President-elect Barack Obama has to make some difficult decisions to build his cabinet. Why not look to the wide world of sports for possible choices?
Secretary of State
Forward Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks is Europe’s best export to the NBA. The German-born Nowitzki would serve as a great liaison when dealing with foreign affairs. His experience and popularity are solid additions to his resum’eacute;.
Secretary of Treasury
With the economy in shambles, you need someone who can work with a budget and do a lot of big things with little money. New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello has been known to keep his team competitive in the NHL when working with less money as a tough negotiator with players’ agents. Lamoriello’s Devils have also won three Stanley Cup championships since being founded in 1982.
Secretary of Defense
While we’re plucking names from the NHL, the Anaheim Ducks’ towering defenseman, Chris Pronger, patrols the blue line as good as anyone. He is a tough crease-clearer and his booming shot puts fear in opposing goalies. Forwards who go one-on-one with Pronger are likely to end up smashed into the boards or face down on the ice. Take that, terrorists!
Attorney General
While looking for the swift hand of justice, why not turn to MLB Commissioner Bud Selig? Selig put his foot down on Barry Bonds and the steroid scandal, and if you take Milwaukee out of the picture, Selig has the potential to show both fairness and toughness.
Secretary of Transportation
Tour de France champion and the world’s most famous cyclist, Lance Armstrong, can help us all get to where we want to go. Armstrong can also lessen the dependence on oil by urging Americans to leave the car in the driveway and ride a bike.
Secretary of Veteran Affairs
Former NBA bad boy and current color analyst, Charles Barkley, proudly served every team he has ever played on. Barkley hasn’t lost his edge calling games, and his stubbornness could make for some interesting cabinet meetings.
Secretary of Energy
MLB’s all-time iron man in games played, Cal Ripken Jr., has long been retired, but his durability and constant enthusiasm for the game could be put forward in helping Americans deviate from dependence on oil and bring in new forms of energy. Who has more energy than Ripken anyway?
Secretary of Commerce
Money talks and New York Yankees superstar, Alex Rodriguez, has plenty of it. A-Rod knows money; he has so much that he doesn’t know what to do with it all. Maybe A-Rod could donate some of his cash to infrastructure, health care and the education system.
