Democrats, Republicans and Athletes

It started with a post I put up on my Facebook page. I said:

"All of these athletes, the ones who clap for their teammates despite their own disappointments, the ones who've finished the race but stand at the finish line to welcome those who came in last, the ones who hug athletes from other countries when they win, and also when they lose, the ones who understand that the Olympic village is a microcosm of our planet, the ones who give positive interviews in their most disappointed moments. These athletes who, on the world stage and under extraordinary pressure remember their manners and their sportsmanship, show kindness and compassion and hope, my wish is that they all go back to their countries and run for office.

I'm sad to say that it seems this generation has set a course to destroy morals and values and even the planet. 

But these athletes, these athletes give me hope. ❤"

From what I've witnessed over the years but has truly come to the forefront in this past year is that we need another political party in this country. Yes, I know there's the Independent party, the Green party, sadly all they have done is split one of the parties we already have, they're not a viable alternative. Bernie Sanders knew that, it's why he ran as a democrat.

I believe that both major parties in the United States are broken. Not just fractured, truly broken. Way more people hold their nose and vote for candidates from one of our two viable party options than truly support them.  

You know I believe that foods can provide comfort, leave us feeling satisfied. Exercising our right to vote should do the same, provide comfort, give us a sense of satisfaction. Not so. Not for most of us. Not with the party options currently on the table.

Crockpot French Onion Beef with Broccoli

In these recent days of watching the Olympics, both for the joy of a global representation in sports, but to take an emotional break from politics, I have come to a realization. What I want in a politician is what I see in these athletes. 

I know that any party, any candidate needs to (well, should) have a platform, a well thought out stance on a multitude of issues both domestically and internationally. And you know what, I'm not going to tell you that what specific positions these athletes might have is all that matters. There have been administrations, many in fact, whose politics did not gel with mine. And although I did not support their agenda, I trusted that it was one adopted after thought, research and discussion. It was one born of a vision for cementing our place in the world, nurturing our relationships with other countries and moving us all forward socially and economically. Not all athletes will have the same vision for our (or their) countries. and that's OK. It's not about wanting only candidates who reflect my views, it's about those who offer whatever their varied viewpoints may be with thought and compassion and respect.

  Because I've witnessed that what athletes do have is an ability to follow rules, to get along, to be respectful both to and in other countries, to lose with grace, to win with grace, to fight for their own dreams but live good sportsmanship by support others on their team or just in their sport, to not give up, to get along with others, to be mindful that they are representing and to do so with positivity and pride, to comport themselves on the world stage with dignity. 

I have learned, over this past difficult year, that character does matter. It matters in sports, it matters in life and it matters in politics. No matter what your politics may be.

Crockpot French Onion Beef with Broccoli        
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Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 cup frozen chopped onions

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 oz mushrooms, slices

1 can condensed French Onion soup

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup white wine

1 cup water

2# stir fry beef, cut into bite sized pieces

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 TBSP cornstarch

1 1/2 cups broccoli florets

2 cups brown rice

1/4 cup pignolis

Directions:

*Place the chopped onion, garlic, mushrooms, soup, ketchup, white wine and water into the crockpot on low heat. Cook for one hour. Stir.

*Season the stir fry beef with salt and pepper. Place into a sealable bag. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, seal the bag and manipulate until all of the beef is coated. Stir into the crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours.

*Add the broccoli florets and cook one more hour.

*Cook the rice according to package directions. Serve the beef over the rice, sprinkle with pignolis.