by Tim Gray

Created on: March 29, 2008   Last Updated: April 02, 2008

Should Dallas Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban be allowed to purchase the Chicago Cubs? Why is this even an issue serving as fodder for a debate? Am I missing something here? Has Mark Cuban been added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list in the past 24 hours?

Of course, Mark Cuban should be allowed to purchase the Chicago Cubs! As should anyone that hasn't been accused of, or is presently serving time for, a crime of force or fraud.

Far too many Americans confuse me to no end. I'm completely baffled, by their inability to reason through even the simplest of democratic concepts. If their ignorance wasn't so frightening, they would be amusing. These staunchly patriotic citizens wave their flags and triumphantly sing "God Bless America" at the drop of a hat. However, when asked to uphold the very free market principles, upon which this nation was founded, they select their patriotism cafeteria style.

It doesn't matter whether I like, or anyone else likes, Mark Cuban. As a law abiding member of a democratic society, he can involve himself in any business enterprise of his own choosing. Periodo, Quasimodo!

And just when were non-criminal public displays by the Mark Cubans of the United States made illegal? The First Amendment to this nation's constitution guarantees that Mr. Cuban, or any other American for that matter, has the right to express himself, or herself, in any law abiding way that he or she might choose. If I don't like it, then I must lump it. Too bad, and oh so sad, for me, or anyone like me.

Arguing that Mark Cuban shouldn't be allowed to purchase the Chicago Cubs is nothing more that a glorified display of censorship. I recall the words of Frank Zappa, in response to Tipper Gore's attempt to censor the music industry a number of years ago. The creator of Dynamo Hum, and other not so hard to find favorites, called Mrs. Gore a "cultural terrorist." It only stands to reason that the late guitar virtuoso would conclude that Mr. Cuban's detractors are recreational terrorists or entertainment terrorists.

As Bob Dole might say, "Whatever?"

With a ton of tongue in a whole lot of cheek, I used to say the following, until a close relative of mine suggested I do otherwise. However, let me dust it off one more time.

You're not a good American, unless you dislike somebody!

Mr. Cuban is a brilliant example of someone many Americans have grown to dislike, not for anything he's done, but because of the person that he is.

Too bad, and oh so sad, for them, or anyone like them.

Keep on, keeping on, Mark Cuban!

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