Football is a microcosm of country’s situation

I always look forward to watching the fall football games. I really don't care whether Kirk Ferentz recruits his tight ends from the halls of academia or Chicago's south side, and I don't blame only Ferentz for the University of Iowa's poor showing this year. He is an affable guy with a wholesome grin and a crowd-pleasing “aw shucks we're improving all the time” attitude. I would like him even if he wasn't a coach.

But I do blame Gary Barta, the UI's athletics director, for many bad decisions. He's handing out to a really nice guy, but also to a mediocre coach, at least 10 times the money that our country's president will make this year (salary).

Along with the current state of affairs in politics, unemployment and tsunamis, I am beginning to feel that football has a downside, too. But, of course, there is always hope, “Dancing with the Stars” will be back again next year.

Herbert Maynard

Cedar Rapids