Equal Play

   News item:  The U.S. women's soccer team won the World Cup in France, and was welcomed home with a parade in New York City. 
   Perspective: The women's national team has at least placed in the top three in every World Cup tournament since the competition began in 1991: First place four times, second place once, and third place three times.
   Comparison: How many times has the men's team won or even placed in the World Cup tourney?
   Answer: Never. The men's team competed in the tournament only once, and that was because as the host nation, the team was automatically entered. The team was eliminated early.
  Yet for years, the men's team traveled first class while the women's team sat in the coach section. That has changed, but the women still are paid far less than the men, even though they have won more often, including victories at the Olympic Games.
   Will this change? It should, but it won't happen tomorrow because the revenue stream won't support equal pay for even far better play.
   Answer: More fan support for women's soccer.
   Addendum: The women's team is not likely to be invited to the White House for a congratulatory meeting with the president. Why not? Because they have already made it clear they wouldn't go even if they were invited.