Over the last week we have seen and heard a lot about Joe Craft donating money to the University of Kentucky to build a new Wildcat Lodge. Should there really be this big huge debate? If this lodge was using name that showed support the “green” movement would the national media be covering it in a negative way? Definitely not…why do people feel the need to tell a man that has money to donate not to do it because it goes against the “green” movement. Coal is a part of Kentucky and our past and future, even though some would argue that point.
My biggest question is should politics be pushing its way into basketball? Should people make a big deal about Coach Cal and the jersey thing with Obama? I think people should leave politics at the door and keep it out of college athletics. People can donate money because they love program, and if the university wants the money then they should agree to the terms as long as they are reasonable.
Many many peoples lives and families are impacted in a positive way by coal everyday. My grandfather was a coal miner, so I obviously know how much it means to families. My grandfather worked extremely hard as a coal miner at night and a dairy farmer in the day. I honestly believe that people need to understand that you don’t get upset over the name of a lodge. Sure, you have those that want the government to monitor everything that is done in the United States and this is another example of how liberals deal with issues. CNN has sports correspondents that probably have never held a basketball in their lives. Yet, they report on athletics? Not sure how that works.
One last thing on this issue is that we live in Kentucky…we have a certain heritage and I will never be ashamed of that. If donors give money they should be recognized even if popular blogs and the mainstream media wants to cause a stink about it.