OPINION:
When Barack Obama was elected in 2008, many if not all of his supporters must have felt a great sense of relief. Their savior had arrived. President Obama was going to fix all things wrong with the Bush presidency, end the “wrong war” in Iraq, close Guantanamo Bay and, most triumphantly, rebuild America’s image around the world.
Mr. Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (for wishful thinking, perhaps?), passed his health care plan and his $831 billion stimulus bill with no Republican votes, and reset our relationship with Russia.
After winning the Heisman Trophy, football player Robert Griffin III was drafted by the Washington Redskins as the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Many if not all of the Redskins supporters must have felt a great sense of relief, for their savior had also arrived. “RG3” was going to end the years of mediocrity, bring stability and leadership to the Redskins quarterback position and most triumphantly, guide the Redskins back into a football powerhouse it had been in decades past. In his rookie season, RG3 led the Redskins to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. He was voted Rookie of the Year and made the All-Pro team.
And now? In 2014 the Republicans won nine Senate seats to win the majority, and picked up House seats, Mr. Obama is sending combat troops into Iraq, Gitmo is still operating, the stimulus is long forgotten, Obamacare is braced for a deathblow by the Supreme Court, Russia is once again showing aggression, and the Islamic State is on a rampage.
Also in 2014, RG3 was injured, returned, was benched, returned again, was reinjured, returned again, was benched again and returned once more. The Redskins just completed a 4-12 season, finishing last in the NFC East.
What a year for football and politics in Washington.
RANDY STEPHENS
Falls Church, Virginia
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