Public Fights with Private Demons

Patrick Kennedy and CC Sabathia: Public Fights with Private Demons
Last week, two high profile Americans went public with their fights against personal demons. I don't know a ton about either Patrick Kennedy or CC Sabathia, but I do know that I respect their decisions to focus their efforts on the things that ail them. But more than that, I respect their decisions to face these demons publicly. All too often people choose to fight these demons alone. But when each of these two men chose to fight their fight out in the open, they chose to engage millions of people in their efforts. Admitting that one has a problem is not an easy thing. Not when it comes to school, work, relationships, or substance abuse. It often takes years and years for some to admit it. In the case of Patrick Kennedy, he chose to admit it when those around him, his loved ones and family, would have preferred that he not share his ailments.

As a member of one of the more memorable families in recent years (recent being 60), Patrick was under a lot of pressure not to share the things that stopped him from being his best. Drinking vodka out of water bottles and taking drugs while serving as a member of Congress are actions that most, if not all, would consider unacceptable. Yet this is exactly how Kennedy functioned for years. But finally, he decided to come clean about the demons that he has been fighting and come clean to the public. I believe that this admission will be one that aids many other addicts and substance abusers to come forward seek out the help that they deserve.

Another man in the news for facing his substance abuse is CC Sabathia. Sabathia, a pitcher for the New York Yankees, checked himself into rehab last week for his abuse of alcohol. Nevermind the fact that the Yankees were about to enter the playoffs; Sabathia chose to make the decision to seek out the help that he needed. Much like Patrick Kennedy, a big chunk of Sabathia's substance abuse occurred at his place of employment. Some reports said that he was drinking 6 nights a week; only taking a night off when it was his turn to pitch in the rotation. But CC chose to try to be better than the disease that affected him and fight his personal battle. As a professional athlete, it's tough for him to fight any battle outside of the media spotlight, but this is one that I am glad he chose to fight publicly.

Too many people suffer each year from substance abuse because they choose to fight their demons on their own. Not everyone facing these problems will admit them to the world in the way that these two have chose to, but everyone has the opportunity to share their problem with someone that can help. So if someone comes to you with an issue or a demon they are fighting just remember that not everyone is like Patrick Kennedy and CC Sabathia; not everyone has the world to support them in their battles. Many may just have you.


Quick Thoughts:

Miami University Secretly Searches for a President:
I find it strange that a public university is conducting a search for the next president of the institution in secret. A university president relies heavily on the input from all of her/his constituents. Is a search that hides the candidates from the public one that those associated with the university can have confidence in?

Spots Betting: Does it have a place in society today?
This article compares sports betting to to Prohibition. With Fan Duel and Draft Kings becoming a big part of the fantasy football landscape, the conversation is begging to shift towards the topic of betting on sports and whether it has a place in society. Is the comparison between betting on sports and Prohibition valid? I'm not sure. But I do know that I don't agree with the fact that Congress passed a law in 1992 that banned betting on sports in all states but the four that already had some form of sports betting in place. Is this an issue that each state should decide?

Obama's Comment on the Republican Party:
Tonight on 60 minutes Obama said "that the Republican Party knows what it is against, but not what it is for." I think that this is an interesting statement and one that could define a number of the issues that the GOP faces today. As the Republican candidates for the Presidency continue to shrink, I think the country will see a greater focus on policy suggestions and ideas instead of the current banter and bashing of others.

First Democratic Debate:
The first Democratic debate is this Tuesday. I am interested in hearing what the candidates have to say and how the demeanor of the debate compares to that of the previous two Republican debates.

No More Columbus Day?
There was a lot of talk today about the name of Columbus Day and whether that should even remain the name. I, for one, am in favor of leaving the name. I believe that Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas and is the reason that our great country is here today. Many things have happened since Mr. Columbus discovered what we now know as the USA, but without the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria, who knows where we would be today.

Who Dey!?!
The Bengals proved that they belong among the League's elite teams with their win over the Seahawks yesterday at home. Can't wait to see what next week brings!