I have followed the referee problem in the NFL since the preseason and I am glad the referees and the League have finally settled their differences and the refs will be back to work immediately. I really would like to send out a huge thanks to the replacement refs!

Why?

Think about all we have learned by watching this unfold. I can think of 10 right off the cuff.

1. During a time when the USA is on the verge of another word war with the Middle East The referees have made the front pages of most of our major newspapers and services, and have dominated talk shows daily. What a lesson on priorities in this country.
2. During an election year, when the race is so close and there is so much at stake in our country, again, this topic has dominated our news. What a lesson in concerns.
3. After coming in and keeping Americas game alive, these replacement refs, just filling in to cover some National Football League jobs, have been threatened and called every name in the book. What a lesson in tolerance.
4. After a major mistake in the outcome of a game that everyone knew was going to be happening sooner or later, the response on our social networks, Twitter especially, has been nothing short of embarrassing. To the point of threats of violence twords both the Seahawks and the Refs. What a lesson in love thy neighbor.
5. The fact that betting places are refunding money to those who lost by this outcome is a lesson in how much this country places its priorities on fair play.
6. The response by the management of the Green Bay Packers front office and its coaching staff was outstanding, and as professional as could ever be expected. What a lesson in acceptance.
7. The amount of money collected by fines due to the harassment of these guys who were just trying to do the best they could was wonderful for the charities they will be turned over to. What a lesson in giving.
8. The coming together of both parties in the ongoing election over the bad calls on Monday night. Now we know what it takes to bring our countries leaders together, a great lesson in cooperation.
9. In a time when so much more newsworthy things are happening around the country and world, this pastime can take our minds off of our problems by creating a whole new batch of things to worry about. What a lesson in what is important.
10. And the best lesson of all, when a corporation, namely the National Football league, puts the dollar first above its employees and the quality of their product, this country will still embrace them and consume their product with a smile on their face. What a great lesson in marketing.

Again, I say thanks to the replacement refs!

Experts are telling people the number one concern in the coming year should be having clean water and enough food to stay alive should be number two.

I for one have a real bad taste in my mouth by all the coverage this has gotten in comparison to what we should really be talking about.

How about you?

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