Why Dan Struggles Cheering For USA Soccer

I realize that I'm about to put a gigantic target on me, be called a traitor and be told to move to Brazil. And I don't care. I am proud to be a fan of Brazilian football and have followed them as long as I can remember. And off we go.

Reason #1- I'm a Brazil fan. My family served there as missionaries and my brother was born there. My family cheered for them because in the 70's and 80's, USA soccer was laughable. No matter how hard they tried to popularize it (including bringing Brazilian Pele to the USA), they failed. No one watched. Brazilian's have passion about their team that has been around for generations. My family cheers for them. I am a proud American and hope for the best for the USA, but I cheer for Brazil. I cheer for USA in every other sport.

Reason #2- USA soccer style. The MLS is ugly soccer...period. I am bored trying to watch it. I find myself captivated at Italian, English and German football, but MLS can come across as middle school soccer compared to them. I thought this may change a few years back when the US had the chance to hire Klinsmann to manage and bring European style to America. Instead they hired an American. And the US team continues to be average. We blow every nation away in every other sport except soccer. US style is boring. Honestly, it bores me to tears and I can't last over 20 minutes.

Reason #3- US Soccer fans. I'll be careful here. I have a number of good friends who actually follow the US team year round (Billy Hearn!). These are true fans. Then, there are those who follow when the US is doing well. The majority of America has little to no appreciation for soccer and it is alarming. They complain that its to boring, slow and has no scoring. They say they don't mind low scores because "I watch baseball." However, if baseball scores were normally only 1-0, 2-1 or 0-0, would they still watch without complaining. The American sports fan (of which I am one) expects a lot of action and a lot of scoring. I am hoping that the US' recent success translates into more of a devoted fan base, but I still see soccer as always being less popular than the big four, golf, MMA, and World Series of Poker. Sad.

Reason #4- US World Cup. If the USA were to win the World Cup, there would be celebration for about a week or two by 95% of the USA. They would see a surge in MLS sales and interest in the team. After 3 months, they would be right back where they are now- not watching and bored with it. Winning the World Cup would be like winning a free Big Mac: exciting, but not life altering.

Reason #5- Brazil. The place breeds soccer players. There style is beautiful. Their fans are fanatical even in the most remote of villages. The history is long. They never disappoint even when they don't win (I'm still trying to live down 2 World Cup losses to France). They do it better than anyone in the planet. They are the Tiger Woods of soccer. You have to appreciate them and they normally are not arrogant (minus Romario a few years back). They love the game.

Compromise. It the USA plays Brazil, I cheer for Brazil. If the USA plays Ireland, I cheer for Ireland (my roots). If the USA plays England or France, I cheer for the USA. I cheer for the USA for almost every match up other than the team I have cheered for longer than most of the new US fans have been cheering for their team. If I chose a team, I stick with them...kinda like the Calvinist view on predestination, election and perseverance of the saints : )

So if you are offended that I don't cheer for the USA in ONE sport that is underappreciated by 95% of the country (except when they are winning), I apologize. I have my loyalties. And I will wave an American flag on July 4th, be a proud Philadelphian, eat hot dogs and ice cream, listen to Bruce Springstein and Johnny Cash, defend our messed up government, and offer my service to the point of death to protect this country. But when it comes to soccer..."Terra adorada, Entre outras mil, És tu, Brasil, Ó Pátria amada!"

Fire away...

Reflections of Jacko

Michael Jackson dead at 50. Thank goodness for Drudge. I saw after the headline broke at around 4PM. I was shocked needless to say. Now, I've never been a huge Michael Jackson fan. I do have a lot of his music mainly because of the memories they bring. I will admit a mixture of feelings for him.

I was in third grade. My parents raised us very conservatively and secular rock music was a huge no-no. One of my closest friends named John Victoria invited me over to his house in the neighborhood. He broke out the brand new Thriller album by Michael Jackson. I would for the next few months, go over to his house and listen to it there...I know...I was EVIL. : ) Human Nature stuck out and I remember the Rosemont High School band playing it for the Elementary school that I was attending. My friends had parachute pants, red leather jackets and white gloves. I was not allowed to wear this stuff, but I remember wanting to have my own pair.

Then there was college. My roomies at LBC had his History album and popped it in from time to time. I never understood that, but the song Do You Remember stuck with me as did Man in the Mirror.

I remember going to the National Youth Worker Convention and Chris Tomlin's band warming up the crowd by playing the music for Billie Jean. I also remember my cousin Doug playing Will You Be There full volume on his stereo at my aunt and uncles house.

His potential pedophilia is obvious. We can't overlook it. It just seemed to convenient to not be true. I know God will know. I think there was some serious mental issues.

I remember hearing about his upbringing which I'll admit played a part in me starting to sympathize a little bit for him. His family makes the Simpsons and Bundys look like Ozzie and Harriet. His dad stole their childhood by forcing them into the music business. The after effects obviously impacted him by him living out his childhood well into his adult years.

My heart hurts for his children who had a very confused father. I hope for the best for them. I hope he knew Christ. Such a gifted musician and a confused individual. Even his debt is shocking. He had no guidance or he lived in another world. He spent money he didn't have. Such a sad story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4s16pzRYqU

My Summer Reading List

This is a "hopefully will get to read list" for the summer due to the craziness of work and classes. I have my pile beckoning me in my room. The following are ones I hope to read or reread by the end of the summer.

1. Christless Christianity by Michael Horton: I'm really excited about this one. The summary says, "Christless Christianity guides the reader to a greater understanding of a big problem within the American religious setting, namely the creeping fog of countless sermons in churches across the country that focus on moralistic concerns and personal transformation rather than the theology of the cross."

2. The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer: My bro bought this one for me awhile back. I've never read Tozer but have heard great things about this.

3. The Cost of Discipleship by Deitrich Bonhoeffer: I've read the majority of it before minus a few end chapters, but this is a must read for any believer. Amazing wisdom from the '40's that translates into today.

4. The Five Points of Calvinism by Steele and Thomas: an old friend bought this for me a long time ago. Since there is a massive surge in reform theology, I want to make sure I understand the distinctives of the beliefs.

5. From Good to Great by Jim Collins: I had to skim read this one before, but was very interested in the depth that came out of it for team building.

6. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell: A classic that every leader MUST have. Another reread, but so much wisdom in it!

7. The Collected Works of C.S. Lewis: I know...that is A LOT to read, but I have been getting some amazing truth from the guy recently. I LOVE it.

8. The Reason For God by Tim Keller: I heard him in a podcast from Berkeley doing apologetical defense and he was fantastic.

9. The Case for Civility by Os Guiness: I heard him on White Horse Inn discussing this book and it hit a homerun with me. I really look forward to diving in!