I've Sat The Bench With Some Of The Best

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In Those Days, not everyone always got to play in the game, because games were meant to be won, and the coach always played their best. And often, I didn't get to play. Actually, in the early days, I really sucked, and hardly ever played at all. But, every once in a while, the coach would put me in when we were ahead 22-2 in the last inning, although he told me not to swing because he said I'd just strike out. One time, I thought I'd prove him wrong and swing. He was right. I struck out.

I used to cry in private after those games, just wishing that I could be not as good as the best kids, but just good enough to play. I worked harder and practiced more, and as I matured, I got better. Better enough to play first string at most any sport I tried.

And then it happened. Youth sports became socialism. Rules were created mandating that every one had to play. Some leagues didn't even keep score during the game for fear of demoralizing the losing players. But what about the players that would have won? No, "Hip, hip, hoorays" allowed. Player were only allowed to shake hands and say, "Good game" to their rivals. Everyone got the identical trophy at the end of the season, no matter how they played.

And it goes beyond sports today. Most every school student elevates to the next grade level regardless of his performance, because it is too embarrassing for them to be held back a grade. It's all about giving praise and treating everyone equal.

And it's into parenting. We're all into this socialism crap so deep that we can't even see what it is. Many parents and grandparents (sometimes even me) treat the kids equally no matter what. They each get the same dollar value for gifts without consideration of the the age or need of the kid. They are often given the same weekly allowance regardless of their behavior, or how well they did their chores. The kids are seldom held accountable for their bad decisions.

Well, things don't seem to be working. While there are lots of hugs and praise going on, kids suffering from low self esteem, now more than ever, go to campus and kill their classmates and teachers. Some kill their parents, and many just kill themselves.

Should we be giving more trophies and hugs, or have we been going off in the wrong direction for the last two decades?

You decide. I'll be at the Thought Dock.
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