We Americans have long had a love affair with winners. Successful undertakings of nearly every sort quickly receive the admiration of those around us. As a group, we take great delight in banquets and other ceremonies at which honors are distributed. People who come in second are rarely remembered in our culture. The runner-up usually receives a brief word of recognition and then is quickly forgotten. If you happen to be a sports enthusiast, you'll remember the poor old Buffalo Bills of the NFL. Never mind that year after year that fine team distinguished itself by beating the best teams, winning titles right up to the Super Bowl. Never mind that for years they were good enough to get to the Super Bowl. They lost there. And for that, more than any hard-won victories, they are remembered. S…