Lessons of a Hockey Mom

Written by: Mary Ann W on Oct 4, 2008 7:35 PM EDT

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

For years I put in my time on the sidelines of innumberable hockey/soccer/basketball/TBall/younameit games, cheering on my son and his friends. Here are some of the lessons I learned:

1. Learn the rules of the game and obey them. This teaches you to respect for the law and a fair playing field. When you are an adult, this should teach you to respect terms like "subpoena." Sarah Palin didn't learn this, and we are in for another four years of an administration flouting the legal system. Ooops.

2. Learn as much as you can about your position, and perform it as best as you possibly can. This ensures the team will work smoothly and efficiently--and win games. When questioned about the U.S. Vice Presidency, Governor Palin showed an unbelievable ignorance of the position. There is no official duty of the Vice President except to preside over the Senate in the event of a tie. The Vice Presidency is not a separate fiefdom. As the office has evolved, the Vice President counsels the President and can perform various tasks as requested. Despite what the Governor said in rambling answer, there IS NO FLEXIBILITY on this in the Constitution. The courts have slapped back all of Cheney's fantasies regarding this. Major ooops.

3. On every team there is a kid who thinks (s)he's God's gift to the sport. The hot dog. He's the kid whose father or mother makes life hell for a fair-minded coach. He hogs the ball (or puck), can't or won't work with the team, and makes splashy plays that sometimes work, but more often don't. These kids are quick to call foul and work the refs but nothing is ever their fault. Generally you hear the coach yell "No hot dogging!" at them, because ultimately they're no good for the team. Looks to me like both Palin and McCain qualify for this label. All ego. Think of hot dog McCain during the credit crisis and Sarah Barracuda in debate. Must be their coaches didn't train them young enough. Ooops again.

Though Governor Palin claims she's a hockey mom presumably like those of us at home, this hockey mom is NOT just like Sarah Palin. I don't want her even close to running the country and I'd just as soon she go back to Alaska.

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