Good morning guys, how is everybody today?
As today’s title suggest, I would like to “tip my hat,” to Tim Thomas, a goaltender and the MVP of the series for Boston Bruins, who won the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. Am I a hockey fan? I wasn’t, but am now, at least for the time being.
Living in Florida, I’ve just never followed ice hockey even though Tampa has a team. Hockey just never seemed to interest me, and don’t ask me why. Mainly I believe because as kids, Lake Kissimmee never froze over allowing us to ice skate. LOL! So with no applied knowledge of the game, I never “got into” it!
Tim Thomas did something that inspired me number one, and by doing so, he became not only an inspiration, but a role model. Not the type where I feel through his play he became a “hero,” or “folk legend,” as a Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Bart Starr, Tom Brady, Willie Mays, etc., but by simply standing up for his beliefs. Believing in the difference between…right and wrong! Thank you SO much, Mr. Thomas! To me, you ARE, a great American!
I read about Mr. Thomas in my latest issue of “Sports Illustrated,” and although I had missed his “stand” earlier, I was enlightened by reading this short commentary.
By Mr. Thomas being a member of the Boston Bruins, and by virtue of their winning the Stanley Cup, they (the Bruins), were invited to the White House through an invitation extended by, President Obama. Mr. Thomas declined the invitation.
Only hours after the Bruins visit, Mr. Thomas issued his statement in regards to his refusal of being part of this visit. Through his Facebook page, his explanation for his refusal was on these grounds, and I quote…
He believes the federal government has, “Grown out of control,” but that he felt both parties are to blame and that “this was not about politics or party…This was a choice I had to make as an individual.”
A little more of his statement was made by “The Los Angeles Times…”
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
I gotta tell you guys…I applaud this man for standing up, and by doing so, being one of too few to show others that their own values, morals, integrity, and belief in our Country as laid out for us by our Founding Fathers, through our Constitution, does indeed matter.
Through his decision and course of action, he indeed set an example that I for one, found very inspirational! HE STOOD UP for what he felt to be right! In this age of political correctness, forced upon us by our government, the media, the ACLU, our educational systems, and the left, this guy said…NO!
This man has a backbone, and I’m sure knowing that through his action and decision to do so, would create a firestorm of anti-sentiment against him,…and this followed.
This by Joe McDonald, ESPN.com… “WASHINGTON — Before most hockey games, it’s tough to find many players who stand completely still during the national anthem.
Boston Bruin goaltender Tim Thomas never moves. He stands as still as the Statue of Liberty, with his focus directly on the American flag that hangs from the rafters in every NHL arena. There’s no denying Thomas’ patriotism. He represented Team USA as an Olympian and has called it one of his most memorable moments of his career.
But when the president of the United States invites you and all your teammates to the White House to honor your Stanley Cup championship, you go and represent the team.
On Monday, Thomas instead chose to represent himself.”
Isn’t that his right as a citizen of the United States of America? To the disbelief of the MSM, the left, and too many of our elected officials today, THIS IS his right.
Even more bizarre to me personally in regards to our media’s reaction, is the fact that NOT ONCE, did Mr. Thomas call out our President over his actions or agenda, not EVEN referring to him by name. Not EVEN separating his action due to ONE PARTY. Would I have had this type of restraint to have had such self-control? Honestly…probably not!
You guys can read all about his actions, and the remarks and belittling done by the MSM very easily. Just Google it up, and lo and behold…there’s a ton of it!
Oh, he should have stood with his team they say…it wasn’t the right moment to take SUCH ACTION.
SUCH ACTION??? He made a stand, political correctness BE DAMNED! He did what HIS HEART told him to do, not what our liberal socialist society felt he should do!
There’s a lesson to be learned here today people…DO WHAT YOU FEEL IS RIGHT, NOT what you feel others want you to do. YOU control your destiny, no one else, no matter what kind of BS they try to force feed you!
Although they, the left, the MSM, and again too many of our “Elitist” officials disagree, WE STILL LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES of AMERICA, and I’m getting very, very tired of this political correctness mentality being forced more and more upon us.
This is where we as TRUE Americans seem to have missed the boat. Yes, the Tea Party became a voice, and drew tens of thousands across the Country, BUT, where is our one voice, standing above all the rest, uniting us? There ain’t one.
The Republican Party, in my opinion, has thrown us under the bus as well. No clear leader, and in this time of dire need. Our Country as we know it, at least those of us old enough to remember, is fast becoming a “has been.”
I am a Republican, but my party has compromised our beliefs. Once again, power, greed, corruption. Whether you want to admit it or not, the Republicans we put into office DO draw the same salary, the same pension, the same healthcare, and the same retirement packages as their Democrat counterparts.
You don’t think this whole scenario isn’t a sham? Through the tough economic times you and I have been living, have you seen any pay cuts taken in their own regard? The government grows bigger and stronger, while the private sector grows smaller, and weaker.
Banks not giving loans to small business, small business uncertain of hiring new employees. This on account of WHAT will the new employee cost them, AND will they even be able to stay in business in the economic uncertainty of today, and…Obama care looming in the distance!
Anyway, I know I’m simply preaching to the choir to most of you guys, so I’ll get back to Mr. Thomas in closing out for today.
In another twist to this tale, and although the team he plays for IS the Boston Bruins, he is the ONLY American on the team, according to “Sports Illustrated.” Why mention this, well, I thought it appropriate.
First, in regard to the rest of the team, I have nothing at all against ANY of these people, and I’m sure I’d enjoy each and every one of their company. I too, like people. We could all probably sit around, have a beer, and have a grand ole time!
BUT, why I thought mentioning this was appropriate is that simply, to the other teammates anyway, what difference does it make to them what takes place politically in our Country? I mean, really? I personally could care less who the President of Kenya is, quite frankly. Why Kenya as an example? Oh…I don’t know, it just popped in my mind! LOL!!
But for Mr. Thomas to be the ONLY American on the team, and HE declining the invite, to be honest once again…it just made me feel good inside! A TRUE AMERICAN standing up for his rights…just the way it’s always been, and always should be!
Tim Thomas…God Bless you my friend, and God Bless America…Merry Christmas to ya buddy!
Now, Mr. Thomas, if you ever get down Central Florida way, and wanna see how WE stop hockey pucks from goin in the goal, just give ole Deb and me a call, but ya better bring some ear muffs…it gets kinda loud! We just shoot em! Bang, Bang!! Once we get on a roll, shoot, we’ll stop 3 to 4 pucks at a time!! LOL!
You guys have a great day, and God Bless you and yours too! As always, my better half says to keep a smile on your face, and one in your heart! Oh yeah…MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Dub and Deb
Hockey is the greatest sport in the world. If you give it a chance, you’ll get hooked.
Ya know Diane, back when I was REAL LITTLE, (20 to 25 years old or so), my Mama wouldn’t let me use the word for goin to the bathroom that I use today. You know what she made me call it?? Give up?? Ya sure?? She made me refer to it as…I had to go “hockey!” Yep, that was the condoned expression according to…the book of my MAMA! If I called it anything else, why she’d just haul off and knock the “hockey” outta me. I was just sittin here this mornin wonderin if that’s the reason hockey, as a sport, it just never appealed to me?? LOL!
Hey…did I tell you about the old blind man tryin to cross the street with his seein eye dog….
Diane, you guys take care, and thanks for droppin in!