Humanity's theme song

Until we face up, that is.

Who gives a shit (when you're in love)

Kathleen Parker kills it.

When do rules for the common good cross the line?

This woman is fucking genius. And not bad on the eyes, either.

Nice to see a little courage in the national media.

Time for everyone to step up and face the more honest music.

But I've got Jack Johnson to tend to.



I met someone. I know it's not by the book. When you first meet. But I think I'm in love. Until I hear different, at least.

It's a great feeling.

And when you feel that, who gives a shit about anything else, frankly.

Brilliant as all shit, Kathleen.

But I hope you can forgive me.

I got bigger things on the mind, at the moment.

Reaping the harvest of tough seeds

There is far too much I could speak to in this story to do so in one sitting 20 minutes before kids arrive.

Despite resources, players reluctant to seek help

But here's the bottom line:

Whether we have the courage to admit it or not, this is all about the macho attitude in both football and the culture at large and its inability to just face, honestly, that it just doesn't understand well enough the emotional undercurrents of the world that the tough posturing impacts. And many of those consequences are not good, often tragic, and squarely the responsibility of those doing the posturing and bullying and all of the ugly ways that people try to substitute aggression for understanding. And, in doing so, avoid responsibility for the same.

Even in football. And in baseball. And politics. And the economy. And everywhere, really.

It's time to face up. And to give up the bullshit.

After a discussion, yesterday, with a teacher, I'm pretty convinced that I have a relatively strong understanding of this dynamic. And that teachers and counselors and everyone involved are doing their darndest to work miracles to compensate for the failures of a culture, at large, on these issues.

Who's responsible for all of this?

Why don't we ask someone who knows.



Along with the thought process that tough guy posturing has nothing to do with any of this, a lot of folks suffer and die. All in the name of that pride.

Perhaps something more honest.

Translation:

Something that genuinely cares for everyone involved.

For all of our sakes.