Those April 15 Blues

Seldom do we see any joy in “Mudville” on April 15.  It was on that date, at  7:22:10 a.m. in 1865, that Abraham Lincoln died from an assassins’ bullet to his head.  It was also on that date that 1,500 people met their demise in an icy sea when the Titanic sank at 02:20 a.m. EST (05:18 GMT) in 1912.  And, of course, April 15^th is Tax Day in America. 

To be sure it is money that fuels our capitalistic financial system.  When that system functions as it should, the money is dispersed among all who toil thus propelling the common good and general welfare of our nation.  Money also has yet another often overlooked and intrinsic value.  It not only represents a measurement of success but more importantly acts as a statement of appreciation.  It reflects a level of admiration for the hard work, expertise and intelligence we bring to the marketplace – efforts and talents which ultimately benefit all of us. 

It would naturally stand to reason that some Americans would object to that resource being taken from them through the force of law – through the threat of incarceration – and would therefore view taxation as an immoral act. Walter Williams expressed it this manner; “Let me offer you my definition of social justice: I keep what I earn and you keep what you earn.  Do you disagree?  Well then tell me how much of what I earn belongs to you – and why?”  This perspective serves to further foster yet even more ugliness surrounding April 15^th. 

Is there no saving grace to this awful date?  But maybe – just maybe – a bright light – a ray of hope – can be found in Mr. Williams position on social justice. 

To answer the question; “…how much of what I earn belongs to you – and why?”  we must first learn from Mr. Williams what if any of the following initiatives he supports. 

Does he support a government funded military along with fire and police departments? Does he support the post office, public libraries, public parks, public education, student loans?  Does he support Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid?  How about initiatives for the handicapped and disabled; unemployment insurance, food assistance programs, and energy assistance programs?  How about clean water, clean air, safe food, safe medications, safe cars and airplanes, public roadways and highways, public transportation and a variety of public safety programs?  How about federally insured savings accounts, home loan assistance and a whole host of other programs we all benefit from each and every day? 

Once we have established what it is Mr. Williams’ is willing to pay for we can begin the process of determining how much of his resources will be needed to support those enterprises.  What Mr. Williams will learn from this exercise is that without the support of the entire country none of these programs would exist.  How many of us know of any American who would honestly oppose the wise, efficient and compassionate expenditure of tax dollars? 

So alas we have it.  Yes, April 15^th quite often acts as a day of sacrifice and pain.  But let’s not forget its joy as well.  For it is on this day that each and every one of us makes a positive contribution to the betterment of our nation and our fellowman.  It is this reality – this sense of pride in accomplishment and comradery that should flood our hearts and minds when writing our checks to the IRS.  For it is the recognition of that reality and the fact that we are further securing our freedom and liberty that is the panacea for the painful nature of our sacrifice.   

“Oh, somewhere in the favored land the sun is shining bright;

The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light;

And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;

But there is no joy in Mudville” – - - -  if we let it be shut out.

                                                                       “Casey At The Bat”

 Earnest Thayer (Phin)

Revitalizing American Greatness

It is unmistakable that current American culture is more passionate about athletics than anything else.  The only thing that rivals it today is an anthropomorphic interest in Fido.  As such, how about employing this abundance of passion to promote our best interest? 

Recalling the exceptional division one NCAA men’s national college basketball championship in 2014, one can’t help but consider why we are not treated to such an enjoyable spectacle every year.  There is no reason why this excellence needs to teeter on the precipitous of extinction.  In 2014 there were no flukes, no Cinderellas, no underdogs as finalist – only the finest - the VERY best in Duke, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Notre Dame.  There were no absurd celebrations over mediocrity which has fueled a decline of American excellence, influence and prestige over the years.   

To begin with, this tournament is intended to determine a national championship - which team is the finest - the VERY best in the country.  Therefore, it would logically follow that only the finest - the VERY best, based upon outstanding regular season performance and accomplishments, should be invited to compete.  However, greed driven collegiate wisdom, invites teams that have no hope of winning anything – teams that not only fail to meet the qualification of the finest - the VERY best, but teams that, every year, get embarrassed by huge defeats.  Something close to 50% of the initial games typically prove noncompetitive and an absolute bust in that they are either flukes or blowouts.   So for openers, the field of teams needs to be reduced.  

 When the field was expanded to 64 teams in 1985, former Marquette head coach and television commentator Al McGuire sarcastically suggested the NCAA invite every division one team into the tournament.  When McGuire won the NIT championship in 1970 only 41 total teams competed in BOTH the NCAA and NIT - 25 teams in the NCAA and 16 in the NIT.  In 1977 when he won the national championship there were 32 teams in the NCAA field.  John Wooden won his ten national championships (7 in a row) from 1964 to 1975.  Twenty-five teams competed in the NCAA tournament from 1964 until 1975, expanding to 32 teams in 1975.  These two fellas had to compete and succeed by playing only the finest - the VERY best every year. Revamping the tournament to 32 teams would be an excellent place to begin in determining if the field should once again contain 25 teams. 

Next the seeding process must be amended to resemble some sort of sanity. 

Every year the seeding is doctored.  The NCAA stacks the committee with members who focus on America’s obsession with the underdog.  They manipulate the process by creating ludicrous game match-ups through their seeding.  This naturally strengthens the emotional irrationality of underdog fervor while, most importantly, enriching all involved in this charade.  This has gotten way out of hand.  The committee is now in desperate need of basketball devotees and experts – those who love and study the game – those who will be committed to creating a fair system of competition leading to far more exciting and memorable contests.  There is no reason why almost every game, every year, cannot be competitive – ABSOLUTLY NONE.  

Finally, this would have the effect of returning the NIT to its worthy prominence of basketball respectability.  Those of us who remember when the NIT was prestigious can validate how much more enjoyable it was to follow two foremost tournaments.  When McGuire’s Marquette Warriors won the NIT in 1970 (only 41 teams competed in BOTH tournaments) they were heralded as the NIT champs on the marquees of every school they visited the following year - a marvelous accomplishment – something a school and a whole community could be proud of . 

Revitalizing a renewed respect and excitement for excellence in America would not only be refreshing but would greatly aid in returning America to the honor of a great country.  Continuing our reverence for the underdog and our enthusiasm for mediocrity – the lucky achievement – the fluke - will certainly not serve us well in the future.  Our committed determination toward excellence spawned our greatest achievements and a wonderful sense of national pride – a pride we could once experience through landing on the moon as well as John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins.   If we truly aspire to greatness – to being the finest -  the VERY best – then demanding exactly that of NCAA college basketball tournament would be the perfect place to begin that revitalization process.                                      

 The only thing that prevents us from once again being the greatest country in the world is our will - our commitment to sacrifice for the achievement of excellence.