(09-08-2020 08:15 AM)cr11owl Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 12:18 AM)75src Wrote:  I really cared when we were in the SWC but do not really care about the CUSA now.
Top level football has got out of hand anyway.

(09-07-2020 09:40 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  I think it may just be time to admit we are toast, go D-3, and forget it.

This is just another missed opportunity for Rice athletics. CUSA games were watched and discussed nationally this last Saturday while we’ve cancelled our first 6 games.

All we get is more excuses and lack of a coherent plan. Sounds similar to the department overall which has died a slow death since the 70s. People can say Leebron supports athletics but all of his actions indicate otherwise.

Agree. Texas State will be on national television for the second week in a row this Saturday.

Rice has completely bungled the handling of this season. We've played 106 straight years of football, but we're cancelling a season based on an illness that's less deadly than Influenza, and that rarely kills college students.

Meanwhile, on campus, Rice is allowing an organized and major BLM rally to be held by athletes. I'm sick to my stomach.

The events I have witnessed in the athletics department over the past four weeks have pushed me to my limit. I almost don't even care anymore about what happens in Rice Stadium. If I weren't a lifelong fan, I would drop Rice football like a bad habit. I honestly don't know what it is that keeps me coming back.

Leebron must go, and Karlgaard can leave with him.

(09-08-2020 01:56 PM)Ourland Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 08:15 AM)cr11owl Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 12:18 AM)75src Wrote:  I really cared when we were in the SWC but do not really care about the CUSA now.
Top level football has got out of hand anyway.

(09-07-2020 09:40 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  I think it may just be time to admit we are toast, go D-3, and forget it.

This is just another missed opportunity for Rice athletics. CUSA games were watched and discussed nationally this last Saturday while we’ve cancelled our first 6 games.

All we get is more excuses and lack of a coherent plan. Sounds similar to the department overall which has died a slow death since the 70s. People can say Leebron supports athletics but all of his actions indicate otherwise.

Agree. Texas State will be on national television for the second week in a row this Saturday.

Rice has completely bungled the handling of this season. We've played 106 straight years of football, but we're cancelling a season based on an illness that's less deadly than Influenza, and that rarely kills college students.

Meanwhile, on campus, Rice is allowing an organized and major BLM rally to be held by athletes. I'm sick to my stomach.

The events I have witnessed in the athletics department over the past four weeks have pushed me to my limit. I almost don't even care anymore about what happens in Rice Stadium. If I weren't a lifelong fan, I would drop Rice football like a bad habit. I honestly don't know what it is that keeps me coming back.

Leebron must go, and Karlgaard can leave with him.

You mean this?
https://www.chron.com/sports/rice/slides...208260.php

Count me out for this season. When, if ever, I become a Rice football fan again is, at this time, a remote possibility. I say this as a previous supporter, man and boy, since 1963.

(09-09-2020 03:40 AM)MerseyOwl Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 01:56 PM)Ourland Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 08:15 AM)cr11owl Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 12:18 AM)75src Wrote:  I really cared when we were in the SWC but do not really care about the CUSA now.
Top level football has got out of hand anyway.

(09-07-2020 09:40 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  I think it may just be time to admit we are toast, go D-3, and forget it.

This is just another missed opportunity for Rice athletics. CUSA games were watched and discussed nationally this last Saturday while we’ve cancelled our first 6 games.

All we get is more excuses and lack of a coherent plan. Sounds similar to the department overall which has died a slow death since the 70s. People can say Leebron supports athletics but all of his actions indicate otherwise.

Agree. Texas State will be on national television for the second week in a row this Saturday.

Rice has completely bungled the handling of this season. We've played 106 straight years of football, but we're cancelling a season based on an illness that's less deadly than Influenza, and that rarely kills college students.

Meanwhile, on campus, Rice is allowing an organized and major BLM rally to be held by athletes. I'm sick to my stomach.

The events I have witnessed in the athletics department over the past four weeks have pushed me to my limit. I almost don't even care anymore about what happens in Rice Stadium. If I weren't a lifelong fan, I would drop Rice football like a bad habit. I honestly don't know what it is that keeps me coming back.

Leebron must go, and Karlgaard can leave with him.

You mean this?
https://www.chron.com/sports/rice/slides...208260.php

Count me out for this season. When, if ever, I become a Rice football fan again is, at this time, a remote possibility. I say this as a previous supporter, man and boy, since 1963.

You do realize virtually every D-1 football team in the country has led a similar on-campus demonstration over the past month, including Alabama, Clemson and most others? Why in the world with this turn you off from Rice football as opposed to making you proud of our student-athletes?

(09-09-2020 07:22 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 03:40 AM)MerseyOwl Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 01:56 PM)Ourland Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 08:15 AM)cr11owl Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 12:18 AM)75src Wrote:  I really cared when we were in the SWC but do not really care about the CUSA now.
Top level football has got out of hand anyway.

This is just another missed opportunity for Rice athletics. CUSA games were watched and discussed nationally this last Saturday while we’ve cancelled our first 6 games.

All we get is more excuses and lack of a coherent plan. Sounds similar to the department overall which has died a slow death since the 70s. People can say Leebron supports athletics but all of his actions indicate otherwise.

Agree. Texas State will be on national television for the second week in a row this Saturday.

Rice has completely bungled the handling of this season. We've played 106 straight years of football, but we're cancelling a season based on an illness that's less deadly than Influenza, and that rarely kills college students.

Meanwhile, on campus, Rice is allowing an organized and major BLM rally to be held by athletes. I'm sick to my stomach.

The events I have witnessed in the athletics department over the past four weeks have pushed me to my limit. I almost don't even care anymore about what happens in Rice Stadium. If I weren't a lifelong fan, I would drop Rice football like a bad habit. I honestly don't know what it is that keeps me coming back.

Leebron must go, and Karlgaard can leave with him.

You mean this?
https://www.chron.com/sports/rice/slides...208260.php

Count me out for this season. When, if ever, I become a Rice football fan again is, at this time, a remote possibility. I say this as a previous supporter, man and boy, since 1963.

You do realize virtually every D-1 football team in the country has led a similar on-campus demonstration over the past month, including Alabama, Clemson and most others? Why in the world with this turn you off from Rice football as opposed to making you proud of our student-athletes?

For me, the question is, do they stand or kneel for the National Anthem and the Flag?

If they stand, I will stand with them.

If they kneel, I am out the door.

Fifty-eight years of being a Rice fan comes down to this.

(09-09-2020 07:38 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:22 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 03:40 AM)MerseyOwl Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 01:56 PM)Ourland Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 08:15 AM)cr11owl Wrote:  This is just another missed opportunity for Rice athletics. CUSA games were watched and discussed nationally this last Saturday while we’ve cancelled our first 6 games.

All we get is more excuses and lack of a coherent plan. Sounds similar to the department overall which has died a slow death since the 70s. People can say Leebron supports athletics but all of his actions indicate otherwise.

Agree. Texas State will be on national television for the second week in a row this Saturday.

Rice has completely bungled the handling of this season. We've played 106 straight years of football, but we're cancelling a season based on an illness that's less deadly than Influenza, and that rarely kills college students.

Meanwhile, on campus, Rice is allowing an organized and major BLM rally to be held by athletes. I'm sick to my stomach.

The events I have witnessed in the athletics department over the past four weeks have pushed me to my limit. I almost don't even care anymore about what happens in Rice Stadium. If I weren't a lifelong fan, I would drop Rice football like a bad habit. I honestly don't know what it is that keeps me coming back.

Leebron must go, and Karlgaard can leave with him.

You mean this?
https://www.chron.com/sports/rice/slides...208260.php

Count me out for this season. When, if ever, I become a Rice football fan again is, at this time, a remote possibility. I say this as a previous supporter, man and boy, since 1963.

You do realize virtually every D-1 football team in the country has led a similar on-campus demonstration over the past month, including Alabama, Clemson and most others? Why in the world with this turn you off from Rice football as opposed to making you proud of our student-athletes?

For me, the question is, do they stand or kneel for the National Anthem and the Flag?

If they stand, I will stand with them.

If they kneel, I am out the door.

Fifty-eight years of being a Rice fan comes down to this.

Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

(09-09-2020 07:56 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:38 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:22 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 03:40 AM)MerseyOwl Wrote:  

(09-08-2020 01:56 PM)Ourland Wrote:  Agree. Texas State will be on national television for the second week in a row this Saturday.

Rice has completely bungled the handling of this season. We've played 106 straight years of football, but we're cancelling a season based on an illness that's less deadly than Influenza, and that rarely kills college students.

Meanwhile, on campus, Rice is allowing an organized and major BLM rally to be held by athletes. I'm sick to my stomach.

The events I have witnessed in the athletics department over the past four weeks have pushed me to my limit. I almost don't even care anymore about what happens in Rice Stadium. If I weren't a lifelong fan, I would drop Rice football like a bad habit. I honestly don't know what it is that keeps me coming back.

Leebron must go, and Karlgaard can leave with him.

You mean this?
https://www.chron.com/sports/rice/slides...208260.php

Count me out for this season. When, if ever, I become a Rice football fan again is, at this time, a remote possibility. I say this as a previous supporter, man and boy, since 1963.

You do realize virtually every D-1 football team in the country has led a similar on-campus demonstration over the past month, including Alabama, Clemson and most others? Why in the world with this turn you off from Rice football as opposed to making you proud of our student-athletes?

For me, the question is, do they stand or kneel for the National Anthem and the Flag?

If they stand, I will stand with them.

If they kneel, I am out the door.

Fifty-eight years of being a Rice fan comes down to this.

Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

(09-09-2020 08:01 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:56 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:38 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:22 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 03:40 AM)MerseyOwl Wrote:  You mean this?
https://www.chron.com/sports/rice/slides...208260.php

Count me out for this season. When, if ever, I become a Rice football fan again is, at this time, a remote possibility. I say this as a previous supporter, man and boy, since 1963.

You do realize virtually every D-1 football team in the country has led a similar on-campus demonstration over the past month, including Alabama, Clemson and most others? Why in the world with this turn you off from Rice football as opposed to making you proud of our student-athletes?

For me, the question is, do they stand or kneel for the National Anthem and the Flag?

If they stand, I will stand with them.

If they kneel, I am out the door.

Fifty-eight years of being a Rice fan comes down to this.

Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

Let's assume that the players want to protest like that, but the admin didn't support them. Would you prefer the administration keep them from protesting?

(09-09-2020 08:01 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:56 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:38 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:22 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 03:40 AM)MerseyOwl Wrote:  You mean this?
https://www.chron.com/sports/rice/slides...208260.php

Count me out for this season. When, if ever, I become a Rice football fan again is, at this time, a remote possibility. I say this as a previous supporter, man and boy, since 1963.

You do realize virtually every D-1 football team in the country has led a similar on-campus demonstration over the past month, including Alabama, Clemson and most others? Why in the world with this turn you off from Rice football as opposed to making you proud of our student-athletes?

For me, the question is, do they stand or kneel for the National Anthem and the Flag?

If they stand, I will stand with them.

If they kneel, I am out the door.

Fifty-eight years of being a Rice fan comes down to this.

Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

Believe me, you are not alone. Myself and most of my friends, who for decades have been Rice season ticket holders in football and basketball, have decided to end our relationship with Rice. Rather than our University (and society in general) fostering serious discussions about what can be done to help young African American men understand and embrace the importance of being strong fathers and husbands - thereby stabilizing, strengthening, and empowering their families, we instead fall into the trap of allowing a certain political party to promote the race card and insight violence - solely for the purpose of rallying their base and winning elections. Playing to people's emotions and fueling hate solves nothing. For their part in this, I refuse to continue supporting Rice and their athletic programs. Ironically, the significant drop-off in season ticket sales resulting from these BLM Protests are probably going to be a major factor in ending Division 1 sports at Rice - thus eliminating numerous full-ride scholarships for African American athletes. What a shame that it has come to this.

I was really looking forward to spending my retirement years attending and enjoying numerous Rice sporting events. That will no longer be happening. This summer I have found a lot of contentment attending small-town baseball games here in western Minnesota. No protests, no kneeling - just everybody standing for the National Anthem and enjoying sports. For those who feel like I do, I recommend you do like me - adopt a rural High School team and start following their teams instead of your local Pro and/or College teams. Believe me, you will really enjoy the experience.

(09-09-2020 08:51 AM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:01 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:56 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:38 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:22 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  You do realize virtually every D-1 football team in the country has led a similar on-campus demonstration over the past month, including Alabama, Clemson and most others? Why in the world with this turn you off from Rice football as opposed to making you proud of our student-athletes?

For me, the question is, do they stand or kneel for the National Anthem and the Flag?

If they stand, I will stand with them.

If they kneel, I am out the door.

Fifty-eight years of being a Rice fan comes down to this.

Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

Believe me, you are not alone. Myself and most of my friends, who for decades have been Rice season ticket holders in football and basketball, have decided to end our relationship with Rice. Rather than our University (and society in general) fostering serious discussions about what can be done to help young African American men understand and embrace the importance of being strong fathers and husbands - thereby stabilizing, strengthening, and empowering their families, we instead fall into the trap of allowing a certain political party to promote the race card and insight violence - solely for the purpose of rallying their base and winning elections. Playing to people's emotions and fueling hate solves nothing. For their part in this, I refuse to continue supporting Rice and their athletic programs. Ironically, the significant drop-off in season ticket sales resulting from these BLM Protests are probably going to be a major factor in ending Division 1 sports at Rice - thus eliminating numerous full-ride scholarships for African American athletes. What a shame that it has come to this.

I was really looking forward to spending my retirement years attending and enjoying numerous Rice sporting events. That will no longer be happening. This summer I have found a lot of contentment attending small-town baseball games here in western Minnesota. No protests, no kneeling - just everybody standing for the National Anthem and enjoying sports. For those who feel like I do, I recommend you do like me - adopt a rural High School team and start following their teams instead of your local Pro and/or College teams. Believe me, you will really enjoy the experience.

Again, you do realize virtually every D-1 football program will be staging similar demonstrations this season, right? Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, et al. And the coaching staffs have been fully onboard and participating in said demonstrations. Nick Saban led the march on the Alabama campus.

(09-09-2020 08:45 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:01 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:56 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:38 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:22 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  You do realize virtually every D-1 football team in the country has led a similar on-campus demonstration over the past month, including Alabama, Clemson and most others? Why in the world with this turn you off from Rice football as opposed to making you proud of our student-athletes?

For me, the question is, do they stand or kneel for the National Anthem and the Flag?

If they stand, I will stand with them.

If they kneel, I am out the door.

Fifty-eight years of being a Rice fan comes down to this.

Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

Let's assume that the players want to protest like that, but the admin didn't support them. Would you prefer the administration keep them from protesting?

No more than I would prefer the Admin to keep them from protesting for less gun control.

Oh, so the topic does matter?

(09-09-2020 08:58 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:51 AM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:01 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:56 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:38 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  For me, the question is, do they stand or kneel for the National Anthem and the Flag?

If they stand, I will stand with them.

If they kneel, I am out the door.

Fifty-eight years of being a Rice fan comes down to this.

Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

Believe me, you are not alone. Myself and most of my friends, who for decades have been Rice season ticket holders in football and basketball, have decided to end our relationship with Rice. Rather than our University (and society in general) fostering serious discussions about what can be done to help young African American men understand and embrace the importance of being strong fathers and husbands - thereby stabilizing, strengthening, and empowering their families, we instead fall into the trap of allowing a certain political party to promote the race card and insight violence - solely for the purpose of rallying their base and winning elections. Playing to people's emotions and fueling hate solves nothing. For their part in this, I refuse to continue supporting Rice and their athletic programs. Ironically, the significant drop-off in season ticket sales resulting from these BLM Protests are probably going to be a major factor in ending Division 1 sports at Rice - thus eliminating numerous full-ride scholarships for African American athletes. What a shame that it has come to this.

I was really looking forward to spending my retirement years attending and enjoying numerous Rice sporting events. That will no longer be happening. This summer I have found a lot of contentment attending small-town baseball games here in western Minnesota. No protests, no kneeling - just everybody standing for the National Anthem and enjoying sports. For those who feel like I do, I recommend you do like me - adopt a rural High School team and start following their teams instead of your local Pro and/or College teams. Believe me, you will really enjoy the experience.

Again, you do realize virtually every D-1 football program will be staging similar demonstrations this season, right? Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, et al. And the coaching staffs have been fully onboard and participating in said demonstrations. Nick Saban led the march on the Alabama campus.

Politically, it is what the teams and staff must do. If it wasn't, then those demonstrations would have happened last year and the year before. What is different about this year? Oh, yeah....

I go back to Kaepernick's original declaration of why he sat for the flag ceremonies...because he would not stand for the flag of an oppressive country. I know it was morphed into "police brutality". Well, who the hell is FOR police brutality? Fake issue. So, AFAIAC, it is still about whether this is an oppressive country or not. I remember the 50's and 60's. I KNOW what an oppressive country looks like. This is not it. So AFAIAC, the disrespect to the flag is disrespect to our country. I choose not to ignore it. I also choose not to join it or enable it.

This is my personal decision, MY protest. If you respect the right to protest, please respect mine.

(09-09-2020 08:51 AM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:01 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:56 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:38 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:22 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  You do realize virtually every D-1 football team in the country has led a similar on-campus demonstration over the past month, including Alabama, Clemson and most others? Why in the world with this turn you off from Rice football as opposed to making you proud of our student-athletes?

For me, the question is, do they stand or kneel for the National Anthem and the Flag?

If they stand, I will stand with them.

If they kneel, I am out the door.

Fifty-eight years of being a Rice fan comes down to this.

Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

Believe me, you are not alone. Myself and most of my friends, who for decades have been Rice season ticket holders in football and basketball, have decided to end our relationship with Rice. Rather than our University (and society in general) fostering serious discussions about what can be done to help young African American men understand and embrace the importance of being strong fathers and husbands - thereby stabilizing, strengthening, and empowering their families, we instead fall into the trap of allowing a certain political party to promote the race card and insight violence - solely for the purpose of rallying their base and winning elections. Playing to people's emotions and fueling hate solves nothing. For their part in this, I refuse to continue supporting Rice and their athletic programs. Ironically, the significant drop-off in season ticket sales resulting from these BLM Protests are probably going to be a major factor in ending Division 1 sports at Rice - thus eliminating numerous full-ride scholarships for African American athletes. What a shame that it has come to this.

I was really looking forward to spending my retirement years attending and enjoying numerous Rice sporting events. That will no longer be happening. This summer I have found a lot of contentment attending small-town baseball games here in western Minnesota. No protests, no kneeling - just everybody standing for the National Anthem and enjoying sports. For those who feel like I do, I recommend you do like me - adopt a rural High School team and start following their teams instead of your local Pro and/or College teams. Believe me, you will really enjoy the experience.

Yeah, I was being literal when I said I was a fan of 58 years standing. I was a fan when Neely was coach, and I went to numerous games when we were losing so much in the 70's and 80's. I was a fan for the entire time between the '61 Bluebonnet Bowl and the '06 new Orleans Bowl. I attended games in which my party outnumbered the parents. I was the only one in my county of Aggies and Teasips who gave a damn about Rice.

But now I am old, and tired and the constant sniping at the coaches and administration has taken its toll, and now, if the teams are just going to become protest centers, I am ready to quit. Better to watch the deer in my backyard than Rice.

I already know the team that will become my new favorite team - Army. I presume those guys stand for the national anthem. If not, heaven help us.

(09-09-2020 08:58 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Again, you do realize virtually every D-1 football program will be staging similar demonstrations this season, right? Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, et al. And the coaching staffs have been fully onboard and participating in said demonstrations. Nick Saban led the march on the Alabama campus.

Why should I care what Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, et. al., are doing or have done? Same goes for Nick Saban.

(09-09-2020 09:59 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:58 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:51 AM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:01 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:56 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

Believe me, you are not alone. Myself and most of my friends, who for decades have been Rice season ticket holders in football and basketball, have decided to end our relationship with Rice. Rather than our University (and society in general) fostering serious discussions about what can be done to help young African American men understand and embrace the importance of being strong fathers and husbands - thereby stabilizing, strengthening, and empowering their families, we instead fall into the trap of allowing a certain political party to promote the race card and insight violence - solely for the purpose of rallying their base and winning elections. Playing to people's emotions and fueling hate solves nothing. For their part in this, I refuse to continue supporting Rice and their athletic programs. Ironically, the significant drop-off in season ticket sales resulting from these BLM Protests are probably going to be a major factor in ending Division 1 sports at Rice - thus eliminating numerous full-ride scholarships for African American athletes. What a shame that it has come to this.

I was really looking forward to spending my retirement years attending and enjoying numerous Rice sporting events. That will no longer be happening. This summer I have found a lot of contentment attending small-town baseball games here in western Minnesota. No protests, no kneeling - just everybody standing for the National Anthem and enjoying sports. For those who feel like I do, I recommend you do like me - adopt a rural High School team and start following their teams instead of your local Pro and/or College teams. Believe me, you will really enjoy the experience.

Again, you do realize virtually every D-1 football program will be staging similar demonstrations this season, right? Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, et al. And the coaching staffs have been fully onboard and participating in said demonstrations. Nick Saban led the march on the Alabama campus.

Politically, it is what the teams and staff must do. If it wasn't, then those demonstrations would have happened last year and the year before. What is different about this year? Oh, yeah....

I go back to Kaepernick's original declaration of why he sat for the flag ceremonies...because he would not stand for the flag of an oppressive country. I know it was morphed into "police brutality". Well, who the hell is FOR police brutality? Fake issue. So, AFAIAC, it is still about whether this is an oppressive country or not. I remember the 50's and 60's. I KNOW what an oppressive country looks like. This is not it. So AFAIAC, the disrespect to the flag is disrespect to our country. I choose not to ignore it. I also choose not to join it or enable it.

This is my personal decision, MY protest. If you respect the right to protest, please respect mine.

I respect your right to protest and I respect the Rice athletes' right to protest as well.

(09-09-2020 10:07 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:51 AM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:01 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:56 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:38 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  For me, the question is, do they stand or kneel for the National Anthem and the Flag?

If they stand, I will stand with them.

If they kneel, I am out the door.

Fifty-eight years of being a Rice fan comes down to this.

Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

Believe me, you are not alone. Myself and most of my friends, who for decades have been Rice season ticket holders in football and basketball, have decided to end our relationship with Rice. Rather than our University (and society in general) fostering serious discussions about what can be done to help young African American men understand and embrace the importance of being strong fathers and husbands - thereby stabilizing, strengthening, and empowering their families, we instead fall into the trap of allowing a certain political party to promote the race card and insight violence - solely for the purpose of rallying their base and winning elections. Playing to people's emotions and fueling hate solves nothing. For their part in this, I refuse to continue supporting Rice and their athletic programs. Ironically, the significant drop-off in season ticket sales resulting from these BLM Protests are probably going to be a major factor in ending Division 1 sports at Rice - thus eliminating numerous full-ride scholarships for African American athletes. What a shame that it has come to this.

I was really looking forward to spending my retirement years attending and enjoying numerous Rice sporting events. That will no longer be happening. This summer I have found a lot of contentment attending small-town baseball games here in western Minnesota. No protests, no kneeling - just everybody standing for the National Anthem and enjoying sports. For those who feel like I do, I recommend you do like me - adopt a rural High School team and start following their teams instead of your local Pro and/or College teams. Believe me, you will really enjoy the experience.

Yeah, I was being literal when I said I was a fan of 58 years standing. I was a fan when Neely was coach, and I went to numerous games when we were losing so much in the 70's and 80's. I was a fan for the entire time between the '61 Bluebonnet Bowl and the '06 new Orleans Bowl. I attended games in which my party outnumbered the parents. I was the only one in my county of Aggies and Teasips who gave a damn about Rice.

But now I am old, and tired and the constant sniping at the coaches and administration has taken its toll, and now, if the teams are just going to become protest centers, I am ready to quit. Better to watch the deer in my backyard than Rice.

I already know the team that will become my new favorite team - Army. I presume those guys stand for the national anthem. If not, heaven help us.

Uh oh... you may be heading towards disappointment.

Perhaps you could cheer for the Citadel?

https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-colum...against-it

Quote:In their letter, the West Point graduates assailed Trump’s use of the military to clear protests that erupted in Washington, D.C., after Floyd’s death. Esper and General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accompanied Trump on his controversial walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he waved a Bible, briefly, for a photo op. “Sadly, the government has threatened to use the Army in which you serve as a weapon against fellow Americans engaging in these legitimate protests,” they wrote. “Worse, military leaders, who took the same oath you take today, have participated in politically charged events.” The letter to the cadets warned against the “disgrace” of making a “Faustian bargain” to please leaders or advance their own careers. “Loyalty is the most abused attribute of leadership,” they wrote, and appealed to the Class of 2020 to “right the wrongs” and to hold one another accountable to ideals instilled at West Point.

McAleer told me that the drafters of the letter had worked hard to reach a consensus. “This letter is the collective voice of many graduates—spanning over eight decades and serving in the Army through thirteen Administrations—speaking as one. We have a hymn at West Point about gripping hands, and we felt it was time to grip hands,” she said. “Given how intergenerational we are, we don’t agree on much, but we all came together without reservation on this.” Much like the protests across America, the letter quickly gained traction. “We didn’t post this and say, ‘Sign on,’ ” McAleer said. “They came one by one as they heard about it from classmates or friends who went to West Point. We knew we were right on this issue. We all went to the same school that had the same mission. Even for those of us not in uniform, that oath does not expire.” By Monday morning, more than a thousand alumni had signed on. “We’re a little overwhelmed,” McAleer, the author of “Porcelain on Steel: Women of West Point's Long Gray Line,” told me. “It’s been kind of cool.”

(09-09-2020 02:25 PM)Rice93 Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 10:07 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:51 AM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:01 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 07:56 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Should they ever play this season my guess is you'll be out the door.

I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

Believe me, you are not alone. Myself and most of my friends, who for decades have been Rice season ticket holders in football and basketball, have decided to end our relationship with Rice. Rather than our University (and society in general) fostering serious discussions about what can be done to help young African American men understand and embrace the importance of being strong fathers and husbands - thereby stabilizing, strengthening, and empowering their families, we instead fall into the trap of allowing a certain political party to promote the race card and insight violence - solely for the purpose of rallying their base and winning elections. Playing to people's emotions and fueling hate solves nothing. For their part in this, I refuse to continue supporting Rice and their athletic programs. Ironically, the significant drop-off in season ticket sales resulting from these BLM Protests are probably going to be a major factor in ending Division 1 sports at Rice - thus eliminating numerous full-ride scholarships for African American athletes. What a shame that it has come to this.

I was really looking forward to spending my retirement years attending and enjoying numerous Rice sporting events. That will no longer be happening. This summer I have found a lot of contentment attending small-town baseball games here in western Minnesota. No protests, no kneeling - just everybody standing for the National Anthem and enjoying sports. For those who feel like I do, I recommend you do like me - adopt a rural High School team and start following their teams instead of your local Pro and/or College teams. Believe me, you will really enjoy the experience.

Yeah, I was being literal when I said I was a fan of 58 years standing. I was a fan when Neely was coach, and I went to numerous games when we were losing so much in the 70's and 80's. I was a fan for the entire time between the '61 Bluebonnet Bowl and the '06 new Orleans Bowl. I attended games in which my party outnumbered the parents. I was the only one in my county of Aggies and Teasips who gave a damn about Rice.

But now I am old, and tired and the constant sniping at the coaches and administration has taken its toll, and now, if the teams are just going to become protest centers, I am ready to quit. Better to watch the deer in my backyard than Rice.

I already know the team that will become my new favorite team - Army. I presume those guys stand for the national anthem. If not, heaven help us.

Uh oh... you may be heading towards disappointment.

Perhaps you could cheer for the Citadel?

https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-colum...against-it

Quote:In their letter, the West Point graduates assailed Trump’s use of the military to clear protests that erupted in Washington, D.C., after Floyd’s death. Esper and General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accompanied Trump on his controversial walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he waved a Bible, briefly, for a photo op. “Sadly, the government has threatened to use the Army in which you serve as a weapon against fellow Americans engaging in these legitimate protests,” they wrote. “Worse, military leaders, who took the same oath you take today, have participated in politically charged events.” The letter to the cadets warned against the “disgrace” of making a “Faustian bargain” to please leaders or advance their own careers. “Loyalty is the most abused attribute of leadership,” they wrote, and appealed to the Class of 2020 to “right the wrongs” and to hold one another accountable to ideals instilled at West Point.

McAleer told me that the drafters of the letter had worked hard to reach a consensus. “This letter is the collective voice of many graduates—spanning over eight decades and serving in the Army through thirteen Administrations—speaking as one. We have a hymn at West Point about gripping hands, and we felt it was time to grip hands,” she said. “Given how intergenerational we are, we don’t agree on much, but we all came together without reservation on this.” Much like the protests across America, the letter quickly gained traction. “We didn’t post this and say, ‘Sign on,’ ” McAleer said. “They came one by one as they heard about it from classmates or friends who went to West Point. We knew we were right on this issue. We all went to the same school that had the same mission. Even for those of us not in uniform, that oath does not expire.” By Monday morning, more than a thousand alumni had signed on. “We’re a little overwhelmed,” McAleer, the author of “Porcelain on Steel: Women of West Point's Long Gray Line,” told me. “It’s been kind of cool.”

I appreciate you going out of your way to find this, 93. Awfully nice of you to use your valuable time. I know you have better things to do.

I don't see where they said they would disrespect the flag.

But I do remember times when the Army has been used against fellow Americans. Not unprecedented. Some might consider the Civil War another example. Or the internment of Japanese-Americans under FDR.


If Army cadets do not stand for the flag and the anthem, they are off my list. Hard to believe that would be the action of team that wears Duty Honor Country on their uniforms, but if so, adios. Same for Navy, Air Force, VMI, Citadel or anybody. And Rice. This is my protest. You go stand with your crowd, I will stand with mine.

(09-09-2020 04:17 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 02:25 PM)Rice93 Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 10:07 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:51 AM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:01 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  I am afraid you are right. They can protest anything they want - child labor, cannibalism, whatever...but they cannot protest the USA as an oppressive country and maintain my support.

Just my personal protest. If Rice decides to run with the herd, I won't run with them.

Believe me, you are not alone. Myself and most of my friends, who for decades have been Rice season ticket holders in football and basketball, have decided to end our relationship with Rice. Rather than our University (and society in general) fostering serious discussions about what can be done to help young African American men understand and embrace the importance of being strong fathers and husbands - thereby stabilizing, strengthening, and empowering their families, we instead fall into the trap of allowing a certain political party to promote the race card and insight violence - solely for the purpose of rallying their base and winning elections. Playing to people's emotions and fueling hate solves nothing. For their part in this, I refuse to continue supporting Rice and their athletic programs. Ironically, the significant drop-off in season ticket sales resulting from these BLM Protests are probably going to be a major factor in ending Division 1 sports at Rice - thus eliminating numerous full-ride scholarships for African American athletes. What a shame that it has come to this.

I was really looking forward to spending my retirement years attending and enjoying numerous Rice sporting events. That will no longer be happening. This summer I have found a lot of contentment attending small-town baseball games here in western Minnesota. No protests, no kneeling - just everybody standing for the National Anthem and enjoying sports. For those who feel like I do, I recommend you do like me - adopt a rural High School team and start following their teams instead of your local Pro and/or College teams. Believe me, you will really enjoy the experience.

Yeah, I was being literal when I said I was a fan of 58 years standing. I was a fan when Neely was coach, and I went to numerous games when we were losing so much in the 70's and 80's. I was a fan for the entire time between the '61 Bluebonnet Bowl and the '06 new Orleans Bowl. I attended games in which my party outnumbered the parents. I was the only one in my county of Aggies and Teasips who gave a damn about Rice.

But now I am old, and tired and the constant sniping at the coaches and administration has taken its toll, and now, if the teams are just going to become protest centers, I am ready to quit. Better to watch the deer in my backyard than Rice.

I already know the team that will become my new favorite team - Army. I presume those guys stand for the national anthem. If not, heaven help us.

Uh oh... you may be heading towards disappointment.

Perhaps you could cheer for the Citadel?

https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-colum...against-it

Quote:In their letter, the West Point graduates assailed Trump’s use of the military to clear protests that erupted in Washington, D.C., after Floyd’s death. Esper and General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accompanied Trump on his controversial walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he waved a Bible, briefly, for a photo op. “Sadly, the government has threatened to use the Army in which you serve as a weapon against fellow Americans engaging in these legitimate protests,” they wrote. “Worse, military leaders, who took the same oath you take today, have participated in politically charged events.” The letter to the cadets warned against the “disgrace” of making a “Faustian bargain” to please leaders or advance their own careers. “Loyalty is the most abused attribute of leadership,” they wrote, and appealed to the Class of 2020 to “right the wrongs” and to hold one another accountable to ideals instilled at West Point.

McAleer told me that the drafters of the letter had worked hard to reach a consensus. “This letter is the collective voice of many graduates—spanning over eight decades and serving in the Army through thirteen Administrations—speaking as one. We have a hymn at West Point about gripping hands, and we felt it was time to grip hands,” she said. “Given how intergenerational we are, we don’t agree on much, but we all came together without reservation on this.” Much like the protests across America, the letter quickly gained traction. “We didn’t post this and say, ‘Sign on,’ ” McAleer said. “They came one by one as they heard about it from classmates or friends who went to West Point. We knew we were right on this issue. We all went to the same school that had the same mission. Even for those of us not in uniform, that oath does not expire.” By Monday morning, more than a thousand alumni had signed on. “We’re a little overwhelmed,” McAleer, the author of “Porcelain on Steel: Women of West Point's Long Gray Line,” told me. “It’s been kind of cool.”

I appreciate you going out of your way to find this, 93. Awfully nice of you to use your valuable time. I know you have better things to do.

I don't see where they said they would disrespect the flag.

But I do remember times when the Army has been used against fellow Americans. Not unprecedented. Some might consider the Civil War another example. Or the internment of Japanese-Americans under FDR.


If Army cadets do not stand for the flag and the anthem, they are off my list. Hard to believe that would be the action of team that wears Duty Honor Country on their uniforms, but if so, adios. Same for Navy, Air Force, VMI, Citadel or anybody. And Rice. This is my protest. You go stand with your crowd, I will stand with mine.

Plenty of military people DO NOT consider the act of kneeling during the anthem in peaceful protest as disrespecting our flag or country. Perhaps some Army football players fall into that group. To each his/her own I guess. I support your right to protest in your own peaceful way. I stand with the Rice athletes... the ones that choose to protest as well as the ones who don't.

(09-09-2020 04:35 PM)Rice93 Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 04:17 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 02:25 PM)Rice93 Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 10:07 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:51 AM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  Believe me, you are not alone. Myself and most of my friends, who for decades have been Rice season ticket holders in football and basketball, have decided to end our relationship with Rice. Rather than our University (and society in general) fostering serious discussions about what can be done to help young African American men understand and embrace the importance of being strong fathers and husbands - thereby stabilizing, strengthening, and empowering their families, we instead fall into the trap of allowing a certain political party to promote the race card and insight violence - solely for the purpose of rallying their base and winning elections. Playing to people's emotions and fueling hate solves nothing. For their part in this, I refuse to continue supporting Rice and their athletic programs. Ironically, the significant drop-off in season ticket sales resulting from these BLM Protests are probably going to be a major factor in ending Division 1 sports at Rice - thus eliminating numerous full-ride scholarships for African American athletes. What a shame that it has come to this.

I was really looking forward to spending my retirement years attending and enjoying numerous Rice sporting events. That will no longer be happening. This summer I have found a lot of contentment attending small-town baseball games here in western Minnesota. No protests, no kneeling - just everybody standing for the National Anthem and enjoying sports. For those who feel like I do, I recommend you do like me - adopt a rural High School team and start following their teams instead of your local Pro and/or College teams. Believe me, you will really enjoy the experience.

Yeah, I was being literal when I said I was a fan of 58 years standing. I was a fan when Neely was coach, and I went to numerous games when we were losing so much in the 70's and 80's. I was a fan for the entire time between the '61 Bluebonnet Bowl and the '06 new Orleans Bowl. I attended games in which my party outnumbered the parents. I was the only one in my county of Aggies and Teasips who gave a damn about Rice.

But now I am old, and tired and the constant sniping at the coaches and administration has taken its toll, and now, if the teams are just going to become protest centers, I am ready to quit. Better to watch the deer in my backyard than Rice.

I already know the team that will become my new favorite team - Army. I presume those guys stand for the national anthem. If not, heaven help us.

Uh oh... you may be heading towards disappointment.

Perhaps you could cheer for the Citadel?

https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-colum...against-it

Quote:In their letter, the West Point graduates assailed Trump’s use of the military to clear protests that erupted in Washington, D.C., after Floyd’s death. Esper and General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accompanied Trump on his controversial walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he waved a Bible, briefly, for a photo op. “Sadly, the government has threatened to use the Army in which you serve as a weapon against fellow Americans engaging in these legitimate protests,” they wrote. “Worse, military leaders, who took the same oath you take today, have participated in politically charged events.” The letter to the cadets warned against the “disgrace” of making a “Faustian bargain” to please leaders or advance their own careers. “Loyalty is the most abused attribute of leadership,” they wrote, and appealed to the Class of 2020 to “right the wrongs” and to hold one another accountable to ideals instilled at West Point.

McAleer told me that the drafters of the letter had worked hard to reach a consensus. “This letter is the collective voice of many graduates—spanning over eight decades and serving in the Army through thirteen Administrations—speaking as one. We have a hymn at West Point about gripping hands, and we felt it was time to grip hands,” she said. “Given how intergenerational we are, we don’t agree on much, but we all came together without reservation on this.” Much like the protests across America, the letter quickly gained traction. “We didn’t post this and say, ‘Sign on,’ ” McAleer said. “They came one by one as they heard about it from classmates or friends who went to West Point. We knew we were right on this issue. We all went to the same school that had the same mission. Even for those of us not in uniform, that oath does not expire.” By Monday morning, more than a thousand alumni had signed on. “We’re a little overwhelmed,” McAleer, the author of “Porcelain on Steel: Women of West Point's Long Gray Line,” told me. “It’s been kind of cool.”

I appreciate you going out of your way to find this, 93. Awfully nice of you to use your valuable time. I know you have better things to do.

I don't see where they said they would disrespect the flag.

But I do remember times when the Army has been used against fellow Americans. Not unprecedented. Some might consider the Civil War another example. Or the internment of Japanese-Americans under FDR.


If Army cadets do not stand for the flag and the anthem, they are off my list. Hard to believe that would be the action of team that wears Duty Honor Country on their uniforms, but if so, adios. Same for Navy, Air Force, VMI, Citadel or anybody. And Rice. This is my protest. You go stand with your crowd, I will stand with mine.

Plenty of military people DO NOT consider the act of kneeling during the anthem in peaceful protest as disrespecting our flag or country. Perhaps some Army football players fall into that group. To each his/her own I guess. I support your right to protest in your own peaceful way. I stand with the Rice athletes... the ones that choose to protest as well as the ones who don't.

Considering the point is 'kneeling' at the anthem, perhaps you want to use a different verb.

heh.

I stand with those that kneel.... lolz.

(09-09-2020 04:35 PM)Rice93 Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 04:17 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 02:25 PM)Rice93 Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 10:07 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 08:51 AM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  Believe me, you are not alone. Myself and most of my friends, who for decades have been Rice season ticket holders in football and basketball, have decided to end our relationship with Rice. Rather than our University (and society in general) fostering serious discussions about what can be done to help young African American men understand and embrace the importance of being strong fathers and husbands - thereby stabilizing, strengthening, and empowering their families, we instead fall into the trap of allowing a certain political party to promote the race card and insight violence - solely for the purpose of rallying their base and winning elections. Playing to people's emotions and fueling hate solves nothing. For their part in this, I refuse to continue supporting Rice and their athletic programs. Ironically, the significant drop-off in season ticket sales resulting from these BLM Protests are probably going to be a major factor in ending Division 1 sports at Rice - thus eliminating numerous full-ride scholarships for African American athletes. What a shame that it has come to this.

I was really looking forward to spending my retirement years attending and enjoying numerous Rice sporting events. That will no longer be happening. This summer I have found a lot of contentment attending small-town baseball games here in western Minnesota. No protests, no kneeling - just everybody standing for the National Anthem and enjoying sports. For those who feel like I do, I recommend you do like me - adopt a rural High School team and start following their teams instead of your local Pro and/or College teams. Believe me, you will really enjoy the experience.

Yeah, I was being literal when I said I was a fan of 58 years standing. I was a fan when Neely was coach, and I went to numerous games when we were losing so much in the 70's and 80's. I was a fan for the entire time between the '61 Bluebonnet Bowl and the '06 new Orleans Bowl. I attended games in which my party outnumbered the parents. I was the only one in my county of Aggies and Teasips who gave a damn about Rice.

But now I am old, and tired and the constant sniping at the coaches and administration has taken its toll, and now, if the teams are just going to become protest centers, I am ready to quit. Better to watch the deer in my backyard than Rice.

I already know the team that will become my new favorite team - Army. I presume those guys stand for the national anthem. If not, heaven help us.

Uh oh... you may be heading towards disappointment.

Perhaps you could cheer for the Citadel?

https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-colum...against-it

Quote:In their letter, the West Point graduates assailed Trump’s use of the military to clear protests that erupted in Washington, D.C., after Floyd’s death. Esper and General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accompanied Trump on his controversial walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he waved a Bible, briefly, for a photo op. “Sadly, the government has threatened to use the Army in which you serve as a weapon against fellow Americans engaging in these legitimate protests,” they wrote. “Worse, military leaders, who took the same oath you take today, have participated in politically charged events.” The letter to the cadets warned against the “disgrace” of making a “Faustian bargain” to please leaders or advance their own careers. “Loyalty is the most abused attribute of leadership,” they wrote, and appealed to the Class of 2020 to “right the wrongs” and to hold one another accountable to ideals instilled at West Point.

McAleer told me that the drafters of the letter had worked hard to reach a consensus. “This letter is the collective voice of many graduates—spanning over eight decades and serving in the Army through thirteen Administrations—speaking as one. We have a hymn at West Point about gripping hands, and we felt it was time to grip hands,” she said. “Given how intergenerational we are, we don’t agree on much, but we all came together without reservation on this.” Much like the protests across America, the letter quickly gained traction. “We didn’t post this and say, ‘Sign on,’ ” McAleer said. “They came one by one as they heard about it from classmates or friends who went to West Point. We knew we were right on this issue. We all went to the same school that had the same mission. Even for those of us not in uniform, that oath does not expire.” By Monday morning, more than a thousand alumni had signed on. “We’re a little overwhelmed,” McAleer, the author of “Porcelain on Steel: Women of West Point's Long Gray Line,” told me. “It’s been kind of cool.”

I appreciate you going out of your way to find this, 93. Awfully nice of you to use your valuable time. I know you have better things to do.

I don't see where they said they would disrespect the flag.

But I do remember times when the Army has been used against fellow Americans. Not unprecedented. Some might consider the Civil War another example. Or the internment of Japanese-Americans under FDR.


If Army cadets do not stand for the flag and the anthem, they are off my list. Hard to believe that would be the action of team that wears Duty Honor Country on their uniforms, but if so, adios. Same for Navy, Air Force, VMI, Citadel or anybody. And Rice. This is my protest. You go stand with your crowd, I will stand with mine.

Plenty of military people DO NOT consider the act of kneeling during the anthem in peaceful protest as disrespecting our flag or country. Perhaps some Army football players fall into that group. To each his/her own I guess. I support your right to protest in your own peaceful way. I stand with the Rice athletes... the ones that choose to protest as well as the ones who don't.

As I’ve previously tried to explain, both the initial protest by Kaepernick was to bring attention to police brutality (I’ve provided primary sources from interviews with him to show that this was an issue from the start) and the act of kneeling was actually suggested as a way to not be disrespectful by a former Green Beret.

(09-09-2020 05:33 PM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 04:35 PM)Rice93 Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 04:17 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 02:25 PM)Rice93 Wrote:  

(09-09-2020 10:07 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  Yeah, I was being literal when I said I was a fan of 58 years standing. I was a fan when Neely was coach, and I went to numerous games when we were losing so much in the 70's and 80's. I was a fan for the entire time between the '61 Bluebonnet Bowl and the '06 new Orleans Bowl. I attended games in which my party outnumbered the parents. I was the only one in my county of Aggies and Teasips who gave a damn about Rice.

But now I am old, and tired and the constant sniping at the coaches and administration has taken its toll, and now, if the teams are just going to become protest centers, I am ready to quit. Better to watch the deer in my backyard than Rice.

I already know the team that will become my new favorite team - Army. I presume those guys stand for the national anthem. If not, heaven help us.

Uh oh... you may be heading towards disappointment.

Perhaps you could cheer for the Citadel?

https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-colum...against-it

Quote:In their letter, the West Point graduates assailed Trump’s use of the military to clear protests that erupted in Washington, D.C., after Floyd’s death. Esper and General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accompanied Trump on his controversial walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he waved a Bible, briefly, for a photo op. “Sadly, the government has threatened to use the Army in which you serve as a weapon against fellow Americans engaging in these legitimate protests,” they wrote. “Worse, military leaders, who took the same oath you take today, have participated in politically charged events.” The letter to the cadets warned against the “disgrace” of making a “Faustian bargain” to please leaders or advance their own careers. “Loyalty is the most abused attribute of leadership,” they wrote, and appealed to the Class of 2020 to “right the wrongs” and to hold one another accountable to ideals instilled at West Point.

McAleer told me that the drafters of the letter had worked hard to reach a consensus. “This letter is the collective voice of many graduates—spanning over eight decades and serving in the Army through thirteen Administrations—speaking as one. We have a hymn at West Point about gripping hands, and we felt it was time to grip hands,” she said. “Given how intergenerational we are, we don’t agree on much, but we all came together without reservation on this.” Much like the protests across America, the letter quickly gained traction. “We didn’t post this and say, ‘Sign on,’ ” McAleer said. “They came one by one as they heard about it from classmates or friends who went to West Point. We knew we were right on this issue. We all went to the same school that had the same mission. Even for those of us not in uniform, that oath does not expire.” By Monday morning, more than a thousand alumni had signed on. “We’re a little overwhelmed,” McAleer, the author of “Porcelain on Steel: Women of West Point's Long Gray Line,” told me. “It’s been kind of cool.”

I appreciate you going out of your way to find this, 93. Awfully nice of you to use your valuable time. I know you have better things to do.

I don't see where they said they would disrespect the flag.

But I do remember times when the Army has been used against fellow Americans. Not unprecedented. Some might consider the Civil War another example. Or the internment of Japanese-Americans under FDR.


If Army cadets do not stand for the flag and the anthem, they are off my list. Hard to believe that would be the action of team that wears Duty Honor Country on their uniforms, but if so, adios. Same for Navy, Air Force, VMI, Citadel or anybody. And Rice. This is my protest. You go stand with your crowd, I will stand with mine.

Plenty of military people DO NOT consider the act of kneeling during the anthem in peaceful protest as disrespecting our flag or country. Perhaps some Army football players fall into that group. To each his/her own I guess. I support your right to protest in your own peaceful way. I stand with the Rice athletes... the ones that choose to protest as well as the ones who don't.

As I’ve previously tried to explain, both the initial protest by Kaepernick was to bring attention to police brutality (I’ve provided primary sources from interviews with him to show that this was an issue from the start) and the act of kneeling was actually suggested as a way to not be disrespectful by a former Green Beret.

Kaepernick explains

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game.

As for the kneeling as opposed to sitting, it may be considered less disrespectful by some. For me, I do not care if you are are sitting, kneeling, lying down, in the fetal position, hanging from the goalposts, whatever, you are not standing. I can barely stand, yet I struggle to my feet and will as long as I am able. Sorry if pride in my country offends you. If these athletes do not stand, it is just to indicate they agree this is a country that does not deserve to be held in honor. JMHO.