When owners refuse to negotiate with the reasonable demands of workers in vital industries, the state has historically stepped in to mediate, sometimes threatening to take control, and occasionally actually seizing capital and assets. In 1952 President Truman briefly nationalized the steel industry when owners refused to negotiate in good faith.

With the ongoing labor dispute with the referees in the NFL, one of America’s last great industries — the game of football — is under attack. Mr President, it’s time for some decisive leadership to bring together a nation in mourning, to save an industry in crisis.

It’s time to socialize football.