Rhubarb Report: Episode 25

The fall is upon us finally. Maybe. The temperatures are starting to drop from near-solar levels. We’ve actually experienced rain here in Austin, though initially it was thought that the sky was falling. Chicken Little would have been proud. With the transition to fall weather, It is clearly time for the craziness of college football.

In Episode 25 of the Rhubarb Report I will take a look at a few new developments in the Big 12 Conference and the intriguing conundrum that is the presence of religion in politics.

Transcription of Episode 25 (continued)

1. The Big 12 is showing signs of resuscitation. Outside of the SEC, the Big 12 is the strongest conference in the land this season. With a stroke of geographical brilliance, and a throwback to the old Southwest Conference, TCU has joined the conference, becoming a full member in July 2012. It will cost them a $5 million exit fee from the Big East, even though they have not played a single Big East game. While we’re at it, let’s bring back SMU and Arkansas. Hey SEC, how about trading Arkansas for Missouri?

2. With that being said, here’s a note to Missouri: make a decision. It appears that while the Big 12 is adding schools and trying to gain stability, Missouri is still sitting on the fence. They wanted to be in the Big 10 – but didn’t get an invite. Now they want to be in the SEC – and have yet to be given an invite. You know what? Maybe your best option has always been right there in front of you - in the Big 12. So here’s my suggestion to the powers-that-be in the Big 12: give Missouri a hard-and-fast deadline. How about the end of October? After over a year of indecision, that seems more than fair. If they have not made a choice by the end of October, make it for them. How’s that for something new – a conference divorcing itself from a school.

3. Finally, religion is back in the political arena again. Imagine that. Let me start by reminding everyone that this country was founded on the separation of church and state. Freedom of speech and freedom of religion are laid out in the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

When Barack Obama became President of the United States, many Republicans were up in arms over the fact that he might be a Muslim. Either he is or he isn’t but perhaps more importantly: who cares? If I have freedom of religion, then surely our President must be given the same option as well.

Now the Republicans have to look no further than their own back yard to see how divisive this issue can become. Is the Republican Party prepared to embrace Mormon presidential candidate? Oh my!! I am still not quite sure why anyone cares, but I digress.

Photo credits: Wikipedia