The (Stupid) Things People Say

There has been a lot going on in the world this year. I could take up more than a years worth of posts just with what's happening in the Middle East alone. The tragedy in Japan is difficult for me to even think about. Watching the videos of the tsunami seems like something out of a Roland Emmerich movie. Indescribable. Then, factor in the tense political situation here in the good ole U.S. of A, the NFL labor fiasco, the concussion dilemma in all sports, the increased unpredictability of weather everywhere and Charlie Sheen, 2011 is shaping up to be the most memorable year in...well...years! Unfortunately, for all the wrong reasons.

Which brings me to today's topic. Have you been reading the various media outlets? From the TV to twitter, I keep running across people saying some pretty ridiculous and controversial stuff. Mores so than usual. Or does it just seem that way now that access and coverage of everyday life is so complete and total due to the internet, cell phones and pretty bored people with an agenda. I have to compare some of these comments, just to put it into perspective. Not sure where to begin, so how about with:

The Despicable: Despicable is defined by the Encarta Dictionary as "fully deserving contempt", with the synonyms vile, shameful, appalling. That pretty accurately sums up the comments by one girl from parts unknown with her remarks about how the Tsunami in Japan was God's way of wiping the earth clean of all atheists. You can see that here:

http://perezhilton.com/2011-03-14-girl-is-overjoyed-with-japan-tragedy-and-calls-it-a-sign-from-god

Whoa! Easy there, Tammy Faye. Are you kidding me?! I don't care what god you believe in or do not believe in. What is happening in Japan is heartbreaking and tragic! Much like the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004, we all as human beings should reach, help, donate and do anything we can to help. I'm sure this young lady would be very surprised to find out if she were in that situation, the tsunami would have little regard for her or her beliefs as it devastated her home and neighborhood around her. People should care about each other, not wish for and celebrate something this awful.
This cold-hearted bible-thumper gets the DB of the Week Award.

The Unfortunate: Ron Schiller was a senior executive for National Public Radio before he was secretly video-taped saying disparaging remarks about the Tea Party while meeting with supposed leaders of a make believe Muslim group called the Muslim Education Action Center. The fall-out was swift and decisive. Schiller resigned and apologized for his insensitive remarks. The head of NPR Vivian Schiller (no relation) also resigned a few days later.
What did Mr. Schiller say that caused so much hub-bub? Well, he suggested that some members of the Tea Party were:

“really xenophobic, I mean basically they are, they believe in sort of white, middle-America gun-toting. I mean, it’s scary. They’re seriously racist, racist people.”

http://www.mediaite.com/online/did-npr-execs-call-tea-partiers-gun-toting-racists-hidden-camera-video-suggests-they-did/

He also made a comment that NPR may have a much easier time doing what they do if they did not receive the over $90 million dollars from the federal government, money that is being debated on right now in Congress whether it should continue to be doled out to NPR. (Schiller was referring to the bureaucratic logjam and overall mess that comes with those funds, from what the liberal analysts have stated). The fake meeting that all of this took place was set up by conservative activist James O'Keefe.

Okay, so... I have to say BIG DEAL on this one. I have met many Tea Party members. Some are friends of mine. Most are not racists. But i have also met many other Tea Party members who ARE extremely racist and hate our president because of the color of his skin. And they do no make any attempt to hide their feelings on the matter. Schiller was expressing an opinion, one in which many of us in this country believe to have merit. The racial problems have not been solved nor did they just go away during the time between 1964 and today.

The Constitution of the United States of America gives each citizen the freedom of speech and expression. Wars have been fought to protect those rights. Too often in society today, people feel the need to censor themselves or run and hide when they say something politically incorrect. Which is a shame, since I believe the over compensation to be politically correct all the time has led to the degradation of communication and true understanding. Everything that is spoken or written can be misconstrued, misinterpreted and twisted around from its true meaning. Mr. Schiller's remarks, to me, seem right on the button and straightforward. What is unfortunate for him in all of this is that he ran away from the controversy instead of standing up and standing by what he said and believes in. He would have earned more respect from more people, I think anyway, if he had not turned tail and run. Of course, I am a liberal, so I hug trees, like social programs and want world peace.

The Asinine: Adrian Peterson is arguably the best running back in the NFL right now. He may end up being one of the greatest running backs, if not overall football players, to ever play when all is said and done. With that said, the comments I read today that came from Mr. Peterson are just plain ridiculous.

With the NFL owners locking out the NFL players, and the threat of a lengthy work stoppage looming for everyone, anger is running at an all-time high. The owners want more money off the top. The players want the owners to open the books to justify wanting more money. By the way, we are talking about a $9 billion dollar industry, and industry where the top players in the league are being paid over $20 million per season and the everyday person has to pay close to $300 dollars to get the NFL Package on TV, almost $100 dollars for game day tickets, $60 plus dollars for a team jersey, $30 to park at the stadium and $12 for a beer.

So now that the owners have dug in and shut the league down while the players dissovled the union in order to file anti-trust suits against the league and the owners, Mr. Peterson had this to say about it:

"It's modern-day slavery, you know? People kind of laugh at that, but there are people working at regular jobs who get treated the same way, too. With all the money … the owners are trying to get a different percentage, and bring in more money. I understand that; these are business-minded people. Of course this is what they are going to want to do. I understand that; it's how they got to where they are now. But as players, we have to stand our ground and say, 'Hey — without us, there's no football."

Sorry Adrian, but this doesn't compare to the asian women that are locked in basements all across this wonderful world we live in. It does not compare to the plight of the slaves that exist in today's world that do not have the freedom to even attend football games, much less eat more than spoiled rice and dirty water. Calling NFL players modern day slaves is like calling Kristen Stewart talented.

Mr. Peterson makes $10.7 million dollars a year. The league minimum is $500,000, workout to be healthy and in shape for the season, play for 7 months out of the year (counting training camp and preseason) and drive fancy cars, live in nice houses and eat great food cooked by personal chefs. I understand that the shelf life of an NFl player is short (I believe it is 4 years) and the injury risk is immense. But, modern slaves? I don't think that was any where near accurate. That was asinine, actually.

What To Do With Albert

So, the way things have gone for the Redskins and Albert Haynesworth this off season and preseason, its anyone's guess how this is going to end. Does Albert shut up and play, doing what he is told and buying into the system? Or will he rebel, run his mouth and pout whole demanding a trade? So far, he is doing both, although buying in and playing gets the nod so far over the latter. What happens next?

Well, I have a solution. Its one that makes everyone happy, solves multiple teams headaches and fills holes on rosters. The Skins should trade Haynesworth in a 3 way swap that includes the Titans and Chargers. Here's what each team would get and why it makes sense:

1. The Skins rid themselves of Big Al and send him back to Tennessee. The money is gone. Albert isn't giving it back. No way. Its a loss. Write it off and be done with it once and for all.

2. The Titans can send a 2nd Round pick to the Chargers, a part of the asking price for disgruntled hold out receiver Vincent Jackson. That pick coupled with a 3rd or 4th Rounder coming from the Redskins would end the drama in San Diego and give them the picks they are asking for compensation.

3. Everyone wins! The Titans get a player who is arguably the best at his position, and as an added bonus, he is in the best shape of his life and ready for a full season.
The Chargers move forward from the Jackson soap opera and get the picks to draft young players. The Skins get the #1 receiver they desperately need, the big receiver they haven't had since Art Monk and it only cost them a 3rd or 4th Round pick. Jackson can start for the next 7 to 10 years. Well worth the pick, in my opinion.

Now for those of you who don't think the Titans won't trade a 2nd round pick, flip the draft picks. The Skins can give up a 2 and the Titans can send the Chargers a 3rd or 4th. In the end, it all is the same. Do it now! Get Jackson to Redskin Park so he can learn the offense while he serves his 3-6 week suspension. Let Al go back to his yacht and become Jeff Fishers problem.

Glenn Beck vs Martin Luther King

In my opinion, (and I stress opinion), the planned Tea Party rally on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial this Saturday curiously coincides with the 47th anniversary of the "I Have a Dream" speech delivered by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It also coincides with a planned rally by the Rev. Al Sharpton to honor Dr. King's speech, an annual event that includes a march to the site of the future memorial to Dr. King. It just so happens that both rallies will take place at the same end of the Mall;by the reflecting pool and the Lincoln Memorial. Coincidence?

This is the United States of America; peaceful assemblies are assured by the Constitution for all U.S. citizens in the 1st Amendment. Both groups have a right to congregate on any day, where ever they choose. (I assume that the parties involved have obtained the proper permits.) But, Glenn Beck, who is organizing the Tea Party rally, seems like the least likely caretaker of the message Dr. King delivered to us than anyone I can think of off the top of my head, except for maybe Joseph Stalin. Beck has rallied conservatives with his message to take back America and is staging this rally "...in honor of the troops". Which is an honorable purpose indeed. But, from where I sit it seems that the "Honoring the Troops" slogan is a smoke screen so the Tea Party can have a reason to be in close proximity to those commemorating Dr. King's speech. How can some sort of dust up not take place?

Let's face it, the Tea Party has not been all "Love and Light" since they flashed into existence after President Obama was elected president. They have attacked the president, liberals, democrats and non-conservatives with name calling, misguided rhetoric and misinformation from the very beginning. As a liberal Democrat, what I have witnessed has evoked a sense of anger and sadness in me after I read about and hear on the news that another Tea Party gathering has ended in name calling, chaotic furor and even violence. From what I can see, they don't tolerate anyone else's views other than their own and seem unable to accept people different then they are. So, naturally they want to gather on the National Mall, on the anniversary of Dr. King's historic address, in the exact spot the good Doctor preached for non-violence and peaceful coexistence? To Honor the Troops? I don't buy it. It seems more like a slap in the face of everything Dr. King said 47 years ago.

What I believe is happening here is that the Tea Party's membership is mostly made up of white, conservative individuals who are more "Spoiled Star Athletes" than "Team Players": they want theirs first, its more important that they get theirs above all else and who cares if the team descends into chaos and in-fighting on the way to being a losing team, as long as the Star Player gets theirs first. Who cares if "theirs" suddenly dried up overnight because the team went down in flames and everyone involved ends up with nothing. The Tea Party wants to take steps back when to do so would only make the situation in this country much worse. Its like building an addition on a house that is engulfed in flames!

Fireman: "The house is on fire, we need to get out!"
Tea Partyer: "Do you know what would look good off the living room? A sun room!"
Fireman: "We can't stop the fire! We need to get to safety!"
Tea Partyer: "With Lots of windows and hardwood floors! That would look great!"

Judging by the Tea Party's track record, they don't seem to understand that some sacrifice is needed to pull the country out of the economic turmoil we have been in for the past few years. If you listen to their message, they rail against "Social Reform", health care reform and the Welfare System. Some of their protests seems to have racist undertones, which I do not think is a coincidence since the birth of the Tea Party coincides with the election and Inauguration of the country's first African American President. You can interpret the Welfare stats anyway you like, but the majority of Welfare recipients are NOT black and a very small percentage "live off" of Welfare for longer than 2 years, regardless if they are black, white, Hispanic or other. The Tea Party, to me anyway, seems like the outcome and combination of all the built up racial and anti-government anger that has been festering for decades. While many of us have seen and experienced changes towards equality and acceptance of those different from ourselves, there is still a very real and volatile segment of the United States population that has not joined the party. The election of President Obama was the final event that set into motion the creation of the Tea Party. Not only has the government been screwing the American people--with their backroom deals, and empty promises--but now a non-white president was elected to office. President Obama's election gave the Tea Party legs, for now they could rail against the president and the government and hide their bigotry behind a "Restore Honor to America" platform, and an "Honor the Troops" rally.

If you think this is all tripe and I am out to lunch, consider what Glenn Beck said when someone told him his rally fell on the same day as the 47th anniversary of Dr. King's speech. He called it "divine providence." Seriously? Does this man take all of us for idiots? I don't believe for one second that this was in any way a coincidence. The rally to commemorate Dr. King's speech has been taking place for years. Out of all the Saturdays in all the weeks of the year, "divine providence" led Beck to schedule his rally on this particular Saturday? When asked about this issue, Beck responded--and I am paraphrasing here--by saying Blacks don't own Martin Luther King just like Whites don't own Abraham Lincoln. He went on to say--again paraphrasing--that Dr. King and Abraham Lincoln are American icons and this rally is to honor character. I would have believed Mr. Beck if he had simply stated that no one owns that day or the ideals of Dr. King and he chose Saturday to commemorate the good Doctor and President Lincoln as symbols of honor, integrity and character. I do believe in providence, just for the record, but I just simply do not believe it in this case.

Judging from the past events that have surrounded the Tea Party, I am quite concerned that this rally is going to end in altercations and perhaps even violence. I hope to God that the spirit of Dr. King is remembered and present Saturday, on what many worry could be a day of confrontation. Here's hoping it turns out to be a huge love-fest instead. The past, however, suggests a different outcome, one in which two groups on opposite ends of the political and social spectrum will occupy the same area at the same time with very different ideals and agendas.

I wish that I could believe that this Saturday, non-violence, unity and respect will once again grace the mall on the anniversary of just such a day, that each side gives a nod to the other in peaceful respect of the good and honorable messages that their respective rallies celebrate as they pass each other by, that the troops are honored for the freedoms that they fight for and provide for us everyday, as is the message that Dr. King delivered on that historic day in 1963. I wish I could believe that what looks like a conflict in the making turns out to be a step in the right direction for this country to continue the healing process and take another step towards the dream that Dr. King so cherished and passed on to all of us.

Just in case you haven't heard, the Redskins Albert Haynesworth has passed his conditioning test. Now maybe the media can go cover stories of real interest, like who is going to be the #2 receiver? And How is the O-line going to perform? Fat Albert, welcome and good luck. I don't care what happened this off-season. You are in shape, buying into the team concept and have kept your trap shut. All positives in my book.

Nats slugger Adam Dunn keeps handling his uncertain status with the team in a very exciting way... by mashing opposing pitching! He currently leads the NL in homers and is 3rd in RBI's, behind Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard (who recently went on the DL). I understand that Nat's GM Mike Rizzo is looking for ways to improve the ballclub for years top come. I realize that Dunn is the most marketable and attractive asset the team has that isn't untouchable. (The Zimmermans and Stephen Strasburg are off limits, as we know). But hitters like Dunn don't grow on trees. I have heard locals compare Dunn to Frank Howard. The problem with that is Dunn is WAY BETTER! No disrespect to Hondo, but Dunn is 30 and has at least 4 good years left on 35 plus homers. He has 346 to date. That puts Dunn on pace for 486 by August of 2014. And I calculated him hitting only 35 home runs a year over that time. Unless he gets hurt, Dunn should have over 500 Dingers by the end of 2014. With a young team and baseball really trying to reestablish a foothold in the Washington Area, a player like Dunn is virtually irreplaceable in terms of attracting fans, making baseball history and being that home run stud that every team relishes, but not many have. Dunn wants to stay. Sign him by September 1 for 4 years $60 million. Do it.

Back for the Football Thing

Yes, its been a long time. I am not going to dwell on that. Get over it. I am back, for now anyway. I missed you all. All 3 of you. Let's forget the catching up and dive right in, shall we?

So, the Shanahan/Allen Era starts this Thursday. I, for one, can not wait. Allen brings his dad's leagacy full circle back where it began. Shanahan is a no nonsense coach who holds players- accountable. Both are changing the philosophy in town by bringing in competition to push the incumbents (Joey Galloway, Willie Parker and Larry Johnson) and are rebuilding the O-Line with draft picks (Trent Williams), smart free agent signings (Artis Hicks) and crafty trades (Jammal Brown). Allen, thankfully, is savvy and polished. No more Cerrato! Yippee! All of that has to be worth 3 more wins, agreed? Credibility and accountability can go a long way.

I do want to take this time and wish Jim Zorn a heartfelt goodbye and good luck. I don't fault him for what happened last year. He was a guy you would love to live next door to and invite to your cookouts. Baltimore fans are going to be pleasantly surprised now that Zorn is coaching their QB's this season. Joe Flacco is about to get even better.

Albert Haynesworth... Don't you think that enough has been said and written about this guy in 2010? With that in mind...

Portis, Johnson and Wee-Willie Parker either will show everyone that they have something left or they will be the 21st century version of the Giza Plateau: Lots of myth and history, but ancient and weathered.

The receiver position will be the most intriguing of any battle on the field, and perhaps the scariest. Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas. Joey Galloway or... ummm, 6 other guys I can't name without looking it up. Here's hoping one of the young guys steps up and Santana Moss doesn't get suspended for working with that hoser of a doctor, eh?

Donovan McNabb. Is Donovan the second coming of Sonny Jurgenson? I think he is worth a few more wins, like 2. He has Moss and Cooley and it looks like Fred Davis to throw to. One more reliable target in the receiving corps and that might make the Skins more than respectable. Just, for the love of God, DO NOT SIGN T.O.!

So, there you go. I say the Skins are 9-7 and make the wild card round. Every year teams overachieve and others underachieve. That's my prediction.


Other NFL News:

So, the Saints won the Super Bowl and resigned most of their guys. I'd say they are the favorites to win. Or the Colts. The Steelers are out of it until Big Ben can keep Little Ben in his pants. The Eagles and Giants, whatever. The Vikings have a ton of talent, but Favre is gonna be 41, if he even plays. Dallas is overrated. (sorry Drew)

Speaking of the Cowboys, looks like Dez Bryant is indeed taking after his mentor and resident Douchebag, Deion Sanders. Bryant refused to carry Roy Williams pads during the start of Cowboys training camp Monday because he is there to play, not carry anyone's pads. Granted, Roy Williams isn't qualified to carry anyone else's jock strap, but Bryant is a rookie and its a right of passage, like it or not. You carry the pads and you shut your mouth, showing only that grateful smile, dimples and all. What makes this kid think he's suddenly different than every other rookie to play in the league over the last 80 years? Maybe Dez thinks he's more arrogant and entitled than Me-Shawyn. (Wince.)

Bryant hasn't realized that he isn't Michael Irvin. Wait until the veteran Cowboys dress Dez up like a girl and make him sing show tunes. Can't wait for that one. If Bryant keeps up this "holier than thou" crap, then expect to read the storys of how teammates filled his $400,000 ride with shaving cream and maxed out his credit cards on those Marie Osmond Dolls as seen on QVC. I can only imagine how Dez will react. Let's hope he doesn't try to slash anyone's throat with a pair of scissors. (Chuckle, with a pat on the back.)

Gotta hand it to Jerry Jones. It's just so easy to hate Cowboys receivers he acquires. It's a talent for which Jones does not get enough credit.

John Murray, Stock Market Guru

I have decided to accept the challenge of being a stock market adviser and help people make a crap-load of cash in today's market. With all of the people getting out of the business, and with my inexperience and fresh ideas, I figure its time to do this. So here it goes.

Buy! Buy, buy, buy, buy, buy!!!

That's it! Pretty simple, eh? As for the types of companies, well you have to do some research on that. I have stocks in some gold and precious metal mining companies, some green industry companies (solar, wind, composite materials) and that is about all I can tell you. I here infrastructure is going to get a lot of capital dished out their way due to President Obama's stimulus package, so look there as well.

Think my advice is worthless? Well, the only way for the economy to rebound is for people to start spending money again. That way, companies need to start producing more goods and services, which would mean they need to hire more people. Those people would need new suits and dresses for their new jobs, plus working cars and subways to travel to and fro. You see where I am going with this.

I am tired of all the talking heads on TV telling everyone that the recession is terrible and its going to get worse. That just scares people. I understand that fear sells and gets ratings, but it's a self fulling prophecy at this point in our history! It's time to stop scaring everyone. Buy stock and turn the economy around. Just do it!

DCU in PG?

DC United is revving up their talks with Prince Georges County officials to build a soccer-exclusive stadium for the Washington Area's Major League Soccer team. A deal with the District fell thru last week after years of negotiating to build a stadium at Poplar Point in Anacostia. How do you feel about that, soccer fans out there? Leaving DC isn't anyone's first choice, but Largo? The Morgan Boulevard Metro stop? Isn't that in Raljon? You sure you want to leave RFK? The last two teams to do that haven't faired so well in their new digs. (See Inept Ownership/Washington Redskins, and 102 losses and an asphalt plant next door/Washington Nationals).

How many of you DCU fans are in Virginia? Anybody have statistics on that? Is it an even fifty split? Even i it's not, the Morgan Blvd Metro stop makes sense. It was built for the Redskins but would be better for a stadium that is actually closer to the tracks. At least everyone involved is thinking ahead and centering the idea around Metro stations instead of building a stadium smack-dab between opposite Metro lines. Maybe they could run another line from Landover to Morgan Blvd just to make it easier. They can call it the Black Line. (DC United wears black and the Skins have those super cool black jerseys, get it?)

DC United deserve a stadium, just on the sheer basis of championships to won/loss record. No one has won more in the cities history. Not the Redskins, not the Bullets and certainly not the Nats. The Caps are close these days, but to date, no dice. PG County needs the tax revenue and game day traffic should be a breeze compared to Sundays in the fall. Plus, soccer fans are the coolest fans in the world! (except in England) O-le O-le-ole-ole.... Oo-leeeeee, Ooo-leeeee! It's a shame more Americans don't get soccer.

Don't be mad at the DC government, if there's any advice you I can give you. Nats Park is a miracle. Don't kid yourself about that. The fact that it was built, paid for and opened on time was an act brought about by God; no one involved in that whole fiasco has a right to tell you any different. God finally had had enough with MLB's and the city's dysfunction, put his foot down, slapped everyone across the head, closed the black hole of ineptitude for a few years and viola'... Baseball is back in Washington!

The DC government has been screwing things up for decades, and there's no end of that in sight. Abe Pollin built the Verizon Center without a dime from the city; if wasn't for that stubborn old bird's adamant desire to build that thing in Chinatown it would not have happened. Jack Kent Cooke tried to do the same thing for 15 years and build an even bigger stadium with even more of his own money and the District f*#ked it all up. It's the way things are there. I thinks it's written into the City bylaws: "Every other team that needs a stadium needs not get it, just because Marion Barry hasn't paid his taxes and needs extra cash for 'personal use'."

Don't be surprised or upset about this. (Unless of course the city soon strikes a deal with Dan Snyder to move the Skins to Poplar Point. Then you can scream all you want. I'll be right there with you.) It's the way things are in the District. Baseball shoved you to the side when the Expos were on the move and now you have to go to Raljon to watch a game. Big Deal! You have a team, a good one for that matter! Go spend money in Maryland. We need it here, too. I spent many a memorable night in Largo watching the Caps when I was growing up. Its okay there.

But, don't give up hope for Poplar Point. That could still happen. You never know with these things. Until ground is broken, anything can happen.