[Vision2020] The Vandal football thingie

[Carl Westberg]

Time will tell if Idaho's venture into the Western Athletic Conference will 
be successful.  We'll have to wait and see, though current attendance 
figures don't bode well.  But, given the notion that a larger population 
base would be necessary to maintain the needed attendance figures, wouldn't 
that go against what those of us who live in Moscow love so much about this 
Thornton Wilderish "Our Town?"  (Or, as the LA Times referred to Moscow, 
"one-pump pigskin gas station?"  Ouch.)  The very small town atmosphere that 
we cherish would disappear.  Before you know it, liberals and conservatives 
within our community would be hurling invectives at one another, as would 
Christians and non-Christians.  Certainly as opposed to the way things are 
now, where liberal and conservative neighbors continue to fraternize and get 
along famously.  For example, just the other day I helped my conservative 
Republican neighbor remove his Bush/Cheney yard sign.  I was such a nice 
guy, I did it without waiting for him to ask me. (Joking...) Could we expect 
such a collegial atmosphere in a town big enough to support Division 1 
football?  Surely not.  Be careful what you wish for.                        
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                                                             
                           Carl Westberg Jr.