Don't Cry For George
By ThrowsLikeAGirl
In an interesting article on Page 1 of today's New York Times, titled "Steinbrenner Aims to Put All His Houses in Order," reporter Juliet Macur gives us a glimpse into the interior world of "The Boss" (such as it is.) The portrait is of a man feeling his own mortality, who breaks down emotionally three times during their two hour interview.
What to make of this? Well, is anyone really surprised that this guy has issues? Take a quick look at Steinbrenner's upbringing - always priveleged, always entitled, always expected to be the winner, yet never "good enough." Sheesh! He makes the British royals look earthy and well-adjusted.
So this story leaves us pondering the question: Do we feel sorry for George? Should we? By his own admission he's been abusive, he's been a chauvinist, he's been impatient and cruel. But as he sees the golden sun that has shown upon him nearing its horizon, does George have regrets? Will he decide, Ebeneezer Scrooge-like, to throw open his heart and his coffers and make it Christmas every day for the little people? Apparently, not yet.
The ego - however fragile aging has rendered it - is still there and still demonstrates a hearty appetite. We can feel pity for George. But we should feel more pity for Rita, his secretary, Jenny, his daughter and the rest of the people who toil to keep that giant ego-beast fed. Yeah - we still feel worse for them.
The article
