With the "super bowl" which my wife refers to as the "stupid bowl" coming up tomorrow, our main concern is when it is in order to choose the best times to go to the grocery store. To be honest, I am thrilled and inspired by watching sports some (mostly highlights), but I do not get our culture's overwhelming interest in this or any spectating for that matter. I would rather spend much more of my time doing, including thinking and acting on things that are more consequential to me and under my control than who wins a game or wins a race by 0.1 seconds or whatever. Politics is one example. Environmentalism and healthcare, including the politics of them, are others. Are our priorities as a society way "off base"? If so, I have plenty of other suggestions for how to spend our time and money. Not telling, just asking.
Ed, I look at it another way. Although the major sports leagues themselves are rife with greed, at least our national sports pastimes need rules in order to make the games compelling. Many of the major players in our economy and in politics, by contrast, no longer play by the rules -- or change them when they can more easily win by doing so. Winning at any cost isn't approved of in sports, but it seems to be what we're evolving to in other aspects of our national life.
I can't even contemplate sports in the U.S. without feeling my lunch rise, but that's a great example of how any lessons about fair play don't translate even as far as the ticket window. Or parking lot, fans being murdered in away parking lots. War looms, yet today's Boston TV news opens with "Super Bowl seats $30,000 - $50,000." On our grave, history will etch: "Done in by Big Sports, guns, CEO yachts, and Trump."
Thanks. From my perspective winning at any (or almost) cost IS approved of in sports. We give millions of dollars and our love to people who we might otherwise want nothing to do with. I understand the famous quote not originated by Vince Lombardi: "Winning isn't everything; It is the only thing". I see the value in order to help one focus but of course the flaws of this perspective. I love Nelson Mandela's "I never lose. I either win or I learn." I really appreciate your perspectives. I have the impression that you remain optimistic and joyful overall despite frustrations and forces of hopelessness. That is the path that I choose to take.
Ed Wrenn ; I agree that our priorities are way 'off base' as a society. I am so tired of seeing and hearing football and other sports terms used in discussing the 'race' for President and every other thing that 'impacts' the common good. BTW, your wife has something in common with me; I have often called the Super Bowl the stupid bowl! LOL!
Tim, I have often been concerned when I watch some pundits gleefully or glibly discussing something of grave importance to millions of people. From the BBB to a quirk in the law, to tax breaks for those who don't need them, it often seems like a game.
Tim. I agree with you. Politics has become a "blood sport". Check out Twitter. Disgusting to read some of the tweets. Social media took off when President Obama ran for office. That team figured out how to reach the masses using social media. Then President Trump and team perfected the art. Now we have what we have today.
Ed. I could not have said this better. American values have gone into the toilet. Grown men making millions (their owners billions) while chasing a ball (basketball, football, soccer, golf) in funny clothes. Reminds me of the gladiators during the Roman Empire.
Thanks. It may not be to the extent of gladiators yet, but folks do suffer death and career ending and quality of life damaging injuries far too frequently partly for the "love of the game" and partly for social status and rarely big payoffs "for our viewing pleasure". Not mainly to be a critic, let's pivot at least on the margins to less harmful, more beneficial and fulfilling things. Think how much inequity could be countered and how much other good personally and in the aggregate could be done by refocusing just small percentages of our time and money!
Yes, there are a plethora of injuries, the human body is often broken when pressed to extremes! Love of the game (competition), is usually the incentive that drives most athletes in sports! The money side comes from greedy owners, agents and advertising in nearly every instance! Starting salaries, coupled with signing bonuses are insane, even minimum salaries are six figures! Likely “big”payoffs for anyone reading this excellent post from Robert! I believe all of us can agree, there are far bigger concerns in life, and certainly better ways for elected officials to spend their time…
Great story Robert! Another of your many talents! I guess this could be analogous to our political disputes of today! Perhaps even to the Ukrainian situation. How do we know when Democracy and decency are lost causes? I sort of agree with Clinton in that there is always a solution to any problem. I have found that both parties to a dispute need to be rational and pragmatic for there to be a solution. When one side wants to win so badly that he is willing to go for broke and against his own best interest…the problem is not solvable. One could not negotiate with fanatical nazis. Moreover, when one party has all or most of the marbles, he always wins.
Yes, and I admired Clinton for his optimism. I'm not sure there's a solution to every problem, and I've become more jaded about the willingness of opponents to find common ground.
If only the parties would agree to abide by the results of the decisional coin.... At my old office at DOL we had a "settlement judge" program. First order of business is that the parties have to agree to negotiate fairly.
I listened to your first class yesterday. It was like going back 50 years and sitting through a college lecture. It wasn't entertaining. It was informative. Most of the stuff I was already aware of but it did clarify the thoughts. I sent the link out to about 30 friends and urged them to watch it and send to their friends along with this quote:
“A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.” ~Thomas Jefferson
You spent a lot of TIME and money putting this course together. I think you did it out of a sense of desperation. I sent the link out to my friends for the same reason hoping for an exponential distribution. Everyone has to do something!!!! This link should be sent to every American who claims to be a citizen. I hope you have offered it to every major newspaper in America at no charge. You could be the new Thomas Paine!!!
Yes, it seems to me that the Department of Labor should be focusing on such matters as ensuring worker safety in the meat processing industry and investigating Starbucks' firing of union organizers. It's hard to feel any sympathy for multimillionaires fighting with other multimillionaires. They are not the downtrodden in need of government assistance. If those who love to watch baseball are denied that opportunity, the blame should be squarely on the players and owners, not the government.
Your assertion that presidential power derives from the appearance of having it reminded me of President Biden's spending months in fruitless negotiations with Joe Manchin, who only kept moving the goalposts (since sports is the topic today). Manchin was clearly not negotiating in good faith; it was, unfortunately a lost cause. That made Biden look incredibly weak and likely contributed significantly to the precipitous decline in his approval rating.
Carolyn. You made an excellent point. Unfortunately President Biden was not given the gift of Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump or MLK. Those men could move crowds to standing ovations. Biden seems to look lost and senile when he speaks. He appears weak in his first year. Plus he must have a horrible PR team around him.
President Biden has battled his speech impediment his whole life and for the right wing idiots to criticize this man for his cadence of speech after all he’s been through shows how cruel they are. Biden’s attempts to try to improve this country being met with this vitriol exposes them for what they have become— fascists.
SeekingReason ; I agree. the accusation that a person is somehow unfit to lead because they have earned some large amounts of money is questionable, too. I have had people using right wing talking points about Bernie being unfit as a leader because He owns a certain property or makes more money than is 'seemly', whatever that is.
Ironically Bernie is one of the least wealthy in congress (during his 2016 campaign he was listed as 19th poorest member of congress). But hat changed after he published a few books…but historically he had a lower net worth than most. There is a list of Biden accomplishments at: whatbidenhasdone.wordpress.com
That should shut down the Biden is old, Biden is sleepy etc crap.
Yeah, and it’s their brand of Christian-based cruelty too. If you think that most of them aren’t too bad, a good gauge is to go up to one of them & tell him god’s not real and watch their reaction. If you get a reaction that sparks their Christian anger and fear of facts— then you’ll know you’re dealing with a real extremist not just some person that’s OK… these kind are always dangerous, especially to the one thing they always brag they’re so patriotic about— LIBERTY.
He is old, but when listened to, he makes sense. His ideas are good and he means well. Being forceful or charismatic does not solve much if the intent is self enrichment. People don't want a dictator, they might want to work with a decent old man.
Laurie. You make a good point. Biden is old. Our country is now in the 21st century. We are facing HUGE challenges with digital money, Crypto, Artificial Intelligence, privacy issues, alter universe and rampant social media. China is rushing forward as are many other nations. Many people in today's world are into as you say "Self Enrichment". President Biden has already made millions. Joe Biden earned $17.3 million over the four years he was out of office. I don't know too many people that want to work with a "decent old man" in today's fast paced world. I am a decent old woman. I have a lot of wisdom but my energy level is nothing like it was when I was in my 50's and 60's. I do not believe anyone under the age of 35 or over the age of 70 should run for President. That is my humble opinion. Sending you hugs from Arizona
Cecelia ; I agree that age can slow a person down, but Joe Biden is the President we currently have. JFK was younger and accomplished some good things, but his end was not about lack of energy, or wisdom. There are things much more important than youth, and in this world, even the best lose to greed and corruption. I keep hoping for an epiphany of sorts. Something so big it cannot be ignored that will inspire people to think differently.
I disagree. I find Joe Biden to be genuine when he speaks and he’s not afraid of honesty like so many politicians who talk in circles about what they think are delicate subjects.
Trump does not belong on the list of leaders above. His appeal is to terrorist loyalists. He never made an eloquent speech!
The Dept of Labor, along with the Health dept would have to intervene if tRump was involved with sports. A few good lawyers specializing in sex discrimination too.
As one who played baseball as a kid and an avid fan today I'm convinced the media announcers are trying to destroy the game with their incessant blather. Thank God for the mute button. And the stupid bowl? Great time to go shopping. Hardly anyone around. Our favorite movie about sports is CONCUSSION--a David and Goliath story. David didn't destroy Goliath (NFL) but he sure gave him a poke in the eye. Will Smith deserved an Oscar.
When I was a kid in the USA’s former industrial powerhouse, Pittsburgh, corporations paid taxes, enabling the tax-supported Pittsburgh Department of Recreation to provide a Little League in my neighborhood. Signing up to play and playing during the summer season cost zero dollars (but you had to bring your own baseball glove). The coaches were enthusiastic college boys who earned $1 per hour or less. Those young coaches taught us kids, aged 8-12, how to play the game and maybe more importantly, how to be a good teammate. I look back on my Little League days with fondness and nostalgia. I reflect on the invaluable character-building lessons we learned. We gained so much at zero monetary cost.
The baseball strike of 1994-1995 destroyed my interest in baseball -- permanently. I found other things to focus my time and energy on. The strike cost the sport many fans. It took years for baseball to recover. The owners and players should remember that it is the fans who are source of money for their profits and salaries! I agree with Mr. Reich that the government should stay out of it.
What a great story that puts the reader dead center into the negotiations. It’s politically understandable why all of you tried so hard to resolve the dispute, baseball is a big deal to many Americans.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that all the charm and manipulation one can muster is often not enough when money is involved. However, humbling it must have been, there was never going to be a quick resolution and the failed attempt would be scrutinized longer than the praise had a deal been made. Labor Secretary Walsh would be wise to heed this warning, it comes from a man who knows – experience is literally the best teacher!
You are quite the storyteller! I really enjoyed reading this. I too believe there is a common ground to be found between two parties trying to negotiate so I get where Bill Clinton was coming from. I’m not so sure he should have been spending time on this particular issue but then again, there are a large number of people in this country who love sports….and it is a money maker for many people too. Perhaps you guys should have served them food normally offered at the snack bars found at baseball games and had music heard at the games quietly playing in the background. They might have been more in the mood to negotiate!
First, I loved the story, and you captured it so well. Your writing reminds me of Hemingway, my personal favorite, as you tell it simply with all the right nuances. I was right there in the room with you. Plus, I always find these behind the curtains looks at what's happening at the highest levels of our government fascinating, especially the distillation of the real politics behind the spoken words that you bring to the surface in your translations. But what first came to mind and really struck a nerve today was what I perceived as President Clinton's enormous ego, maybe even with a little bit of arrogance, that he could settle the strike, swaying Selig, with personal persuasion, and all just to score political points. Maybe that wasn't what you intended and I'm being totally unfair here because I don't know Bill personally like you do, but nonetheless, it was just another reminder of why hate politics and don't trust many of our politicians.
I was kind of curious though as to why you couldn't repress a cough when the young pitcher spoke up. Was it that $3 million a year didn't show respect?
This is the most accurate statement I've ever read about these types of "labor disputes": "This wasn’t a labor dispute. It was a big-finance fight between multi-millionaires and multi-millionaires over how to split billions."
The top of the line Major League athletes are not in the same class as grocery clerks, truck drivers and teachers. They get paid obscene amounts of money to play a sport and entertain us, while the team owners rake in even more obscene amounts. Granted, they are very good at these sports, and fun to watch, but let's keep this in perspective, shall we? Major League sports are not about the sport, they are about entertainment and most of all MONEY!
It should be noted, of course, that not all Major League athletes are paid obscene salaries. There are lots of them who are paid the league minimum and have very short careers, maybe 2-3 seasons if they are lucky and don't get injured, cut, or sent to the Minors. They are the players that the unions should be representing, not the mega-stars.
With the "super bowl" which my wife refers to as the "stupid bowl" coming up tomorrow, our main concern is when it is in order to choose the best times to go to the grocery store. To be honest, I am thrilled and inspired by watching sports some (mostly highlights), but I do not get our culture's overwhelming interest in this or any spectating for that matter. I would rather spend much more of my time doing, including thinking and acting on things that are more consequential to me and under my control than who wins a game or wins a race by 0.1 seconds or whatever. Politics is one example. Environmentalism and healthcare, including the politics of them, are others. Are our priorities as a society way "off base"? If so, I have plenty of other suggestions for how to spend our time and money. Not telling, just asking.
Ed, I look at it another way. Although the major sports leagues themselves are rife with greed, at least our national sports pastimes need rules in order to make the games compelling. Many of the major players in our economy and in politics, by contrast, no longer play by the rules -- or change them when they can more easily win by doing so. Winning at any cost isn't approved of in sports, but it seems to be what we're evolving to in other aspects of our national life.
I can't even contemplate sports in the U.S. without feeling my lunch rise, but that's a great example of how any lessons about fair play don't translate even as far as the ticket window. Or parking lot, fans being murdered in away parking lots. War looms, yet today's Boston TV news opens with "Super Bowl seats $30,000 - $50,000." On our grave, history will etch: "Done in by Big Sports, guns, CEO yachts, and Trump."
Thanks. From my perspective winning at any (or almost) cost IS approved of in sports. We give millions of dollars and our love to people who we might otherwise want nothing to do with. I understand the famous quote not originated by Vince Lombardi: "Winning isn't everything; It is the only thing". I see the value in order to help one focus but of course the flaws of this perspective. I love Nelson Mandela's "I never lose. I either win or I learn." I really appreciate your perspectives. I have the impression that you remain optimistic and joyful overall despite frustrations and forces of hopelessness. That is the path that I choose to take.
Ed Wrenn ; I agree that our priorities are way 'off base' as a society. I am so tired of seeing and hearing football and other sports terms used in discussing the 'race' for President and every other thing that 'impacts' the common good. BTW, your wife has something in common with me; I have often called the Super Bowl the stupid bowl! LOL!
I call it the "Stupor" Bowl since many times the game so boring I fall asleep!
Yes, Tim, or they are drinking and in a stupor.
To the people in the news media, politics is a sport.
Tim, I have often been concerned when I watch some pundits gleefully or glibly discussing something of grave importance to millions of people. From the BBB to a quirk in the law, to tax breaks for those who don't need them, it often seems like a game.
Tim. I agree with you. Politics has become a "blood sport". Check out Twitter. Disgusting to read some of the tweets. Social media took off when President Obama ran for office. That team figured out how to reach the masses using social media. Then President Trump and team perfected the art. Now we have what we have today.
Ed. I could not have said this better. American values have gone into the toilet. Grown men making millions (their owners billions) while chasing a ball (basketball, football, soccer, golf) in funny clothes. Reminds me of the gladiators during the Roman Empire.
Thanks. It may not be to the extent of gladiators yet, but folks do suffer death and career ending and quality of life damaging injuries far too frequently partly for the "love of the game" and partly for social status and rarely big payoffs "for our viewing pleasure". Not mainly to be a critic, let's pivot at least on the margins to less harmful, more beneficial and fulfilling things. Think how much inequity could be countered and how much other good personally and in the aggregate could be done by refocusing just small percentages of our time and money!
Yes, there are a plethora of injuries, the human body is often broken when pressed to extremes! Love of the game (competition), is usually the incentive that drives most athletes in sports! The money side comes from greedy owners, agents and advertising in nearly every instance! Starting salaries, coupled with signing bonuses are insane, even minimum salaries are six figures! Likely “big”payoffs for anyone reading this excellent post from Robert! I believe all of us can agree, there are far bigger concerns in life, and certainly better ways for elected officials to spend their time…
big payoffs
Great story Robert! Another of your many talents! I guess this could be analogous to our political disputes of today! Perhaps even to the Ukrainian situation. How do we know when Democracy and decency are lost causes? I sort of agree with Clinton in that there is always a solution to any problem. I have found that both parties to a dispute need to be rational and pragmatic for there to be a solution. When one side wants to win so badly that he is willing to go for broke and against his own best interest…the problem is not solvable. One could not negotiate with fanatical nazis. Moreover, when one party has all or most of the marbles, he always wins.
Yes, and I admired Clinton for his optimism. I'm not sure there's a solution to every problem, and I've become more jaded about the willingness of opponents to find common ground.
Have to find the watna.
https://www.pon.harvard.edu/tag/what-is-watna/#:~:text=In%20a%20negotiation%2C%20your%20WATNA,a%20resolution%20cannot%20be%20reached.
If only the parties would agree to abide by the results of the decisional coin.... At my old office at DOL we had a "settlement judge" program. First order of business is that the parties have to agree to negotiate fairly.
I listened to your first class yesterday. It was like going back 50 years and sitting through a college lecture. It wasn't entertaining. It was informative. Most of the stuff I was already aware of but it did clarify the thoughts. I sent the link out to about 30 friends and urged them to watch it and send to their friends along with this quote:
“A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.” ~Thomas Jefferson
David, so glad you joined me yesterday, and that you found it useful.
You spent a lot of TIME and money putting this course together. I think you did it out of a sense of desperation. I sent the link out to my friends for the same reason hoping for an exponential distribution. Everyone has to do something!!!! This link should be sent to every American who claims to be a citizen. I hope you have offered it to every major newspaper in America at no charge. You could be the new Thomas Paine!!!
Yes, it seems to me that the Department of Labor should be focusing on such matters as ensuring worker safety in the meat processing industry and investigating Starbucks' firing of union organizers. It's hard to feel any sympathy for multimillionaires fighting with other multimillionaires. They are not the downtrodden in need of government assistance. If those who love to watch baseball are denied that opportunity, the blame should be squarely on the players and owners, not the government.
Your assertion that presidential power derives from the appearance of having it reminded me of President Biden's spending months in fruitless negotiations with Joe Manchin, who only kept moving the goalposts (since sports is the topic today). Manchin was clearly not negotiating in good faith; it was, unfortunately a lost cause. That made Biden look incredibly weak and likely contributed significantly to the precipitous decline in his approval rating.
So easy to blame a president. Democracy, especially when bought, is messy.
Carolyn. You made an excellent point. Unfortunately President Biden was not given the gift of Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump or MLK. Those men could move crowds to standing ovations. Biden seems to look lost and senile when he speaks. He appears weak in his first year. Plus he must have a horrible PR team around him.
President Biden has battled his speech impediment his whole life and for the right wing idiots to criticize this man for his cadence of speech after all he’s been through shows how cruel they are. Biden’s attempts to try to improve this country being met with this vitriol exposes them for what they have become— fascists.
Well said. This Biden senile crap is from right wing talking points.
SeekingReason ; I agree. the accusation that a person is somehow unfit to lead because they have earned some large amounts of money is questionable, too. I have had people using right wing talking points about Bernie being unfit as a leader because He owns a certain property or makes more money than is 'seemly', whatever that is.
Ironically Bernie is one of the least wealthy in congress (during his 2016 campaign he was listed as 19th poorest member of congress). But hat changed after he published a few books…but historically he had a lower net worth than most. There is a list of Biden accomplishments at: whatbidenhasdone.wordpress.com
That should shut down the Biden is old, Biden is sleepy etc crap.
Thanks, Seeking Reason! I knew the lies about Bernie's 'wealth' were just that. Repug misinfo
Isn't it ironic that their 'fearless leader' rants on and on about how 'unfair' his opponents on the left are?
And Cruelty is the point with that crowd.
Yeah, and it’s their brand of Christian-based cruelty too. If you think that most of them aren’t too bad, a good gauge is to go up to one of them & tell him god’s not real and watch their reaction. If you get a reaction that sparks their Christian anger and fear of facts— then you’ll know you’re dealing with a real extremist not just some person that’s OK… these kind are always dangerous, especially to the one thing they always brag they’re so patriotic about— LIBERTY.
He is old, but when listened to, he makes sense. His ideas are good and he means well. Being forceful or charismatic does not solve much if the intent is self enrichment. People don't want a dictator, they might want to work with a decent old man.
Laurie. You make a good point. Biden is old. Our country is now in the 21st century. We are facing HUGE challenges with digital money, Crypto, Artificial Intelligence, privacy issues, alter universe and rampant social media. China is rushing forward as are many other nations. Many people in today's world are into as you say "Self Enrichment". President Biden has already made millions. Joe Biden earned $17.3 million over the four years he was out of office. I don't know too many people that want to work with a "decent old man" in today's fast paced world. I am a decent old woman. I have a lot of wisdom but my energy level is nothing like it was when I was in my 50's and 60's. I do not believe anyone under the age of 35 or over the age of 70 should run for President. That is my humble opinion. Sending you hugs from Arizona
Cecelia ; I agree that age can slow a person down, but Joe Biden is the President we currently have. JFK was younger and accomplished some good things, but his end was not about lack of energy, or wisdom. There are things much more important than youth, and in this world, even the best lose to greed and corruption. I keep hoping for an epiphany of sorts. Something so big it cannot be ignored that will inspire people to think differently.
Let's all pray for President Biden and our country.
Cecelia ; Hugs from Massachusetts!
I disagree. I find Joe Biden to be genuine when he speaks and he’s not afraid of honesty like so many politicians who talk in circles about what they think are delicate subjects.
Trump does not belong on the list of leaders above. His appeal is to terrorist loyalists. He never made an eloquent speech!
I agree with you. Many politicians talk in circles.
You madam are 100% correct…
So this story is just a bigger version of the $1,000 game from class.
If only Donald Trump were there to teach you all how to make a deal.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!
Yeah, he would have all the teenagers on banned drugs like his buddy, Putin.
The Dept of Labor, along with the Health dept would have to intervene if tRump was involved with sports. A few good lawyers specializing in sex discrimination too.
And just what Nazi “solution” would the biggest business failure & all time champion liar TFG do?
I sure hope that your comment was in jest and that I’ve (once again) missed the satire. Strike one! Lol
Deep sarcasm intended
About halfway through writing my premature comment I sort of figured that out. Thank you for your patience. ;)
Interesting, well written article with good advice.
As one who played baseball as a kid and an avid fan today I'm convinced the media announcers are trying to destroy the game with their incessant blather. Thank God for the mute button. And the stupid bowl? Great time to go shopping. Hardly anyone around. Our favorite movie about sports is CONCUSSION--a David and Goliath story. David didn't destroy Goliath (NFL) but he sure gave him a poke in the eye. Will Smith deserved an Oscar.
When I was a kid in the USA’s former industrial powerhouse, Pittsburgh, corporations paid taxes, enabling the tax-supported Pittsburgh Department of Recreation to provide a Little League in my neighborhood. Signing up to play and playing during the summer season cost zero dollars (but you had to bring your own baseball glove). The coaches were enthusiastic college boys who earned $1 per hour or less. Those young coaches taught us kids, aged 8-12, how to play the game and maybe more importantly, how to be a good teammate. I look back on my Little League days with fondness and nostalgia. I reflect on the invaluable character-building lessons we learned. We gained so much at zero monetary cost.
In my family we watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. Even half time sucks now.
The baseball strike of 1994-1995 destroyed my interest in baseball -- permanently. I found other things to focus my time and energy on. The strike cost the sport many fans. It took years for baseball to recover. The owners and players should remember that it is the fans who are source of money for their profits and salaries! I agree with Mr. Reich that the government should stay out of it.
Tim, that's when my husband and I stopped going to Fenway. Enough!
I suspect that this is a parable of a culture in which winning is everything, and much more relevant than what the game is. Our culture.
What a great story that puts the reader dead center into the negotiations. It’s politically understandable why all of you tried so hard to resolve the dispute, baseball is a big deal to many Americans.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that all the charm and manipulation one can muster is often not enough when money is involved. However, humbling it must have been, there was never going to be a quick resolution and the failed attempt would be scrutinized longer than the praise had a deal been made. Labor Secretary Walsh would be wise to heed this warning, it comes from a man who knows – experience is literally the best teacher!
Message to Mahty; It's always better to learn from someone else's experience.
Mahk
Yes, let them work it out for themselves! It would hardly be a crisis if a few millionaires or owners did not get exactly what they want! Stupid!
You are quite the storyteller! I really enjoyed reading this. I too believe there is a common ground to be found between two parties trying to negotiate so I get where Bill Clinton was coming from. I’m not so sure he should have been spending time on this particular issue but then again, there are a large number of people in this country who love sports….and it is a money maker for many people too. Perhaps you guys should have served them food normally offered at the snack bars found at baseball games and had music heard at the games quietly playing in the background. They might have been more in the mood to negotiate!
First, I loved the story, and you captured it so well. Your writing reminds me of Hemingway, my personal favorite, as you tell it simply with all the right nuances. I was right there in the room with you. Plus, I always find these behind the curtains looks at what's happening at the highest levels of our government fascinating, especially the distillation of the real politics behind the spoken words that you bring to the surface in your translations. But what first came to mind and really struck a nerve today was what I perceived as President Clinton's enormous ego, maybe even with a little bit of arrogance, that he could settle the strike, swaying Selig, with personal persuasion, and all just to score political points. Maybe that wasn't what you intended and I'm being totally unfair here because I don't know Bill personally like you do, but nonetheless, it was just another reminder of why hate politics and don't trust many of our politicians.
I was kind of curious though as to why you couldn't repress a cough when the young pitcher spoke up. Was it that $3 million a year didn't show respect?
This is the most accurate statement I've ever read about these types of "labor disputes": "This wasn’t a labor dispute. It was a big-finance fight between multi-millionaires and multi-millionaires over how to split billions."
The top of the line Major League athletes are not in the same class as grocery clerks, truck drivers and teachers. They get paid obscene amounts of money to play a sport and entertain us, while the team owners rake in even more obscene amounts. Granted, they are very good at these sports, and fun to watch, but let's keep this in perspective, shall we? Major League sports are not about the sport, they are about entertainment and most of all MONEY!
It should be noted, of course, that not all Major League athletes are paid obscene salaries. There are lots of them who are paid the league minimum and have very short careers, maybe 2-3 seasons if they are lucky and don't get injured, cut, or sent to the Minors. They are the players that the unions should be representing, not the mega-stars.