Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
-George Santayana, 1863-1956 American Philosopher

We've all seen this before, haven't we? Notre Dame, for whatever imprudent reason, keeping a coach around who had clearly demonstrated a lack of ability to succeed at the nation's most recognizable football program. A recent South Bend Tribune poll indicated the fans had seen enough of Kuharich, Faust, and Davie to spot a drowning coach in need of a life preserver.

Or, a pink slip.

Over 4000 readers were polled--and 97% of them felt that Tyrone Willingham deserved to be fired. It seems the readers easily understand something that many of those at Notre Dame refuse to acknowledge.

Tyrone Willingham has already failed.

What has happened to Notre Dame football is tragic, really. These days, instead of treating a victory over a Top 25 team as something that is expected, we sell t-shirts commemorating the win as monumental. "Another Top 25 team falls victim to the Irish!!!" The ridiculousness of it all makes me nauseous. It's embarrassing. Notre Dame used to sell t-shirts promoting match-ups between ND (when we were a perennially top ranked team) and say, another top ranked powerhouse like Miami. I still have my "Catholics vs. Convicts" shirt. A classic.

Years from now, will anyone look upon their 2004 ND-Michigan "September Shocker" t-shirt with that kind of affection? After what is likely to be a 6-5 season? Anyone who is not in need of heavy medication?

But, what should we expect from the folks who put dead Pitt players getting mauled by Irish defenders on the cover of the media guide? What should we expect from the folks who allow coaches to criticize and blame the players for their poor coaching, game planning, and play calling after a loss? What should we expect from an administration that accepts excuses, instead of confidently pursuing solutions?

Some have argued that we have reached a point of no return. That Notre Dame football is doomed to an existence of mediocrity. That someone like Leahy, or Parseghian, or Holtz will never be hired again. That Notre Dame will never truly return to glory. I strongly disagree. In my mind, this program has reached a "point of return."

Merchandise that is.

This was not my idea, but I thought it was a great one. Someone said he was going to send back his "Return to Glory" t-shirt and book to Kevin White with a short note. That he felt hood winked and didn't want it anymore. I thought that was brilliant.

It got me thinking about all the Notre Dame merchandise I had bought for others or myself just in the short time since Ty was hired. I also thought about the tickets I had purchased, and all the food I had eaten at games (my wife and I eat nachos like they are going to be prohibited the following day). All purchased directly from Notre Dame. Let's take a look:

One book $30
Three hats $60
Four sweatshirts $120
Two t-shirts $35
One blanket $35
One "Play Like a Champion" replica sign $30
One nylon pull over $70
5 pair of game Tickets $500
Game day hot dogs, nachos, and sodas $100

If my math is correct, that's an estimated $980 in direct payments to the University, and let me tell you, as an ND fan, I don't buy that much stuff. I know people with so much Notre Dame crap in their home, you'd think they'd hired Monk Malloy as their decorator. I know someone who recently bought two Notre Dame rocking chairs from the UND.com fan store for $380 apiece. I didn't even know they sold an ND rocking chair. They also bought an ND door knocker for $65.

A door knocker?

Anyway, I'm sending back my Tyrone Willingham era merchandise. I feel I was duped. I'm disappointed. It disgusts me to look at it. I have also asked my friends to return the gifts I bought for them. I'm going to split my things up. I'm going to send some of it to Kevin White, some to Monk Malloy, some to Tyrone Willingham. They seem so pleased with the state of Notre Dame football, perhaps they'd like to use all my stuff. I'm going to tell them how I feel as a lifelong fan. I'm going to ask that Ty be fired. I'm going to ask Ty for his resignation. I'm going to ask that Monk Malloy and Kevin White acknowledge their mistake and move to provide the players with better leadership and coaching. I will ask that they hire someone who will take the responsibility for tough losses instead of blaming others like a coward.

Many of you--students, alums, and fans--have written me asking what can be done. I have said, share your thoughts with the decision makers. If you were looking for a way to make a unique statement, I just gave you one.

Stop complaining and do something about it.

For those fans that did not attend Notre Dame, and are not sure if they have a right to voice their opinion, I say that you do. Whether you attended ND or not, by financially and emotionally supporting the university, you have a stake in all this.

This is the best time to make a statement. Ty will be evaluated at seasons end. It's never too late to make an impression. The noise you make now will have an effect. Get up tomorrow, and do it.

Mobilize Irish nation.

Don't ask for a real return to glory. Demand it. Do not send an e-mail. Send a letter. Return your merchandise with a note. Follow your submission up with a phone call asking for their thoughts on your views. Ask for an explanation. We all deserve one, don't we? Take the time to make an outstanding effort.

Do not accept a point of no return.

Sometimes the caretakers at a university forget--just because you have been entrusted with the responsibility of directing it, or managing an aspect of it--it is not yours. It belongs to the athletes who proudly wear its uniform. It belongs to the students who devotedly walk its sidewalks and halls. It belongs to the alums that proudly call it their alma mater. And, it belongs to all the fans that help fill its venues and coffers.

And, clearly, we have made our decision.

Notre Dame Contact Information:

University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556
574-631-5000

Please send questions or comments for Todd Carr to nddomehome@hotmail.com