Volume 66 - ESPN/NFL Columbus Day 2009!!!

Over the years I've criticized Formula One Racing, Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and other Sports Organizations for their idiotic rulings and/or statements but nothing even comes close to the 'insensitivity' and utter 'disrespect' for Italian-Americans than the broadcast by ESPN of the NFL's Monday Night Football this past October 12, 2009, Columbus Day.


Columbus Day is celebrated in the United States as a Federal Holiday honoring not only Christopher Columbus but the Italian heritage of Italian Americans. It is celebrated on the second Monday in October, Federal and State Offices are closed as well as Banks in this 'national' celebration. The same holds for March 17th, Saint Patrick's Day, where "everyone is Irish" for the day, celebrating the heritage of Irish Americans. We, as Americans, have a federal holiday for Martin Luther King Day celebrating the works of Mr. King and his contributions toward equality. I can go on about the Holidays and their associated dates, but I think you get the idea.


This past Columbus Day, October.12, 2009, however there was a difference. And, before I get to that difference let me be very clear about the subject of racism/discrimination as it pertains to me, as an individual. It is without question that my 'family' of associates and friends crosses more ethnic lines (than anyone I'm aware of) from 'Black' to 'Yellow' to 'Brown,' multiple continents, four to be exact, without a single ounce of prejudice as I respect not only individual races, colors, and creeds but also the special days, and the special people that are so represented by each.


So.....back to Columbus Day this past October 12th and Monday Night Football and the NFL's presentation of the Latino Night, the Latino Culture and recognition of Latin NFL players on Columbus Day. Before writing this blog I had a conversation with one of my Italian American Friends and discussed this obvious 'slight' toward Italians; to which his reply was... "the NFL/ESPN knew that 'not a whisper' would be coming forth from the Italians, unlike other races who would cause major disruptions throughout the United States and cause 'their' leaders to perch upon the pedestals of NBC and have the NFL make a personal apology, whereas nothing would be forthcoming from the Italian-American community." I'm unfortunately inclined to believe my friend.

On a day when the NFL could have honored Italian Americans, NFL Players-Coaches-Owners, active and past, like Brian Griese, Vinny Testaverde, Travis Henry, Greg Camarillo, Bobby Sippio, Anthony Fasano, Liro Luoto, Jason Fabini, Chris Naeole, Dominic Raiola, Alan Faneca, Richie Incognito, Mike Devito Ryan Boschetti, Ryan LaCasse, Tedy Bruschi, John DeGiorgio, Vinny Ciurciu, Jon Abbate, Ray Ventrone, Matt Giordano, Jon Corto, Sabby Piscatelli, Adam Vinatieri, Mike D'Antoni, Steve Mariucci, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Alan Ameche, Joe Bellino, Stephen Bisciotti, Nick Buoniconti, Gino Cappelletti, Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., Joe Flacco, Franco Harris, Vince Lombardi, Gino Machetti, Ed Marinaro, Bill Parcells, Dick Vermeil TO NAME A FEW, they decided to honor Latins, since it was Latino month.

This celebration could have been on any other day within October, but not on Columbus Day. The heritage of Italians in America is one of honor, respect, and hard work. There are no Federal or State Laws written for the protection of Italians in this country. This great nation hasn't spent a single dime on Italians, as a nationality, yet has progressed as a nation due to Italian American perseverance and hard work produced over the centuries. One would think that on one day of the year ESPN or the NFL and even the President of the United States (who gave a media presentation at half-time via satellite ) would have had better sense and judgement.


I wonder what would have happened if Monday Night Football and recognition of Latino Day would have been played on the Third Monday of January.

Volume 65 - Balance

God was missing for six days.


Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him, resting on the seventh day.
He inquired, "Where have you been?" God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."



Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?" "It's a planet," replied God, and I've put life on it... I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test BALANCE."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."



God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while Southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things." God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."


The Archangel , impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that one?" "That's Virginia, replied God, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills and plains. The people from Virginia are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving carriers of peace, and producers of good things."



Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God?
You said there would be balance..."


God smiled, "Right, next to Virginia is Washington DC . Wait 'til you see the idiots I put there..."





Speaking of Balance a short editorial on the State of Economy and the lack of economic talent (idiots) in Washington DC. It is my belief that the economy is not going to turn around due to the Federal Stimulus programs. It is my belief that the economy is not going to turn around specifically because of the TARP money, which is just a financial 'papering over' of $13 Trillion dollars bailout of whom? Certainly not the people! The FDIC is bankrupt, Freddie and Fannie are bankrupt and the Federal Government is bankrupt. And thus, the reason why the banks are not lending money even though their balance sheets look like they are strengthening.



The more the federal government (Congress) talks about stimulus, the cheaper the dollar is going to get and the higher Gold is going to go. There has been a 'bank robbery' but the banks have done the robbing. The Bernanke pronouncement made big headlines stating that the recession is almost over. Bernanke, like your local weatherman, has never been right in any of his pronouncements. We criticize countries like China for purchasing our 'notes' without realizing that the US must borrow three billion per day from 'foreigners' just to stay alive. The interest on our present debt is now 800 million per day. How long do you think that 'foreigners' will keep financing this debt? BALANCE is not even understood; but, the 'idiots' in Washington continue to give away 'the bank' (or to the bank!). CUT THE SPENDING! CUT THE TAXING! CREATE SOME BALANCE!