WARNING: Please bear with me here, I am no writer. Also, what I'm about to write may offend some.

As a lifelong Sonics fan, I have managed to enjoy many happy years growing up watching them. Born in 1978, I got to see the best years of the main faces of the Sonics brand, Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. But I'm not here to live in the memories I have of them, but to remind everyone that we still have a fight. A fight to restore all our Sonics memories. The NBA commisioner has made it clear that he doesn't like us here in Washington and I have taken it personal now.

Despite the political climate here in Seattle and Washington, we have remained one of the best cities and states to live and do business in. We have our up's and downs, but we have always scaved off national trends. Whether it was the Boeing and the last one to leave turning off the lights, or the most recent economic collapse, Seattle and Washington has faired better than most of the nation. We are a region of smart people and fighters! We are diverse, strong and most of all, proud. The last adjective, proud, that is something we wear lightly however. It's my opinion we make that something we're better known for.

When the Seattle Pilots were ripped from us by Bud Selig, our local elected leaders fought to get them back. Our leaders weren't fighting the MLB because is was something to do, our leaders fought for us, the fans. Our commitment to baseball and the Pilots was worth fight for then. And it was worth fighting for again when the Mariners faced uncertainty in the late 80's, early 90's. Again, our elected leaders went against voters and put together one of the best baseball stadiums in the MLB to help save the Mariners. Yes, some people are mad at what they did, but in the end, it was worth fighting for. And as much as I frown on the current Mariners ownership, I do not forget that Mr. Nintendo saved that team for us without ever stepping foot into a Mariners game. We were worth his investment.

We have also had our dark hours with the Seahawks. From moving vans packed and destined for L.A. our leaders stepped up again for us. Had the police stop the moving vans and hold the team in place long enough for one of our very own local billionaires to swoop in and save the team...for us! Paul Allen has done tremendous things for us and our pride. He has given us a true team to rally around. The Seahawks are such a testiment to our regions fight. The 12th Man has become a symbol of who we are. Strong, loud, fighters. We are proud, we just don't know it.

Our fight for the Sonics does not end here. Chris Hansen, Steve Ballmer, the Nordstoms, and again, our local elected officials have given us something to fight for. David Stern has now shrugged us off and our fight and I for one am not done. I could care less what happens to the Kings now. It's great Kevin Johnson and his whales stepped up, but at what cost to the citizens of Sacramento? They did not fight for the fans there like ours did in my opinion. They fought for themselves. This whole thing is bullshit and stinks of conspiracy. But at least I know, what we get, no matter if it is expansion or someone elses team, I know our leaders and investors will have clean hands because we are a proud people.

Sonics fans, please pick your heads up! Focus on whats next. Show the nation we are far from done in returning our beloved Sonics to Seattle. Put pressure on our leaders to let them know we are standing tall and ready to fight more. Let's blow this motherfucker up!

#20

SUPER...SONICS!!!