I'm Pete du Pont with the National Center for Policy Analysis. The world noted the passing recently of Charles Schulz of Peanuts fame, but I'd like to mention another name, Tom Landry, who died the same day.
Landry coached the Dallas Cowboys for their first 29 years, a probably unrepeatable feat in today's coaching carousel. Also out of place in today's national felony league, Landry's priorities: religion, family, then football. The World War II bomber pilot was supposed to have kept his emotions hidden behind the stone face and under the famous fedora. But really, he simply kept sports in perspective. And those who knew him — even players whose mistakes earned them the dreaded Landry stare – all agree the stone face belied great warmth and a dry sense of humor.
His favorite team, Landry once said, wasn't one of his five super bowl entries. It was the overmatched, undertalented team that won the NFC East against favored opponents with grit and guile. And, of course, with Landry coaching.
The NFL could use his likes again.
Those are my ideas, and at the NCPA we know ideas can change the world. I'm Pete du Pont. Next time, John McCain.