Arthur Blank on Trump policies: 'Troubled by anything ... that separates people'
HOUSTON — One of the early stories at Super Bowl LI, as with the rest of the country, is the sharp and growing divisiveness over the policies of the new Trump administration. Tom Brady offered a halfhearted dodge of questions about his relationship with Donald Trump; Mohammed Sanu expressed concern about his family; and now, Falcons owner Arthur Blank has taken issue with the administration’s hardline stance on immigration, as well as its recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day.
“I’m troubled by anything directionally in our country that separates people,” Blank told New York Newsday. “America started without any of us, other than Native American Indians. This country was built on inclusion and diversity, on celebration of those differences, supporting those differences, and everybody being the very best they can be in their own way. I’m opposed to anything that takes away from that.”
Blank reaffirmed the idea that America’s diversity is its strength: “That’s what makes America great, is the melting pot … and the abilities and capacities and commitments to all those people that came from around the world to settle here because they saw a dream and a vision.”
[Ditch the paper and pen – play Squares Pick’em for the Big Game!]
Blank, who is Jewish, also addressed the administration’s failure to recognize the losses suffered by the Jewish people during the Holocaust. “Obviously, it’s a tragic time in the history of the world, not only for Jewish individuals but for non-Jews as well,” he said. “And so I think it always deserves recognition, it always deserves to remind us of certain characteristics that can take place and to make sure they’re not seen in any form or fashion in any of our democracies or institutions around the world.”
There will be those who wish Blank, Sanu, and members of the media asking these questions would “stick to sports.” It’s a common refrain when politics “intrudes” on sports, but it’s a mindset that ignores two fundamental truths: 1. When politics directly affects the members of one’s own family or heritage, “sticking to sports” isn’t a viable option. 2. Eliminating “politics” from sports would mean eliminating the National Anthem, military reunions, and the like. Can’t have it both ways.
Trump isn’t scheduled to attend the Super Bowl, but his presence will be felt throughout the week, one way or another.
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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports and the author of EARNHARDT NATION, on sale now at Amazon or wherever books are sold. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.
