Addictions come in many degrees of abuse.

Some, such as cigarettes, alcohol or mind-altering drugs are a threat to society, but can be corrected through counseling and self control. Fortunately, these affect only a minor part of the nation’s population.

The sport of football, however, is a different matter in the realm of addiction. Football fans are everywhere, from those who attend the games personally, to those who watch the game on television, listen on their radios and discuss every play over Monday morning coffee. Everyone is affected, from preschoolers to quiet, well-mannered elderly ladies, and woe to the person that might suggest that more important matters face the nation than the outcome of the Super Bowl.

The name of the Green Bay Packers is referred to in reverent tones and draws far more avid participation than Sunday worship services.

We also have pee wee, middle school, high school and college football, in addition to the big slam-bang pro football on Sundays. Of course, all that exposure to the game only reinforces the football addict mind set until he or she can only think of football. I am blind so I cannot view a game of any kind, but I have been advised that my presence in the room where a television set is turned to the game might somehow jinx the home team and cause a defeat.

I truly believe this is pushing the envelope rather far, but I don’t mind leaving the area since I honestly feel that I do not have the slightest effect on the outcome of a game. Shucks, I don’t have a rabbit’s foot either. I only wish that all that time, money and energy that goes into team support could be used to improve our state and national legislative houses. Who knows, we might be able to name a few of our lawmakers that have so recently affected the lives of millions.

Finally, I must join all the other Wisconsinites and wish the Packers a winning season and a shot at the Super Bowl.

Erling Landsverk

King