Yankees Don't Get Universal Congratulations From Congress

Many legislators refuse to congratulate the Yankees

It's a time-honored tradition that members of Congress introduce resolutions that have absolutely nothing to do with governance as a way of currying some favor with voters in their district. Jose Serrano, a Congressman from the Bronx, did just that on Friday with House Resolution 893 to congratulate the Yankees for beating the Phillies and winning the World Series. Such frippery is usually met with near-universal acclaim so that other representatives can get their own silliness passed, but the Yankees weren't met with such goodwill. 

47 members of Congress either voted against the resolution, voted present or abstained from voting at all. Not surprisingly, two of them were from districts that either include or abut Philadelphia. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Rep. John Adler (D-NJ) couldn't find it in their hearts to offer congratulations to the Yankees, while Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) couldn't be bothered to vote at all. There was also a no vote from Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) because of lingering resentment about the fact that the Yankees beat the Angels in the ALCS. 

There were also spoilsports from Red Sox Nation. Bill Delahunt, a Democrat from Massachusetts likely picked up a few votes for refusing to reach across the aisle, so to speak. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, also cited his deep dislike for everything pinstriped while casting his no vote. There was a similar resolution honoring the Red Sox in 2007, but there was only a voice vote which means that no records have been kept on who voted which way back then.

Here's Delahunt on why he wasn't able to find it in his heart to say "job well done." 

"I'm usually rational but when it comes to the Yankees, I take a hard-line position. For those of us in Red Sox nation, it was a sad, sad day (when they won). It tells you something about the corrosive nature of money in sports and politics."

Nothing corrosive about grown men being able to put the laundry they root for aside for a moment to offer congratulations on who won a baseball game, though. That's what Congress is all about!

This is all silliness and we'd be the first to applaud a House lawmaker standing up and saying that he or she was voting against the resolution because the House of Representatives exists to debate, discuss and craft the laws of the land. These are meaningless exercises at any point in time, but especially when there are serious issues in front of the government and it would be swell if Congress decided to just focus on them instead of patting baseball teams on the back.   

If you are going to waste time with this nonsense, however, just be grownups, vote to congratulate whoever wins and move on with your lives.

Josh Alper is a writer living in New York City and is a contributor to FanHouse.com and ProFootballTalk.com in addition to his duties for NBCNewYork.com.

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