Thursday, January 8, 2009

Oh Right, Now I Remember Why I Hate Politicians...

We've got two fine examples of why politicians should never talk about sports:

-The first one comes from Utah. Now, Utah had a fine season, going 13-0 while beating quality teams like TCU, BYU and Oregon State before handling Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Like I said, very nice season. But, they also had teams like Wyoming, Colorado State, Utah State and Weber State on their schedule. So, because of the number of lesser opponents they've faced they won't be getting a whiff on a national championship this year, despite being the only undefeated team left standing. Fair? Maybe, maybe not. Life isn't fair, though, so this'll just have to stand.
Unless, of course, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has anything to do with it. Mr. Shurtleff, acting like a pissed off little-league parent, has decided he will investigate the BCS and see if it violates any anti-trust laws. Nevermind that if it wasn't for the BCS Utah, who has never been a huge draw to bowl games, would probably not even been invited to a major bowl like the Sugar Bowl. Next he'll contend that those mean Alabama players were hitting too hard. This is the system that Utah and it's conference agreed to. If they want to be a bigger player in the BCS, join the Pac-10 and play a harder schedule.
If I lived in Utah (nice airport, by the way - I once spent 24 hours trapped there), I guess I just have to be comforted in the knowledge that my state is so safe my Attorney General has time to look into this kind of stuff.

-The other example this week would be Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-FL)... (why doesn't that surprise me). Congressman Stearns represents the fine city of Gainesville, which has the University of Florida, who tonight plays Oklahoma for the right to be declared National Champions in a game that really won't appease anyone, no matter who wins. Stearns would like to be able to attend the game, but like has happened to all of us at one time or another when a big game comes around, he has to work. Congress has votes scheduled all day and into the night on Thursday. Stupid government. So, Congressman Stearns drafted a letter to Speaker Pelosi, asking that they reschedule some of these votes for Friday so he and the Congressmen from Oklahoma could go to Miami for the game (for the record, he was the only one who's named appeared on the letter). Surprisingly, Pelosi didn't reschedule anything. What could they possible have to vote for on a Thursday night that would be that important? Probably some bill about water, something about fixing a bridge, maybe work on that whole economy thing, bail out the porn industry.... certifying the electoral college votes that make Barack Obama President of the United States in one of the most historic votes in Congressional history.... you know, little stuff. But this could be Tim Tebow's last game at Florida! Get you're priorities in line, Pelosi!

How do these people get elected?

Just for the hell of it, though, I will pick Florida to win the game: 38-31

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