Too Good to Win

I was a small, sickly kid.  If there was a childhood disease, I probably got it, except polio.  Seems every month my parents dragged me to the doctor for an injection of some kind.
Eventually, I was a taller, skinny kid.  I got picked on, because I wasn’t very good at sports (which drove my father, the sports fanatic, crazy).
Then, between junior high and high school, I developed a leg disability.  This pretty much stopped my public school physical education.  And I was mocked and derided.
Eventually, in spite of all these roadblocks, I studied karate for two years, did some jogging and light weight lifting, and for a time was in okay condition.  I even tried (and failed) for a couple police officer positions, including running the obstacle course..
The point is, even with my limitations, no one ever told me to not try.
And my self esteem isn’t always the best.  Sometimes, frankly, it sucks.
Tonight, while perusing the blogs, I ran across this story.  Eleven-Year-Old Football Star told not to score too many touchdowns.  It made me angry.  Why anyone would discourage a child from doing their very best to achieve excellence is just appalling.  There were plenty of kids in my schools growing up who didn’t make the cut.  And plenty who didn’t get high marks in P.E.  I was a reader who excelled at reading.  Everyone has something.
This story typifies the political correctness that will kill this Country, if it hasn’t already.  Not every child is going to be a football (or fill-in-the-blank) star.  They shouldn’t all get awards so as to not injure their delicate egos.
And, someone with exceptional talent shouldn’t be hobbled by an arbitrary rule so the other kids won’t feel as bad.
How can we compete in the World with a generation or two of adults who don’t see the point of seeking excellence, not just for their country, or their communities, or their families, but for it’s own sake?  Then expect a reward, because everyone gets one?
Sickening.

h/t Weasel Zippers