At last, we now know where we stand. The tension and uncertainty have passed.

For weeks, the public has been gripped by the agony of not knowing. Finally, we can all breathe a sigh of relief.

Americans have always been optimistic. Crisis has always brought us closer together, to foster a feeling of solidarity. Now everywhere you go, you can’t help notice our pride.

Until now, the speculation has been endless. Study groups have been appointed. Think tanks and computers have advised us about the probabilities and our strategic options.

We’ve seen high-level press conferences and briefings, commentary, updates, and special reports, along with analysis by anchorpersons, informed opinions from insider sources, and film to document the hostilities direct from the scenes.

We’ve been bombarded by headlines from far-off places, names of which most of us will never be able to spell or pronounce, let alone ever visit. Peopl whose destinies are no longer in their own hands have become as familiar as members of our own families.

The outcome of these world-shaking events is still anybody’s guess, but in these troubled times, we can at least be consoled that we now have a better idea of what we’re up against.

All of the “wild car” teams have been selected, and the Bengals will enjoy the “home field advantage” as long as they’re in the playoffs.

This op-ed column first appeared in the Mt. Washington Press on December 23, 1981.