12 Years Ago, The World Changed.....

This is an item I wrote 4 years ago........

I recall, quite vividly, that morning.....I was wondering what challenges would await at the office, just like any other day. As was custom in our house, I turned on Fox 11 News, to hear what Tony McEwing and Jean Martirez would have to say, just like any other day. Tony's voice seemed different, and there seemed to be a sound of urgency....there was a video feed of the twin towers smoldering, and the details were still coming in - nobody was quite sure what had happened, or whom was behind it, or why they did it. Minutes later, a plane crash had been reported at the Pentagon, followed by another crash in Pennsylvania. Something was definitely wrong, but nobody seemed to know what or why.

I saddled up, rode to the office, and arrived to find some really scared employees, and to find that both towers had collapsed.....the unthinkable was now upon us. Our office in Chicago, based in the Sears Tower, had been evacuated, so all financial operations were shifted to the Western Region. My first order of business was to calm my staff down, and get them focused on the tasks we had at hand - some serious shit had hit the fan, and it was more important than ever to maintain calm and keep the chains moving. They did a phenominal job at that, I might add.....

I rode home that night, just like any other night before, but felt different. I was concerned that if the terrorists did this, what would be next? I was angry that so many innocents had been killed - these were not even warfighters whom accept the risk of death as part of their duty. I wondered what we, as a nation, would do next.....it was unthinkable to believe this could possibly go without retaliation....but retaliation against whom?

Over the next few days, as more details came out behind whom was behind this dastardly act, it became apparent that we, as a nation, were going to war. I readily accepted this, and will never change my opinion that our war is just and appropriate. I recall British Prime Minister Tony Blair addressing Parliament and saying, "We, as a Nation, must be corageous, and do what is right," in reference to Britian's support of the war. I recall hearing Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharref press conference, in which he supported the West in any way his nation could, to bring those to justice whom were behind this act.

I recall seeing flags pop up everywhere, and people taking a new pride in patriotism (I wonder where their flags were before - I have always owned one). I knew that war would be a divisive thing, but I also knew it was what needed to happen - no matter what, terrorists cannot be negotiated with, and the only solution is complete eradication of them. I knew that there would be risk of my own daughter going to combat, or worse, and accepted this risk, as it is what was best for the nation, as well as the free world. I knew young kids would come home in a flag-draped coffin, and have done my best to be there to support their families when they do (check the link to the Patriot Guard if you would like to help as well).

The world has changed. It is our duty as Americans to support freedom, and eradicate those whom are opposed to it. It is our duty as Americans to defend our home soil, and if pre-emptive war is the means to do it, I am in support of it. Keep in mind, we did not start this war, but it is our job to see it to the end. Some will say our war efforts are not working - last time I checked, we have not had a terrorist attack in the United States since we went to war. My own personal thoughts are that we need to turn the war effort up a notch, and kill more bad guys. You don't win a war with diplomacy - it was the failed diplomacy of President Clinton that enabled terrorist activity to increase - many seem to forget this huge detail.

Never forget those who gave all on 9/11, as well as those who have given all in this Global War on Terror. As Gunny (our ride captain with the Patriot Guard) told me, the nature of war is that young men will die, for the freedoms and ideals that our founding fathers risked their life to form our Nation on (remember, they were guilty of Treason against the Crown).

May God Bless the United States of America.

The Power of the World Cup

Last night, after a long week of work, I decided to reward myself with some World Cup qualifying soccer, and was treated to a match between Mexico and Honduras.  Historically, Mexico is unbeatable in the hostile El Azteca Stadium in Mexico DF, with high altitudes, extreme smog, humidity, hot or cold temperatures, and the loyal fans of Mexico (historically, I have always felt at home in Mexico as Mexicans are very hospitable, unless you happen to be on a soccer team which is playing against their beloved national team).  In stunning fashion, Honduras pulled off the unthinkable victory over El Tri, and it cost coach Jose Manuel Chapa de la Torre his position as the Mexican national coach (pictured to the right).

Soccer, for many years, has been a sweet spot for advertising, as it is the worlds most popular sport.  Just about anyone can play, there is minimal equipment to purchase, and all you need is a pitch with goals.  Because of the loyal fan following, it is also a sweet spot for advertisers of consumer goods.  When going to a match, there are billboards around the pitch (more recently electronic ones which can change what is being advertised during the game), and the teams have sponsors on their jerseys (the LA Galaxy has Herbalife, the New York Red Bulls - you can guess what they have on their jerseys).  This advertising is considered normal and acceptable, as it provides revenue for the teams.  The teams are commercial enterprises with a focus on winning and being profitable at the end of the day.....

Now, the World Cup, well, that is different.....as a player, you are selected to represent your country and take home the most coveted prize in the world (when you represent your country, you are awarded a cap, hence the number of caps a player has is the number of times they have played for their national team).  The compensation is almost non-existent, but that is not why these kids play...they are doing it to represent their nation.  Advertising has always been present in the World Cup, as it is required to cover the costs of television and promotions....considering the costs of these, it is understandable.  Historically, the advertising has been limited to the billboards around the stadium, and the companies which purchase this ad space are the same ones that sponsor commercial leagues.....makers of consumer products.  Concurrently, the uniform has traditionally been strictly off-limits - it could be considered similar to placing an advertisement on one's own flag.

OK, so back to the Mexico-Honduras match.....As you can see in the image above, de la Torre is dressed warmly for an evening of soccer in El Azteca, wearing the official jacket if El Tri.  What surprised me was the blatant commercial advertising of Banamex, Movistar, Coca-Cola, and Proctor & Gamble.....this was the first time I have ever seen consumer products advertised in this fashion (historically, coaches for national teams will wear a suit and tie, and perhaps the coat of arms for their national club on the blazer).  Concurrently, all of the assistant coaches were wearing identical jackets.....and every time the camera went to de la Torre, the advertisers obtained a worldwide broadcast of their respective brands.  As mentioned, de la Torre was relieved of the burden of employment after the loss....but the part that surprised me was when the announcers mentioned he has been in the hot seat for some time with the sponsors....this was completely new to me.  Historically, the sponsors have no influence over the national teams, and coaching pressures are exerted by the national federation.

For those of you who know me well, I am a strong proponent of marketing at any and every opportunity....this stimulates business, which makes money.  However, I have a problem with what is happening in Mexico with the national team.  If the sponsors were influencing a commercial team, this is completely different and I would agree with them (hell, I might even do some consulting for them to make their arguments stronger), as the spirit of intention is to produce a winning team.  However, the National team plays for the pride of a nation, and the output should be that of bringing home the World Cup.  Ethical sponsors should be proud to support the National efforts, but sincerely should refrain from making demands about the coaching....that decision is left on the shoulders of the National Football Federation of the host nation.  Commercial sponsors flexing their sponsorship muscle is a dangerous trend that troubles me......imagine Phil Knight of Nike telling Jurgen Klinsmann that he better "shape up" the US National team or he may be looking for a new job....I am not saying Knight is not a great person, but on the soccer field, he is not fit to tie the shoe of Klinsmann......

I hope this example in Mexico is not the start of a dangerous trend.......