In all the years I’ve been over here, I am still amazed at the parochialism of the average American. It’s not that so few of them have ever traveled outside the country (less than half the sitting members of Congress have a passport,) it’s the lack of knowledge and interest of things non-American.
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This is particularly true when it comes to sports. That’s why the winners of national championships for everything from baseball, to football, (American style) to NASCAR, to rodeo bull riding, are unabashedly referred to as “World Champions.” Every four years, when suffering through the TV networks airing of the Olympics, you soon realize that 60% of the coverage is of American athletes, with the other 40% being reserved for stories of the sacrifice and dedication of those representing their country… Which is always America.
At the time of writing, millions of dollars in sponsorship are being lavished on teen-age golfer, Michelle Wie, who has never won a single tournament, but may do one day. Unlike the millions currently being paid for the services of tennis “Babe” Anna Kournikovia, now an American, who also has never won anything, and at this stage of her career, never will.
George Parker
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