Dean & Woodie for Greatest American on Discovery Channel

[Don Wright]

While this debate can, and probably will, go on and on since it is based on personal opinions, I just wanted to write my quick $.02, if it's even worth that.

I agree that people on that list, even the ones you listed, might not be great to you. You even state that it's your opinion.

But, I'm willing to bet that there are millions of kids out there who go and play tee ball the best they can because they want to be like Barry Bonds. Or practice football with their fathers because they want to be like Brett Farve. Or the people who get a much needed escape from their hectic and crazy lives for 2 hours when they watch a Tom Cruise movie. Or the up and coming business students who study Martha Stewart because of how she created her empire.

Sure, some of these people have their flaws. Barry Bonds and all the steriod accusations. Martha and her stock scandel.

But just because these people don't inspire you and you don't think that they aren't great, doesn't mean they aren't great to someone else. What does Greatest mean anyway? Great in THEIR career? Great for the community? Great for the U.S.?

Also, you don't see all the community services and things a lot of these people do. There are a lot of charities, hospitals, foundations, etc. set up and donated to by many of these atheletes and actors.

I know that one of the messages that Dean wants to express is the fact that focussing on science and technology is a great way for a lot of kids to have a bright future. And their chance of success is much better than someone trying to be the next Brett Farve. But, that doesn't mean everyone should. I know a lot of people that couldn't care less about science and technology and live sports for example. They would probably say that Brett Farve is greater than Woodie or Dean. Should I hate them because of that? Should I think they are stupid?

I don't do either, because they have as much right to believe what they believe as do I. That is what makes this world such a wonderful place. The free discussions and communication to think things like this and be different than everyone else.

And, I'm sorry, but I bet us FIRSTer's are the minority out there. But, we are growing, and hopefully soon, people like Dean and Woody will make lists like this.