Tim Thomas Skips Out on the White House

Tim Thomas released the following statement on Monday (1-23-12) regarding his decision to skip his teams visit to the White House in celebration of last season’s Stanley Cup win:

“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”

To the surprise of most people that know me, I respect Tim Thomas’s decision, but I have to disagree with his reasoning.  Here is the problem … it WAS MADE political by his actions.  The trip to the White House was not a political or party associated event.  He made it political by abstaining for the reasons he stated.

Now, regarding his statement, I’m am in 100% agreement with what he said.  The Government is out of control.  Our rights and liberties have been trampled on and systematically dismantled over the past several years by both parties;  spanning multiple Administrations.  Both parties are to blame and in the end, the American Public for playing the role of  “sheep-eople” .

Regardless of my political opinion, willingness to dissent, or level of anger about what our government has done and continues to do, we must maintain “respect” for the Office of the Presidency.  We don’t have to agree with the person we call “President”, Congressional Representatives, or members of the Judicial Branch.  Maintaining our respect for the Constitutionally established Offices is the basis of our Republic.

I believe Tim Thomas, wishing to make his political views public, (arguing he did not want to do this  is futile, that is exactly what he did) could have conveyed his message much more effectively.  Show the respect for the Constitutionally established office, and exercise your God given, constitutionally protected right to free speech.

Pete

Top 10 Things to Do With a Backyard Ice Rink in a Warm Winter

Global Warming?  Na … I prefer the easier and more likely answer that God is pissed that I built a backyard ice rink this winter.  So as atonement for my sin against nature, I offer the top 10 Things One Can Do With a Backyard Ice Rink in a Unusually Warm Winter …

10.  Start a Neighborhood Polar Swim Club

9.  Contact the local religous sect that you have a birthing pool; can handle large numbers of pregant women

8.  Add ice and show off your new redneck beer cooler to all your redneck friends

7.  Improve your marksmanship skills: target shoot the multitude of birds taking baths in it

6.  Have Fish & Game plant Rainbow Trout in your rink/pond and practice your fly casting

5.  Take a swim … NAKED!

4.  Can you say, “Slip & Slide”

3.  Take pictures and send to Al Gore with attached apology letter for your naive lack of faith

2.  Complain relentlessly until your wife is sorry she ever suggested you build it

And the top thing to do with a bank yard ice rink in an unusually warm winter ….

1.  [reply with your suggestions: I’ll post some of the funnier ones!]

 

The Pistol

 

NHL Releases All-Star Roster

NHL names remainder of All-Star Game roster

Thursday, 01.12.2012 / 12:46 PM / 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game

By Adam Kimelman – NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor

The Vancouver Canucks, who started the day with the best record in the Western Conference, also lead in another category — most players added to the All-Star festivities.

Four members of the Canucks were among the 36 veterans and 12 rookies announced by the NHL for participation in All-Star Weekend, headlined by the 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game, to be played Jan. 29 in Ottawa.

Players from all 30 teams will be represented in Ottawa, with four members of the Canucks added to the pool of players Thursday — forwards Henrik and Daniel Sedin, defenseman Alexander Edler and forward Cody Hodgson, who was one of the dozen rookies selected to participate along with the veterans in the 2012 Molson Canadian NHL All-Star Skills Competition, to be held Jan. 28.

(read the rest of the story)