What is it with imported Republican jocks imposing their oversized egos and misguided political ideas on the minds of our Massachusetts youth?
Sorry, Tim, but anyone who would blow off a U.S. President like Barack Obama to have dinner with a paranoid self-promoting mental case like Glenn Beck deserves the headline.
First, it was Red Sox World Series ace pitcher Curt Schilling, cruising in Air Force One with bonehead President Bush, shaming his adopted state and polluting Boston's spirit of jubilation with his partisan politics and self-glorification.
Now we have Tim Thomas, Stanley Cup hero and Conn Smythe trophy winner, using his newly-acquired public pulpit as a means to promote his Tea Party mentality at the expense of his country, his team and his fans.
Both are outsiders from Republican-dominated states-- (Pennsylvania) Arizona and Michigan -- who showed total disrespect for this state. It's not just about mixing politics with pleasure. It's about spoiling a beautiful moment for a team, a city, and a state, stealing the limelight to serve his narcissism and the Republican Party.
Of course, Thomas has a right as an individual and as a citizen to express his political views. (Nice to see that restored under Obama's America, right? The former administration imposed limits on free speech and intimidated those who dared speak out against King George. Ask Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame).
In his cowardly, retreating retort to his very public and political diss of Obama, the goalie regurgitated the same old Tea Party mantra as if it were really his own individual "philosophical" beef with "big government."
Give me a break.
Here's the BS the NHL allowed Thomas to promulgate as his decision to skip the time honored tradition in USA team sports:
“I believe the federal government has grown out of control, threatening the rights, liberties, and property of the people,” he said.
“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."
But Thomas' diatribe is not a tribute to rugged individualism. First, Thomas knows full well that he is a public figure who can sway public opinion. And he says it is not partisan? BS, dude. Not that anyone cares about what a hockey player thinks of our system of checks and balances, but Thomas has been unusually public about his political leanings, which run way right of those of most Massachusetts citizens.
Here's a portion of Wikipedia's entry for Tim Thomas:
"Thomas is a Republican and has stated that the person he would most like to have dinner with is conservative TV pundit Glenn Beck. After winning the Stanley Cup, Thomas skipped the traditional victors' meet-and-greet with the Barack Obama at the White House; he was the only active Bruin to not attend."
You embarrassed yourself, your team, your fans and the people of Massachusetts. The Republican machine must have loved the part about you being the only American-born Bruin on the team and the only player not to attend. Funny how you guys only have to be patriots when a Republican is in office.
And Beck just loves it when any Boston sports hero slaps a Democrat, especially one anointed by the Kennedys. How delicious. Seems like you'll be getting that dinner with Beck, now.
Stick to the Net, Thomas, and keep your politics to youself. Yes, you're a BMOC now. But be realistic: nobody cares what any athlete thinks of politics. All it will do is draw controversy to the team.
I for one am going to voice my disapproval by refusing to watch the Bruins play on nights when Thomas is goaltending and i hope other like-minded citizens join me.
Gladly, Tuukka Rask is in the net tonight against the Washington Capitals. How fitting. Now which team do you think Obama is rooting for?
