How About This?

There is certainly a lot going on in the world and some of it can really drive a person nuts. I’m not sure if anything good will come out of these negotiations but as long as there are news conferences we will know what each side is trying to do.

Depending on what your beliefs are on these subjects can influence what we might think sounds good or will work. Unfortunately, the people that will be affected the most really have no say in the matter. To me that doesn’t seem quite right.

One case in point is the debt negotiations in Washington, D.C. The people who are negotiating are merely elected officials and are trying to convince us that they have our best interests in mind.

Really? I know that both sides have their talking points and reasons for doing what they believe is right, but if you want to get the point across then bring in mediators that are not elected.

Yes, I think they should bring in real live taxpayers who are affected the most by these decisions. Let’s bring in a couple of people who have been out of work for a year, too. I think they wouldn’t mind telling these people what they think.

Putting this kind of pressure on these elected officials would be a good idea. And these people should be able to tell these folks what they believe and then tell these rich politicians that they don’t deserve to be paid until this problem is taken care of and they should utilize this as part of a real long-term solution. But I know that won’t happen but it is fun to dream.

I also feel there are some real problems in the negotiations of the NFL. Time is running out on the season starting on time and having a 16-game schedule. We’ve heard that progress is being made and that it looks like things will be ironed out but then nothing is etched in stone yet.

Well, I think it is time to get this thing settled and quickly. I think there needs to be a few more people involved with these negotiations. There are people who depend a lot on the income they make at the stadiums of the NFL whether it is the concession folks, or the people who prepare the field to those who clean up the mess made by 65,000 rabid fans. Let these people enter into the negotiations. After all, these people depend on these earnings and it truly is important to them.

Bring in a few retired ballplayers that are having mental and health issues and you have a real negotiating party! On top of that let’s get rid of the nice air-conditioned room with cold drinks and good food and who-cares-how-long-these-negotiations-last attitude.

Shut the air conditioning off and bring in the pitchers of chlorinated water. Lunch will be brought in, of course. There will be sandwiches and maybe some chips. We can’t guarantee that the bread will be fresh but you can enjoy the big spread in the luxury boxes during the season.

Why would I bring in the retired ballplayers with mental and health issues? Because these people need to understand that 18 games can be detrimental to the careers and quality of life for these guys, especially if they have trouble walking or even thinking. Since so many concussions have taken place in the last few years you would think that the NFL would want to make sure that their prized football players would be able to function long after their careers have ended.

The Players’ Union has asked to see the profit and loss statements for each team and the owners have balked at doing that. They’ve done that because the players want a bigger share of the TV revenue.

I know that some teams make money and some lose money. Those that lose money can fall back on the fact that their franchises have increased in value over time.

I’m not sure that profit sharing is the answer, especially since the owners are taking a big risk on every player they sign to a contract. These teams definitely hope that their investment pays off but too often it turns out to be wasted money paid on potential.

I’m not sure how this will turn out but it is the fans and the workers who will lose out if the problems aren’t solved. I really think that all of the cushy stuff needs to be removed from the room and maybe the negotiations will go a little quicker and get the lockout taken care of and the players back to work out and get ready for the season. Otherwise why should anyone care?