The Warriors: Mr. Foyle Goes to Washington (We Wish)
Hey sports fans, in case you missed Sunday's episode of "Q&A" on C-SPAN--and judging by the ratings we're guessing that most of you did--host Brian Lamb interviewed the founder, President, and primary funder of Democracy Matters, a nonprofit foundation that focuses on grass-roots, pro-democracy reforms.
Sure, Lamb is a real sour apple who desperately needs a pie in the face, and C-SPAN is, well, C-SPAN, but his guest was none other than Adonal Foyle, Golden State's serviceable NBA center. (It's a good thing we were able to watch him on C-SPAN Sunday, because we sure didn't see much of him out on the court.)
During the hour-long discussion, Lamb stiffly inquired about Foyle's Horatio Alger experience; probed his political advocacy; tip-toed delicately around the elephant in the room, Foyle's NBA career; and even got Foyle to read his neomarxist-leninist-maoist ode to CAFTA, "We Too Can Build Computer Chips." Stick it to The Man AF!
Foyle isn't shy about getting his message out there, and much has been written about his childhood and political activism. He's a passionate advocate for campaign finance reform, and for all the right reasons too. Pointing out that if elections are for the public good, they should be funded for the public good, Foyle envisions a political system in which all segments of society have equal access. You're dreamin' big man, but we're with you.
The irony is that Foyle, a native of the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, can't vote in America, but his foundation focuses on increasing voter participation and leveling the political playing field in this country. Foyle has spent millions of his own money on the foundation, part of his effort to return the favor of his good fortune.
Nattily attired in a velour Fila track suit and shower slippers, Foyle made this normally unwatchable program worth watching with his enthusiastic and open personality and his impressive grasp of the issues. He also related several interesting anecdotes, including playing hoops with no shoes as a kid and being named Adonal because when his mom named him, she was too drunk and slurred the name Donald (hey, it's his story and his words).
Foyle may not be much in the Oakland Arena, but in the political arena, his star is on the rise. Lamb asked about a future in politics, but Foyle demurred, explaining that he thinks advocacy outside of elected office is equally important.
But maybe he'll run for governor. It would be a great opportunity to come up with new gubernatorial nicknames like Shotblocker in Chief or Chairman of the Boards to replace the tired old Guvernator. Foyle could probably get more votes for governor than he could for the NBA All-Star team.
OK, we're re-convinced. He's a great guy. Now let's ship him off to the Wizards as part of a multiteam deal that nets us Kevin Garnett, and let him get on with his political advocacy career. We'd love to see him in Washington.