mother in 1944 that I've been saving to pass along to my son when I'm gone.  How selfish of me.  Tomorrow I will pawn that for this worthwhile cause.

I also have a small note ready to insert with the non-payment of my mortgage.  It reads, "Dear Lender, I won't be sending my payments for the next several months because I believe that as a true, patriotic American, my favorite NFL player needs the money more than you.  And, heck, by the time foreclosure proceedings begin, because of my generous contributions, they will be back on the playing field, doing their wildly enthusiastic victory dances and living the life they so richly deserve.  Thank you for your complete understanding and God Bless America!

As always.....live an inspired and patriotic week!

P.S.  Questions and Comments?  Please send to Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner