Finally today, something that screams "Philadelphia" is in jeopardy.
I wold guess that at some time during tonight's Monday Night Football game, you will see two things: a shot of them making cheesesteaks at either Pat's or Geno's in South Philly, and a shot of the Mummers.
They are emblems of the city, our signature food, and our signature party.
Here's the problem. That strut up Broad Street by all those guys in sequins and feathers is in jeopardy.
Swimming in a sea of red ink, the city has gone into slash-and-burn mode in terms of the budget. It's closing libraries, jobs, and services.
The Nutter administration also is cutting funds for the Mummers. It already has axed the prize money the city usually puts up. Now they want to cap the city's cost for the "golden slippers" at $300,000.
Talk about your ruffled feathers.
The mummers and city city continue talks to reach some kind of a deal.
Love it or hate it, the Mummers are emblematic of Philadelphia. They are part of our signature in the world.
Some people might think it would not be an entirely bad thing should they disappear. Don't count me among them.
No, they're not on a par with libraries. But if the city can foot the bill for that massive Phillies parade, they can do more for one of their institution.
And if you don't believe me, here's three things to look for in tonight's telecast of the Eagles-Browns game, which the entire nation wil be watching on ESPN.
You'll either see or hear "rocky" in the pre-game build-up. You'll see a bunch of people hanging out at Pat's or Geno's, with a typical South Philly guy working the grill, and you'll see a man dressed in more sequins and feathers than any burlesque show you've ever seen.
ItT is part of what we are as a city and a region. It would be a shame to lose it.