Rigged by Government:
"Superdome scandal" biggest government scandal since Teapot Dome
Timothy Agan
Issue date: 2/7/02 Section: Opinion & Humor
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At a time when patriotism is at its highest level since World War II as a result of the events of September, there could be no better year for the Patriots to appear in the Superbowl. Consider their miraculous path to the Superbowl. Last year the team finished 5-11, and started this season just as dismally. Early in the season, a no name quarterback drafted 199th overall has to take over for the injured starter. Yet, the Patriots go on to win the AFC East division and ultimately win the Superbowl, defeating a team they lost to in the regular season. With so much adversity to overcome, how much of this was miracle and how much was something else?
Consider the following: Prior to October 7, the day U.S. retaliation against Afghanistan began, the Patriots were 1-3, with
a winning percentage of .250. After U.S. retaliation began, the Patriots went 10-2, with a winning percentage of .833. In order to proceed to the Superbowl, the Patriots defeated two teams against which they were considered “underdogs.” Included in these victories was the controversial incomplete pass call in the Oakland game. Could all this data be mere coincidence, or did the New England Patriots have the full backing of the United States government?
A Patriots victory in the Superbowl promotes a greater sense of patriotism throughout the nation. This patriotism engenders more support for the federal government and all its actions. The idea of patriotism and support for the government was a theme throughout the pregame and halftime shows. Segments featuring former Presidents were shown as they addressed the issue of supporting the American government.
The troops in Kandahar, shown at various points during the game, expressed support for the Patriots. Perhaps the government decided that the largest commercial sporting event in the world could be an effective medium for garnering support for the government itself and all its programs. With a Patriots victory, much more patriotic merchandise will be sold. Bob Kraft, owner of the Patriots, said during a speech after the game that spiritual faith, democracy, and patriotism had all come together, and that “we are all Patriots.”
Consider the following: Prior to October 7, the day U.S. retaliation against Afghanistan began, the Patriots were 1-3, with
a winning percentage of .250. After U.S. retaliation began, the Patriots went 10-2, with a winning percentage of .833. In order to proceed to the Superbowl, the Patriots defeated two teams against which they were considered “underdogs.” Included in these victories was the controversial incomplete pass call in the Oakland game. Could all this data be mere coincidence, or did the New England Patriots have the full backing of the United States government?
A Patriots victory in the Superbowl promotes a greater sense of patriotism throughout the nation. This patriotism engenders more support for the federal government and all its actions. The idea of patriotism and support for the government was a theme throughout the pregame and halftime shows. Segments featuring former Presidents were shown as they addressed the issue of supporting the American government.
The troops in Kandahar, shown at various points during the game, expressed support for the Patriots. Perhaps the government decided that the largest commercial sporting event in the world could be an effective medium for garnering support for the government itself and all its programs. With a Patriots victory, much more patriotic merchandise will be sold. Bob Kraft, owner of the Patriots, said during a speech after the game that spiritual faith, democracy, and patriotism had all come together, and that “we are all Patriots.”