Let's focus on what unites us.
Yes, we're in the middle of a presidential election during a divisive moment in our nation's recent* history and a global pandemic that has our best scientists guessing provides even more grist for the divisive mill. No football to speak of, nor our other usual sports-related topics. Even movies aren't getting released because the theaters will be empty. All leaving more time to foment on our agitations, and to take that out on each other.
Good people of this board, we came here for college football, and we stayed because this isn't the blizzard of negativity we see in so many places on the internet. But the negativity has reached us, and has caused our own little pandemic. We need to do better; we are better than this.
There are people here of many stripes who have remarkably gotten along over the years. Wolverines and Buckeyes breaking bread, Dawgs and Tigers, Gators and Tides (? maybe "Bammers?"), Longhorns and Sooners, Kings, Princes, and Little Sisters of the Poor, even Badgers and Hawkeyes who have all learned to get along, and have even become friends—and not just internet squawking friends, but check in on each other's life milestone friends. We've celebrated birthdays, weddings, kids, graduations, divorces, and even opponent's football victories; we've consoled each other and shed tears over things that truly matter—and things that don't.
I value you guys and gals—truly. Including the vast majority whom I've never seen in person, nor even seen a photo—I know you are there, not a bot, but a person that I can share a cup of coffee, beer, wine, or whiskey with, but probably not chili—you guys are awful particular about that.
So let's stop with the silliness. I think it's safe to say that none of us will change the other's mind about our presidential choices, nor our individual takes on national trends relating to COVID-19, so let's stop trying. I've always appreciated our ability to talk about the nuts and bolts of things without devolving into the same old tired tropes we see on ESPN and cable news. If you're genuinely interested in someone's expertise or analysis that is different than yours, let's get into that, but not the same old name calling. If you're not actually seeking understanding, why bother?
Instead, let's get back to the things that unite us: football, beer, chili, movies, books, cars, and the stream of unconsciousness that occurs to us in daily life—not the same political fight we could have with any co-worker, confused family member, or random internet troll.
Look, do I think 70% of you are just wrong? Heck yeah, I do. And a remaining 29% still don't say it exactly right (or say it with some weird Texan drawl)--heck, some of you still use two spaces after a period! But what good will telling you do? You're wrong, but still good people--people I want to count among my friends. Let's try that instead. So tell me what's wrong with the Umbrella Acedemy, California Cabernets, or my hybrid Accord, at least until we can argue about whether Nakia Watson is just another system back.
