Play up events that make U.S. proud
On the evening news a local reporter asks a little boy why he roots for the U.S. hockey team and, with an honesty reserved for children, he answers, "Because I live in the USA." In days of political and economic doldrums, we Americans have had a fresh breeze, and that is to watch our nation's athletes competing on the world stage. It provides us with a feeling of pride in America that crosses all lines.
That said, imagine my dismay when reading the morning Daily Herald and seeing where it placed the story of the Americans winning gold and silver in the nordic combined event. Not on Page 1 with banner headlines - no, not even on the first page of the Sports section. That was remarkably reserved for "Gold Canada." Sadly, it was placed on Page 4 halfway down the page under the finish of a South Korean skater with headlines blaring "Her crowning moment" and next to another headline about a golden German skier.
We as a nation have never won this particular event and we would have to go back to the 1976 Olympics for silver. I realize when watch television I don't pay for the content and so I can't beef about it - my only recourse is to change the channel. I don't want to change the channel on the Herald, but I think it made a mistake placing this incredible feat under the South Korean's win and behind the front page Sports story of Canada's win over the Americans in women's hockey. What's next, a full-page pro bono ad on the business page for a benefit for laid-off Japanese Toyota auto workers?
Michael Griffin
Palatine