Quite Phrankly ...

Write What You Know? Well, Then, Hello There, Philadelphia

"If you're associated with the Philadelphia media or town, you look for negatives. I don't know if there's something about their upbringing or they have too many hoagies or too much cream cheese." -- Mike Schmidt

SCHMITTY WAS right.

We Philadelphians are a self-loathing bunch, perpetually convinced not only that we're going to fail but also that we deserve every bit of failure to come our way. We are more concerned with what we are not (New York) than with what we are. We tear down our heroes rather than celebrate them, and our civic ethos can be summarized in one contraction: can't. Our successes -- and they're there -- come in spite of ourselves.

It shouldn't be that way, and that's one reason I'm making an effort to recast the focus here on the city and region in which I live and that I love dearly, its many warts and all. I've mentioned before that finding the time to post here has become difficult given my professional commitments, but that's only part of it -- I've also gotten a little fried with writing about the same things for all of these years. So maybe finding some new subjects will revive my passion.

I've resisted, generally successfully, editorializing here on matters of substance, whether regionally or nationally, figuring that people far smarter than I are more qualified to take up those discussions, and my ingrained desire not to stir up the pot has played a part in that as well. But here's the thing: I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines. This is my country and my state and my city (well, my region), and I've got just as much right as anyone to raise a voice in what's happening here, whether it's the Phillies or the hapless state legislature or the unacceptable violence that is robbing Philadelphia of too many lives.

After all, there are no qualifications for the position of pundit beyond a platform, a desire to be heard, and an ability to express oneself.

Check, check, and check.

See that picture over there on the right, at the top of the sidebar? That's Benjamin Franklin, a seminal Philadelphian and one great American, an inventor, philosopher, writer, journalist, scientist, philosopher, and patriot, and a guy who did all of that while extolling the virtues of beer. Not a bad role model for this Philadelphian. Let's get the conversation started, shall we? S|C

Comments

[Assissotom]

Hi this is a very informative site!

[HammRadio]

Tom, I agree that the pathos in this town has reached catastrophic proportions. The wonderful season that the Phillies had, in many minds was no different than the preceding 27 because we didn't win the Championship. We're teetering on the brink as we are about to hit 25. 25 years since the last time this town won a championship. If you think the media attention was bad when the Phillies hit 10000 losses, imagine the attention when we approach May 31, 2008.

Both the NBA and NHL playoffs finished in June last year. Which means, it is HIGHLY likely we are guaranteed to have minimum of 25 years between championships.

Win it all. Otherwise it's failure.

The natives are restless...

Going to a simple Phillies game on a Tuesday night in May is simply NOT enjoyable anymore, because of the fan reaction. (As you have, spend a night on Beerleaguer during the game, or read the forums on Philly.com during an Eagles fan.) And worse, listen to 610 after any game win or lose.

I can't vow that I won't be exasperated or frustrated that I won't blow up on the team. I can't guarantee it. But since I'm one of the MORE optimistic fans/bloggers I will continue your efforts.

Good luck. :)

[TenBeaseJeaxy]

Exciting website. Thank you.

[Tom Durso]

I appreciate the encouragement, Hamm. (And from you comment spammers! Welcome aboard!) Thanks for reading!

[Jordan]

Tom,

I think during one of your past hiatuses I somehow deleted the favorite bookmark and David Pinto (thankfully) directed me back. Always enjoyed reading your take on the Phillies and other info. Being in Phoenix now for almost 3 years, I miss Philly often and I've been saddened by what I've seen in the press about the increase in violence recently among other things.

Hopefully the new mayor has a real plan to change things. I thought Philly was the greatest city I've ever lived in (although the weather in Phoenix is really quite amazing), and it always made me upset when people knocked it.

Philly's got 4 exciting sports teams (usually, 76ers right now, Flyers last year, not so much - and in fact, let's all just agree that the 2006-07 hockey season didn't happen, ok). Every major concert tour has at least one date in Philly. The restaurants are FANTASTIC...especially the high end ones, but also the byobs, local faves and even the dives. And while it may not be NY (and quite frankly I like it more because it is a bit smaller and not quite so crowded), it is close enough to NY and DC that you can easily get there by train, spend a good day doing whatever it is you want to do there, and be back home before it is too late.

All in all, what's not to love? I know that if my wife and I decide to relocate back to the east coast, Philly will be at the top of our list.

I'm re-bookmarking and I'll be sure to stop by frequently.

[Chris Durso]

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