Somalis Celebrate Patriots Perfect Season

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - The New England Patriots dreams of a perfect season live on here in Somalia, thanks to the efforts of Global Vision. The relief and development organization distributes unused apparel printed prior to the Super Bowl to needy people around the world. The recipients, however, are unaware that the garments are not championship material.

"I had heard on CNN that the Patriots lost." said Mginwe Bonoko, a local jar merchant, sporting a New England world championship hoodie. "I should have known it was just more American lies."

"We don't want to demoralize these people any further by telling them these are the loser's shirts." said Peggy DeMarco, Apparel Distribution Director for Global Vision. "They could already be Patriots fans."

Many people in this impoverished nation have never owned new clothing, and the impact of nearly 300 new shirts is startling. "I thought they were empty rice bags, but they make good shirts, too." said Fweme Kobono, matchstick vendor and mother of fourteen. "I really could use the rice, though."

DeMarco says the apparel program reaps huge goodwill benefits in an area of the world where America's popularity is limited. "You never see anyone at a demonstration burning American flags and wearing official NFL gear." she explained. "You can't buy that kind of diplomacy."


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