Comments on Observation Skills do not Equal Racism

VeraCT commented on 'Observation Skills do not Equal Racism'

VeraCT — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:55:36 -0700

I think Terrence Owens's celebrations are way over the top, but I do enjoy the ongoing struggle with the Owens trying to come up with unique but legal ways to celebrate, and the NFL trying to rein him in without instituting a flat-out no-celebration rule. When Owens autographed his touchdown ball with a Sharpie he had hidden before game time under the goal post, the NFL discovered that they actually had no rule against it, so they fined him $5000 for not having his shirt tucked in. When Owens two weeks ago did his Usain Bolt imitation after a touchdown, he was penalized because the rules state no celebrations can involve sitting or kneeling and Owens had to dip one knee for his sprinters pose.

Scott Martin commented on 'Observation Skills do not Equal Racism'

Scott Martin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:24:31 -0700

VeraCT - sorry, I know you weren't saying I was racist with your post - I threw that in there for anyone reading who might have been thinking it.

As for Favre, I meant the throat slash was a one time deal. Every other example of his celebration has been positive. His statement about trying to get teammates to celebrate was about getting his teammates to have fun, not to denigrate their opponents.

I'm glad you enjoy this blog, thanks for the kind words.

VeraCT commented on 'Observation Skills do not Equal Racism'

VeraCT — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:05:11 -0700

Thanks for your detailed response. I do enjoy your blog and it is one of only 6 political blogs that I have book marked.

))As for Steele, etc. I can't help it that blacks continually vote against their best interests. You would think blacks would be thriving in Democrat run states and cities, yet that has continued to not be the case. Perhaps we can add cause-and-effect reasoning skills to the list of things that make me a racist for pointing out?((

First I never said you were a racist. Recheck my response. Second, it’s true that blacks continue to vote against their self interest. But, with the possible except of Jews who have a very strong, united stand for the protection of Israel, so does every other race in the USA. 99.5% of people will never have to pay this tax. Yet, the majority of Republicans and Democrats say this tax is unfair. If instead of calling a Death Tax, you were to say “How many of you believe that very rich people who tax should pay no taxes, and instead you should pay their tax burden for them”, what do you think the response would be.
Want a simple way for a billionaire to never have to pay any taxes? Have him borrow money from the bank for living expenses, using the stock he own in his company as collateral. When he dies, if there was no estate taxes, all the family would have to do is sell some stock and pay off the loan. He would effectively be able to earn a fortune, live a lavish lifestyle, and never pay a penny in taxes.

))Favre, despite the one-time gesture, has as much experience celebrating as any player in the NFL, and most of it is positive. The overwhelming majority are out of pure enjoyment and not intended to denigrate the players he beat.((

One time gesture? I gave you two examples one of which was his statement last Sunday that he intends to get his Jets teammates to celebrate more after big plays.
A throat slashing gesture is not intended to denigrate?

))The bigger point was about violence and irresponsibility, which are obvious problems in the black community.((

True.

)) And let's not forget that this partial-black attended an anti-white church for 20 years.((

Actually Rev Wright was more anti-America than anti-white, but nevertheless, Obama misplayed that one, badly.

Scott Martin commented on 'Observation Skills do not Equal Racism'

Scott Martin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:05:54 -0700

It's also interesting that you noted that Phelps was raised by a single mother. It's highly likely that a responsible Daddy would've smacked him upside the head the first time he pulled something like that.

Scott Martin commented on 'Observation Skills do not Equal Racism'

Scott Martin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:03:29 -0700

Thanks for taking the time to share your insight.

"Michael Phelphs, raised by single mother, beats his chest and whooped several times after winning gold medals. Brett Favre, first player in NFL history to be fined for the finger across throat "slashing" gesture. I also watched the Jets games last Sunday, and in the postgame interview Favre said that his new teammates do no celebrate enough after big plays, but he was going to try to change that."

Favre, despite the one-time gesture, has as much experience celebrating as any player in the NFL, and most of it is positive. The overwhelming majority are out of pure enjoyment and not intended to denigrate the players he beat. Celebrating a play is OK in most people's book when it doesn't taunt another player or draw inordinate attention to one's self.

I consider Phelps a bit of a tool, myself, for the reason you mention.

Certainly there are some examples of white idiots out there on our professional playing fields. Fortunately they are few and far between. It is certainly a character trait more associated with blacks than whites. Then again, whites don't score that many touchdowns.

The bigger point was about violence and irresponsibility, which are obvious problems in the black community.

As far as blacks usually supporting Dems, they are supporting Obama to a much larger degree (compared to usual) than whites are supporting the Republican. And let's not forget that this partial-black attended an anti-white church for 20 years.

As for Steele, etc, I can't help it that blacks continually vote against their best interests. You would think blacks would be thriving in Democrat run states and cities, yet that has continued to not be the case. Perhaps we can add cause-and-effect reasoning skills to the list of things that make me a racist for pointing out?

VeraCT commented on 'Observation Skills do not Equal Racism'

VeraCT — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:19:29 -0700

You raise some interesting and valid points. But, playing Devil's advocate, I will point out:

No matter what is race of the Democratic candidate they are going to get about 90% of the black vote. In 2004 John Kerry, got 88% of the black vote.

Michael Phelphs, raised by single mother, beats his chest and whooped several times after winning gold medals. Brett Favre, first player in NFL history to be fined for the finger across throat "slashing" gesture. I also watched the Jets games last Sunday, and in the postgame interview Favre said that his new teammates do no celebrate enough after big plays, but he was going to try to change that.

Interesting that you picked 3 men who have been pretty much been rejected by the black community. Michael Steele, for example, lost his Senate election because 72% of black voters voted for a white candidate over him.

Scott Martin commented on 'Observation Skills do not Equal Racism'

Scott Martin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:25:56 -0700

I got your point, London, and I agree.

I just don't want to see you falling into that liberal trap of trying to silence real discussion of important issues by calling people racist.

London Locke commented on 'Observation Skills do not Equal Racism'

London Locke — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:18:33 -0700

Good Point, Scott. My friend also pointed that out, just because people used those adjectives to describe what they felt towards a group doesn't elicit blanket statements that they are racist. Still, my point was that if Obama loses, it is not because of his color.