Obama Says America Gotten Soft, Has Rodeo,
President Obama recently said that the U.S. had “gotten a little soft” in the last couple decades, losing its competitiveness. I’m Susan Allen this Open Range and when I return, has American lost it’s competitive edge even in the sport of rodeo? Obama thinks we’ve lost our competitiveness, do you? When you look at the countries athletes that now dominate in baseball, soccer, tennis, hockey, golf, polo, show jumping, skiing, dressage… and yes even rodeo's number one draw, bull riding he’might have a point. But Rodeo, really? Does it bother anyone that a recent Wall Street Journal piece was titled Brazilian Cowpokes Dominate Rodeo’s Main Event. Dustin Elliot currently ranked 13th on the PBR tour came right out and said “Americans are lazy” when asked why Brazilians beat our cowboys in bull riding. Five of the top six riders on the Professional Bull Riders Tour are now from Brazil, and so far this year 17 out of the 27 events have been won by.. Brazilians. I asked about the Brazilin phenomenon on Open Range’s Facebook page and was flooded with comments including, “It seems to be in their genes to have the potential to be excellent athletes. Not to mention the fervor and/or zeal at which Brazilians participate in sporting events as a fan or a competitor. Look at how they have been dominant in Auto Racing and a number of other intense sports. Didn’t that “they” use to be us? What will it mean to America when her icon “the cowboy” is perceived as soft.
