This is not a political blog. I made those comments on good faith, faith in a country that my parents came to seeking the American dream that they were able to provide for my brother and I. I have one message to those of you commented, no one is forcing you to read this blog. It is definitely a free country. My thoughts and ideas, in fact my persona go far beyond athletic development. We cannot ignore the world we live in.
9 Comments
Charles
Good on ya, mate. It’s your blog, say what you want about what you want. If I don’t want to read something, I (gasp) don’t read it. That seems to work for me.
Paul Davis
Vern – and others,
My comment was not intended in any way to demean Vern, nor anyone’s political views. I read Vern’s blog religiously because he makes me think about things as others don’t. Please re-read my comment.
Did I say anything derogatory abut the view? No. Did I personally attack anyone? No. Yet that is what some of you have done. That is disappointing.
Vern is not the only one with strong views about issues other than athletic development. I’m sure most who read this blog regularly are very intelligent and well-read. Some of us I’m sure have always had great hope and faith in the United States and its ideals; I certainly have, regardless of who or what party happens to momentarily occupy the office of President.
And, yes, I am well aware that I do not have to read any post, or this blog entirely. But…I will continue to do so, as I always do, because Vern makes me think about things that stimulate my work as a coach, teacher, leader. And, I will continue to offer comments when I deem appropriate, always with the goal (hopefully) of adding to and/or stimulating further discussion.
Dan Hubbard
It is pretty ironic that on a blog about being open-minded that we have hate-filled, close-minded comments. We are all Americans and the problems we face today are all our responsibility. I admire Obama for wanting to tackle these problems. I admire McCain for being so honorable in his concession speech. This blog is about improving ourselves, not just as performance coaches, but as citizens and individuals. Our problems today will be nothing compared to the ones in the future if we continue down this path of close-mindedness and finger pointing. Don’t be so quick to judge another person for his ideas or background. Take responsibility for yourself, be open to new ideas, and become a better person. Be a positive leader yourself; we desperately need more positive leaders in times like these.
Mark Day
I like Paul did not mean to demean anyone. I stated what I prefer to read as a loyal reader and follower. I did not speak of hatred. I am pro life, a coach, a cattle farmer, and a doctor who lives in rural America where the natives can get a bit upset when you intrude on their meth lab or pot patch that is actually on your own property so I still stand by my comments about our new coach’s views. But, I know 1 person can not fix this country by themselves or even stop all of the free handouts to my neighbors that do not want to work. I guess I was just shocked to hear that after 40 years Vern suddenly has new hope. I never realized he did not have hope in our country like so many of us do even though it seems like we are down 20 with only 3 minutes to go. My apologies to all but maybe a few should consider our views too.
d s edwards
Mark, respect your views but not Vern’s?
He wanted to say something uplifting and you did not want to read it.
So you asked him not to post those type of things anymore.
d s edwards
NZ
Jonathan Hewitt ATC
ds edwards,
I believe the request was to keep with the original intent of the blog. There was no request or assumption of disrespect in regards to anyone’s views.
As Vern has every right to voice whatever opinion he wants on his own blog, as it is a public blog, others also have the right to make requests. Again it is 100% Vern’s decision whether or not he chooses to anything with those requests. That’s the beauty of Democracy.
Vern, we love your mind even at times when we may disagree whatever the topic.
Jonathan Hewitt ATC
d s edwards
My comment was to Mark.
Scott Curry
See, it’s comments like Mark Day’s that are precisely a part of the problem: “But, I know 1 person can not fix this country by themselves or even stop all of the free handouts to my neighbors that do not want to work.” We haven’t had welfare for many years. So what are you on about??? I find it ironic that the people who complain about handouts fail to see that many (not all) corporations are the biggest welfare recipients of all. It’s also ironic that most people who are Pro Life are the first ones to support war and violence as a solution. You see the world in black and white and it’s not.
I have news for you, most people DO want to work. The government is what we make it and taxes are an investment in the kind of society we want it to be. Since Reagan, that society has been one that solves it’s problems through violence and scapegoats, ridicules and neglects the people who are already starting from a disadvantage. You talk about all you neighbors running meth labs etc, but I submit to you that you probably also have many wonderful neighbors…you get back what you put into life…so if you’re putting hatred, suspicion and cynicism into the world then that’s what you’re going to get back. As a nation that’s what we’ve done since Reagan and now we are reaping what we’ve sown.
timsullivan
“the art of thinking independently together”