This is the subject of an article on the CNN website and after reading it,
instead of feeling sympathy for Woods, it just pissed me off. Why are we
supposed to feel sorry for people who make tons of money doing something
that in reality is not very important in the grand scheme of helping human
civilization advance?
"Like certain royals and a few movie stars, world number one Woods has to
contend with the ever-present flashbulbs, jostling crowds and persistent
autograph hunters." Big deal. If that is all that these people have to
worry about in life, I sure am not feeling sorry for them.
The article claims that amateur golfers would not want to trade places
with Woods. Sorry, I just don't see it. Which is worse? Not knowing how
you are going to meet your monthly obligations, or having someone ask for an
aoutgraph? For me, the answer is clear.
The article goes on to say how Woods has to perform clinics and do some
glad-handing with sponsors--who pay huge amounts of money to have him at
their tournaments. Sorry, but that is what he is getting paid for when he
accepts the sponsorship money. If he does not like it--or any of the other
athletes and celebrities who face this "dilemma"--don't like it, there is an
elegant solution: do not accept sponsor's money! Really difficult to solve
that problem, now, wasn't it? Sponsorship money is not a gift, but a
paycheck. If you do not want the job, give it to someone else.
Woods got to ride in a military jet, got paid three million dollars just
for showing up in Dubai, blasted golf balls from a helipad 1000 feet in the
air, stayed in the royal suite at the seven (*******) star hotel (did it
cost anything? Nope) and arrived in his private jet. Geez, what a tough
life that must be.
If sacrificing privacy, doing autograph sessions, doing a few golf clinics
and shaking hands is too much for the young man--and all of the other
extremely overpaid entertainers, athletes--then let them step aside and make
room for those who handle these "difficulties" with class.
The real sacrifice is being made by the poor and middle class who fight
for their existence, by soldiers who get sent to far away places to die, in
order to protect the portfolios of the rich, by police who risk their lives
everyday and get paid squat, by teachers who struggle to make learning a
constructive experience while having the budget for the school systems get
slashed, etc....
If all of this is too much, then I will gladly accept the three million
dollar check on behalf of Woods and sign autographs for him, and let people
take my picture. I will hobnob with the royality, and heads of state, as
well. Woods, et al, you all need to take a step back and look at the big
picture and stop your whining. The people that are really sacrificing and
struggling are getting a slap in the face everytime we hear complaints about
how hard your lives are.
David