And the biggest thing to come out of this whole thing is that the only thing people are talking about is whether or not he should have been there, most people believe (and rightfully so) that he has the rights and freedom to go or not go to the event, but not many are talking about the reason he didn't go... So did he accomplish what he set out to do or did he just put himself out there as a big target for everyone to take shots at?

I believe in the big picture, he brought attention to himself and not his views on this one, so in that case, he fails!

Tim Thomas is an American hero and patriot. I applaud him for his decision and his reasoning behind it was just. Good for him and the only people who should be embarrassed is the government. The only American on the team decided not to go that says a lot.

Tim Thomas is an American hero and patriot. I applaud him for his decision and his reasoning behind it was just. Good for him and the only people who should be embarrassed is the government. The only American on the team decided not to go that says a lot.
- NickA

Your idea of a HERO is pretty low then, he plays a game, he maybe a sports hero, but no where near an american hero, the men and women who serve, protect and take care of the health of everyone, those are the HERO'S, in ALL COUNTRIES!

Has has the same rights as any other american! I think it is great that he not only formed his own opinion but stands behind it. Whether or you agree or disagree is not what matters. People simply don't do this anymore because its easy not to rock boat or not "offend" anyone. So go ahead and insult the guy, it just shows how spineless you are because you don't have balls to stand up for own your beliefs.

People always fear and condemn what they don't understand.

How is that ironic? He shouldn't have dissenting political views because he happens to make a lot of money? The two are mutually exclusive.
- Double_A

No, the ironic part is him making his money of a system that has benefited from the governmental intervention he is protesting. As I said, if he has a problem with the government, do it in a proper political forum. Using your status as a professional hockey player invites himself to the criticism that he's being hypocritical. However had he protested as a private citizen, what he does for a living would have little bearing on his opinions but, he'd find out what it's like to not be in the top 1% because no one would be listening.

Has has the same rights as any other american! I think it is great that he not only formed his own opinion but stands behind it. Whether or you agree or disagree is not what matters. People simply don't do this anymore because its easy not to rock boat or not "offend" anyone. So go ahead and insult the guy, it just shows how spineless you are because you don't have balls to stand up for own your beliefs.

People always fear and condemn what they don't understand.
- glove_was_stuck

Boom.

ugh, is this discussion still going on?

sports and politics do NOT mix.

Thomas is a selfish piece of shi-ite. I'm not a fan of Maobama either but thomas insulted the office of the presidency and the white house regardless of who is occupying the role at the moment.

I didn't believe his goodie-two-shoes routine in the playoffs last year and this just goes to show his true selfish colours, not to mention the butt ends and hacks he throws at players every game. if he was a team guy then he would have been there. it's not 'American' to have bad manners and bad form despite what a lot of smug Canadians might think.

Thought America was a 'free country' ?

Has has the same rights as any other american! I think it is great that he not only formed his own opinion but stands behind it. Whether or you agree or disagree is not what matters. People simply don't do this anymore because its easy not to rock boat or not "offend" anyone. So go ahead and insult the guy, it just shows how spineless you are because you don't have balls to stand up for own your beliefs.

People always fear and condemn what they don't understand.
- glove_was_stuck

it is easier to stay home and complain than to show up and say something. At least if that is the point you are making. It is him more spinless to talk behind someones back than to meet them face to face and say something. He could have easily said on his FB that although he doesnt believe what Obama is doing is good for the country, he will be able to meet with him and discuss his issues with him first hand...

it is easier to stay home and complain than to show up and say something. At least if that is the point you are making. It is him more spinless to talk behind someones back than to meet them face to face and say something. He could have easily said on his FB that although he doesnt believe what Obama is doing is good for the country, he will be able to meet with him and discuss his issues with him first hand...
- KOS

That is another valid course of action....once upon a time. But this administration has successfully killed the right to due process. Say he did show up and he did say something to the Presidents face. Our Commander-in-chief along with the Military now has the power to detain anyone without question for any period of time without trial. All they would have to do is accuse him of terrorism or threatening the President.

He could have done the FB and thing and then shown up but to me that reeks of speaking from both sides of your mouth.

Thomas says "as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country"

So it is not a political statement and yet he is a fanatic tea-party member. HUH???

Thomas = Hypocrite

So he is OK to say that the US goverment is out of control, but it is ok for him to go the bank and deposit his oversized cheque he got for playing a game that has seen its costs on the fans become so expensive that the true fan can not afford to go to a game and in some cases, watch it on overpriced cable/satelite?

Yes he has the right to his opinion, but events like this are more about celebrating what the TEAM has done and getting the sport in front of more Americans who do not watch sportcenter, if he wasn't already enjoying his "15 minutes" I would say he was looking for it,

He put himself above his team, that is not a great hockey move no matter how I look at it, Bruins, Leafs, Ducks, no matter what team he is on, You gotta be a team player. What would people be saying if Steve Yzerman or Gretzky made the same comment and didn't go???? That is right, the americans would have been up in arms ready to kill all Canadians

There is a time for everything, a TEAM event is not the time for a ONE MAN show....no matter what team you play on
- HABZROCK

So let me get this straight... Since he's good enough to make a great living at something he should sell out his beliefs? Should all the people in America that don't agree with the way the ship is headed, have to leave? When the sheep follow the Sheperd without questioning the motives or destination they eventually end up at the slaughterhouse.

So let me get this straight... Since he's good enough to make a great living at something he should sell out his beliefs? Should all the people in America that don't agree with the way the ship is headed, have to leave? When the sheep follow the Sheperd without questioning the motives or destination they eventually end up at the slaughterhouse.
- I-own_da-Northwest

This!

I couldn't care less about his politics, I completely defend his right to opt out of the event, and I'm glad we live in a place where you can freely disagree with the government.

All that being said, I think it was a dumb decision that drew needless political attention to an apolitical event.

I applaud and have way more respect for Thomas now. It was great to have him show backbone. Those that are calling him classless and such are too dumb to see that he's right.

In a time of universal deceit - telling the truth is a revolutionary act.
- George Orwell
- I-own_da-Northwest

Thomas told no "truth". He expressed a political opinion hypocritically (by saying it was not political) and rightly or stupidly depending on how one sees it. He would gain true respect by giving back some of the millions he makes to those affected by the wrongs he sees. Homeless shelters, food banks....

As for Thomas being "right" (or wrong): well opinions are opinions and not fact. So for you to say he's right and anyone who disagrees with him is "dumb" shows your shallow thinking on this.

That is another valid course of action....once upon a time. But this administration has successfully killed the right to due process. Say he did show up and he did say something to the Presidents face. Our Commander-in-chief along with the Military now has the power to detain anyone without question for any period of time without trial. All they would have to do is accuse him of terrorism or threatening the President.

He could have done the FB and thing and then shown up but to me that reeks of speaking from both sides of your mouth.
- glove_was_stuck

I dont know what all of his issues are. But I would not say to go in there and make remarks that will get you into trouble. But he could easily have made his point without getting arrested. He is a free adult and not a caged prisoner, so he would not need to talk like one.

Tim Thomas can do what he wants.

But the whole 'this isn't political' is stupid.

It's either political or Thomas has no idea what irony is.

Mind you, he's a big fan of Glen Beck, so there's probably a good chance he has no idea what irony is.

I sure do love all these Faux patriots championing the ever present, "it's his right to say that as an American".

Of course, when the career of the country music group Dixie Chicks (also entertainment) was vanquished because of 'their right' to speak as American, these Fox Spews viewers didn't sing the same tune.

Further proof that people who are overtly political are usually hypocritical and ignorant.

Buwahaha. The government owns the banks. Could you be more ignorant? It's the BANKS own our government. Drink some more tea, one day you'll be in a total fog.
- kwolf68

You're both wrong. China owns America thanks to both parties, their blundering and our ignorance.

100% support & respect what Thomas did. It was not "classless"... It was not "selfish"... Anyone who labels his decision as such needs to sober up, give their head a shake, and get educated.

This self indulgent, superficial, politically driven "photo op" is of no real importance... Get over it.
- DrChristianTroy

agreed, who cares, i respect thomas even more now really, shows he is a real leader and isnt afraid to stand up for himself.

he couldve came out and said some examples of how corrupt the government really is(which they always have been) and how they spend 400 million a day on a war that only lines gov officials and friends of theirs pockets while poverty and homelessness run rampant in their own country.

politicians are the biggest crooks out there. good on timmy t!

(ps. yes i know i cant spell)

everyone in the world knows the americans are ignorant,greedy people(to say the least) good to see some Americans are ashamed of it.They start all the wars for their own agenda.Would you want to have dinner with Hitler? I have great respect for Thomas now for having the balls to do Something!!

I dont know what all of his issues are. But I would not say to go in there and make remarks that will get you into trouble. But he could easily have made his point without getting arrested. He is a free adult and not a caged prisoner, so he would not need to talk like one.
- KOS

If you read his statement he criticized the government as a whole not specifically Obama. To government that is as greedy, bloated and now overpowered as this one currently is a semi-popular dissident making a bold public statement live on TV can be dangerous to them. If the American people turn off the TV, put down the McDonalds and actually pay attention they're (frank)ed.

agreed, who cares, i respect thomas even more now really, shows he is a real leader and isnt afraid to stand up for himself.

he couldve came out and said some examples of how corrupt the government really is(which they always have been) and how they spend 400 million a day on a war that only lines gov officials and friends of theirs pockets while poverty and homelessness run rampant in their own country.

politicians are the biggest crooks out there. good on timmy t!

(ps. yes i know i cant spell)
- jessup07

Good on Tea Party Timmy!!! Wow, the Tea Party is an anti-war movement that cares about poverty and homelessness? Who'd have thunk that.

Thomas is a selfish piece of shi-ite. I'm not a fan of Maobama either but thomas insulted the office of the presidency and the white house regardless of who is occupying the role at the moment.

I didn't believe his goodie-two-shoes routine in the playoffs last year and this just goes to show his true selfish colours, not to mention the butt ends and hacks he throws at players every game. if he was a team guy then he would have been there. it's not 'American' to have bad manners and bad form despite what a lot of smug Canadians might think.
- kaptaan

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck that

politicans work for us, they've been insulting us for decades.