The Patriots Go to Washington

Congressman Marty Meehan read a statement on the floor of Congress this morning, congratulating the New England Patriots on their Super Bowl championship. Here is an excerpt:

Mr. Speaker, I rise in enthusiastic support of H.Res. 86, congratulating our New England Patriots on winning their third Super Bowl in four years.

The word "dynasty" has become synonymous with the New England Patriots. And deservedly so. Only one other team has accomplished what the Patriots have done - the Dallas Cowboys of the early 1990s. I believe that these Patriots have staked a real claim on the moniker of "America's Team."

But when the history of this team is written, there is one word that seems most fitting: class.

Class means many things, especially in the world of sports.

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Class refers to players, such Tom Brady and Deion Branch, who would rather credit their teammates than tout their own efforts.

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Class means owners who care as much about the team as does the most passionate fan.

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And perhaps most importantly, class means never describing oneself as a "dynasty," because dynasties are never proclaimed, but only earned - something a team with class, like the New England Patriots, knows quite well.

I join my colleagues in saluting the unsurpassed accomplishments of the New England Patriots.

Well said, although whether or not the team is a dynasty is still an open question.

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