Winners and Losers...

Tuesday was a big day for competition personally and nationally. I'm am happy to announce that I WON in trivia at Jrs. And by winning, I mean my team won the last place prize, which were cookies none of us will eat. But we can only get better from there. Yet in other news... my side lost. I felt like my team deserved to be the victor, but the opposition did what they needed to do, and pulled out the win. Of course you know what I'm referring to.... NBA Playoffs! Yes there was also some presidential things going on, but really... it matters somewhat little at this moment.

My two preferred teams in the west, are Dallas and Phoenix. And now they are both 0-2 in their respective series. Both of these teams have some awesome players, who are "deserving" of winning it all. At the current moment, and at earlier times in their careers. Yet, as time passes on, the likelyhood of them winning the prize(with dignity) lessens with each season. I realize that so often in life, being "deserving" of something, doesn't mean anything at all.

For example, the current presidential election cycle. Here's my look at the three main candidates. John McCain, he deserved to be the republican nominee, and potential president in 2000, and 2004(if only change wasn't stereotyped as a weakness). He definitely had more experience than Bush, was more of a uniter, and would have been more open and direct than Bush. But Bush, came off as "cool" and had ties with the right people, so he played the game better, and won. Now Mccain is older, and because of Bush, his chances for the highest office in the land, are dwindling.

Next, Hilary Clinton. Even though she won yesterday, it doesn't mean much when delegates are split by the percentages. I think that she currently "deserves" to be the next president. She has laid the groundwork for it, has prepared herself for years, and can do the job effectively in my opinion. However, her being in the spotlight, has hurt her as much as it helped. She has been marginalized and discussed by all types of people and the media for over 15 years, and has been described as manipulative and calculating, at best. Yet, anyone who runs for president or tries to persuade anyone of anything, must calculate the best way to get their point across and have their audience be receptive. Some of the labels are unfair and others are untrue, but after so long, they are almost as good as truth, and they now even sound familiar. Yet even with all that, it is still theoretically possible for her to win. She was always viewed as a person of change... but all of a sudden, this dude named Obama, usurped her from that position, and has somewhat played the game better. And if she loses this time, theres no possible way she can try again, with any real hope of victory.

Lastly, there is Barack Obama. Most signs seem to point to him as the next commander in chief. He's like a train that can't be stopped, and has such a persona, that he seems almost invincible. He is just an amazing cool guy, and knows how to make people FEEL. He's got that part down. And even though, he is very liberal, he portrays himself as someone who can be in the middle.
The question "Who in times of Challenge will Unite us, not use fear and calculation to divide us?", has come from Barack's camp. Implying McCain and Hilary are using fear and calculation, strategy and divisive tactics to win. Yet he also seems to have the perfect strategy, which works in tandem with his persona. Being a democrat, and beign black is a bigger change than being a woman. Combine it with being a young fresh face, junior senator, similar to Lincoln, and even from Licoln's area... makes him the candidate that represents "Change" most. And George Bush, by being himself, has already done the job of making the American people want as much CHANGE as possible. However, I still don't think he "deserves" the presidency, just because he is "change". I also believe that both he and Clinton can do the job at the same level. Especially since their policies have minimal differences anyway. And the winner will get my vote regardless. Its just unfair, for the "media" and "higher ups" to continuously discredit all the work she has put in. Plus, I think the continuing debates and primaries, are keeping and getting more people interested in the political process for the democrats, which can definitely help come November.

So in life, it isn't enough to be deserving or even put in all the extra work. Things may still end up against you, however we shouldn't give up. Because that extra doesn't usually hurt. And even if your team is down, its not over till its over. So Jason Kidd, I'm gonna need you to triple double your way to a few victories. Pheonix, you need to try and play some defense, "I Believe!!". Pistons... you know what you gotta do, just do it, for the whole game(or at least the first 75%). Barack and Hilary, work on policies and on listening to the american people. It'll help both of you in November, and let the race go where it may.