We're All Pawns In This NFL Game

I am my father's son, so I hate it when big guys pick on little guys. Dad hated it when the powerful took advantage of the less powerful. Dad was a Republican, but he still cared about those who didn't wear a suit to work. He wrote a fair share of letters to the utility company, the newspaper, and the bank.

I'm not sure how Dad would feel about the NFL's fight with local cable television operators. I'm sure he'd see through the mess, and agree that once again, it's the little guy getting... well, hurt.

The NFL Network is televising a number of late-season games this year. Some of us can't see the games because some cable television operators don't carry the NFL Network. The NFL wants (more) money. The cable operators, which have plenty of money, don't want to part with it.

While these two powerful businesses are locked in a stare-down, I can't watch the Cowboys vs. Falcons.

Bottom line, the viewers are being played as pawns. The NFL Network hopes enough viewers will complain, and thus force the cable companies to carry their broadcast.

It's what businesses call leverage. And ALL businesses love to have leverage.

If my Dad were alive he'd want to write a letter. But in this case, I'm not sure where he'd need to send it.