Perceptions #200204

"BETTER THAN GOLD"

by Jerry Hodge

What a strange world we live in. Many of us watched as New England shocked the football world by defeating the Rams. As I watched the game I wondered what the Oakland Raider fans were thinking? Do you remember the fumble/incomplete pass decision? That cost Oakland the game.

The other night it was deja vu all over again. A figure skating pair form Canada had the performance of a lifetime. As they finished their long performance smiles exploded on their faces. This was the Olympic moment they had worked so hard for. As they watched the Russian couple struggle in their performance - gold became a reality. All of a sudden the judges posted the score. They gave the gold to Russia.

I can hear my girls in the background, "That's not fair!" It is always difficult when we are reminded that we do not live in a fair world. I wish we lived in a world where the referees always made the correct call; where judges were honest and awarded the best performance with the best award.

• A place where we do not have to have metal detectors and five police for one athlete.
  
• A place where we played because we enjoyed the game.
  
• A place were we valued the valuable

I watched an interview with the couple from Canada. They were full of grace and peace. They reacted to a difficult situation with dignity and character. That is something a judge cannot take away.

(Editor's note. After Jerry wrote his article, a gold medal was awarded to the Canadian figure skaters in an attempt to right the wrong. However inadequate judging still goes on. Those who follow NASCAR know that questionable decisions by officials took place on three successive w eekends, all involving one driver - Sterling Marlin. Jerry is right. The world isn't a fair place.)

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