Sometimes, It's Smart not to Listen to Everybody

Some people are making it seem today like the world got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.
Examples -
1. The Masters has started in Augusta, Georgia. The golf world has been front and center all week, and they have pretty much devoted their comments to whether Tiger Woods will win his 6th green jacket on Sunday. I wouldn’t mind if he did. In fact, at 36, Tiger needs to start winning majors again if he is to have any chance at catching Jack Nicklaus’ record. But, these fellows, all bright and well-informed professional golf journalists, seem to have forgotten about history. The history of Tiger Woods, to be exact. I don’t mean his personal troubles or the fact that he had to restructure his golf swing, or anything like that. I just mean - take a look at the field. There are hot young talents - American, British, Irish, Korean - just itching to get on the first tee at Augusta and prove they’ve got what it takes. There’s also the small matter of Phil Mickelson, who has won three Masters since 2004, and who is playing very good golf this Spring. Mickelson also has another plus going for him. If you think about his play at Augusta, he takes chances. Remember his oh-my-heaven-he’s-crazy-to try-that approaches to Augusta’s incredibly tough greens, or his fearless turns around Amen Corner. Mickelson may be the only golfer with the experience, confidence and savvy - add to that lack of nerves about the mythic course - who should be a real name to reckon with, before, that is, Augusta jumps up and grabs almost all of them by the throat. But, Tiger Woods? Top 3, but no horseshoe, I’d say.
2. The entire world, even President Obama (and we all know how long it takes our Prez to get it sometimes), knows that Mitt Romney will be the Republican nominee for president. Everybody, that is, except Rick Santorum, who keeps insisting that somehow the Pennsylvania primary on April 24 will shoot him right back up to the top. It seems that not only is Santorum slower than the Prez, he’s got a big black hole where his political memory ought to be. Because we all remember that he lost his last race in Pennsylvania by 17%. That’s huge and yet he keeps telling us that this time it’s different. Well, recent polls don’t agree because he and Romney are in a dead heat. So, Rick, why don’t you just pack it in. Get out of the way so Mr. Romney can forge the platform, the voter coalition, the momentum and the media campaign he needs to beat Barak Obama in November. Rick - are you listening? I’m beginning to believe that your refusal to face reality may be the biggest reason why you are not going to be either the candidate or the President. Give it up, Rick, and get some rest. I think you need it.