Unlike politics, sports is a merit-based system. We don’t play to be diverse. We play to win. I’m unhappy with our politicians because they aren’t putting America in a position to prosper and succeed. Forget about winning. We’re not even in the competition.
America ranks 11th in science, 30th in math, and according to the World Economic Forum. In a study published by the Peterson Foundation, we are ranked 13th in infrastructure. America may be the dominant superpower, but it is mocked by elitists. We no longer have the fire or desire to be number one.
There was a time when our political parties set aside their differences to do what was best for the country. Today it’s anything but America. It’s not like we don’t have the money or resources to make this country truly great.
What has precipitated our decline is America’s forfeiture of merit for diversity. Now that the Supreme Court ruled affirmative action unconstitutional, we can again put the most competent people in power.
I am tired of listening about slavery when hundreds of millions of people are living in deep poverty, many without food, lights or clean water. Every culture, race, and ethnic group has faced some form of injustice by the powers at be. In the early 20th century, the Irish encountered “need not apply” signs when searching for jobs in the U.S. Throughout history, Jews were forced to live in ghettos and Italians equally faced similar discrimination. At different points in U.S. history, Asians were barred from entering the country and put in internment camps.
Truth is the only social program that cures poverty, racism, and depression is to win. The same racist that hates your guts will respect you if he knows you can whoop him. I don’t want to be on any team because I didn’t beat the best competition.
When you win, you are treated like royalty. Parades are thrown for you, and people want to meet you. The food is better when you win. When you win, you become a rock star. This is why, I for one, dream of having a mansion in Georgetown, hobnobbing with the winners, not the pitiful smucks waiting for reparations.
But living in a world of equality means living in permanent mediocrity. In an equal system, nobody strives for excellence. In such a system, people are rewarded based on the status of their perceived “victimhood” rather than what adversities they overcame to win. It is a world where everyone gets a trophy. When you try to build a world that eliminates competition for diversity, what incentive do you have to improve education, find the best doctors, or make your highways stronger and more efficient?
Unfortunately, In America, we penalize the guy who busts his ass while we cut checks for the suckerwho did nothing but have his hand out saying “feed me.”
What is this? Our politicians are fighting for student loan forgiveness, but where is the policy for the person that, managed to work two jobs, went to night school, and manage to get a degree?
I’m often described as an asshole because I have no remorse for my rivals. But let me ask, do the Yankees care for the Red Sox? Both are playing to feed their families. If one doesn’t make the playoff, they lose their bonus checks. Some don’t understand it’s not personal, and while you may be okay being mediocre, I have to surround myself with ambitious people that want more out of life than hand me downs.
We have the best athletes, wear the best clothes, make the best music, and lead from the front, not behind.
My point is, the only social program that worked for eternity was winning. And I’m glad the Supreme Court finally struck down affirmative action.
Jeffery McNeil is an artist and vendor for Street Sense Media.
