In a previous posting I connected the GOP Conservative movement (since the election of Reagan) with the film, The Magnificent Seven...and its MANY remakes/sequels. The truth is that the first version was where film greatness lay. Similar to Reagan's policies...and similar to the many "pretenders to the throne" that subsequently followed him - within and without the Grand (REALLY OLD) Party.
But before there was The Maginicent Seven in 1960...there was The Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa in 1954.
Watching the film last evening gave me pause to reflect...
About the politics of political leadership? No. About Ronald Reagan being an "original" and all others being pretenders? Maybe just a tiny bit. But more than that.
What I thought of was how Boise State University's football program/outcome this year reminds me of the plot of the film...and it all involves PERSONAL leadership.
Though not desiring to be a "leader" the main Samurai character in the film is thrust into that position because of his personal leadership style. Others are attracted to his quiet style of joyful/muscular leadership and soon he has 7 Samurai warriors with him on a quest.
The inevitable battle ensues and the village is liberated from the bandits of Japan, by assisting the 7 Samurai themselves as additional warriors in their own right - no longer JUST insecure observers.
Boise State University' football team has that same type of leader in Coach Chris Petersen - quiet, strong and motivated by integrity. For example, most university coaches have their football teams stay in hotels before the weekly game EVEN IF IT IS A HOME GAME, to ensure that no member of the team could possibly get drunk, get arrested, get in trouble - but not Coach Pete.
Coach Petersen believes in his players. They stay the night before the home games at their own homes or dorms. They follow his integrity and his leadership. The watching public agrees and is motivated. Small gestures often reflect vital attitudes.
The "bandits" of the smug national media tend to ignore BSU's record at their own peril.
The record is clear: undefeated AGAIN so far in this season. Petersen at a 33-3 record for three years. Winner of The AMAZING Fiesta Bowl in 2007 over an all-too-equally-smug University of Oklahoma. (My 81 year old Dad, Bill, says it is the finest football game he has ever seen in his life. I was at the game in Phoenix...and I agree that it was utterly amazing!)
BSU is accustomed to seeing the universe allign for its success. (Watch the above linked highlights from the Fiesta Bowl...just for inspiration.)
The watching public agrees and is motivated to success in their own lives...fighting against all odds in this economic downturn.
12 men on the field - with the spirit of the 7 Samurai.
A full and complete public audience is watching "little Boise State" become a regular member of the top 25, then the top 15 now the top 10 teams in the nation.
Be encouraged in your own life-adventures. Use BSU as an example of HOW...and Coach Chris Petersen as an example of WHY.
I am doing that with believing in the many recovering drug addicts of New Hope Community Health...and I'm doing that in my own personal life, as well.
Den
Hey Den, did you hear this joke? "Why is it hard for a Vandal to use the internet? Because they can't put 3 w's together!"
Boise....
...State
Go Big Blue
Posted by: F.O.D. | November 15, 2008 at 04:51 PM