Listen to "We fall down, but we get up"
There are so many articles discussing the rise and fall of the Oakland Raiders. Let's flip the discussion, and talk about the inverse, the fall and rise of the Oakland Raiders.
I am an optimist primarily because I have studied history. The example of a nation in ancient history that fell down, but kept getting up again, or kept being delivered again, and again is what inspires me. What nation might that be? You tell me.
How many NFL teams have a set of fans that call themselves a nation? Again, you tell me.
The Raider Nation and the Oakland Raiders have a befitting name including the powerful word, nation.
The use of the name Raider Nation puts the fans in a powerful context.
For example, "A philippic is a fiery, damning speech, or tirade , delivered to condemn a particular political actor."
An example of the use of the word nation in early history is found in this quote from Cicero's philippic against Mark Anthony in 44 B.C.:
"Omnes nationes servitutem ferre possunt: nostra civitas non potest."
("All races are able to bear enslavement, but our community cannot.")
In a paraphrase, it would read:
All NFL franchises are able to bear "parity," but the Oakland Raiders and the Raider Nation cannot.
The type of coaching and team spirit that is needed to rise to the top in spite of the rhetoric on "parity" will not mitigate the competitive spirit needed for the Raiders to rise to the top, again.
Don't forget the old saying, "Where there is a will, there is a way."
Al Davis, and his team must find a way to rise up, again. Now, let's repeat the chorus:
We fall down, but we get up.....Get back up, ag...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
