Food For Thought

 In the Olde West, there were gunslingers who settled disputes in a heartbeat.  Fast forward to the 21st century where, in political campaigns, we witness mudslingers, who spend countless hours attacking their opponents.  It seems there's more effort spent on "word wars" than extolling accomplishments!  When candidates are questioned regarding unkept campaign promises, note how they avoid answers by turning to another non-issue or the typical blaming it on the other party.  Gone are the days of discussions that result in bi-partisan solutions.  What happened to, "by, of and for the people?"  Today, we have broadcast programs and networks designed specifically to attack "the other side."  Insanity, thy name is politics!

If you incumbents and candidates need to witness a mixed gathering of successful teamwork, you should study the newly named Cleveland Guardians baseball team.  Read, learn and practice the meaning of that 4 letter word, T-E-A-M!  Take a moment and allow gravity to permeate.  Isaac Newton's discovery tells us things flow downhill as we've been told by others, although they use a word I need not specify.

Consider the front office folks who get together---No Kidding!---spending a very high percent of time to address needs.  Yes, the budget is not large and yet, they are able to build a team from a mix of age, experience, talent, race, color, creed and the willingness to work together by doing what's necessary to achieve a common goal.  The system works!  And it will work anywhere.  As in the Olde West saloons, participants need to "leave guns at the door."  (Ego being today's metaphor)

We don't see all and hear all.  What we DO see and hear is the final product, players and coaches in the dugout and on the field, playing together.  Again, the system works!  Lose the attitude and the me-me-me.  Embrace the family and its virtues.

Enough of that.  Let's talk fun.  If you pay any attention, you've seen how Terry Francona loves to use nick-names.  Based on what I've seen, watching nearly every game, I hereby, herein take pleasure in suggesting a formal baptism of sorts for one member of the hardest playing team in baseball, that being our left-fielder, Steven Kwan.  Suggested moniker is "Obi-Kwan-Obi," the last 3 letters to signify, "On Base Incessantly."