By Dave Eden, Eden Political Toons
Dear professional athletes– Fall, 2020
We are happy to see your seasons beginning to resume on a limited basis. We all mourn the deaths of so many of our citizens from this virus. And we pray for the day it will be conquered. And we hope and pray you will stay safe.
We’ve had months without sports. And yes, it’s been a bummer. We’ve missed you guys. However, we’ve read some good books, watched some good flics, done some good housework, enjoyed some online classic games. But mostly, we’ve gotten to know our families better.
After all, that’s the Real Game, isn’t it?
So, though we’ve learned that we can survive and even thrive without you, we were ready to let the games begin. But now…
But now you insist on adding a political crusade to your lineup. And you don’t mind dividing us by bringing racial bias and unrest onto the court and field. And many of us are wondering how long you will continue your Ashamed of America protest? You want us to understand it? We do. You want America to change? We have. And we could change some more. Issues of race, policing, love, hate, law & justice need to be dealt with. But do you just want upheaval or real healing? We’re just wondering, at what time, or after what conditions are met, will you feel obliged or grateful enough to honor your country again? Let us know. Till then, maybe you will understand why so many of us will be escorting you from our living rooms. Feel free to come back anytime when you just want to play ball. And maybe we can talk about these serious issues… after the game.
So, thanks for all the great memories. We will treasure them always. But surely you know, that no Hall of Fame will reward any of your political moves in a memorial. Only those that actually affected the game. Ask Jackie or Satchel. And know this: while you’re winning your new Civil War, you’re losing the real purpose of sport: Love of the Game, admiration of the human spirit & talent, friendly rivalries, nonviolent competition, the rest & fun of relaxing from a weary world for awhile. Like the Olympics, where nations stow their weapons & words and take pride in their heroes, nation or race.
Do you really want to kill that? Is this the hill you want to die on? Are you letting outside forces dictate your game plan? Is this the only creative means you can come up with to affect change in our nation? In many of our eyes, this is not a professional, attractive, effective or respectful way to protest. Some would call your theatrics mere virtue signaling. If you care so much, why don’t you just give up your millions? Go into politics, activist or relief work? Or missions? Start your own TV or blog forum?
OK, maybe we might occasionally fall off the wagon and catch a game: Just for the fun of it. We’ll miss your home runs, touchdowns, slam dunks. But truth is, while you’re winning your game of social justice, you’ve lost the fun of the game. You’ve told us it’s not a game anymore… but a political platform. And…
YOU’VE LOST US.
Sincerely Yours,
Some of Your Biggest Fans
This letter was written by cartoonist, Dave Eden.
