[ethbr1]

Look at it the other way -- absent sports fanaticism, people with these personality traits would be involved in politics.

I'd categorically say that focusing that sort of person on sports is by far the lesser of the two evils.

Democracy only chooses as wisely as the average intelligence of its voters.

[ithkuil]

Perish the thought that our politics will turn into a low level entertainment spectacle based on primeval emotions.