After voters chose another player over the Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid as the NBA's most valuable player, Philadelphia's City Council passed a resolution declaring Embiid MVP — most valuable Philadelphian.

What is it about Democrats' constant need to craft legislation that goes against the will of voters?

This would make sense only if it were an April Fools' Day joke or satire. Sadly, it was not. It was in response to the perceived snub of Embiid not winning the league's most valuable player award. It went to Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic for the second straight year, with Embiid being considered the runner-up each time.

The resolution text comes off as if Embiid is some hero. After providing a lengthy background of Embiid, the resolution finally declares its primary objective: "WHEREAS, Joel Embiid is deserving of the distinction of MVP; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby celebrates Joel Embiid as MVP: 'Most Valuable Philadelphian.'"

As a lifelong resident of the city, I find this utterly embarrassing. First, it comes off as little more than a participation trophy and consolation prize. Second, what are Philadelphia's government priorities? There's the rampant crime and drugs that plague the city, rampant poverty, and a school district that continuously fails its students. We also have two city councilmen under federal investigation for corruption — one of whom had to resign in disgrace.

If there were an award for the country's worst city government, Philadelphia's would be quite competitive. Faced with inexplicable and inconsistent mask mandates, soaring crime and carjacking rates, poverty, and an opioid epidemic, Philadelphia's City Council somehow had enough time to craft this ridiculous resolution, even if it was done lightheartedly.

Bread and circuses are great, but the city has real significant issues to be worried about, not whether some millionaire basketball player wins an award in a league designed for entertainment purposes. Embiid being declared the most valuable Philadelphian isn't going to help solve the city's numerous problems.

Joel Embiid has the millions of dollars he's earned as a basketball player to fall back on after not winning the league MVP. The Philadelphians who are suffering do not.