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Monday, January 23, 2012
When athletes make political statements
Tim Thomas declines offer from Obama.
Back in the 1970s, when Quebec was riding its separation wave, there was huge pressure on the french players on the Montreal Canadiens to support the separatist party that eventually came into power. From my memories of that time (I wouldn’t even turn 10, so take that for what it’s worth), all the players remained neutral. They reasoned it wasn’t their place to exude their influence on a topic they didn’t earn a right to influence on. It’s one thing if it’s Angelina Jolie, who uses her celebrity to further her non-entertainment passions. It’s another for a player to be conscripted.
Where does Tim Thomas fall? I have no idea. I would only hope that he speaks from the heart. But I agree with the author that it seems rather impolite, and intolerant, to refuse dinner with your country’s democratically-elected president. What others consider an honor, he considers it rather lacking. It’s acts like his that are divisive.
I haven’t given this any thought, so feel free to educate me.
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