Tamba Hali, a rookie defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs, received his U.S. citizenship on Monday.Many of us here in the United States still take our citizenship for granted, but not those who have gone through the system to be here legally. When a permanent resident immigrates to this country and finally passes the test to become a citizen and gains the right to vote, it is a joyous occasion.It is amazing to me that as negative as some people outside of the U.S. are about this country, people still flock by the thousands to our country from China, Cuba, Mexico, Liberia, and many other African and Middle Eastern countries.Some of the reasons that the United States are so great apply to sports and others do not.The reasons that I think we are great and their application to sports are listed below.
Due Process:
Floyd Landis, Jan Ullrich, and Ivan Basso have all been accused of doping in the cycling world.Ullrich and Basso decided not to race in the Tour de France, but Landis did race and then one of his samples came back positive for synthetic testosterone.Many people are crying, “What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”Well, you are only afforded that liberty by being in the United States.The laws of our land do not extend to the international community nor should they. I would also add that even in the United States that applies to the criminal justice system and not into the entire private sector.With that said, due process is important even in the arena of sports and business in America.
Voting Rights:
Many countries still do not have the freedom to vote.America was not always perfect in this realm, but we have made tremendous strides over the past 210 years.Women and minorities can all vote today for the candidate of their choice.If you are not happy with the choices, you can do a write in for someone else even though the odds of them getting elected are slim.Communist countries like North Korea and Cuba still have dictators who run everything.Watching the news last night, I found it amazing to see the people of Miami cheering that Cuba was no longer under the dominion of Fidel Castro, albeit even if it was only for a few days.Cubans in Little Havana were celebrating in the streets.One would have thought the Miami Dolphins had won the Super Bowl.
Freedom of the Press:
In this country, the news media can basically print whatever and whenever they want.That does not mean that they have "carte blanche", because they are driven by market forces, but our newspapers can print any cartoon they so choose.On the internet, blogs pop up everyday with anything and everything imaginable. We are free to do so.This is not always true in the Middle East or some other communist countries.Women who have written blogs in Iran are fearful this new liberty will be taken away.Our country while not perfect has put a premium on this liberty.
There are many more freedoms that we have in this country and trying to list them all would make this post entirely too long.Feel free to list the reasons you love this country, but I for one want to welcome our newest citizen, Tamba Hali, to the United States of America.
I was watching Bill O'Reilly yesterday when I learned that there is (will soon be) a push afoot to strike a damaging blow to bloggers/blogging via lawsuit.
Apparently there is a growing anti-blogging sentiment within the media by those who feel threatened by the tremendous 'hit' print and broadcast news is taking from bloggers who regularly scoop them on the biggest stories.
The push gained steam over the past several days as a result of Harvey Levin's (TMZ) quick scoop and press-time on the Mel Gibson arrest. Because Harvey ran with the story so quickly, and got it right I might add, print media had no power to spin the story, or quash it before it gained heat, thereby irreparably damaging Mel's billion dollar image.
Is it possible O'Reilly believes, "until a blogger gets his pants sued off, freedom of speech will spiral out of control in blogland as a result of those who freely publish blogs without fear of legal recourse?"
Is he right?
Your thoughts?
Last edited by MeanDovine on August 2nd at 12:23 PM.
I was born and still live in Miami, I am the son of Cuban exiles that came over to the USA in the early 60's and I am so glad they did. I am very proud to be an American!
Jmack, I lived in Miami for a year in 1973 and loved it. The Cuban influence is unbelievable and the food is to die for.
Mean, I am sure blogging and the internet are going to have some fights in the near future over legislation to squash some of the freedoms we now enjoy. I also believe they will try to infringe on some of these rights by taxation. I hope people are savvy enough to recognize this and to fight by voting for congressmen, senators, and representatives that will fight to keep the internet free.
As for O'Reilly, I think he says a lot of things to stir the pot. I do think that if bloggers want to have the same freedoms of the national press then they must act responsibly and make sure what they report is true. The Gibson report was true, but what if it had not been? Then I think a lawsuit is legal and within the rights of the individual who is slandered or libel, whichever the case is.
I might add that I do not think it is spiraling out of control, I believe some websites are already out of control. But I do not favor censoring them but rather allow those who are wronged to seek legal remedy. The free market will take care of those who want to spew venom and hatred.
Last edited by socalsportsfan on August 2nd at 12:31 PM.
Mean, I saw Levin on Countdown on MSNBC last night, and frankly, I couldn't care less about Gibson's private life, but you are right -- no one could spin it until it was all peaches and cream. I'm not sure where I stand on the competition between bloggers and paid journalists (probably more towards the paid journalists), but I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg in regards to anti-blogging.
Socal, what exactly do you mean by "many of us...take our citizenship for granted"? I hear that a lot and frankly, I don't think there's much behind it.
Moreover, how would we not take our citizenship for granted?
Otherwise, another good piece. I didn't know Hali needed his citizenship. There was someone on the Packers who had a breakout year that wasn't a legal resident or something like that, but I can't remember his name.
The country and our society does have its share of problems...but there are places in the world that are much, much worse. That must be true, otherwise people from other countries wouldn't come to the U.S. in bunches.
Mean raises an interesting topic. Blogging versus the journalists. That isn't the simplest of issues. The internet and flow of information has changed many industries, and this could be the next. Music and album sales are down because of it. On-line gambling is so huge, while technically it is illegal, it may be too large to regulate. The internet has created a whole mess of ethical and legal issues, many of which don't have easy answers.
Ultra, what I mean by "many" take their citizenship for granted is that many assume these freedoms cost us nothing, but in reality they cost us dearly with the lives of men and women who have served in the US armed forces. Freedom did not come cheaply to this nation as the American Revolution costs us many lives. The movie with Mel Gibson, The Patriot, is one of my favorites portrays the sacrifices our forefathers made for us. Those freedoms are still being fought on a daily basis for us.
I did not intend to single out bloggers with that comment, so I hope you do not feel singled out. It is more a rhetorical statement to those who do not voice their opinion at the ballat box. Everyone has a right to disagree and voice their opinions, but it did cost this nation dearly for that right.
As for the journalists vs unpaid bloggers, I would love to parlay this blogging into a paid gig, but I do not think journalists have a right to print ahead of bloggers if they are slow to get the info.
As for Hali, every person in this country who is not a citizen has to either become a citizen, renew their permanent residence status every 10 years, renew work visas, or reside illegally. Hali could not reside her illegally or he would not get a paycheck. The laws for employment make I-9's a standard requirement or you need a work visa.
Last edited by socalsportsfan on August 2nd at 12:59 PM.
socal Thanks once again for a great article. Although not yet a citizen I'm grateful for the chance that the country has afforded me and I look forward one day to becoming a citizen of this country.
More than anyhing else I'm glad to have made friends from all walks of life and backgrounds and ethnicities. Their differing points of views have somewhat shaped my being although my final decisions are often of my own making. And in saying this I've also afforded myself a new group of confidantes amongst this forum for which I'm truly grateful.
Thanks Socal for a great piece, once again!!
Last edited by tophatal on August 2nd at 10:15 PM.
socal - The Tamba Hali story is a great one that deserves telling. I am glad he got to this point, in all the right and proper ways as you aptly point out, and hope he is able to soon rescue his mother.
Freedom is a concept that is under much scrutiny, debate, and in many cases attack in many regards. I am thankful for the opportunity afforded to me by the sacrifice of others that I am able to enjoy all of the various freedoms in this one of a kind land.
Burger, agreed. I linked his story in the first two words, but I did not want to retell it as much as applaud him for becoming a citizen.
Mean, it was exactly a week ago. I was on vacation and failed to mention it, but I would think some blogger would have found out that info and posted it on the web. Guess I still don't have Mel Gibson status, yet!
Ultra, what I mean by "many" take their citizenship for granted is that many assume these freedoms cost us nothing, but in reality they cost us dearly with the lives of men and women who have served in the US armed forces.
I'm sure you've heard me say this before, but there are only three times our freedoms have been protected by the armed forces: The American Revolution, and World Wars I and II (and we entered World War I in the very last year when everyone's forces were exhausted, so you might not even count that). Unless our government is being threatened to being taken over by another hostile government, the armed forces are not protecting our freedoms when they go into the Middle East, or when they fought in the Cold War, or when they fought in Korea.
I did not intend to single out bloggers with that comment, so I hope you do not feel singled out. It is more a rhetorical statement to those who do not voice their opinion at the ballat box
I don't "voice my opinion" at the ballot box. But, actually I do, by not voting. Not voting is in itself an action. And I'm sure you've heard me say this before: voting doesn't matter.
I do not think journalists have a right to print ahead of bloggers if they are slow to get the info.
That raises an interesting question: how slow is too slow? Where is the line drawn?
On a side note, listening to Levin last night, it seems like Gibson is admittedly anti-Semitic. He doesn't want to harbor those feelings, but he thinks there is something deep inside of him.
The problem (for those who have a problem) isn't Gibson's anti-semitism as much as it's the anti-semitism of those associated with Gibson who haven't been exposed yet.
If Gibson can make hundreds of millions of dollars off the entertainment industry -- run predominantly by Jews -- and still harbor anti-semitic feelings -- no doubt Jews are aware there are likely others just as powerful as Gibson who harbor the same views. Individuals who also are earning millions of dollars.
What am I getting at? Nothing. Just thinking out loud.
Last edited by MeanDovine on August 2nd at 1:24 PM.
Ultra, we just disagree on the armed forces, but I know you will not change your mind. As for voting, I think refusing to vote is a vote, but I hold voting as my right and a very valuable one at that.
Mean, Mel #### up big time. I think he has to work through those issues with producers and studio execs, but I will say that money talks and even if he is anti-semitic but Mel has a good movie, they will produce it and show it because it brings them dollars.
The number one reason I love our country: Despite those who accuse us of being self-serving and egocentric, I still think the US is the only country who does not cow to the threats of those who would take away our freedoms...
Adolph and Stalin and Mao? Not in our world.
We protect the weak in spite of our many errors and blunders...
The soldiers who serve us are among the most noble...and we have some who exploit those very freedoms so many have lived and died for.
A beatiful paradox.
PS: Go Lebron and Wade later this month! This is our sport, folks! Bring it home with honor.
Last edited by edclinchsaint on August 2nd at 2:32 PM.
Another outstanding post Socal. I recall a few years ago an incident of "Manny being Manny" - If I remember correctly, he missed a game to get sworn in as an American citizen after passing his citizenship exam the previous winter. When he came back to Fenway the next night, he ran out to his position in left field proudly carrying a small American flag above his head. It brought shivers up my spine because it was an emotional moment for him, one he was obviously extremely proud of....
Great post Socal. I agree with EVERY point you made. You are right that our freedoms are being paid for every day. When a store manager leaves his job, wife and kids to drill with the National Guard on the weekend or detatch to a far away place for two weeks. When a Navy ship steams to a troubled area to show American presence. When military men and women are sent to lands far away to show the world that the American way has no place for terrorist attacks anywhere...let alone on our soil. EVERY DAY, our armed forces protect every word, sentence and paragraph of our Constitution and Rights. Regardless of anyones opinion that the blessing of being born in this country is a birth right. I know that most of us have that realization.
Good post, SoCal. And Happy Birthday to you and Shooter!
(You're welcome.)
Boys is there a lot of muck to wade through regarding the blogger vs. journalist issue. O'Reilly's just P.O.'d because he got scooped!
My mom became a citizen when I was a kid. She was from the Philippines. I remember her studying and studying, even stuff I was learning at school. Presidents and states and history. We quizzed each other. She was nervous that day but passed with flying colors. Never more proud. And she never missed a vote. Even when she knew we'd be voting for opposing candidates...I'd tell her we're just canceling each other out...but she'd want to go anyway.
I guess if you don't have the right to vote, then you get it, you want to use it.
Socal...great post. I think the United States is the most selfish and most ungrateful nation in the world. However, I don't think it would be that way unless we had so much to offer. And the things we are offered are offered nowhere else in the world. Like you said, why does people from all over the world flock to the States?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BY THE WAY!!!!...and also to Shooter!!!
I think we are also quick to forget that our freedoms are protected on a daily basis. And though we have those who believe that our freedoms are only attacked by direct attacks, it is the very fact that we head off future attackers that we can even say that. For some, there is only offense and defense. And if you're on the offensive, you're the bad guy. But sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. And being on the offensive keeps us from being on the defensive. I know I'll be slammed for that. But I challenge anyone to believe that if we just sat back here in America with our armed forces and stayed totally on the defensive, it would be an act of cruelty for our generation to have children. I would rather fend off the extremists and oppressors now, than have to defend our own turf from them in the future. Good article.
Ultra-the fact that you don't voice your opinion at the ballot box, or you do by not voting, as you say, is exactly what Socal meant by taking our citizenship for granted. I remember an uprising in China in the late 80s or early 90s-Tiennamen Square (sp?) where a bunch of young Chinese adults were protesting, among other things, their lack of voice in government; i.e., not being able to vote. Many were killed for their actions. And I think many of them would have killed (used figuratively) for the right to vote, which we take for granted.
And you can say 'voting doesn't matter' all you want, but I find it highly hypocritical for one like yourself who has such strong political opinions yet chooses not to vote. If one were of the cynical ilk, one could say you don't have much right to complain, couldn't one?
Ultra-the fact that you don't voice your opinion at the ballot box, or you do by not voting, as you say, is exactly what Socal meant by taking our citizenship for granted.
They're two unrelated subjects. And yes, I do voice my opinion at the ballot box by not going to the ballot box. You know, silence speaks volumes.
If one were of the cynical ilk, one could say you don't have much right to complain, couldn't one?
"Another popular claim by patriots is that if you don't vote, you have no right to complain about the state of the country. That's poor logic to say the least. Consider this: you go out to the polls and punch a hole next to George W. Bush's name. You support Bush. When the votes are counted, and Bush has won, and butchers America the way he has in his six years as President, that is indirectly your fault: you voted him in; whereas I, who did not vote, have every right to complain about the candidate whom I did not vote into office."
It is my opinion and only an opinion, but I think if you had gone to the ballot box and had voted for Kerry then you would have a right to complain. By not voting, it could be argued that it was a vote for George Bush, not a vote against him. The two are different.
Got to love the media giants! They don't get it first so they want to sue b/c they can't spin it to their liking..lol.
As far as the whole Gibson thing goes, who cares? A drunk guy making a comment about Jews gets thrown all over the TV and free press. He gets his projects cut b/c of a statement he made. People say he is an anti-Semite. Well what about those groups of people, Muslims, who are in the practice of exterminating Jews on a daily basis? Where is the condemnation in that? Is calling someone a name nowadays worse than the actual practice of killing people? This whole thing goes to show you how out of touch this world is to the reality we currently face.
I agree Socal and Ricko, if you don't vote then what do you have to complain about? By not participating what does that really say other than I don't want to make a choice?
It is my opinion and only an opinion, but I think if you had gone to the ballot box and had voted for Kerry then you would have a right to complain.
Either way, I have a right to complain because it's America, where I can choose not to vote.
According to you, because I don't support any of the two candidates the election will inevitably come down to, I have no right to complain. That just doesn't make sense. If you don't use Geico or Allstate, do you lose your right to complain about car insurance companies?
I agree Socal and Ricko, if you don't vote then what do you have to complain about? By not participating what does that really say other than I don't want to make a choice?
What does voting say? You're always choosing between a Democrat and a Republican -- the election always comes down to those two parties, never a Green Party or an Independent -- both of whom probably do not have beliefs that represent you entirely. Basically by voting, you're settling for less.
Why would I vote when there is no candidate that represents me that has even a small chance at contending in the election?
Last edited by UltraMegaOK1988 on August 3rd at 7:15 AM.
UM: What does voting say? You're always choosing between a Democrat and a Republican -- the election always comes down to those two parties, never a Green Party or an Independent -- both of whom probably do not have beliefs that represent you entirely. Basically by voting, you're settling for less.
Well we do have a 2 party system right, hence the R and D? Green party is for those environmental wackos who freak out over new high and low tempertures. They are a joke. Independent is no different then R or D. Just putting a new name on an old face and trying to pitch it to the people. Anyone recall Jumping Jim Jeffords? A liberal in the R party that jumped to the I party so that D party could have majority in the Senate? I am settling for the best rep of what I stand for, not for less. Not to mention I vote b/c I don't want socialists..aka...liberals running my country.
LSU, I actually think Jim switched to be an independent, although he usually votes against the Rep.
Ultra, the point is not that you have no right to complain because you do, but your complaint is made weaker because you choose not to do what is within your power to change the system. The only way to get someone else in is to vote. It may seem futile to vote for an independent, but at least the ones who are elected will see how strong that voting block is and maybe take them into consideration in their next election. I have to agree that I rarely see someone on the ballot I totally agree with or even want to vote, but I do cast my vote. Too many people are apathetic to the process, and that is what I mean by taking our rights for granted. The people of Cuba would love to have a vote. They jump in old cars and bath tubs trying to float to America for a chance at what we have. Chinese people hole up in the bottoms of boats and ride for days on the ocean to get here. It just amazes me what they are looking for here that we forget we have.
Well we do have a 2 party system right, hence the R and D?
It's more than a two-party system, but Republicans and Democrats are the major political parties.
Green party is for those environmental wackos who freak out over new high and low tempertures.
Is the Green Party any less valid because they are "wackos"? Absolutely not.
Independent is no different then R or D. Just putting a new name on an old face and trying to pitch it to the people.
An independent is someone who does not identify himself with any other political party.
I am settling for the best rep of what I stand for, not for less.
Every election is Republican or Democrat. Do you identify wholly with every Republican in every election? No, you don't, so you are settling for less by voting Republican.
Not to mention I vote b/c I don't want socialists..aka...liberals running my country.
You're making a hasty generalization by combining socialists with liberals.
Read up on it so you don't make these kinds of generalizations anymore.
your complaint is made weaker because you choose not to do what is within your power to change the system.
Voting doesn't change the system. Isn't it wrong to vote in someone you don't feel is right for the job? I don't feel any of the candidates on any ballot I've been eligible to vote on so far have been worthy of being President of the United States. Right now, the only person I'd actually go out and vote for is Russ Feingold, and he's not running for President. My vote wouldn't make a hint of difference anyway.
It may seem futile to vote for an independent
It is futile to vote for an Independent. It's futile to vote for a Republican or for a Democrat, too. Your vote, my vote, and anyone else's vote does not make one bit of a difference.
I have to agree that I rarely see someone on the ballot I totally agree with or even want to vote, but I do cast my vote.
That is what is known as settling for less.
Too many people are apathetic to the process, and that is what I mean by taking our rights for granted.
I take my rights for granted by not voting? I am exercising my rights as an American by not voting.
Ultra, as much as I would enjoy making it to a 100 comments, I will not just argue for arguement sake. It is your right to vote or not to vote. That is the freedom the men of our armed services have given us. If you choose to exercise your by voting that is your choice. I choose to exercise my right by voting. I do think that is the only way our voice is heard, but that is my opinion. Good luck.
I partially have to agree with Ultra...though from a little bit of a different angle. If we have a R and D representative running for Prez..and neither of them have the values I look for...or neither of them have the qualities I look for, then why would I vote for anyone who I didn't agree with, no matter if they were my only choice or not. It doesn't make sense. I think the Presidential elections are almost meaningless to the general public...so far as their votes meaning anything. The true test of a concerned citizen is in the local and state elections. If we choose not to vote at all, then we are obviously not concerned about our country...because there will be someone from the local level, all the way up to the Prez level that we will agree with. If you are voting during your local and state elections, then, I believe, that is more a test of your concern for your country than voting for the Prez...because those votes count and make a difference.
Okay, my two cents worth that isn't even worth two cents anyway but here we go. I enjoyed reading this article and appreciate the steps that people take to become a citizen of the U.S. It is not as easy to become a citizen as we may perceive it. Many people that have defected, such as the display in Miami about Castro, have family members that have been executed or tortured because they do not believe in Communism or what have you. The statements that were made by Mike Lowell were very strong and if everything he stated was true, he had every right to have those feelings.
As far as voting is concerned, I too choose not to vote and not because I am trying to make a statement by being silent or not voting, but because, at least here in Tennessee, when you step into a voting booth, you have to choose to vote Republican, Democrat or one of the other parties. The problem I have with that is I may want to vote Republican for George W. Bush for President but may want to vote Democrat for another seat of election. With the current selections, you have to choose from the Republican candidates and it doesn't list everyone running for the office. That is the one thing I would like changed. I would like to see where every single person running is listed so that everyone has the chance of being voted for and not just from the one party.
If we choose not to vote at all, then we are obviously not concerned about our country...because there will be someone from the local level, all the way up to the Prez level that we will agree with.
Fatmaw, I have yet to agree completely with anyone on the local, state, or national level. Russ Feingold is the closest anyone has come to matching my set of beliefs and I can't vote for him because he's not in Pennsylvania and he's not running for President.
The representatives in Pennsylvania, are, by the way, awful.
Ultra...I don't think anyone will ever live up to your expectations..whatever they may be.
Is it just me, or do you seem to only pop up in politically driven posts...whether written by you or not. I have three blogs I have written, none politically motivated at all, and noticed you haven't even stopped in to read...or at least haven't commented. Maybe you just think my writing sucks...and therefore had nothing to comment. Just an observation.
Pipsy, I voted in TN and I think in the general elections all the names are on the ballot. I never vote straight party line, but in the primaries it is usually only one party there, I think.
Fat, the right to vote is sacred even if you disagree with the candidates. That is the point I am making. Choosing not to vote means you choose not to participate in this "democracy", a term I use loosely. Voting is the hallmark of the US and every free country.
Our constitution is structured to promote a two party system. That may seem wrong, but if you've ever seen the problems in plurality-wins places like Europe, the fractured nature of the government makes it almost dysfunctional. Of course, that may be what Ultra ultimately wants.
Socal....I hear your argument loud and clear. The problem I have with it is that it's like you're forcing people to vote, or they're thrown into the unpatriotic group. Why would I vote for someone who I didn't like. It's like voting just for the sake of voting. I'm not going to do that. I still vote...if there are people worthy to vote for. Sometimes I feel like we're voting for one skuz bucket over another...and I personally don't see what's right in doing that! Voting isn't only a rite, it's a privelege...if those you are voting for are worth voting for.
Fat, let me clarify my position. As I told Ultra above, not choosing to vote is also making a statement. I would never say we should force anyone to vote for someone that you think will represent you in a way you do not like, but I do think you can find someone who will move you in the direction you want this country to move. If you list every president that has ever been elected you can find things they support that you would not agree with. That would be true for state representatives, senators, and local officials. If you choose not to vote, then you are letting others make that decision for you. I have chosen not to vote. I did not vote for Bush in the first election, but I did not want to vote for Gore. WHen it came to Kerry, I voted for Bush. I would rather have voted for several others who ran but lost in the bid to become the party nominee. I just see voting as something that should be exercised. I would hate to see the day when we did not have the right to vote and our leaders were just appointed by the outgoing administration, i.e. Cuba.
Voting isn't only a rite, it's a privelege...if those you are voting for are worth voting for.
It's a privilege in the sense that it's a right given to us by the government, but it's not some sacred institution that we should bow our heads to at dinner.
Fatmaw, I agree with you -- why vote for someone who you don't think would do a good job in office? Isn't the objective to vote for whom you feel will do a good job? What if I don't feel any of the choices will do a good job?
When was the last time an election came down to one vote? Never. Voting doesn't matter.
Ultra, To me the problem with not voting is that you are basically giving up. Pacifism in politics works about as well as it does in everything else in life. The non-pacifists will have their way. If you know of a solution for non-representation of minority viewpoints I would love to hear it.
Ultra...did i hit a sore spot?...no one said anything about bowing down to the privilege to vote. You seem to have this infatuation with patriotic Americans making Americanism a religion. If you really look at it, we could say you have made anti-Americanism your religion.
Socal..finding some good in someone still doesn't make them good enough to vote for. I'm not necessarily arguing with you..as I think we are really close on our beliefs on this...and on politics in general. I'm just giving you another angle to look at.
Ultra, I will have to look that up, but I believe it was Lincoln or someone else fairly important that one by "one" vote in the past. It does happen.
There is a local election in FL, where the vote was tied, they did a second vote and it tied again. IN that case, the town did something like play rock paper scissors for the mayor. Weird.
Ultra...if 1,000 people had your attitude, which lots more than that probably do about voting, then it would matter!! It's not the one, it's the trickle down effect of it.
Many countries still do not have the freedom to vote.
