As far as the back page goes, the line of the “Star Spangled Banner” that mentions the light from the battle giving “proof through the night that our flag was still there” now has a more poignant meaning. The presence of sports will serve as one form of proof that America and its way of life will continue.
The proof will be clear in both scripted and spontaneous displays of patriotism at events across the country in the next few weeks, like those before and during every baseball game last night. And the proof will be even clearer if and when they subside. At the point when we’re able to become as interested in Barry Bonds and Michael Jordan as we once were, we will have in one sense prevailed over the forces of intimidation.
For some, of course, that point in time will come much later than for others, if it comes at all.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.