I'll trade you an old coot for a young whippersnapper

Posted at 11:16 AM on October 23, 2006 by Bob Collins (1 Comments)

Every once in awhile I stumble across a "forehead slapper." A "forehead slapper" is an idea so obvious, that nobody thinks of it until, well, someone does.

Fantasy Congress.

I came across this in a New York Times article today and then checked it out.

Now, I've noticed what has happened to the game of football -- and baseball -- as a result of fantasy leagues. (Disclaimer: I'm a past owner of the Eau de Ruben Amaro squad in fantasy baseball).

Basically, you no longer care about your local team, or the team you grew up loving if such love and care interferes with your fantasy squad.
In fact it's possible to even root against your long-time loves.

Fantasy does that to you.

So in this game, you get to draft -- and manage -- members of Congress. Think of it! This could be the thing that brings polarized America together.

Dozens of lefty Democrats, who own, say, John Kline... high-fiving their buddies during an anti-war march as word reaches them that Kline has cast a vote to continue the U.S. role in Iraq. Righty Republicans of all ages, chanting "Bet-tee....Bet-tee" as tears of joy stream down their faces when the news comes that the 4th District congresswoman has voted to approve creation of a cabinet-level department of bike riding (Note to the humor impaired: Umm...well, actually I have nothing to say here.)

What would be cool -- as we used to do in an APBA league -- is if you could buy, sell, and draft possible future members of Congress. What could you get for a lame-duck Martin Sabo? Arnold Schwarzenegger?

Comments (1)

What do you want for Obama and Richardson?

I'll trade you Kennedy, Byrd, Clinton and Biden.

I'd throw in Lieberman too, but he's now a free agent.

Posted by Gremlin | October 23, 2006 11:57 AM

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