Crabby Monday

Just in case ya'll thought I was going soft on you...

Sisters face each other in the finals at Wimbledon in a match that rivaled any other, from any other year, in terms of intensity and entertainment - and then go on, emotionally and physically exhausted from battling each other, to win the doubles trophy together. And this story makes page SEVEN in my newspaper.

To find an online link to the story, I had to scroll to the very bottom of the sports page and read through the fine print. Maybe I'm just being extra sensitive this Monday morning but I'm wondering: Racism in the media? Sexism? Who in the media thinks that anybody out here gives a crap about women's sports, anyway? All of the above? Don't tell me it's because nobody cares about tennis - even if that might be true - Roger and Rafael made the front page. 

Then I remind myself: The guys who made the call about what goes where in today's paper are the same guys who thought the biggest story last month was the Obama fist bump. 

And speaking of dumb things in the news: Fred Barnes, the executive editor of the conservative "Weekly Standard," was on Fox News yesterday warning John McCain that if he doesn't start "using" the gay issue to rally the Right, he's going to lose. All I can say is: Bring it.

I spend a lot of my time in red states these days and here's what I hear from people: We are sick and tired of hatin' on each other. 

Just check out the polls showing the changing attitude in the U.S. about gays in the military and gay marriage/civil unions.

On a final note: Jesse Helms died last week. The tributes came pouring in.

From The Rev. Billy Graham:

"Jesse Helms, my friend and long-time senator from my home state of North Carolina, was a man of consistent conviction to conservative ideals and courage to faithfully serve God and country based on principle, not popularity or politics. In the tradition of Presidents Jefferson, Adams and Monroe — who also passed on July 4th — it is fitting that such a patriot who fought for free markets and free people would die on Independence Day. As we celebrate the birth of our nation, I thank God for the blessings we enjoy, which Senator Helms worked so hard to preserve."

From The Rev. Jesse Jackson:

"At the height of his power, he fought for the values of the old confederacy. He resisted the new South. He resisted the opportunity to fight for a more perfect union."

From President George W. Bush:

"Jesse Helms was a kind, decent, and humble man and a passionate defender of what he called "the Miracle of America." So it is fitting that this great patriot left us on the Fourth of July. He was once asked if he had any ambitions beyond the United States Senate. He replied: 'The only thing I am running for is the Kingdom of Heaven.' Today, Jesse Helms has finished the race, and we pray he finds comfort in the arms of the loving God he strove to serve throughout his life."

From Joe Solmonese, president of the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign:

"Jesse Helms' legacy is one of hatred, homophobia and racism."

From the F Word:

"Rest in peace, Senator. God knows you've done plenty enough work down here."

Comments

[PS]

Regarding the newspaper placement, I think you need to compare it to where the guy's single's coverage was placed. That was an epic battle, apparently, but it came after the women's dual. It is possible that the newspaper was made up mostly ahead of time due to the holiday weekend and shrinking staff of most newspapers.

[Tom]

Re: - People are sick of hatin' each other. My experience with people is similar but mostly in one-on-one situations. When with their "crowd" they are quite happy to hate but when you get someone alone its often a very different story. It makes me wonder if its actually the individuals who hate or if its just groups. Seems that when humans get together they need to make themselves distinct and using hatred is the nearest tool. Just wonderin' aloud....