nitetrain8601

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 06:04 PM) To be honest though, I feel that the blind dedication to one's party or "group" is the most fundamental problem with our political system today. It shouldnt be an "us" vs "them" environment like it is today. I think a President's job to the public is to inspire and involve, which is something that Obama does very well. Therefore, everyone should be an independant! I'm serious and would be happy with screwing the whole party system.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 05:47 PM) I find your arguments very one dimensional. People just voted for Obama because he was black. But why? Why did they just vote for Obama for his skin color, and not for other black candidates who have run for president. Do people really expect Obama to save their lives? Or are they just celebrating what they finally is true representation in this government. Your statements only work at a very basic level, and ignore previous history, cultural contexts and really undermine the motives of the voters you are trying to profile. I'm sure they would love to paint you with a broad brush too. Perhaps, I should've thrown in "there are those who only voted for him because he is black." I'm not naive enough to believe everyone or even 50% of his supporters are supporters because he is black. I would say 9% at most. But you cannot be naive enough to believe, there isn't that population that voted for him because he is black and they expect him to save the black population. And Obama is different in the regards that I have already posted, i.e. "The co-worker stating she doesn't have to do anything for the rest of her life because Obama is going to take care of her people, or the teenager stating now he could go to college because Obama is president."

QUOTE (bmags @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:55 PM) There are personal decisions each of us can do, though, to all help our goal of having a greater country. I think there will be a return to community that has been a staple of the United States since it was a group of colonies. The things Tex and PA speak of so well. I hope so. Because ultimately, I think that's what's best for the country. A return of interest.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:59 PM) Maybe its not about sides, but more about the people running. Thats not exactly "crazy". You're right, but that's the problem. People vote for who they vote for, not because of their beliefs or morals, not because of their plan of action, but because of their skin color. Keep in mind, I'm not a caucasion male either. Those are the people I have a problem with. My hope is that people aren't dissapointed with Obama, and that they continue to interest themselves in government. Go out and vote for local laws and not expect guys like Obama to save their lives.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:41 PM) And THATS why he will not be able to live up to expectations and may actually hurt the future chances of african americans to become president IMO. There are simply too many people out there idolizing Obama like a God, and they will end up dissapointed when things do not change for them in their personal lives. Also since any change at all economically is going to take a decent chunk of time, and people these days have grown so accustomed to immediate fullfillment, people are going to be extremely disapointed by the results. Thank you. My problem is not Obama becoming president. I think this year, we had two of the strongest candidates in awhile. I support Obama 100%. Most of all, I like to see people become so united and interested in government just like Rock, but my point is, a lot of these people are not going to pay attention to government in 4 years, vote for Obama again, then fade to black. I could bet anyone, you won't see the voting numbers in 2016 as you saw this year.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:41 PM) You do realize people can choose a Democratic President in one election and vote for the Republican the next time and vice versa? There were quite a few socially conservative Democrats that voted for Reagan. I understand that. But why be so proud of being republican at one moment (because they want to pay less taxes is the usual reason which is a good reason since they worked for their money), but then come out of nowhere and vote for Obama. The people I listed, Jay-Z and Nas are two of my favorite rap artists, but yet, made a song about being Black Republicans, at their concerts have proudly stated their allegiance to the Republican side, and Beyonce asked to perform for Bush in 2004, then when the black presidential candidate came along, you voted for him instead of the side you were so proud of supporting, even after Bush's first term.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:30 PM) So you're relying on the government to do everything for you? I'm relying on the government to hopefully vote into law, things that are necessary. They make ultimate decisions that I voted them into place hoping they fall in line with my decisions/wants/needs, but it does not always go this way. Basically, you vote into office, people who you think will make the country better off. You don't vote for the actual laws 100%, do you?

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:47 PM) I absolutely hate the fact that Danks is going to pitch. Yep, because in spring training he wouldn't have gotten injured in that whole 6 innings he'll probably pitch in the WBC. Wow.

QUOTE (Jenksy Cat @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:46 PM) Would you still be happy if Q goes down with an injury during a meaningless "pride" exhibition game? As happy as I would be Q going down in a meaningless spring training game. And one more thing, why do we follow teams? Why do baseball players play? As fans, the ultimate prize in any sport is the championship tropy/banner. What do we get out of that? We certainly don't receive money from it. We don't receive a ring, or anything. All a championship, in any sport, any league, is is a symbol of pride. The same goes for a ring. Are you saying, a local team's pride is more important than pride on a worldwide basis?

QUOTE (Reddy @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:15 PM) thank you. i'm already sick of obamania. To add, I think the supporters being referred to are the people who jumped on Obama's ship or think Obama literally has opened doors already open. For example, on the night he won, one african-american male said, "Now I can go to college." Um? It's not like this kid was 10. He was in high school. Then there was a co-worker of my girlfriend, who told her, "Us black people don't have to worry, Obama is going to give us the good life and take care of us really well." I'm pretty sure under Bush, McCain, Clinton, etc., they would not have stopped you from going to college. Then there's the actors and actresses, guys like Jay-Z, Nas, and Beyonce who are registered Republicans, supported Bush(Beyonce even performed in 2004 for him), and yet they are Obama this and Obama that because he's black and because he's going to change the country completely. Obama is a likable guy. I think he will improve the country(as I think McCain could have as well), and I think he's an excellent historian who will learn from prior mistakes. Obama is not the saviour, not the second coming of christ, he's not going to make your house payments, make your credit card bills go away, and he's not the reason why you can now go to college. He's just one man, who will help make decisions to make the country a better place, but the expectations on him by his own supporters and setting people up for dissapointment.

QUOTE (ChiSox_Sonix @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 03:48 PM) ^^^ That times infinity X's a million more. I'm sick of that phrase. Yes Obama and Senate can. No you can't though.

I prefer Orton as well when he had that smirk. The brooding thing blows. The legacy idea is pretty cool though.

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 02:05 PM) I don't have pride in my country because I think the WBC is silly and contrived? I just don't see that. I'm currently going through the process to see if I will be accepted as an FBI agent, which is time consuming and I have to put my life on hold for no guarantee that I'll be accepted, but I guess since I don't like the WBC that cancels that service I want to do for my country out. Being proud of your country isn't all about flag waving. Also, IMO the MLB World Series is clearly the true championship, there's no need for the WBC. MLB has the best players in the world, minus some Japanese players who are under their rigid contract system and some other obscure examples I'm missing that others will try and argue, for a full season and a playoff system. Not all the best players are in the US as you have admitted. The WBC championship is for country pride. It is to see, who has the best talent. As you saw last time, US did not. And it's ST that these players will be missing. Are you seriously concerned with players missing spring training? And keep in mind, these players keep themselves in shape(baseball shape) year round for the most part. And, these players would be swinging a bat in ST if not a real game in the WBC. The pitchers would be getting as much work in ST, so the whole myth with injury is untrue. If a guy is unlucky enough to blow out his arm in WBC, chances are, he would've blown it out in ST as well. I rather have them face real competition earlier than later. And WBC does not interfere with the actual season. Again, soccer fans have a bigger complaint as their players leave mid season. Hell, WNBA has a bigger gripe. Baseball fans should not, so I find the complaining useless. Again, I am happy guys like Danks, Quentin, etc are getting recognition as among the best baseball players.

I rather see 100mph Bobby as well for reasons already discussed. Search for it in the trade Bobby discussion.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jan 19, 2009 -> 11:47 PM) It seems that one of the main reasons for creating the WBC was to get the superstars of the came representing their country. It wouldn't make a hell of a lot of sense to have the WBC be only minor leaguers. The goal of it is to make it like baseball's World Cup, and the greatest soccer players in the world play in that; why wouldn't you keep that true about the WBC? Thank you. It's marketed as the best of the best. I guess it is true, Americans really don't have pride in themselves. They rather win a league championship over a truly world championship. I don't see soccer teams complaining about their guys playing and they would have more of a gripe as countries play friendly matchups against each other all the time. I'm glad Danks and Co. are going as they are thought of as some of the best players.

QUOTE (Jimbo's Drinker @ Jan 19, 2009 -> 04:59 PM) Bears need a pass rush first and foremost. They need CB who could cover receivers so the pass rush has time to get there. And Anquan Boldin.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Jan 19, 2009 -> 04:07 PM) I think John has until the end of next year to get this mess straightened out. It all starts with next month's trade deadline. +1. I've come to accept that Ben Gordon never has and never will get any respect around here. He's having his best season by a good margin this year. +2. Paxson needs to get at least one deal done by the trade deadline which rids us of the logjam or a long contract like Kirk or Noc.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Jan 19, 2009 -> 03:37 PM) Well golly gee! I didn't know it was THAT easy! I obviously disagree with you. And I can easily say the only way you trade a first rounder for a WR is if that's your only need (which obviously isn't anywhere near the case). Other than the QB position, the most important element to a quality offense is having your offensive line solidified. If a guy like Michael Oher, Jason Smith or Duke Robinson is available, that's a no-brainer, IMO. And, yes, Boldin is second-tier. You're not possibly suggesting he's in the first-tier with Fitzgerland, Johnson and Smith, are you? And he will be 30 soon and has a history of injuries. No way in hell you give up a first rounder for him. Skill positions are much more important than G or T positions. WR is probably the 2nd most important position on offense. RB's are a dime a dozen IMHO and that's another position in which you could find a 1000 yard rusher in the 2nd round. Good WR's are hard to find and when you could get a sure bet who's a star WR, you do it. The dropoff between 1st round offensive lineman and 2nd round lineman is not as big of a difference to sway you to pick that over a position player that is of need. If you need both, always go skill position 1st, then lineman 2nd. And in the case of the Bears, their skill positions are what really sucks right now minus maybe LB core and they're not all that great either. They need a QB, WR, SS, FS, and two CB. Boldin would be a much bigger boost than whatever OL in the 1st round. Not saying they will trade for Boldin, but it would be much smarter to do so.

I heard about that. Lol @ Non-HIV STD. Looks like she doesn't want to scare off other men. I don't even know why he got married in college without testing the NBA life.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Jan 19, 2009 -> 02:49 PM) I don't think he'll ever overhaul the roster (I hope he proves me wrong, but I am doubtful of it) and Uncle Jerry seems to be asleep at the wheel with firing him. It's a bad situation. It's pretty much like he was with Krause. He likes him and he'll stay loyal to him until the fans start chanting Fire Paxson.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Jan 19, 2009 -> 02:46 PM) I agree 100 percent with all of this, but hoping for a trade is a waste of time with John Paxson running the show. He seems to think all of these players are his first born and won't part with them. Which is why he should be fired. This team won't improve until he overhauls the roster or is fired.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Jan 19, 2009 -> 02:34 PM) If you're gonna trade a first rounder for Boldin (I wouldn't. Not for a second-tier WR who apparently acts little b**** when he doesn't get his way), you better be sure you can upgrade at least one of the offensive or defensive lines through FA. Drafting an OLineman in the first round is a waste unless it is your only need. Other than that, you could find a Pro Bowler in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Boldin a 2nd tier WR? Have you checked his numbers? http://www.nfl.com/players/anquanboldin/profile?id=BOL283010 Keep in mind, he also suffered through the likes of Josh McCown.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Jan 19, 2009 -> 02:39 PM) The Bulls as currently built cannot win without Ben Gordon's scoring. If other guys have bad games, the Bulls can still find a way to win, but if Gordon shoots poorly, the Bulls are probably going to lose. In addition, Gordon is a bit of a one trick pony (even with his improved play in others areas this year), and if his shot isn't falling, he's a noticeable liability to the team while on the floor. One thing that is clear is that this team isn't going to the playoffs or around .500 though, so it might be time to start hoping for losses and ping pong balls soon. In addition, the Bulls better bring a major scorer into the fold if Gordon leaves because as much as poeple like myself dislike Ben, the Bulls need those 18 to 22 points a game. Well, I think all Bulls fans are better off hoping for a trade. This upcoming draft is by far the worst one of this decade. Nobody besides Blake Griffin looks to be an impact player. I like Greg Monroe myself, but at that, I could easily see him turning into a nobody.

Not that I'm excusing a bad game, but where is the blame on the other players such as Kirk, Drew Gooden, Nocioni? When we win, it wasn't because of Gordon. When we lose, Gordon blew. What happened to we wouldn't miss a beat without him? Where are those people who say, Gordon isn't a difference maker? Rose has an excellent game, Noah has an excellent game, Gordon has a bad game(he's been in a slump), and the Bulls lose. So I guess that makes Rose and Noah non-factors? [/rant] I hope Gordon comes out of this slump because we need him in order to win. Sucks we lost to a terrible team. It was nice seeing Larry on the bench again.

QUOTE (bschmaranz @ Jan 19, 2009 -> 12:34 PM) It's gonna cost a 1st round pick. Don't think Angelo would do that. Not like his track record for 1st round picks is great. And one of this team's greatest need is WR. Why not get a for sure thing?