There is no 'I' in team
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By Robin Rhee
My grandson is a starter on his middle school basketball team. As I sat in the bleachers the other night to watch his team play I witnessed some very grownup behavior from the boys.
They were communicating throughout the game. They cheered for each other, even when mistakes were made. They included the younger players of the team in huddles with the coach and when it was evident they would win the game they supported the boys who had sat on the bench during much of the game and were then on the floor getting some experience in a real game.
Fouls were made by both teams and penalties were immediately given by the referees, according to the rules.
At the end of the game the winners lined up to give high fives to the other team. Before they left for the locker room the team was already chatting about what they needed to work on before their next game.
The high scorer was not singled out as the most valuable player, rather the rebounds and assists would be studied for the win was a team effort.
Political parties should be similar in many ways to sports' teams but history tells us they fall short.
Parties are formed and many members have only self-advancement in mind. "I" want to be nominated to run for office. "I" want to be elected. "I" want to be appointed to a lofty position.
If none of the above happens it's time to split the party or perhaps even splinter it since it is advantageous for an individual to be a big frog in a small pond rather than a small frog in a big pond.
So a person is finally campaigning for office. The voters hear "I" can. "I" will and "I" promise. Successive candidates have promised to rid the nation of corruption but bribery, influence peddling and kick-backs continue to show up in the headlines.
If elected, the laws of the land, for some, don't seem to apply. "I" am too smart. "I" am too powerful. If investigations are begun, "I" will deny everything. If some of the accusations stick, the most "I" will get is a slap on the wrist.
Is it any wonder that citizens rise up when politicians spiral out of control?
The New Year offers the opportunity for a new beginning.
Political parties have split and splintered during the last year. Already they are arguing if they are reform, liberal or conservative. The President and the nation await the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision on impeachment.
Is it too much to expect that political parties will come together as a team to work on the issues which need to be addressed for the well being of the nation's future.
Politicians need to put aside the importance of "I" and focus on the nation for there is no "I" in team.
The writer is the author/illustrator of Korea Through Myths and Legends and currently resides in Centerville, Ohio. Write to RRKORAM@aol.com.