TIM THOMAS DISSES WHITE HOUSE
Wanye
January 24 2012 01:38AM
When we first read on the Twitterz that Tim Thomas was skipping out on the traditional "Stanley Cup winners meet the President trip to the White House" we rolled our eyes and wondered what was going through the old boy's head. Now we aren't so sure what to think.
Thomas released a statement on the matter:
"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.
This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.
Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.
This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic.
-- TT"
Now if there is anyone less qualified to speak on matters of politics and protest it is your ol' pal Wanye. But we can set up a bit of a debate on this rare instance when American politics and the NHL collide.
THE ONE SIDE
One can argue that it is a tremendous honour to meet the President of the United States - regardless of your political affiliations or whatever axes you have to grind with the Government. Getting a tour of the White House, meeting the Commander in Chief and presenting him with the obligatory jersey is a once in a lifetime honour that most of us regular Joes couldn't even hope to get.
One could make a convincing case that skipping out on something like this is not only disrespectful to your team but to the United States as a whole. These folks would say that hockey players have no business making protests like this.
Regardless of what you feel you should go to the White House like a good 2011 Cup Champion and keep your mouth shut and smile for the cameras.
ON THE OTHER HAND
One could also choose to admire the stance that Thomas has taken. His statement on the matter is amazingly lucid - how many other professional athletes have "excercised their rights as a Free Citizen" in a public manner like this? It also shows a level of awareness and thought - this clearly isn't a simple matter of "I don't like Obama therefore I won't go to the White House."
It raises the visibility of a growing protest against the Government in the US and even made the headlines of our favourite consipiracy/economic blog Zero Hedge. There the support for Thomas in the comments section was very strong - until it devolved into Canucks hating (which was also quite entertaining):
Al Gorerhythm: Well done TT. I hope that it is not your last public statement on these matters though. We need folk in highly visible positions to spread the news. Kudos.
Arkadaba: As a Habs fan - well you know. Kudos to him for taking a stand. And he has a lot to lose like endorsements etc. (which he will). Should be NHL player of the year.
Because of Thomas' protest, this is now making international headlines - here is a take from the Sydney Morning Herald:
"Goaltender Thomas insisted his decision to snub the ceremony with US President Barack Obama, a Democrat, was not a partisan gesture in favour of the opposing Republican party, but a decision based on his belief that the US government has too much influence on American individuals’ lives."
SO WHAT'S YOUR TAKE?
How do you read this whole thing? Do professional athletes have any business making political statements like this? Or should they keep their opinions to themselves and stick to what they know? We would cheerfully ship them to meet the ghost of Kim Jong Il if it meant the Oilers would win the Cup.
But we are a simple minded non-partisan after all.
Totally Agree.
I like how Tim Thomas worded his comments. The message was delivered clearly and didn't read like it came from a protestor playing the victim.
Horribly unprofessional and Dave Hodge could lose his job on that one.
That's a line you don't cross.
@Oilcruzer
I bet Dave Hodge could (and does) run naked down the Halls of the TSN studios and receives no punishment from his bosses. I doubt he gets in trouble at all.
Tambo better be on the line with the Boston GM this morning! If Boston is shamed by Thomas, Someone better tell them that the OILERS would gladly take him as their starter =D
*sings*
Pickinh up the Scraps, Picking up the Scraps. OOohhhhh the Oilers brass are Picking up the Scraps.
TT To Edmonton! =D
It may well be true that Tim thinks that Obama and the Dems are the problem but If it is true that we are becoming Germany in 1939 the only difference will be one party wanting a theocracy and the other wanting communism.
I can believe that to be true!
Well at least wanye has made it easier to identify the bleeding heart sheeple. There is nothing wrong with standing by one's convictions.
Cue obligatory straw men arguments, claims of racism, etc, that the left has such a cozy relationship with.
Good on ya TT.
@The Towel Boy
I'm pretty sure Marchand told Obama that he had to pee. http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnhlexperts/137608313.jpg
where is a shannahan for the supplemental discipline on this one.
seriously it was very unprofessional. there should be responsiblilty taken for these words.
I think this a bold and commendable move by Tim Thomas. I say hats off to you man, we need more big name celebs to step up and speak their minds. Not that their words have more value then yours mine but because it helps draw attention to the issue. The fact that most people are unaware of the issue is stunning to me. most people only believe what they see on mainstream media and this couldn't be further from reality. People need to be aware of what is happening, we are losing more and more rights by the day in North America, Canada is not exempt from any of this. Harper is quietly aping all of these policies and trying to push them through here. Watch the Thrive movie for the big picture.
www.thrivemovement.com
Hahahaa... that would be priceless. Hodge must work for the CBC on the side.
Will Tim Thomas refuese to play in an Edmonton arena largely paid for by tax payers?
@Quinn the Eskimo
I don't particularly care for lists, just a kinda "hmmm orly?" Clearly we have differing views, i'm guessing your a dipper with classic bush derangement syndrome. Probably under 25?
Socialism is just the religion of the state. I for one am agnostic towards all religions.
Well I have to say I do like the fact that Thomas spoke out about his opinions towards his country and how it is run. However, this meeting with the pres had nothing more than his country showing respect for the accomplishments that he and his team had made. Its like winning a gold medal at the Olympics, would he turn that down too?
If he has a problem and wants to do something about it then he should speak up loud and clear and not just once. I understand where he is coming from with this. The Gov't is put in place to do what is best for the people. Instead they do things for financial backing especially when they don't have an opinion on a topic one way or the other. This is not doing things in the best interest of the people.
Example: Keystone pipeline: Most anaylsts have said it will go through regardless because the size of the project and the amount of jobs and income it will create for the country as a whole is too big to ignore especially with their current economic situation. The reason for not approving this time around was to gain leverage in negotiations.
Like I want this bill passed, if you will allow me to do it I'll approve the keystone pipeline project.
That is not doing what is best for the country or the people. If you need to create jobs and increase income for people and the country then this kind of thing should be approved and get the jobs rolling. Instead they choose to waste millions of dollars discussing things and never actually doing anything about it.
I think its also very embarrassing for the team that the only American player refused to go. If it had been a normal employer he would be fired for action like that.
Non story. People got get over trying to care if someone does something or not. Hes contracted to stop a puck, not visit Obama.
Two Thumbs up
You are probably not far off. His exit from CBC years ago was based on his shooting his mouth off.
Retirement looms.
I enjoy what Arch said "sits at home and pretends to be a patriot."
He continued nevertheless to develop his ideas, and in four books published over seven years—The Robots' Rebellion (1994), And the Truth Shall Set You Free (1995), The Biggest Secret (1999), and Children of the Matrix (2001)—set out a moral and political worldview that combined New-Age spiritualism with a passionate denunciation of totalitarian trends in the modern world. At the heart of his theories lies the idea that the world is becoming a global fascist state, that a secret group of reptilian humanoids called the Babylonian Brotherhood controls humanity, and that many prominent figures are reptilian, including George H. W. Bush, Queen Elizabeth II, Kris Kristofferson, and Boxcar Willie.
LOL
Huh?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin's_law
also....
somewhat related to topic at hand:
http://www.boston.com/Boston/politicalintelligence/2012/01/john-kerry-the-right-wing-breaks-nose/OB5yFHBZFexEMpEibSnxpL/index.html
I thought that was kind of funny.
When do the Oilers play again?
@Archaeologuy
Obama is not the leader of Thomas' country, he's like our Tambellini. You come across as more of an idiot than Thomas could ever be, disresceting him for exercising his right and opinion.
If his team don't like it, they can get rid of him. Attendance is not manditory.
Cowardly? Really? What would him whispering it in Obamas ear done? Nothing. Obama has already heard enough from the occupy hippies, he don't care. I admire what Thomas did, and I don't think he's a coward in any strench of imagination.
Most powerful man? Come on buddy, get back to your Star Wars.
Way to make it all about you Tim. You really put the Douche in Douchebaggery....
@Romulus' Apotheosis
Sorry, I missed the Nazi reference. I did not think that Hodge's KKK inference qualified.
How dare Tim Thomas let the US constitution and the peoples rights to a free and fair society get in the way of a afternoon get together at the White House. Every one here today has witnessed something that should be eerily sobering. I think we can all say that we like to watch Hockey. It is that still small voice that tells you to do something to protect your rights and freedoms and put entertainment second. History shows us that freedom can be taken away and now God has given us Tim Thomas as another canary in the coal mind will we ignore him at our countries Pearle. I dare say I hope not. For those who say everything is okay I send you here infowars.com to see what the corporate media leaves out of your daily news. God bless us all we are past the 7th inning stretch so head this warning and protect your freedoms if not for you then the next generation.
Good for Tim.
Quinn the Eskimo your right its not about you its about what is happening in our halls of power. It's about sacrifice when will you decide it is time to sacrifice Quinn? When?
Quinn is a shining example of what not do when your Government is sold to the highest bidder and that is to crucify those who are brave enough and vigilant enough to see the totalitarian tiptoe that has turned into a totalitarian sprint and warn us at their own peril. Quinn your deception and deceit have been seen by all on here and I pray that God opens yours eyes and that we all repent.
Props Tim Thomas.
I read comments that he doesn't know what he is talking about, and is an idiot, and it is a selfish move, etc....
When I see a country give no jail time to a group that murdered 24 people in cold blood,. I have to think, especially because he is American, that he has a great point.
Of course it was political. When he said that it wasn't, he was talking about it not being toward either party, but the entire system.
Fair enough.
I just don't see why its such a big deal.
Then again, I choose not to get involved in other countries politics.
I'm not sure where you're going with the fairies and dragons bit but then again, I don't really know what Thomas's political beliefs are. I'm not supporting his beliefs, just his right to have them.
If he believes in dragons, fine. I don't, but I won't call him an idiot or stupid.
Archaeologuy whats your freedom worth to you?
Is worth a visit to the white house?
Is worth looking bad in some peoples eyes that may not know the extent of the corruption and where it is heading?
Why is this happening? is it good and evil or is it a stock market correction?
Some questions all of us need to start asking because all of this as been predicted in the bible and by the way the Davinci Code was purposely made to destroy your faith in Jesus Christ and I would suggest you look into the prophecy club for they knew this was coming...
Always enjoy a good conspiracy theory.
Although I think he put himself in front of his team, for his own political views. Kinda selfish, although as it has been stated 100 million times, he has the right to do so.
yeah way to go Tim you stupid inbred tea baggin dumb sh!t!! Classless
Those of you saying that he's a db or made it all about him have probably never truly stood for or believed in anything strongly enough to allow him or herself to be judged and persicuted for it. Take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself if you have the courage to do what you believe in on the world stage versus what's popular. I bet not.
Arch said
But believing in fairies, dragons, and libertarian values is a right that the idiots inherited from smarter people.
Wow, guilt by being associated in the same sentence. That's some kind of logic. You do yourself a discredit sir. You're right, ideas aren't equal. You just proved it by offering up this crap as an argument. But perhaps at least you understand that Thomas' protest is because of the very reason that ideas aren't equal nor are events. And some ideas are very very important and some events get a helluva lot of attention.
Kudos to Thomas and further kudos to Zero Hedge for running it (possibly the best site on the internet and thus I'm stunned Wanye reads it).
I would have gone if I was in his position. It all about team, family, community.
BUT
I support Tim Thomas for making his position clear. Big Trudeaupean governments suck the life out everyone. Big govs are sucky suckitudial sucky!
@Aaron
Dont you worry about my Faith in Jesus Christ, Aaron, that went out the window a long time ago. Dan Brown's fiction novel wasnt needed to put that baby to rest.
Freedoms? Do you honestly believe that Tim Thomas' freedoms are at stake here?
Crazy Old Arch isnt the only one unimpressed by this display of "Courage". The owner of the Bruins is reportedly irate over this debacle.
But seriously thou.....ARGGGGH......CLAAAAAACCCKKK....
*Gurgling noises*
.....Sorry, that was the chip in my brain acting up again. It was placed there in '96 so it still has a dial up modem attached to it. Somebody must have tried to make a phone call on the wrong line...
Thomas's loss, but teams embarrassment . He should have kept his mouth shut and just not shown up leaving team to give a "canned answer " for his absence . This was not reflective of his team, and put them all in an unfavorable position of trying to defend his speaking out in that manner . Politics has, and probably always will, mix with sports and entertainment in general . Thomas is entitled to his own personal opinions , but he should learn when to shut up when his actions effect and are reflective of the rest of his teammates and organization .
It is great we have a place where we can debate and speak on these matters. Tim's stand on his Governments relentless assault on their Constitution which is similar to our Government taking away our charter of rights and freedoms. Now If this does not qualify for reason to miss the whitehouse tea party what does. Maybe the simpsons or MTV awards? Please enlighten me what am I missing. One more thing
I am with my family it is a beautiful day we are heading to the lake. Finally this trip that we have planned for months is coming together. We start putting the supplies in the yacht and I see a small leak and there is a good chance it will spread? What do you do? 1- Don't say anything and go for this trip it is to important to cancel now the food will spoil and if the leak gets worse we will be okay because we have our life jackets.
2- Or do you face facts and Tell the family the trip will have to wait until the leak is properly fixed and that our safety comes first.