One of the perks or my job is I have to watch a great deal of broadcaster programming. Today is the Superbowl, it is being played in Phoenix Arizona while I am up here in Sun Valley, Idaho watching it. So with Slingbox in hand I have tuned into KXTF 6, the local Fox affiliate to watch and monitor the game for potential problems. Should a problem arise during the game I am armed with a remote switch that changes channel 6 KXTF out of Twin Falls, Idaho to KFXP (Fox) out of Pocatello Idaho. This contingency of programming happens in the blinking of an eye and is not noticed by the viewer.
Much to my surprise something remarkable happened just prior to the game. NFL players and Coaches alike, in a remarkably beautiful presentation, quoted the Declaration of Independence! Why the National Football League and Fox Sports took upon itself to provide such a stirring historically important bit of programming just prior to the "Big Game" is beyond me. But there it was, in living color, with no doubt one of the largest demographics standing by viewing it with me.
Quite stirring it was for to hear these familiar words:
“When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
I don’t know why reading or hearing The Declaration of Independence brings tears to my eyes, but it does. The same stands for our National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” I wonder now as I watch the game if this is what was the desired emotion was from the NFL and FOX Sports. There no doubt was a message being sent to the largest television audience of the year. The message is that United States of America is uniquely founded on the principals of freedom. And furthermore we are all as individuals brought together as "Americans" regardless of race, religion or creed.
What an inspired timely message from an unlikely source. Thank you NFL and Fox Sports!