In middle school, he attended chess tournaments which provided individual victories as well as those for teams.
While in high school, he wrestled and thus added these matches to his athletic activities.
Except for wrestling, which was a school based sport and not for a rec center, Jonathan received trophies every season.
Win or lose. It didn't matter. All children went home with booty.
Often, his team did win and thus the inscription on the statuette would be different. It would acknowledge first place.
This ritual made his father apoplectic. "Too much political correctness," he would rant. He, Dario not his son, believed that trophies for everyone devalued said achievement and provided recognition when none was merited.
I thought it harmless enough, especially for young boys and girls. All toted home prizes and the true winners had the additional benefit of knowing they were the best in the league in their age group.
I remember when Jonathan was 8 or 9 years of age. His team played their arch rivals in the soccer finals. They went into the third game tied, which would determine the tournament champions. My son's team won in overtime. It was exciting and those children carried the pride with them.
During my renovation, a few of the fake trophies, as well as the legitimate ones, were damaged. Most survived, but when unpacking them, Jonathan decided he no longer wanted any.
Now as I look around I see that this feel good theory of positive reinforcement for children has gone berserk in the adult world.
We are rewarding the villains.
Ben Bernanke is Time's Man of the Year. For what? Missing the housing market meltdown which ignited the financial crisis?
Is it a sarcastic homage?
George W. Bush, total failure, loser and coward, got the ultimate gold ring. President of the United States.
And he didn't even win.
Either time. Better than some trophy.
He was no slouch at handing out, shall we say, ironic awards.
Paul Bremmer was honored for his service. At the time, he just looked like an incompetent. Now it is clear that his actions directly resulted in the terror activities in Iraq and probably cost our country the capture of Bin Laden.
George Tenet, former CIA head who said that proving Hussein had WMD's was a slam dunk, was also presented with the Medal of Freedom.
Glenn Beck, who can't help the fact that he is beyond homely, has secured hosting a television show. Without demonstrating any level of class, intelligence or talent.
Sarah Palin, who apparently has never read a book, was given a 7 figure publishing contract. And the Washington Post printed an Op Ed piece crafted by her ghost writer or staff. To fairly represent the former Governor, the column was wrong, stupid and contradicted statements Palin had already made.
Many unfunny comedians- no oxymoron- have been rewarded with lucrative gigs and programming deals.
Airheads and egomanical folks are getting reality shows.
Decades ago, President Richard Nixon appointed Elvis as a special deputy to fight drug abuse.
Ironic? Perplexing? Definitely. But Elvis had talent and his addictions did not surface until his death. Still, it was a harbinger of things to come.
Financiers who have at best, made idiotic calculations and at worst broke untold number of laws to peddle toxic bundles, are getting bonuses.
Not jail time but more money.
Bill O'Reilly, documented sexual harasser and probable pervert, whines that he only thinks about the children. And some people actually believe him. My question: these musing about the youth, Mr. Reilly- in what context?
The final example today is a person who said that he represented change and hope now ostensibly appears to be simply the same goods in another package. Perhaps just a front for Wall Street and the defense industry? Maybe simply a non patriot who refuses to face the treason of his predecessor? Or in fact, he needs to begin being the change he promised.
President Obama, it is time to distinguish yourself. It is not too late.
Of course, Indict Bush.
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