LeBron, WHO cARES

Well, you all just missed a rather raucous discussion/argument in our kitchen about LeBron's return to Cleveland.  I am shocked to know that at least two of my boys, hold an opinion that is 180 degrees different from mine.  I love Hollywood and the aura that goes with it.  I wish I were as talented as the athletes that make a boatload of money for playing a game.  And I guess in my mind the issue is keeping it all in perspective. 

Any time any one person, declares himself "King" and/or finds himself more important than the rest of the world and society, it concerns me.  And it concerns me that we as society help him/them get there.  Let's be honest.  These people are acting, catching a football, hitting a home run and putting an orange ball through a metal hoop.  They are not teaching the hungry skills to live life, they are not curing cancer or providing anything but entertainment to the rest of us.  Entertainment and recreation are important, and enjoyable, but let's keep it in perspective.  There is never going to be peace in the world because LeBron decides to play basketball in Cleveland instead of Miami.

When I look at the big picture, what I learn is that some people are all about themselves.  Others understand what it takes to be part of a "team".  That we all need to work together to make things happen and to succeed.  There is value in each of us.  The dollar amounts and the attention that you get for being in Hollywood or an athlete are out of proportion to the service they provide.  Compare it to what "Doc" does.  Compare it to other people you know.  Why is it so much more valuable to put an orange ball in a metal hoop than to help a man walk again or use his arm correctly?  I am struggling tonight with the value we place on the things people do.  And I guess in some way it is connected to monetary value.  Why is it okay to pay a man millions for a few months of basketball, but barely pay a physician $500 to replace a knee and help someone walk again, or to pay someone a small salary to teach a child to read and write?

It all starts with each home and parent.  PLEASE! start instilling in your children the real values that you want them to use  to conduct their lives.  Go back to the ideals of truth, honesty, trust, a good work ethic, God and family.  I thought I was doing that, I am concerned tonight.  Maybe my guys were just trying to get a rise out of me.  I hope so.  It is criminal the low salaries that we pay to educators and give to our school systems to operate, yet the stadiums and arenas are full of fans who don't bat an eye at spending big bucks on tickets to the "show" that is Hollywood and professional and collegiate athletics.  Ask them to vote for a levy to help with the education of their children and watch the negative reaction that you get.

One day my faith in humanity is restored, and the next day it is crushed.  Let me make it clear.  I could care less where LeBron plays basketball.  I am tired of hearing about him and am glad that we did not have to endure an hour long show on "The Decision", but the constant press is too much to bear.  He will not improve his status with me until he understands that there is more to the world than his ability to play a game.  He is an entertainer, and an overpaid one at that.  It is time for us all to take a long hard look at our value system.  Please start by looking hard at yourself.  If you are a parent, make sure you are your child's role model and set the example that you want your children to live by. 

Sorry, needed to get that off my chest tonight!