Matt Birk skipped White House visit because of his pro-life stance

[waggy]

This makes me to actually start liking the Ravens just a teeny little bit.


"I wasn't there," Birk told KFAN in Minnesota. "I would say that I have great respect for the office of the Presidency, but about five or six weeks ago, our President made a comment in a speech and he said, 'God bless Planned Parenthood.'

"Planned Parenthood performs about 330,000 abortions a year. I am Catholic, I am active in the Pro-Life movement and I just felt like I couldn't deal with that. I couldn't endorse that in any way. I'm very confused by [Obama's] statement. For God to bless a place where they're ending 330,000 lives a year? I just chose not to attend."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-matt-birk-skipped-white-house-visit-due-to-his-prolife-stance-20130606,0,4383788.story

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Good for him.

[DC Muskie]

He and Tim Thomas are freaking stupid.

Good for them for being that freaking stupid.

[Juice]

Last year Birk and his former teammate Chris Kluwe both wrote op-eds with differing views on gay marriage.

Birk: http://m.startribune.com/?id=171850721

Kluwe: http://blogs.twincities.com/outofbounds/2012/10/01/out-of-bounds-blog-no-14-problems/

Both players are pretty outspoken with their views on social issues.

[PMI]

He and Tim Thomas are freaking stupid.

Good for them for being that freaking stupid.

Why are they freaking stupid? The guy stood up for something he believed in.

[DC Muskie]

Why are they freaking stupid? The guy stood up for something he believed in.

They took a political position and turned something that isn't remotely political and made it about their own political views.

What exactly does Birk respect about the presidency? The presidency was offering congratulations on a football and hockey season and these guys decide it's a good time to "stand up for something they believe in."

Your theory would hold water if President Obama was doing a political rally in Baltimore and wanted the Ravens to join him. Then I can see Birk declining. Instead, he takes something like a ceremony and decides his political views are more important than what the event actually is, and gets accolades for not understanding what the actual situation he was invited to.

[waggy]

The big point is that Planned Parenthood are murderers, but to DC the even bigger point is that Birk didn't make his opinion known in the correct setting...

You might be the stupid one DC.

[DC Muskie]

The big point is that Planned Parenthood are murderers, but to DC the even bigger point is that Birk didn't make his opinion known in the correct setting...

You might be the stupid one DC.

What does Planned Parenthood have to do with having the president say "Congrats Ravens!?"

Nothing.

Also, Matt Birk no longer plays for the Ravens, nor did the Ravens actually take a stand as an organization, but you are liking what one former player did, and deciding you like the team a little bit more.

That's a whole another level of stupid you just went to waggy. That's pretty impressive.

[waggy]

So DC, I guess your position is that abortion is not murder?

[DC Muskie]

So DC, I guess your position is that abortion is not murder?

So you don't actually have an answer to what Planned Parenthood has to do with a celebration of the Ravens Super Bowl win.

My views, along with yours or Matt Birk are pretty irrelevant in this discussion. I doubt that will change your opinion and instead will now try and focus what you think my views on Planned Parenthood.

Which would be wrong on all aspects.

[waggy]

So not only are you stupid, but also a giant vagina!

[DC Muskie]

So not only are you stupid, but also a giant vagina!

I wonder if the president will have me over since it's obvious I won this argument.

[waggy]

So you think you were actually successful in killing more unborn children? Congrats!

[DC Muskie]

So you think you were actually successful in killing more unborn children? Congrats!

Yup me and the rest of the Ravens who showed up to get a congrats from the president!

Seriously waggy, don't you have some clinic to bomb or something?

[waggy]

Seriously DC, how can you win an argument in which you don't take a position? You need to go look in your stupid mirror. Stupid being a noun.

You're position is essentially the guy 'spoke out of turn'. So? What about the issue??? Take a position or Eff off.

[PMI]

They took a political position and turned something that isn't remotely political and made it about their own political views.

What exactly does Birk respect about the presidency? The presidency was offering congratulations on a football and hockey season and these guys decide it's a good time to "stand up for something they believe in."

Your theory would hold water if President Obama was doing a political rally in Baltimore and wanted the Ravens to join him. Then I can see Birk declining. Instead, he takes something like a ceremony and decides his political views are more important than what the event actually is, and gets accolades for not understanding what the actual situation he was invited to.

The bottom line is that Birk believes strongly that this "political difference" is a much larger issue than a pointless celebration of a football season at the White House. He is using this platform to make that clear, and he's 100% entitled to do so. It does not matter that Planned Parenthood has nothing to do with football. That has absolutely nothing to do with it. The guy should not have to go to the White House if he doesn't want to. I think it's pretty stupid to think otherwise. And I say this as someone who would personally have accepted the invitation regardless of who was in office, but I am not as intensely passionate about a certain issue as he seems to be with abortion. He believes that the President stands for something that he finds to be a total crime against humanity. To him, he stands for murder. You are free to disagree wholeheartedly with him, but it's silly to think that someone who believes that should just put it all aside to accommodate in a meet and greet to congratulate the team for winning the Super Bowl, rather than taking the opportunity to express his strong beliefs.

[DC Muskie]

Seriously DC, how can you win an argument in which you don't take a position? You need to go look in your stupid mirror. Stupid being a noun.

You're position is essentially the guy 'spoke out of turn'. So? What about the issue??? Take a position or Eff off.

No my position, agreed with other members of the Ravens and hundreds of other sports teams that have been invited by the president to receive his congrats is...

Sports are not about politics.

He made it about himself, not the team and not the moment. You want to go all homo on him, please do, just realize you are in fact a homo for doing so. Another position I will take here.

[DC Muskie]

The bottom line is that Birk believes strongly that this "political difference" is a much larger issue than a pointless celebration of a football season at the White House.

Right there is why it is stupid.

He can't go and receive a congrats from the president because he doesn't like the president on one particular issues. Hell even PJP II met with Clinton. He had an actual meeting with him. Birk is in a room with about 75 other guys, but nope, he can't go. Gotta take a stand!

He is entitled to do whatever he wants. If he wanted to, he could he could have stayed home and jerked off to a picture of waggy knowing how much please he is giving him for not attending.

Doesn't make it any less stupid.

[waggy]

When you have no respect for life, it's nothing to shoot the messenger.

[DC Muskie]

When you have no respect for life, it's nothing to shoot the messenger.

Who is this directed towards? I know it's not me. Because again, you would be wrong.

You are also wrong, in the idea that there is a "message" and therefore a "messenger."

You're like 0-30 in this thread waggy. You should take your own advice and "eff off."

[waggy]

Who is this directed towards? I know it's not me. Because again, you would be wrong.

You are also wrong, in the idea that there is a "message" and therefore a "messenger."

You're like 0-30 in this thread waggy. You should take your own advice and "eff off."

Of course it was directed at you. If you actually felt that abortion is murder, you'd applaud anyone's attempt to bring attention to this grevious problem. Please, please, please don't try to claim some sort of high road. It's deplorable.

[DC Muskie]

Of course it was directed at you. If you actually felt that abortion is murder, you'd applaud anyone's attempt to bring attention to this grevious problem. Please, please, please don't try to claim some sort of high road. It's deplorable.

What's deplorable is your attempt to paint anyone who sees someone trying to make a point out of something pointless and call them an accessory to murder. I bet you're a real joy at parties.

But keep trying to think you know my views on abortion, and trying to turn this thread into my views on abortion, when abortion, or any matter is irrelevant to my point that Matt Birk is stupid. Entitled to do whatever he wants, but stupid. Which explains why you are in such agreement with him.

[Juice]

Of course it was directed at you. If you actually felt that abortion is murder, you'd applaud anyone's attempt to bring attention to this grevious problem. Please, please, please don't try to claim some sort of high road. It's deplorable.

Abortion has been around for awhile. Whether you agree with it or not, I'm pretty sure everyone is pretty aware of it. It's not like someone was sitting there saying, "Oh shit, I had no idea that this thing called abortion even existed. Thank you Matt Birk."

[waggy]

What's deplorable is your attempt to paint anyone who sees someone trying to make a point out of something pointless and call them an accessory to murder. I bet you're a real joy at parties.

But keep trying to think you know my views on abortion, and trying to turn this thread into my views on abortion, when abortion, or any matter is irrelevant to my point that Matt Birk is stupid. Entitled to do whatever he wants, but stupid. Which explains why you are in such agreement with him.


Hey I offered you an opportunity to take a position but you declined. Accessory to murder are your words, but you gotta wonder about someone who isn't willing to take a position in an anonymous forum. I mean how hard is that?

And at least I got to ruin a few parties - unlike all those dead children.

[PMI]

Right there is why it is stupid.

He can't go and receive a congrats from the president because he doesn't like the president on one particular issues. Hell even PJP II met with Clinton. He had an actual meeting with him. Birk is in a room with about 75 other guys, but nope, he can't go. Gotta take a stand!

He is entitled to do whatever he wants. If he wanted to, he could he could have stayed home and jerked off to a picture of waggy knowing how much please he is giving him for not attending.

Doesn't make it any less stupid.

Actually, right there is why it's NOT stupid. I don't think you understand how seriously some people take certain issues. I mean, to him, Obama might as well be an advocate for mass murder. You don't put that aside to go shake hands in front of a camera for winning a football game. THAT would be stupid. Showing up to a stupid phony meet and greet with someone you vehemently oppose in an extremely important issue to you and putting on a fake smile all the while hiding your disgust, is stupid. Not respectfully declining and explaining why.

And again, I would personally go regardless of who was in office. The difference is I wouldn't be compromising my most sacred beliefs.

[waggy]

Abortion has been around for awhile. Whether you agree with it or not, I'm pretty sure everyone is pretty aware of it. It's not like someone was sitting there saying, "Oh shit, I had no idea that this thing called abortion even existed. Thank you Matt Birk."

What it's going to take to end to slaughter of human lives? Let's hear the solution.

[xeus]

DC thinks the civil rights movement was stupid too.

1210

Those guys were stupid to raise their fists. They should have smiled and gone along with the program.

[Juice]

What it's going to take to end to slaughter of human lives? Let's hear the solution.

I'm not for abortion but I am sure as shit that it's not Matt Birk skipping the White House trip.

[waggy]

I'm not for abortion but I am sure as shit that it's not Matt Birk skipping the White House trip.

And DC is sure as shit that Birk is stupid. Just plain stupid. Whatever. Abortion needs to be stopped. Every person that says that makes a correct statement. Regardless of the circumstances IMHO. And Birk may never have a better opportunity to make it.

[xeus]

I'm not for abortion but I am sure as shit that it's not Matt Birk skipping the White House trip.

Of course not. But why wouldn't he take the opportunity to make a statement? Should he just be a stupid sheep and go shake the hand of the most aggressively pro-abortion president we've ever seen?

My question for DC Muskie:

Let's imagine Obama passed a federal law that prohibited any distribution of food to poor people, anywhere, for any reason. Let's further imagine all tax-exempt organizations whose mission is to feed the hungry were ordered to cease and desist with all activities. Obama insists publicly that those who go hungry, perhaps even die from starvation deserve what they get. In other words, he supports a position that is completely contradictory to something you believe in very deeply.

Now pretend DC Muskie was voted 2013's most prolific and intelligent basketball messageboard poster in the entire country. (I know, just bear with me on this...) Obama loves basketball (no racist) so he invites DC Muskie to the White House to congratulate him.

DC, do you go to the White House, smile for the camera, and shake Obama's hand?

Don't try to pick apart my analogy - just answer the question.

[Kahns Krazy]

So DC, I guess your position is that abortion is not murder?

I don't know what you were trying to get DC to bite on here, but I'm game. My position is that abortion is not murder.


So not only are you stupid, but also a giant vagina!

This sums up my experience in having a conversation with the pro-life crowd.


I have no problem with someone skipping out on a meeting with the President because they feel strongly enough about a position to decline the invitation. I also think the statement was as reasonable as possible. Even if I don't share the position, I can respect the statement. At least he didn't go and tell the President he was stupid and a giant vagina.

(By the way, I can't think of a more interesting insult from a guy who claims to have authority over all female reproductive issues)

[waggy]

Kill all the babies you want, but whatever you do don't call the president a big, stupid Vagina. Because that would wrong.

[LadyMuskie]

Nothing makes me happier than men sitting around discussing abortion when I'm 100% sure abortion would be legal and non-debatable if men had to carry for nine months and then birth a child. When a man gets pregnant, goes through 24 hour a day morning sickness, swelling, pregnancy induced symptoms like carpel tunnel, sudden food allergies, diabetes, etc., discrimination at work due to pregnancy and/or motherhood, inability to breathe due to a human life form crushing your insides - especially your lungs, bed rest, the pain of labor, the toll it takes on the body to have a baby, the toll it takes on the mind and soul to miscarry a baby, and so much more, then I will listen to a man's opinion on abortion and why he should tell a woman why she can or cannot carry a baby inside of her body. Until then, Matt Birk and all the other pro-life men can bite me hard.

Oh, and if men can have opinions on things they know nothing about, I'll go ahead and stand up for women and say that we think men overreact to getting hit in the family jewels. I mean, come on. Suck it up. It's not that big of a deal. All this whining and having to wear protective gear. Blah. Blah. Blah. Are you men or giant vaginas? God gave you balls obviously knowing you might get hit there. Deal with it! Man up!

[waggy]

Sorry, but God you child bearing.

Believe me, metaphorically speaking, we get kicked in the nuts plenty.

[GoMuskies]

Nothing makes me happier than men sitting around discussing abortion when I'm 100% sure abortion would be legal and non-debatable if men had to carry for nine months and then birth a child. When a man gets pregnant, goes through 24 hour a day morning sickness, swelling, pregnancy induced symptoms like carpel tunnel, sudden food allergies, diabetes, etc., discrimination at work due to pregnancy and/or motherhood, inability to breathe due to a human life form crushing your insides - especially your lungs, bed rest, the pain of labor, the toll it takes on the body to have a baby, the toll it takes on the mind and soul to miscarry a baby, and so much more, then I will listen to a man's opinion on abortion and why he should tell a woman why she can or cannot carry a baby inside of her body. Until then, Matt Birk and all the other pro-life men can bite me hard.



This is nonsense.

[X-band '01]

I'm actually relieved. I don't have to worry about being pro-life OR pro-choice after hearing that argument. DC Muskie ain't topping that.

[DC Muskie]

I'm not answering individually to the nonsense from some of you. Waggy has decided if you don't respond positively to Birk's stupid protest, you are in fact admitting that abortion isn't murder.

Now you, especially Xeus is acting like Dayton fags more concerned about shaking hands with someone you vehemently disagree with. I guess I'm not shaking anyone's hand from this board if I meet them in person, because I hold views like, skipping out on an invite to the White House is a stupid idea.

Your idea of winning an argument and turning the tide of a whatever issue is important to you is basically...not showing up. Birk is so hell bent on whatever views, he along with Tim Thomas who did the same thing but not over the same issue, is not to show up. Don't shake his hand, because that means you tolerate the president or some stupid shit.

JP II shook Clinton's hand. Reagan shook Gorbachev's hand. But somehow I shouldn't shake the hand of the president? Are you kidding me with this shit of logic?

Shaking someone's hand...you've got to be freakin kidding me. I'm dealing with people who are amateurs. Maybe I should start arguing with myself, at least that would be interesting.

Matt Birk is former football player. He decided his personal views were so different than the president he didn't want to show up. Score one for his movement! Don't like it, then you admit abortion isn't murder!

[DC Muskie]

Nothing makes me happier than men sitting around discussing abortion when I'm 100% sure abortion would be legal and non-debatable if men had to carry for nine months and then birth a child. When a man gets pregnant, goes through 24 hour a day morning sickness, swelling, pregnancy induced symptoms like carpel tunnel, sudden food allergies, diabetes, etc., discrimination at work due to pregnancy and/or motherhood, inability to breathe due to a human life form crushing your insides - especially your lungs, bed rest, the pain of labor, the toll it takes on the body to have a baby, the toll it takes on the mind and soul to miscarry a baby, and so much more, then I will listen to a man's opinion on abortion and why he should tell a woman why she can or cannot carry a baby inside of her body. Until then, Matt Birk and all the other pro-life men can bite me hard.

Oh, and if men can have opinions on things they know nothing about, I'll go ahead and stand up for women and say that we think men overreact to getting hit in the family jewels. I mean, come on. Suck it up. It's not that big of a deal. All this whining and having to wear protective gear. Blah. Blah. Blah. Are you men or giant vaginas? God gave you balls obviously knowing you might get hit there. Deal with it! Man up!

I completely agree. Now don't complain about equal pay because it's obvious we are not equal. Deal with it and make me a sandwich.

[paulxu]

Damn, the G Effect and Rule #1...all in the same thread. Well played people.

[PM Thor]

People who are anti-arbortion better start adopting lots of kids, because if abortion becomes illegal there's gonna be lotsa wards of the state!

[GoMuskies]

People who are anti-arbortion better start adopting lots of kids, because if abortion becomes illegal there's gonna be lotsa wards of the state!

People who are against euthanasia better start adopting some indigent old people, too. Things are gonna get out of hand if we don't start killing poor old people on the regular!

[PM Thor]

People who are against euthanasia better start adopting some indigent old people, too. Things are gonna get out of hand if we don't start killing poor old people on the regular!

Yeah that is a perfect analogy!

Oh and Birk is anti gay marriage. He's truly a bastion of tolerance.

[GoMuskies]

Oh and Birk is anti gay marriage.

Does he prefer paper or plastic at the grocery store?

[PM Thor]

Does he prefer paper or plastic at the grocery store?

Neither. He brings his own bags since he's all about recycling. Come on man, keep up.

[Strange Brew]

I just hope, for his sake that Birk has is taxes in order......

[PMI]

I'm not answering individually to the nonsense from some of you. Waggy has decided if you don't respond positively to Birk's stupid protest, you are in fact admitting that abortion isn't murder.

Now you, especially Xeus is acting like Dayton fags more concerned about shaking hands with someone you vehemently disagree with. I guess I'm not shaking anyone's hand from this board if I meet them in person, because I hold views like, skipping out on an invite to the White House is a stupid idea.

Your idea of winning an argument and turning the tide of a whatever issue is important to you is basically...not showing up. Birk is so hell bent on whatever views, he along with Tim Thomas who did the same thing but not over the same issue, is not to show up. Don't shake his hand, because that means you tolerate the president or some stupid shit.

JP II shook Clinton's hand. Reagan shook Gorbachev's hand. But somehow I shouldn't shake the hand of the president? Are you kidding me with this shit of logic?

Shaking someone's hand...you've got to be freakin kidding me. I'm dealing with people who are amateurs. Maybe I should start arguing with myself, at least that would be interesting.

Matt Birk is former football player. He decided his personal views were so different than the president he didn't want to show up. Score one for his movement! Don't like it, then you admit abortion isn't murder!

Sorry, I guess I'm an amateur because I'm just not seeing how it is stupid. He decided it's more important to make a public statement than to show up to shake the president's hand. It won't change anyone's stance on abortion most likely, but he was able to use the opportunity of declining to voice his opinion on an issue he takes seriously. It's frankly much more than just a matter of differing personal views for some people. Sounds to me like he got a lot more done in declining the invite than he would've by showing up and shaking hands with someone who pretty much disgusts him. dayton fans are stupid for complaining that people don't shake their hands, but Birk is stupid for not shaking someone's hand? This is such a silly argument. You can disagree with him, but he's not stupid for prioritizing what matters to him in a completely peaceful way.

[DC Muskie]

Sorry, I guess I'm an amateur because I'm just not seeing how it is stupid. He decided it's more important to make a public statement than to show up to shake the president's hand. It won't change anyone's stance on abortion most likely, but he was able to use the opportunity of declining to voice his opinion on an issue he takes seriously. It's frankly much more than just a matter of differing personal views for some people. Sounds to me like he got a lot more done in declining the invite than he would've by showing up and shaking hands with someone who pretty much disgusts him. dayton fans are stupid for complaining that people don't shake their hands, but Birk is stupid for not shaking someone's hand? This is such a silly argument. You can disagree with him, but he's not stupid for prioritizing what matters to him in a completely peaceful way.

I guess you and I have run our course on this discussion. Yeah I disagree and I won't change my mind that I think him and Tim Thomas are stupid for taking something that isn't political and turning it political for themselves.

And thank goodness he did it in a peaceful way! I wonder if the president even knows who Matt Birk is, let alone realizing he didn't show up because Birk is disgusted with the president.

[PMI]

I guess you and I have run our course on this discussion. Yeah I disagree and I won't change my mind that I think him and Tim Thomas are stupid for taking something that isn't political and turning it political for themselves.

And thank goodness he did it in a peaceful way! I wonder if the president even knows who Matt Birk is, let alone realizing he didn't show up because Birk is disgusted with the president.

My guess is he probably had no idea who Mark Birk was before, but knows who he is now. I disagree that he turned anything political. When you're the President of the United States, pretty much everything you're involved in is already political. The issue is more than just a political one to Birk and he decided to voice it in the way he did. A president is, in many ways, a symbol of his own political stances. It doesn't just turn off when he wants to shake hands with the Super Bowl champs. I think it's naive to view any situation involving the President as apolitical when someone with opposing moral views is added to the equation. It's much, much bigger than a friendly hand shake.

But yes, this argument has run its course.

[xeus]

People who are anti-arbortion better start adopting lots of kids, because if abortion becomes illegal there's gonna be lotsa wards of the state!

Yes, we should all embrace the wonderful benefits that abortion bestows upon our society.

[DC Muskie]

A president is, in many ways, a symbol of his own political stances. It doesn't just turn off when he wants to shake hands with the Super Bowl champs. I think it's naive to view any situation involving the President as apolitical when someone with opposing moral views is added to the equation. It's much, much bigger than a friendly hand shake.

I'm surprised as smart as you are and having grown up in Washington DC you think this way.

Also, it's too bad to some that we can't simply have a friendly hand shake with the president because our political, or moral views differ. I wish Matt Birk the best in his retirement and hope he can continue to carry the flag of the pro life movement.

[PMI]

I'm surprised as smart as you are and having grown up in Washington DC you think this way.

Also, it's too bad to some that we can't simply have a friendly hand shake with the president because our political, or moral views differ. I wish Matt Birk the best in his retirement and hope he can continue to carry the flag of the pro life movement.

Like I said, I would've shown up to the White House, whether it was a super conservative Republican or a super liberal Democrat. Personally, I can put political differences aside and show up to do the whole pointless handshake. But to people like Birk, it's more than just political. It's his faith. To some people, absolutely nothing matters more than their religious beliefs, and I don't fault them or think they're stupid for it. It doesn't mean I think like them, but I can respect where they're coming from, and respect their decisions to demonstrate their opinions in a harmless way. Being from Washington, D.C., and having had several families members work at some high levels of politics (on both sides I might add), I tend to get turned off by politics in general. I've seen the ugliest sides of the game, honestly. I am not a fan of politics. You don't see me take political stances when those discussions come up here. I have no interest in it. But when it comes to somebody's core faith, I will A) never try to endure the futile challenge of changing somebody mind and B) never fault someone for voicing his/her beliefs in a harmless manner, no matter how ridiculous I may think they are. The only sort of exception I can think of are the idiots who protest the soldiers and root for them to die and go to hell. That, to me, is too close to the borderline of what's harmless, as their viewpoints are way, way too extreme for me.

[nuts4xu]

I can't tell a woman to not have an abortion, it is after all, her uterus, vagina and taint that gets ripped open.

There are many reasons (some better than others) women have abortions. If you criminalize abortion, you are opening this country up to a whole different set of problems. This issue was settled in the courts over 40 years ago, and I see no way it is changing now.

We can believe whatever we want in this country, regardless of religious affiliation. I believe having legal abortions legal, does more good than harm to our society and will be surprised if they ever reverse the decision Supreme Court made in 1973.

I am not advocating or promoting that women SHOULD have abortions, but in some cases and for some women, it is the best choice for their situation.

For this reason, I don't give 2 shits whether or not Matt Birk went to the White House. If he doesn't want to go, for whatever reason, we have people that have fought and died to allow Birk this freedom. It does seem rather silly, and I would go anyway, but if he is this steadfast about his position, then GOD BLESS AMERICA Matt Birk!! Demonstrate your opinion any peaceful ass way you choose!

[GoMuskies]

I can't tell a woman to not have an abortion, it is after all, her uterus, vagina and taint that gets ripped open.


Sure, but it's the baby's limbs that get sucked into a vacuum and/or its spine that gets scissors jammed into it. Not that those of us with a penis are allowed to have an opinion on babies getting sucked into vacuums, of course.

[nuts4xu]

Sure, but it's the baby's limbs that get sucked into a vacuum and/or its spine that gets scissors jammed into it. Not that those of us with a penis are allowed to have an opinion on babies getting sucked into vacuums, of course.

You can have any opinion you want....whether or not you have a penis. My opinion is that I have no place to tell a woman, especially one carrying a baby that isn't mine, what to do with that glob of cells they have growing in their belly.

[DC Muskie]

I'm sorry I'm not sure what faith has to do with shaking someone's hand.

Sure Matt Birk can choose to go or not. For me that's not the issue. The issue is his not going is because of a political view the president holds. It's not Birk's faith, but his choice to point out that he disagrees politically with what the president said to another organization.

Mark Birk surely has met with Governor Martin O'Malley. Probably shook his hand at the send-off party before the Super Bowl, and probably after at the parade. Birk's faith was presumably the same at both moments, and O'Malley has a long record of being an abortion rights supporter.

Of course Birk can pick and choose whenever he wants to shake someone's hand, but that goes back to my point that he turned something that wasn't political into something political.

Also, he incorrectly stated that the president said "God Bless Planned Parenthood." When the president didn't say that at all. Surely Birk's faith has shaped him to not accuse someone of something he or she didn't do or say.

Also, when Birk was a member of the National Players Association, that organization provided and continues to provide financial support to the Susan G. Komen foundation, which we all know provides grants to many Planned Parenthood branches throughout the country.

It seems his faith only kicks in when he has an opportunity to gather with his former teammates and celebrate with the office of the president. Which he greatly respects, until the actual person opens his mouth and says something he doesn't agree with, then screw all of this mess, he's staying home.

That's why it's stupid to me. It's all for show and nothing else. Score some points with people who think he actually did something. He didn't do anything. He didn't prevent one child from being aborted. He could have stood up to his own union and spoken out about the support they provide to being a third party in the abortion business, but he didn't do that either.

Again, Birk can pick and choose when his faith is important to him, he can pick and choose when he shows up for stuff. He can do whatever he wants and feels is right.

But to me, he looks stupid. I'm not big on people who march, or talk about their convictions in the newspaper about how they didn't show up to WH. I'm not interested in someone telling me they are Catholic and therefore he couldn't go to see the president because the president said something that was actually inaccurate. I'm interested in people getting shit done. Those people you don't read about, who work tirelessly every day on whatever issue is important to them.

[PMI]

DC, you are certainly making a LOT of assumptions about Birk. But, again, Obama is the POTUS, and with that comes the responsibility of being an enormous political symbol, at all times and in all settings. If you really, truly do think it's stupid to make something political that doesn't have to be, then every politician ever, and many, many others, are freaking retarded. On second thought, maybe I'm not really disagreeing with you after all.

[DC Muskie]

DC, you are certainly making a LOT of assumptions about Birk. But, again, Obama is the POTUS, and with that comes the responsibility of being an enormous political symbol, at all times and in all settings. If you really, truly do think it's stupid to make something political that doesn't have to be, then every politician ever, and many, many others, are freaking retarded. On second thought, maybe I'm not really disagreeing with you after all.

Yeah I just disagree fundamentally with the idea that the president or more importantly the office itself is political, 24/7. I don't consider the Easter Egg Roll a political event. Or Memorial Day when the president goes to Arlington. Or when he meets with the college basketball champs. Or teams that win. I never thought of it when Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Bush did it before. The only times athletes have skipped it because of faith or moral objections is with Obama.

James Harrison never went because he didn't think it was special enough. I think that's stupid. Bird and Jordan didn't go, because they just didn't want to. Which again is stupid. Mark Chamura didn't go because of a golf tournament and now regrets. Manny Ramirez didn't go once because he's Manny Ramirez. And Manny is the definition of stupid. Dan Hampton didn't go because they didn't do soon enough for his liking. Pretty stupid.

But Thomas and Birk made it a point to discuss their personal views about the president. I'm not assuming anything that is wrong, I'm looking at what actions Birk specifically has done concerning this important issue to him.

[waggy]

You really are stupid if you don't get that the presidency is political 24/7.

Keep stabbing the messenger DC. He's gotta die right along with the babies.

[DC Muskie]

You really are stupid if you don't get that the presidency is political 24/7.

He's political with his kids? When he sleeps?


Keep stabbing the messenger DC. He's gotta die right along with the babies.

Keep making no sense waggy. Oh and the more graphic the better. Like how you like to lick the ass crack of Matt Birk before he drops his sweaty hairy balls into your mouth!

[waggy]

The light is almost out DC. Just a few more swings and you'll have done it!

PS: Newflash DC, but Obama isn't actually a fan of all those champions he invites to the WH. It's done for political reasons, and so he can blow more taxpayer dollars partying.

[DC Muskie]

The light is almost out DC. Just a few more swings and you'll have done it!

PS: Newflash DC, but Obama isn't actually a fan of all those champions he invites to the WH. It's done for political reasons, and so he can blow more taxpayer dollars partying.

News flash, he didn't invent the practice.

What political reasons does he have of inviting the 2011 NCAA college women's national basketball champions to the White House?

[waggy]

Political reasons DC. Duh.

[DC Muskie]

Political reasons DC. Duh.

Like what?

[waggy]

Brownie points. Pats on the back. Threesomes. Foursomes. Tranny-sex. And votes from all.

[DC Muskie]

Brownie points. Pats on the back. Threesomes. Foursomes. Tranny-sex. And votes from all.

The president of the United State invited Texas A&M women' team to the WH for threesomes and foursomes.

Hmmm...maybe he did. That's really not political though. That's sexual.

[PMI]

Who would want to have threesomes and foursomes with women's basketball championship teams?

[DC Muskie]

Who would want to have threesomes and foursomes with women's basketball championship teams?

Waggy?

[PMI]

Waggy?

I don't know, I think threesomes and foursomes are a sin. Especially if there is more than one penis involved. Although waggy might not be supplying one of the penises anyway.

[DC Muskie]

I don't know, I think threesomes and foursomes are a sin. Especially if there is more than one penis involved. Although waggy might not be supplying one of the penises anyway.

Oh Snap!

[xubrew]

Did Matt Birk ever take a stand on this??

Did he ever refuse to play if this guy remained on the team?? Didn't he sign with the Ravens right after this happened??

http://www.lifenews.com/2010/04/22/state-5011/

Many current and former NFL players have paid for abortions. There are some cases where they actually threatened to harm the mother if they didn't get an abortion. Has Matt Birk ever commented on that?? Did Matt Birk ever refuse to play against a team where a player had done that?? Did Matt Birk ever not shake hands with an opponent who had done that??

If the answer is no, then I can't help think that this is partly political. I have no doubt that he is strongly pro life, but to just assume that it is in no way political is a bit naïve. I don't see how going to the White House for a banquet, not a political rally, but a banquet, does anything to compromise his pro life beliefs that playing in the NFL with men who have paid for abortions does not also compromise. There are more than just a few of those, BTW.

[waggy]

Oh well, no reason to worry that any of you loser internet jockeys will be adding the abortion rolls anyway. Seriously.

[Kahns Krazy]

I don't know, I think threesomes and foursomes are a sin. Especially if there is more than one penis involved. Although waggy might not be supplying one of the penises anyway.

And if women's basketball is involved, there's a chance everyone has a penis.

[Kahns Krazy]

Oh well, no reason to worry that any of you loser internet jockeys will be adding the abortion rolls anyway. Seriously.

I rolled up to planned parenthood and offered to pay for the next abortion in the name of "Waggy". Where would you like me to send your tax deductible receipt for your dead baby?

[xubrew]

I'm sorry I'm not sure what faith has to do with shaking someone's hand.

Sure Matt Birk can choose to go or not. For me that's not the issue. The issue is his not going is because of a political view the president holds. It's not Birk's faith, but his choice to point out that he disagrees politically with what the president said to another organization.

Mark Birk surely has met with Governor Martin O'Malley. Probably shook his hand at the send-off party before the Super Bowl, and probably after at the parade. Birk's faith was presumably the same at both moments, and O'Malley has a long record of being an abortion rights supporter.

Of course Birk can pick and choose whenever he wants to shake someone's hand, but that goes back to my point that he turned something that wasn't political into something political.

Also, he incorrectly stated that the president said "God Bless Planned Parenthood." When the president didn't say that at all. Surely Birk's faith has shaped him to not accuse someone of something he or she didn't do or say.

Also, when Birk was a member of the National Players Association, that organization provided and continues to provide financial support to the Susan G. Komen foundation, which we all know provides grants to many Planned Parenthood branches throughout the country.

It seems his faith only kicks in when he has an opportunity to gather with his former teammates and celebrate with the office of the president. Which he greatly respects, until the actual person opens his mouth and says something he doesn't agree with, then screw all of this mess, he's staying home.

That's why it's stupid to me. It's all for show and nothing else. Score some points with people who think he actually did something. He didn't do anything. He didn't prevent one child from being aborted. He could have stood up to his own union and spoken out about the support they provide to being a third party in the abortion business, but he didn't do that either.

Again, Birk can pick and choose when his faith is important to him, he can pick and choose when he shows up for stuff. He can do whatever he wants and feels is right.

But to me, he looks stupid. I'm not big on people who march, or talk about their convictions in the newspaper about how they didn't show up to WH. I'm not interested in someone telling me they are Catholic and therefore he couldn't go to see the president because the president said something that was actually inaccurate. I'm interested in people getting shit done. Those people you don't read about, who work tirelessly every day on whatever issue is important to them.


The light is almost out DC. Just a few more swings and you'll have done it!

PS: Newflash DC, but Obama isn't actually a fan of all those champions he invites to the WH. It's done for political reasons, and so he can blow more taxpayer dollars partying.

In this case, I think DC is King Arthur and Waggy is the Black Knight bragging about how he defeated King Arthur....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKhEw7nD9C4

[PMI]

Oh well, no reason to worry that any of you loser internet jockeys will be adding the abortion rolls anyway. Seriously.

Nothing beats the "everyone else who I'm talking to on the internet is a loser except for me" swing and miss. Especially coming from the guy who usually finds himself getting teamed up on (no homo.)

[Xavier]

[QUOTE=DC Muskie;396789]

Bird and Jordan didn't go, because they just didn't want to. Which again is stupid.

[QUOTE]

Why do you think that's stupid?

[XUFan09]

By highlighting a minor (and frankly innocuous) quote by DC, Xavier brought this thread up again after just under a month of dormancy. I didn't really read it before, but while blind sampling a variety of bourbons (read: I'm drunk), I found it rather entertaining. Especially the part where DC and PMI argue back and forth per usual, but then end up teaming up on Waggy (no homo).