Why I Love the New England Patriots

I grew up watching sports with my brother and we always loved those dynasty teams that dominated their opponents year after year. In basketball, we cheered for the Boston Celtics and in baseball, the New York Yankees. I am embarrassed to say that we once thought the Dallas Cowboys were worthy of our support, but I have repented! Regardless, seeing a team demonstrate excellence over a sustained period of time has always impressed me. In the current NFL, no team has been more successful on a consistent basis than the New England Patriots.

Despite their numerous and vocal critics, the Patriots are clearly the most dominate franchise in the NFL and have created a dynasty seldom equaled in professional sports. The numbers don’t lie! If you listen to the Haters, they cheat, they lie, they steal, etc. The officials give them all the calls. And did I mention they’re just a bunch of cheaters?

Let me just say it – jealousy. And of course, if they are the ones who keep beating your own favorite team every year, I guess I can understand some of the hatred. If your team happens to play in the AFC East, there are obvious reasons for your frustration. But, what can I say, deal with it!

Here’s an interesting article about the many myths promoted by the critics, http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25787154/fact-checking-patriots-18-year-nfl-dynasty-real-myth.

So, why do I like the Patriots? Simple, I can recognize and appreciate excellence! In reality, I am a Texans fan. (And a diehard Cowboy Hater!) Once my team is eliminated, I basically just watch the games without really cheering for either side. In that sense, I am not a Patriots fan, but again, every time they win I can appreciate the accomplishments and marvel at their level of success. And wow! Has anyone ever dominated like the Pats over the last 18 years?

Look at the numbers from 2001 (Brady and Belichick’s first Super Bowl win) to the present:

• Winning Records – 18
• Division titles – 16 (including the last 10 consecutive  titles)
• AFC Championships – 9
• SuperBowl Victories – 5 (maybe 6 soon)

The most impressive aspect to me is the length of time that we’re discussing. It’s one thing to assemble an all-star roster and dominate for a few seasons (Golden State Warriors?), but the Patriots have been successful with a roster that has changed greatly over the years. Talk about Brady and Belichick all you want, but the surrounding cast is constantly evolving. Players and coaches have come and gone, but the team remains dominant year after year.

Many people credit them with having the best Coach/QB combo. True or not, Brady may be the GOAT and Belichick may be the best coach ever, but you still have to go out and play the games. Consider 2008. Brady goes out with a season-ending injury and the team goes 11-5. Compare that to the Colts 2011 season. After nine consecutive playoff seasons with 10+ wins, Manning goes out and they finish 2-14? (Or the Broncos who win a SB, Manning retires and they fail to even make the playoffs for the next three seasons?)

And while the Patriots have just kept on winning year after year, what about the pretenders to the throne? Those teams that the analysts and experts are always proclaiming as the next great dynasty?

In 2013, the Seattle Seahawks won a Super Bowl and the experts pointed at a young, talented roster (especially at QB) and predicted they would be the team to beat for the next decade. A year later, they lost SB 49 to the Patriots and have struggled ever since. In the past four seasons, they have made the playoffs three times, but have yet to return to the conference championship game.

In 2015, the Carolina Panthers toyed with a perfect season finishing 15-1. They also had a young roster (and QB) and were supposed to be the next dynasty, but the following year, they finished fourth in their division with a 6-10 record. The next two seasons have produced only one Wildcard round loss.

In 2016, the Atlanta Falcons dominated the league with its high flying offense until they ran into the Pats in SB 51. The following year, they finished third in their division with a 10-6 record. They did make the playoffs, but lost in the divisional round. In 2018, the missed the playoffs altogether finishing 7-9.

Two of the Pats SB losses were to the NY Giants. This year, they won five games. In the 18 year stretch above, they have 2 SB wins and 8 losing seasons. And what about the Rams, this year’s opponent? After the loss to the Patriots in SB 36, the Rams have had 12 losing seasons and only four playoff appearances including this year.

(And didn’t the Dallas Cowboys go 13-3 a few years ago? And once again, their fans began talking about Dak and Zeke and all the rings they were going to win. Hasn’t exactly worked out that way though has it?) Sorry, couldn’t resist!

So, maybe it’s time for the critics and haters to recognize the truth and give credit where credit is due. Win or lose this week, the Patriots are clearly the most dominant franchise in the NFL and if Tom and Bill add another ring to their collection, it won’t bother me one bit. In fact, I might actually be cheering for them.

In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Another year has passed and here we are again celebrating Martin Luther King Day. Sadly, we are still suffering from a culture of racial division made worse almost daily by the media and the identity politics of the Liberal Left. I wish people would go back and listen to the words of Dr. King and his messages of non-violence and love. I wish more people viewed the world the way he did. I wish more people had the hope and vision and dream of the future that he talked about. Maybe someday we’ll get there.

Here’s my post from last year at this time.

As a teacher, I tried whenever possible to expose my students to things I felt important, things I felt everyone should know, things I feared that many of them had missed somehow along the way. The “I Have a Dream” speech of Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of those things. For many years I would play at least a portion for my students as we neared the holiday. There are lines that are familiar to almost everyone, but even those are better heard than read. Surprisingly, a large number of people have never heard it in its entirety.

I don’t have a class or students anymore, so this is for my loyal readers. Whatever you may think about the man personally or in the unfortunate case of many young people today, if you are completely ignorant of the man and his place in our history, let me encourage you to listen to a fantastic speech/sermon/lecture, whatever you want to call it and spend some time thinking about the words which are as relevant today as they were in 1963.

Finding a copy should not be too difficult and it is well worth the time it takes to listen to the entire speech. Here’s a link to a pretty good version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smEqnnklfYs

A Christian View of Karma – Galatians 6:7

The concept of Karma is widely thrown about in our day and time, but most people have no idea what the word actually means or where it comes from. Regardless of our personal religious beliefs, many of us use the term frequently and most of us think we know exactly what it means. Some of us could be wrong.

According to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma), the word Karma means “action, work, or deed.” We are more familiar with its secondary meaning, the “spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect). Good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deeds contribute to bad karma and future suffering.” The philosophy comes from the Indian religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

I often wonder why so many Christians and others who are totally unfamiliar with these religions (or have so many contrasting beliefs) are so eager to embrace the concept of Karma. I also wonder why we are so focused on the negative aspects, considering Karma some cosmic form of revenge. Rarely have I heard people talking about the rewards of having good Karma. Maybe we should examine the facts and consider a more practical Christian alternative.

In its original form, Karma has three main components. First is the basic cause and effect part we generally understand. Second is a concept called ethicization. In simple terms, this means every action has a consequence and because our intent is part of the equation, Karma has an ethical component. Why we do things matters. Third, rebirth or reincarnation plays a part. The consequences of our actions may affect us later in this life or in the next.

So, let’s reconsider. In the natural world in which we live, there are obvious instances of cause and effect. There are also plenty of examples of natural consequences. Often, however, we tend to overlook intentions. We don’t usually think we deserve punishment (or rewards) just because of our thoughts or intentions. In addition, I don’t know any Baptists who believe in reincarnation. Our real problem is patience. I know of lots of people with a history of awful actions and deeds (accompanied by many questionable intents) who are rich and famous and have seemingly received vast rewards despite their evil actions. The same was true in Biblical times.

For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. This is what the wicked are like – always carefree, they increase in wealth.

(Psalms 73, v.3-5, 7, 12, NIV)

So, instead of cherry-picking ideas and concepts from religions we don’t follow, why don’t we just stick with the Bible. Fortunately for us, Christianity provides a similar concept.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

(Galatians 6: 7-10, NIV)

Often referred to as the law of the harvest, this Christian concept is similar to the idea of Karma. Basically, we get what we deserve. What goes around, comes around. There are consequences to our actions. Our intentions do matter. And best of all, the decisions are up to God. We don’t have to judge others. We don’t have to reward or punish. We simply have to live our lives, as best we can, doing good hopefully, and let God sort out the rest.

And truthfully, in this life, we may not get all we deserve, good or bad. And we may not get to see the people who have wronged us get what they deserve either, but that’s okay. I don’t believe in reincarnation, but I do believe in eternal life and thank God it’s a gift I hope to claim, deserving or not.

Who Represents You? Our Government in Action

The newly elected Congress is now in session and some of the new members are already causing a stir. I’m anxious to see if all those fine folks are ready to actually govern and legislate or simply obstruct and investigate. Hopefully, they will set about doing their actual jobs, starting with passing a real budget to fund our government, even the “non-essential” parts. Here are a few of my thoughts on the subject.

In a representative form of government (such as the Constitutional Republic in which we live), it is the responsibility of the citizens to choose people who will “represent” them at the various levels. I wrote an article a while back encouraging voters to be informed, rather than ignorant, and to be smart enough to elect representatives who actually shared their beliefs. I find it truly sad to see how many people fail to understand this simple concept. And I was surprised that people were offended by the suggestion!

I think the system works much better on the local level, but even then there are always occasions that make me wonder. I spent most of my adult life working in public schools where school board members are locally elected. I am a firm believer in local control, but electing representatives with little or no education always seemed foolish to me. I can appreciate that local citizens, particularly parents, should be involved in setting local policies, but electing someone with less than a high school degree to the school board? Seriously? But I have seen it done. And I have watched people like this rant and rave and propose outlandish things because they didn’t know and understand the system. Or the law. Over the years, I’ve had frequent conversations with various board members in which I often said the same thing over and over, “That’s not legal.” Well-intentioned or not, they were ignorant of the law and sometimes even the most basic of educational procedures. Yet, they had been chosen to represent their community.

When you get beyond the level of city government, you find other issues. No matter how well-meaning someone might be, it just becomes more and more difficult for an individual to truly represent a large and sometimes diverse population. As a Texan, I understand that there are areas of my state that have an entirely different set of values and priorities than myself. Having 36 US House members gives us some chance to provide representation for all, but choosing only two people to represent all of us in the Senate is not an easy task.

And then of course, there’s the Presidency. Is it even remotely possible to elect a single person who can represent all of us? Probably not, but that’s okay. It’s why the founders created such a delicate system of checks and balances. Liberals, you will survive Donald Trump, just like the Conservatives survived the Obama years. The reality is that we need to trust the system and stop acting like a bunch of spoiled brats throwing a tantrum every time we don’t get our way. (We also need to stop acting like everything Trump says is solely his individual opinion. Like it or not, 63 million people in this country voted for him because they too share some of those same beliefs.)

Which brings me back to my original question, who represents you? Sadly, many politicians have become such public figures that I wonder if they truly still represent their constituents or not. Many appear to be looking out for themselves and worrying mostly about how to get re-elected. On the national level, most have become extremely wealthy and many border on being celebrities who appear almost daily on the news. Are they still representing the people who elected them, or are they seeking fame and fortune and maybe looking for that next high paying job in politics? The Presidency perhaps?

I was thinking about one of the newest members of Congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She has certainly made herself a celebrity rather quickly. I wonder why the people of New York would choose her to represent them. I can understand the appeal of picking someone born and raised in your district, a person who understands the trials and tribulations of your particular area. But when you grab an obscure part-time waitress/bartender and send her to Congress, shouldn’t you expect some questions? (That would be like picking some junior senator/community organizer and making him the president!) More troubling, of course, is the fact that she is an avowed Socialist with apparently no real understanding of how government works.

Some of her more recent comments have made her the “queen of the meme” and Dinesh D’Souza, author and filmmaker, recently called her “the stupidest person elected to public office.” https://www.newsweek.com/dinesh-dsouza-says-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-stupidest-person-elected-public-1231393 I understand his point, but has he looked around Washington lately? Congress seems to be over-represented by stupid people. Between Spartacus, Lie-awatha, Pelosi, Schumer, Waters, etc. there seems to be no shortage of clowns. I just hope the people I have voted for will stay on task and stay out of the news. (It’s not about you! You’re supposed to be up there representing me!)

But as for AOC, honestly, I hope she does well. I hope she learns and matures and becomes a true representative of her congressional district. The people there chose her. Hopefully, she will do what is best for those people and remember why they sent her to Congress in the first place. And the same goes for the rest of those folks in office. Remember who sent you there and why!

Happy New Year and Welcome to 2019!

So, I survived the holidays (obviously) and actually stayed awake until after midnight to see the arrival of the new year (in spite of my advanced age). The wife and I were throwing back hot toddies to ward off the colds we’ve been fighting all week, but all things considered, I can’t complain. Christmas was great and I was able to spend some quality time with my kids. And isn’t time with family the best blessing of the season anyway?

But now I need to get back to work on my writing. The slow sales of the latest book have taken a toll on my motivation and the time devoted to marketing efforts has cut into my writing time, so I need to get back on track. For two of the last three years, I’ve used NaNoWriMo to keep me focused and producing quantity, if not quality. On my own, I tend to go slow and totally neglect my projects for long stretches. I try to write at least something every day, but even then, I have weeks when I work on blog entries and leave my latest WIP to wither and collect dust.

So, here’s my new year’s resolution – I will write 500+ words each and every day! And to keep myself accountable, I will write down the number of words each day and severely chastise myself on the days when I fail to reach my goal. (I truly hate to anticipate failure, but I can’t predict the future! What if I am sick or on vacation or if something good is on TV or I don’t feel like writing?) But I will do my best!

And isn’t that the best resolution for us all? To keep going at whatever it is that we choose to pursue? To chip away, little by little, and keep moving forward, keep making progress, keep on getting up each day and living our lives? That’s my goal. So, welcome 2019. I’m excited to see what lies ahead!