Beautiful trees make wonderful apples...

 

SALLY DENTON'S DAUGHTER

Just think about it.

an essay by Anne Beale

Although I am in no position to give any advice about the government’s military tactics, I don’t even necessarily think we should change, much. I have an idea that seriously needs to be considered concerning the nation’s foreign relationships. It’s so obviously simple sounding, probably even true that someone else has come up with the same idea. My idea is this, in an addition to military and political relationships in foreign countries, recreational activities should be practiced between American personnel and the people they wish to communicate with, in an effort to create a more peaceful environment. Especially in hostile and third world countries these recreational activities should take place, to encourage communication among people that speak different languages, and give the people there a chance to succeed in anything besides weapons and drugs. What I mean by recreational activities is just that, athletics and visual and performing arts, but especially athletics. The young men of the world need a way to release the energy growing inside them, the raging hormones. It will either be productive or destructive. The best way to harness that energy and make it productive is through different types of athletics so they can learn to respect themselves and the others around them. Instead of focusing on aggression, enlist a feeling of communication.

For example, in Afghanistan the United States military is training Afghan troops to fight and defend themselves. Then some of the troops, both nationalities, aren’t getting along with each other. So build a soccer field. Then what do you think would happen? Give them a chance to create relationships with each other, and build respect for one another. Create a sense of healthy competition and sportsmanship.

Take the Little League Championship, young boys from all walks of life, speaking different languages, shaking hands, helping each other up, and making friends. This year I saw a young pitcher shake a batter’s hand after he crossed home plate because the batter had just set a record. No one will ever forget this year’s first team from Uganda, Africa practicing with one shoe on and one shoe off because they weren’t used to cleats or shoes at all. The next thing you know, a young player and his mother are collecting equipment for the Ugandan Team to take home.

What do you think would happen if local youth and young adult soccer teams were founded in the Middle East? Not on a professional level, a beginners and intermediate level. Could it work? Just think about it. Where would civil rights in the United States be without baseball? Think about it. Have you ever seen a group of 9-10 year old children playing flag football, or kicking around the soccer ball? It’s great. Just think about it.