On Antonio Brown, Covid closures, and minimum wages

The Monday Musings!

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." - Oprah Winfrey, legendary journalist and Billionaire business mogul

Happy New Year!

Antonio Brown meltdown

Chances are that whether you are an NFL fanatic, a casual observer, or even somewhat indifferent to the sport, that by now you have seen clips or heard about Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown's meltdown during the third quarter of the Bucs game against the NY Jets yesterday afternoon.

AB81

In a bizarre series of events, Brown flung his jersey and shoulder pads to the ground before throwing his t-shirt and gloves into the stands and, finally, jogging back into the locker room—while his teammates were still playing. 

So far, we have yet to hear Brown's vantage point, but social media was abuzz with speculation that he was angry because he was due nearly $1 million dollars in performance incentives if he caught x number of passes for y number of yards before the game's end and was being frozen out from meeting those incentives; until we hear from Brown, there's no way for us to know if such was his rationale. What we do know is that Tampa Bay Coach Bruce Arians said that he pleaded with Brown to go back into the game but was refused, and that Brown "is no longer a Buc" due to his refusal to play and subsequent meltdown. We also know that legendary Bucs quarterback Tom Brady has pleaded with the public to have compassion for Brown, a friend of his who he says "needs help."

Well, I am no mental health expert and won't pretend to be one in this morning's blog, but I've lived long enough to know that yesterday's display was not how the average NFL player—or fan—deals with job dissatisfaction. I, like many of you, have read the litany of AB transgressions through the years that popped up in the media yesterday and realize that from fights, to an alleged rape, to a no-contest plea to felony burglary in 2020, that AB has had his share of issues from his school days at Florida International and Central Michigan, on through to his brilliant (on the playing field) career in the NFL. For added perspective, check out Colin Cowherd's summation in his short Sunday night podcast. 

Cognizant that football is a very violent sport that enthralls the masses while leaving many of its stars unhealthy due to one too many hits to the head (CTE), such certainly leaves me with a sincere hope that AB gets the help that he needs to function in society. However, lest we forget that even within our own spheres, that those kin and friends who we describe as "a little touched in the head" typically do not get help unless they choose to seek it and, when they don't seek help, the original problems remain in perpetuity. 

Whether AB will seek help remains to be seen...

Coronavirus Breakthrough

The Hill reports this morning that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) both have tested positive for COVID-19.

Sec. Austin and Lt. Gov. Stratton

With both political figures fully vaccinated and boostered, neither is seemingly at risk for serious health complications while they isolate per CDC mandates, the Hobbservation Point wishes them both speedy recoveries. 

Still, with the Omciron variant of Covid-19 surging across America, some school districts and colleges/universities reverting to online learning, and major businesses like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup allowing employees to work from home, the question remains whether state and local governments across America have the wisdom to realize that even a two to three week stay at home plan could help to ride out this latest wave, one complicated by flu and cold season?

I suspect that the answer is "no" due to the simple fact that the business of America is business, and that the political powers that be prefer for workers to work—not staying at home assisting children who are learning online.  Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona echoed this very point yesterday when he stated, "We’ve been very clear: Our expectation is for schools to be open full-time for students for in-person learning...We remember the impact of school closures on students last year, and our science is better."

I hear you, Mr. Secretary, but we also remember that over 800,000 Americans have died since the pandemic began, and that school children who get infected with Covid-19 will expose their family members and even friends to the disease—and prolong an end to this nightmare!

Here's hoping that those with the ability to do so will take all precautions to protect their children and themselves from the phantom Covid menace...

Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene in Twitter Jail

As is often said, each of us is entitled to our own opinions—but we are not entitled to our own facts! It seems that U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene refuses to accede to this basic truth and because of her hard-headedness, has found her Twitter account permanently suspended for spreading misinformation about Covid-19. 

Much like Frankenstein's monster, in recent weeks, former President Donald Trump has found himself booed and pilloried even among his loyal base when he has appeared at rallies (or on Candace Owens's political affairs show) to push back against the anti-vax crowd that is legion within the Republican Party. Rep. Taylor-Greene is one of the leading proponents of kooky right-wing conspiracies and, due to her insouciance (if not wanton ignorance), has left ALL of us at risk to many of those claiming “to do their own research,” but who hardly have the abilities to fully grasp the treatises and journal length articles that delve deeply into the virus and its treatment, including the use of masks and safe social distancing. 

Specifically, Taylor-Greene's ban came from her final Tweet about “extremely high amounts of Covid vaccine deaths." Again, each of us has a right to determine whether we wish to be vaccinated, but we have no right to publish lies about vaccine deaths in the cyber public square. Thus, good riddance, Ms. Taylor-Greene

Minimum Wage hikes

The new year brought minimum wage increases from $15 to $17 per hour in 20 states and with it, hopes that a livable wage ensues for those struggling to make ends meet. 

2020 wage chart

While some may conclude "that's a lot of money," the simple truth is that it really isn't when considering the cost of living increases across the Republic. Over the past two years EVERYTHING has gotten more expensive, from gas, to electricity, to purchasing a gallon of milk, eggs, and meat. There's a reason that joking memes across social media, such as my favorite "Make Oxtails Cheap Again," allow us moments of levity amid the reality that prices at our local supermarkets are sky high! 

Ergo, without wage increases for workers, the economy will only suffer more as folks simply choose less expensive options, public assistance to help defray costs, or, to our collective chagrin, starvation…

Thank you for subscribing to the Hobbservation Point—buckle up for what is sure to be a fun ride in 2022!