Hooray for James Harrison!

Contrary to this blogger, I see lots of reasons why an American citizen would have no interest in appearing in a photo-op with the President of the United States, and the lamer the excuse, the better!

So my hats off to Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl hero James Harrison. And he's bi-partisan in his disdain; he skipped the ceremony in 2006 when the Steelers were champs and W. was President.

Our country - and all countries - would actually be better off if governments and heads of state never sought these photo-ops, and never congratulated, honored, or recognized cultural, athletic, or technological achievements. It is out of the government's appropriate sphere, and such recognition implies that the achievement was in some way connected to - and implicitly subordinate to - the interests of the State.

If I ever did anything that would inspire a Rose Garden ceremony, the only reason I'd accept the invitation is if I thought I could exploit the brief noteriety for financial gain. Mr. Harrison is wealthy enough that he doesn't have to bother.

But by snubbing the President, he is a real role model for today's youth.