Badger Benson

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?!”

I’m looking for great American success stories. Not necessarily the big rich and famous overnight stories. But average, ordinary people who are doing big things. People who have overcome adversity and challenges. People of all walks of life and background. People who weren’t victims and don’t depend on the goverment. People who determine their own success!

If this sounds like you – I want to hear from you. Your story could be featured here!

Are you proud to be an AmeriCAN?!

Another note: What happened today was geninue grass roots. A movement of individual Americans for a common good.

However, it is worth noting the two people responsible for lighting that fuse. Rick Santelli and Glenn Beck.

Santelli issued the first cry of “Tea Parties”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEZB4taSEoA

Beck introduced the 9-12 Project.

The movements intersected today.

Some quick thoughts on today.

Amazing!

Here I sit in the Badger Den sulking in an Iowa State Cyclones loss to the rival Iowa Hawkeyes…yet, a difference in comparison to other years of sulking. It’s not the story of the day! In fact I could care less. And that’s not an insult at my “fandom” or Cyclone roots. (Great win Hawks…now go run the table! Represent Iowa well!)

Something much bigger took place today. In Washington, D.C., and many other spots across the nation people turned out to voice their objections to not just one politician…but to an entire system that has been corrupted by special intrest, political correctness and non-sense.

What a day for those who have felt they have no voice! What a day for those who have felt alone, isolated, or belittled by a bias media and elitist politicians who seek to diminish their rights and voice for the sake of their own agenda, power and glory.

It is the American experiment, individuals united for a collective good established on natural law, what is moral, is what makes us good. We are still good…no matter your background, political stance. Americans as individuals still have the foundation to stand upon and fight back the forces that seek to give us only one choice. One choice is not choice…but a predetermined outcome. One that can not be good. I fight for the freedom to fail, the responsibility to succede. I want no guarantees, especially from a government that can’t even practice the laws that it imposes on it’s citizenry; the only guarantees I want are the ones established in the Bill of Rights. It’s our duty to protect those rights. Our duty to practice those rights. That is what was seen today. No, no, this was not some “astroturf” movement. This is grass roots. This is America that showed up today.

Are you listening Washington?

That is what is at stake. It is something bigger than all of us…on so many levels.

God save the Republic.