The Strongest Rivalry in the Country Since 1893!
“The Iron Bowl is one of the fiercest of college football rivalries. This is the game of the year…nobody cares about your politics today”—Patrick Bishop
Guest Opinion by Patrick Bishop, Republican candidate for Lt. Governor of Alabama
The beef between Auburn and Alabama started LONG BEFORE the two ever met on the football field.
The "Alabama versus Auburn" political rivalry stems from historical conflicts between the state's two major universities, which began when Auburn, an agricultural and engineering school, received a land-grant in 1862, angering the established political and alumni elite at the University of Alabama. This rivalry has since become a major theme in Alabama politics, often manifesting as a divide between the more "establishment" University of Alabama and the "populist" or "outsider" Auburn. In recent years, this dynamic has been exemplified by the increasing number of Alabama sports figures entering politics, creating a new layer to the rivalry.
The Iron Bowl is one of the fiercest of college football rivalries. This is the game of the year. It is a state civil war that divides church members, friends and families. The winner owns the bragging rights for the entire year. The loser must live with his boasting for 364 days. Regardless of your background, you must choose a side even if you don’t like college football and really couldn’t care less who wins. The state of Alabama will have thousands of newcomers to our state due to job growth in the coming months. Though they undoubtably will not initially comprehend the madness that surrounds this rivalry, they will be advised by their neighbors, boss, co-workers, and maybe their pastor, “You must pick a side and declare your allegiance!”.
This is a good week for people who have the same thought as me during this time. This is because nobody cares about your politics today. But, like politics, there will be a loser and a victor! Also, people who have the same thought as me during this time, you have a great respect for your opponent! In the end, the warriors will shake hands and see each other on the battle field in the near future, as Alabama politics should be!
In the end, whether it’s Democrat or Republican, Roll Tide or War Eagle, it’s all about the great State of Alabama. From the Bishop Campaign, “ROLL TIGER”! Let’s continue to make Alabama better together.
Patrick Bishop is a a military veteran, law enforcement officer, mediator, antiterrorism expert, Christian, husband and father. For more information on Bishop, visit his campaign website or follow him on social media.
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