Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

It’s probably just coincidence that the real football season, as opposed to the preseason games, and the real campaign for the United States presidency, as opposed to the pre- convention catcalling, kick off on the same weekend. On the other hand, maybe it’s not, as there is more than one similarity between the two arenas.

I am not a football aficionado, so my understanding of the rules of the game is limited. The same goes for my knowledge of politics. But I do know that there are two sides, both intent on beating the ##$$%% out of the other side in hopes of scoring the most and winning the game. Each side huddles and then comes out with its game plan, which is subject to revision as the clock ticks away. There are referees everywhere, making sure the players conduct themselves within the rules and also going in huddles to hand down a ruling in close calls.

Then there are the Monday morning quarterbacks, those who use the radio waves to proclaim what should have been and those who sit, equally disheartened, in armchairs waiting for the next opportunity to meet the same opponent once again. It could be next week or in four years.

The presidential campaign is scheduled to go on for another two months, while football season stays with us until the end of January. I’m not sure which season will really feel longer, since football games don’t occur every day while political campaigning never takes a break.

Hey, maybe this is something the political football players might consider to give us spectators a breather. How about Friday night, Sunday night, and Monday night campaigning with the rest of the week off for resting up?