| For years there have been individuals branded as | | | | Ironically from the same state as the President of the |
| embodiments of "The American Dream," and now | | | | United States, Armstrong has motivated people |
| Lance Armstrong has once again raised the stakes. | | | | around the world to "LiveStrong." The yellow bracelets |
| The Tour de France has always been a monumental | | | | are as abundant as ever (and caused a universal |
| sporting event, but even when Greg Lemond was in | | | | bracelet craze similar to the ribbon bumper stickers |
| the yellow jersey we were not as inspired to identify | | | | craze). Americans value professional athletes (the |
| with and stand behind him as we do for Lance | | | | proof is in the paychecks), and if they find an athlete |
| Armstrong. Lance Armstrong is what Americans want | | | | who triumphs not only as an athlete but also as a |
| to believe they could be. Even a commercial for | | | | person, they cling to him in a childlike manner, wanting |
| Fitness USA (not to be mistaken for Nike) shown | | | | desperately to be identified with him. |
| during the tour represents this concept. Lance runs | | | | In addition to winning an unprecedented seven Tour de |
| down a busy street and everyone he passes starts | | | | France races, wearing the yellow jersey 81 times, |
| doing something active. Business people start running | | | | beating testicular cancer, constructing a world-renown |
| like track stars, delivery men start doing curls with | | | | cancer foundation, and retiring at the top of his career, |
| water jugs...etc. Look around your own neighborhood | | | | Lance Armstrong can add "America" to his list. If |
| or on the streets as you drive in your car. Notice how | | | | Lance Armstrong ran for President (which there was |
| many bikes you see on the roads, and think about | | | | talk of "Lance's career in politics,") it would be difficult to |
| why all the sudden people are motivated to shift gears | | | | find a soul in America who felt confident in saying "he |
| and pump up hills. | | | | can't do it. |