2011 MLB World Series - Tobacco Bans And Underdogs

Major League Baseball's fall classic starts tonight when the Texas Rangers travel to take on the St. Louis Cardinals in game one of the 2011 World Series. Of course with our current big government we can't just sit back and enjoy the grand stage of America's favorite pass time. We've got to decide if players using smokeless tobacco during the game is appropriate or not.

“When players use smokeless tobacco, they endanger not only their own health, but also the health of millions of children who follow their example,” the senators wrote to union head Michael Weiner. The letter was signed by Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, and fellow Democrats Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Senate Health Committee Chairman Tom Harkin of Iowa.

Of course they endanger their own health by chewing their cud and spitting on home plate. Its proven that smokeless tobacco causes oral, esophageal and pancreatic cancer. However, to be quite honest I feel that the teenager texting on the cell phone while driving next to me on the interstate endangers my children more than some multimillionaire slugging the ball out of the park with a wad of chum in his mouth.

“Unfortunately, as these young fans root for their favorite team and players, they also will watch their on-field heroes use smokeless tobacco products,” the democratic senators wrote.

What really saddens me about this is not the fact that our government seems bent on controlling every single little aspect of our lives but that they also put no stock in the role of parents. How about instead of shaking down Major League Baseball they start a campaign on equipping parents on how to properly educate their children on the dangers of tobacco products? It really shouldn't be this difficult should it?

My son: Dad, what is that they're spitting out of their mouths?

Me: Its chewing tobacco.

Son: It looks gross, what does it do?

Me: Its kinda like smoking but not really. People chew on it instead of smoking it. It really isn't good for you and causes cancer.

Son: Why do they do it then?

Me: Because some people make really bad decisions and don't really think of the consequences.

Son: I wouldn't want to do anything that could cause me to get cancer!

Me: Because you are a smart kid!

Son: Thanks dad!

See! That was quick and painless. It was also a conversation that never would have occurred had he not seen tobacco use during a Major League Baseball game. Thanks but no thanks, government. I prefer you do a little more work on the economy then focus on the World Series.

So who's going to win baseball's biggest prize? As a long-suffering Seattle Mariners fan I've grown accustomed to cheering for the underdog. That my friends is the St. Louis Cardinals. This is a team that just a little over a month ago was dead in the water and has now found themselves in the World Series. Just about everyone is picking the Rangers which makes the Cards the underdog and my team of choice in the World Series.

However, a little known fact is that since 1985 the home team in the World Series has a 20-5 record. That kinda rains on the St. Louis underdog parade a little bit seeing as how they have the home field advantage.

Should Religion Play A Part In Presidential Elections?

As 2012 approaches GOP presidential candidates are looking to gain strong footing among voters who are eager to see changes in our government. With several economic and healthcare reform plans to delve through there's really no room for distracting side stories among the candidates. Of course that doesn't mean we won't have any though.

Earlier this month Mitt Romney's religion came back to the forefront of the election when his Mormon beliefs were compared to that of a cult at the Values Voter Summit. The question is, with today's unemployment rate hovering around 9% and the economic rebound still somewhere over the horizon is that something we want to waste time debating?

Let's not forget that although our country was established on Christian principles it was also established under the guise of religious freedom and not just Christian freedoms. As a Christian evangelical I must admit that I have significant issues with the Mormon doctrine because it completely contradicts the Bible and is intentionally misleading. However, I also support Romney's religious freedom to practice Mormonism even though I strongly disagree with the doctrine.

I won't vote for Romney not because he's a Mormon but because I think he flip-flops a bit too much. I'm also not a fan of his economic plan nor his stance on healthcare. Those are the things that matter in a presidential election along with a person's moral agenda and stance on human life. I'm all for morality and protecting unborn children and will honor a candidate who supports those regardless of their religious affiliation.

As for the differences between Mormonism and Christianity...those are matters best suited to be discussed in a private manner instead of a public forum. Its time for Christians to stop being judgmental towards people of other religious practices. How about instead we take the approach that Jesus would by befriending them, loving them, praying for them and showing them the truth of the Word of God.