Bowling for Dollars

Knute Rockne-All American (1940)
starring President Ronald Reagan

War has become a spectator sport for Americans.
--Rear Admiral Gene R. LaRocque

Since it's Superbowl Sunday and the official website taunts, "Let's get it on!", logically my mind turns to Iraq.

I live in Quincy, Florida, and all roads into town have highway signs that declare Quincy to be the "Home of Dexter Jackson, MVP Superbowl XXXVII."

The same town has a West Point graduate, Colonel Frederick Ben Hodges, who is also a native son. Col. Hodges led a Brigade of the 101st across the border into Iraq. There is not a sign of recognition anywhere for this soldier.

It appears that football play trumps military participation for gaining the public's long-term adoration.