Tim Panaccio ‏@tpanotchCSN

BTW: Claude Giroux leads the NHL in faceoffs 55.4%

Does Steve Ott know this?

Nothing will fix it. There's a reason why Jefferson said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" in reference to having a revolution every 25 years (don't know why 25) to rid the government of greed and violation of the peoples rights that accumulate during the course of governments.
- Flyersgod

At the time of Jefferson's quote, he had just witnessed firsthand the effects of the French Revolution, and his view on government was a lot more "liberal" at the time.

I cannot think of another American historical quote that has been misinterpreted than this one.

Not true at all. Michael Vick publicly supported Obama, and I'm counting the minutes until he's gone from the Eagles roster. Conversely, one of my favorite former Flyers, Jeremy Roenick, was a pro-Mitt Romney guy.

Also, I have never once said that it wasn't Thomas' right not to speak his mind. Feel free. I served in the military for four years, in part because I believe in freedom of speech. Regardless of his beliefs or whether or not I agree with them, I fully support his right to express them.

My issue lies with how he decided to exercise his rights. Making a blanket statement on facebook and then refusing to further comment, he left it to his teammates to answer those inane questions. Part of freedom of speech is understanding the consequences of exercising that right and the impact it will have on you and those around you.

I have issues with the media and how it reports things, because in large part the media has helped make politics into the divisive mess that it is today. Blindly partisan commentary by "journalists" on both sides of the political spectrum have tainted the water to the point where it's hazardous to one's health.

That said, it's the way the world is. Thomas should have recognized that his public statements would create a firestorm. Once he made the statements, refusing to comment on them, he opened the door to the distractions the team faced. By continuing to make statements on facebook, without taking questions, he compounded the problem. Notice, I haven't said a single word about the content of Thomas' words or statements.

Next time, before making a blanket statement about how I'd react, maybe you should think twice and then not make the statement at all because assuming how one would respond, without knowing that person is idiotic.
- Jsaquella

The bruins were so distracted by his comments they went on to finish 2nd in the conference with 102 points?

Vick is a convicted felon and a lousy person and quarterback and i'd hope regardless of his political views you'd feel that way.

Nothing will fix it. There's a reason why Jefferson said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" in reference to having a revolution every 25 years (don't know why 25) to rid the government of greed and violation of the peoples rights that accumulate during the course of governments.
- Flyersgod

We have changed as a society and as human beings since Jefferson made those remarks. They shouldn't be taken literally. Besides, if we tried to overthrow the government, do you really think we could stand up against our military?

I agree. All I am saying is that I wouldn't bring up politics at work for fear of alienating or creating friction between me and a co-worker. It's a rule of thumb to stay away from religion and politics. I think this should apply to athletes as well, maybe even more so because of how important team work and chemistry is to success. The rink/locker room is their office.
- NickTheKid87

I agree with you. But they were invited to the white house. So its already mixing politics with the job.

It wasn't a big deal then, and its not a big deal now. The bruins finished 2nd in the conference. It wasn't a distraction.

The bruins were so distracted by his comments they went on to finish 2nd in the conference with 102 points?

Vick is a convicted felon and a lousy person and quarterback and i'd hope regardless of his political views you'd feel that way.
- Flyersgod

At the time of his comments, the Bruins were on an absolute tear. They had been undefeated in the month of December and several players mentioned that the Thomas matter caused some issues in the locker room.

My issue with Vick is solely for his on field performance. He committed some heinous crimes, but served his debt to society. I could care less what his political leanings are.

We have changed as a society and as human beings since Jefferson made those remarks. They shouldn't be taken literally. Besides, if we tried to overthrow the government, do you really think we could stand up against our military?
- NickTheKid87

Thats the wrong question to ask. The question to ask, is on which side would the military stand?

You can't nuke your own people. Then you'd have no people to govern.

At the time of Jefferson's quote, he had just witnessed firsthand the effects of the French Revolution, and his view on government was a lot more "liberal" at the time.

I cannot think of another American historical quote that has been misinterpreted than this one.
- KGBflyers10

You think it was misinterpreted. You can't prove it was. I'm not saying the guy was right, just saying its inevitiable at some point.

Thats the wrong question to ask. The question to ask, is on which side would the military stand?

You can't nuke your own people. Then you'd have no people to govern.
- Flyersgod

Who's to say the military would move as one if the people turned on the government? It could be way messier than has been suggested.

Thats the wrong question to ask. The question to ask, is on which side would the military stand?

You can't nuke your own people. Then you'd have no people to govern.
- Flyersgod

If the military stood on the side of the people then it would really be overthrowing anything. It would be more of a nudge. Besides, politicians are people too. The same question could be asked, what side would the stand on? It's really not even worth arguing about. The government is flawed, sure, but it's certainly nothing close to a tyranny.

At the time of his comments, the Bruins were on an absolute tear. They had been undefeated in the month of December and several players mentioned that the Thomas matter caused some issues in the locker room.

My issue with Vick is solely for his on field performance. He committed some heinous crimes, but served his debt to society. I could care less what his political leanings are.
- Jsaquella

I could careless what any athlete or celebrities political leanings are. It should never enter into the equation.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Workmanlike Win, Sestito, Anatomy of a (No)-Trade
- bmeltzer

It may not be the right time of year to make a trade but one thing is forsure, something will need to get done from now until September.

Great blog, inch by inch writing of last nights play of the team.

If the military stood on the side of the people then it would really be overthrowing anything. It would be more of a nudge. Besides, politicians are people too. The same question could be asked, what side would the stand on? It's really not even worth arguing about. The government is flawed, sure, but it's certainly nothing close to a tyranny.
- NickTheKid87

Thats if you believe the story of politicians controlling the country.

Corporations, and the super rich control it all. Thats where the problem lies.

That will probably be the case for my wife when older relatives pass, as well.

We're at the stage where it's more duty visit, and we never really feel welcome. It's always felt like "They're the Jersey people"...but as soon as somebody doesn;t feel like paying rent at a hotel in Cape May for the weekend...
- Jsaquella

That reminds me, whats your # again

If the military stood on the side of the people then it would really be overthrowing anything. It would be more of a nudge. Besides, politicians are people too. The same question could be asked, what side would the stand on? It's really not even worth arguing about. The government is flawed, sure, but it's certainly nothing close to a tyranny.
- NickTheKid87

I didn't intend to argue with you about it. My apologies on that. Thought we were just exchanging opinions.

Which side the politicians choose is rather meaningless. They are state government. The fight would be with the federal government.

I'm not worried about tyranny per se. I'm worried about freedom.

Reagan said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

I could careless what any athlete or celebrities political leanings are. It should never enter into the equation.
- Flyersgod

That's only exactly what I have been saying.

My lone issue with Thomas' comments is that, according to his own teammates and the management of the team that employed him, they became a distraction. I haven't made a single comment on what Thomas said.

I have only spoken about the manner in which he expressed those feelings, which left his teammates to have to answer for him and by their own admission, created a distraction.

I've also refrained from putting words in other people's mouths, which is something you may want to consider.

That reminds me, whats your # again
- KINGKENZO

609-867-5309

Thats if you believe the story of politicians controlling the country.

Corporations, and the super rich control it all. Thats where the problem lies.
- flyer_nutter

Thats were things get interesting. Unlike times past, a revolution today could be fought with multiple enemies all trying to gain control of the country. Defense contractors etc..

That would make it almost impossible for the people to actually win.

I didn't intend to argue with you about it. My apologies on that. Thought we were just exchanging opinions.

Which side the politicians choose is rather meaningless. They are state government. The fight would be with the federal government.

I'm not worried about tyranny per se. I'm worried about freedom.

Reagan said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."
- Flyersgod

Freedom within politics is an issue with all the lobby going on and what not but personal liberties are intact more so than they ever were.

I agree with you. But they were invited to the white house. So its already mixing politics with the job.

It wasn't a big deal then, and its not a big deal now. The bruins finished 2nd in the conference. It wasn't a distraction.
- Flyersgod

Teams are invited by the office of the president, not a political party. It's a pr thing to recognize athletic achievement. Most players attend regardless of their political views out of respect for the office. Not showing up with the rest of your team, is bush league because it's an indication that the individual thinks their beliefs are more important than a team function. I know that this will be difficult for some to hear but getting invited to the White House is a high honor and should be welcomed. A compulsion to make a political statement in these circumstances is not a virtue.

Freedom within politics is an issue with all the lobby going on and what not but personal liberties are intact more so than they ever were.
- NickTheKid87

Well thats just not the truth at all.

But lets not even go there.

Curious to see Ryan Johansen get sent down by Columbus....hasn't produced much offense, but he has been playing pretty solidly.

http://www.totalprosports.com/2010/11/11/9-pro-athletes-who-served-in-the-military-a-veterans-day-tribute/

Actions speak louder than words.....
- steelydan

Pat Tillman came to mind as soon as i read his post.