Badger Benson

Archive for February 7th, 2010

American Ride

In anticipation of the Winter Olympics my wife and I decided to watch Miracle. (for those living under a rock it’s the story of the 1980 US men’s hockey team) The movie came out in 2004, starring Kurt Russell as legendary coach Herb Brooks who was at the helm of the US team when they upset Russia and went on to win gold in Lake Placid.

Before the puck dropped at the winter games the team takes their lumps. They get past old rivalries from college days, getting stomped by the Russians three days before the opening ceremony, learning to work as a team and coming to realize they represent something bigger than each of themselves as individuals – the United States of America. As the team practices Brooks stops periodically and asks each player to introduce themselves, who they are, where they’re from and who they play for. One of my favorite scenes takes place after a bad performance in Norway. During the game the players are more focused on the cute girls in the stands. They manage to tie Norway in a lackluster effort. Brooks doesn’t let the team leave the ice. He has them line up and skate sprints until they’re falling over. Just when they can take no more Mike Erurizone gets it and in an exasperated voice he belts out, “Mike Erurizone, Worcester, Massachusetts”, there’s a pause and Brooks replies, “Who do you play for son?”, Mike answers, “United States of America!”

This sets a new direction and tone for the team. They practice harder, take in the instruction of their coach, play focused and disciplined, and even refer to themselves as a family. Brooks tells the team that he knows a way to beat the Soviets, “Their weapon is intimidation. They know they’re going to win. You don’t defend them. You attack them! You take their game and shove it back in their face. The team willing to finally do this will defeat them.”

After getting past the jitters of the first encounter with the Russians the US team advances to the medal round of the Olympics. Their first match is against Russia. Before they take the ice Brooks gives a talk to the players saying, “Their time is over. This is your time!” and “Great moments are born out of great opportunity.”

Great moments are born out of great opportunity. Compare that to the wisdom of Rahm Emanuel saying “Never let a crisis go to waste.” Throughout the movie we’re shown glimpses of the attitude of Americans at the time. We’re told of the events taking place, Iranian Hostage Crisis, inflation, gas prices, and we even hear Jimmy Carter’s infamous “Crisis of Confidence” speech. While we were watching this time around we couldn’t help but to compare it all to today. It’s almost allegorical.

The intimidation of the elites no longer works. The progressive era is ending. It’s our time! We have been presented with a great opportunity. We can make it a great moment. Glenn Beck has said for a while now to be prepared for amazing miracles. As Al Michaels said as the final seconds ticked off the clock that day in Lake Placid, “Do you believe in miracles?!”