Matt, of Buckeye Thoughts, guestposts this night [British time], on the way Barack Obama tried to push his political agenda by aligning with what the Stanley Cup winners did in outreaching to the community, on their own and without any political connotations. Matt:
This is what happened.
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama welcomed the 2009 Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins to the White House on Thursday and celebrated the hockey team for its performance on and off the ice.
The Penguins won the best-of-seven series in June, defeating the defending champion Detroit Red Wings. They then took the cup on a road trip to thank their fans, an act that earned the players the thanks of a grateful president.
"They took it on fishing trips and stopped by neighborhood barbecues. They visited elementary schools and brightened the days of children recovering in the hospital," Obama said during a ceremony that was moved indoors to the East Room because of threatening skies.
"I think this Cup has even held a baby or two. So this is a team that understands that being a champion doesn't end when you step off the ice," Obama added. His administration is making an effort to encourage volunteerism and public service nationwide.
Before arriving at the White House, the team held a hockey clinic for local children that was part of the administration's United We Serve summer of service. Some of those kids were in the audience to see Obama hoist the large trophy, accept a team jersey and pose for pictures.
"That's what the Stanley Cup is all about. Not just having your names engraved alongside the best players in history, but also giving back to others along the way," the president said. "And this spirit of service helps to strengthen our communities, it strengthens our country, and I know the team gets a lot in return for it as well."
Wow, Barry, really? The Stanley Cup is about proving you are the best in the NHL. I'm all for a team having good outreach to the local community and what not but do not, do not, attempt to change the meaning of the sport/or the Cup! Do not attempt to act all buddy buddy with my favorite team!
You know what this reminds me of? This.
You're right Matt[and good post].
ReplyDeleteThat's just exploiting the Stanley Cup and the volunteer work of the team to drive home his hidden message.
Thanks, Matt, for running that. I watched the Stanley Cup from a Vancouver basement when Calgary won it and much beer was consumed at the time.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the Venezuela 8th star debate was very interesting, having not known anything about that before.
Well done the Penguins.
ReplyDeleteNow perhaps "my" team will start to pick themselves up off the floor again?
Alas, they didn't even make the playoffs this year. In fact, it's been all downhill since the greatest netminder in the world retired...
Dave Beasant, WY?
ReplyDeleteYou do realize that Detroit should have walked (skated) all over Pitt ><
ReplyDeleteLOL - but they didn't. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting that Matt, very interesting and I agree with you.
ReplyDelete