Wednesday, Miami, Florida

The cynical among us are always suspicious when politicians speak, because we have come to view their word as less than reliable. Perhaps it’s the nature of the job that they so desire to please everyone and therefore end up disappointing most. Or maybe they’re just amoral cretins hungry for power. I’m sure the halls of congress are crawling with both types.

As another Christmas wraps America now turns attention back to politics and football. This is the season of college bowl games, NFL playoffs and presidential primaries. With the political season we expect petty, self-serving truth-stretching. Ironically the baloney is served up in the guise of persuading the voters that they are, in fact sincere. We have come to expect it; it’s part of the system and game.

But when we find the same venal self-serving nonsense among sports stars and other coddled celebrities, it hits a little harder. After all, my livelihood and well being are not in their hands. They are free to just have us admire their work as a therapeutic distraction from our daily stress. It’s sad when iconic athletes get lumped into the same pile as wealthy, egomaniacal Hollywood actors, musicians and their yucky ilk. And that is what is well underway as we speak.

Three weeks ago it was the resignation of Bobby Petrino, coach of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. It stunned the sports world because he quit with no warning during the season with three games to go on their schedule. He didn’t speak to his players in person to let them know he was splitting on them. He is being righteously vilified by the players, fans and the media for his dishonesty after vowing to stay the course through his contract. He joins other celebrity coaches who sign big contracts, make heartfelt speeches about their commitment and then, when it suits them, leave for a better personal opportunity.

And then there is baseball, outed last past week in the Mitchell Report as being a sport rife with athletes who cheat and then lie about it. At the risk of sounding too discouraged, it appears that we are sinking emotionally and ethically. Getting what is best for me, without regard for anyone else is bad enough. But it is especially galling when it is wrapped in the language and posturing of caring about others. No wonder we are getting sick with our cynicism.