Month: August 2010

Glenn Beck’s Hypocrisy

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Glenn Beck

 

For the past couple of weeks Glenn Beck along with merry band of idiots (Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Lazio) have led a movement to protest the building of an Islamic Cultural Center (Ground Zero Mosque) near the WTC. Beck’s opposition to the Cultural Center is that he believes it’s insensitive to the families and victims of 9/11 to build what he calls a Mosque in that area.  

I can understand how someone who lost a family member or friend at 9/11 would be upset. And you have every right to protest; my opinion may differ but it is your right.  

What I have a problem with is people like Beck who are using this controversy for their own gain. For all his talk about respect and being sensitive to people’s feelings, where was that same sentiment when he decided to have his ‘Restoring Honor’ rally on the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech?!?  

Beck’s ‘Restoring Honor’ rally attracted a lot of Tea Party supporters, the same supporters who have challenged the 1st Black President’s citizenship and have carried signs depicting him as Hitler at their rallies.  This is the same Beck who said,  

Obama has “exposed himself as a guy” with “a deep-seated hatred for white people”  

Beck Referring to Obama “This guy is a racist…”  

So how exactly are you going to reclaim the Civil Rights Movement when you yourself have promoted some form of hate??  

Beck is only in this for selfish reasons; if he really cared about the people he would care about the effect of his rally.  Instead he turned a deaf ear to Civil Rights Leaders and colleagues like Greta Van Susteren,  

“Yes he has a First Amendment right to do it…but what about the wisdom of it?”. “Glenn should move his event. It does not help heal the country on so many fronts if we poke a stick in eyes.” – Greta Van Susteren  

So what’s the difference between respecting 9/11 families/victims and respecting the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech?  It’s simple, there is nothing for Beck to gain from respecting Martin Luther King.  The families of 9/11 and protesters who oppose the Islamic Cultural Center have to understand Beck, the GOP, and even Democrats like Harry Reid are using them for political favor.  Then on top of that you have the rhetoric of Beck possibly adding fuel to the fire of anti-Islam sentiment.  The video below was taken during one of the protests of the Islamic Cultural Center; the crowd mistaken a man wearing a tightly fitted beanie for a muslim…  

These are dangerous times we are living in right now, and this is just not a NYC Ground Zero thing.  Just this weekend there was a suspicious fire at the proposed site for a Mosque in Tennessee, how much will we regress as a nation??  

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!

Talking Points Tuesdays – Pride

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Shirley Sherrod

 

Pride: a feeling of honour and self-respect; a sense of personal worth   

Pride is something that is missing from many in our society and we this in many aspects of our lives. From politics to everyday life I am sure we all have examples of lack of pride. So it is a pleasant surprise when you can witness pride. For me an example of this would Shirley Sherrod.   

For those of you who do not know who Mrs Sherrod is; she is the Black woman who was falsely accused and fired for using her position of power at the USDA to deny help to a White Farmer. Eventually the truth came out and Mrs Sherrod was exonerated which led to Head of USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and the White House including President Obama personally apologizing to Sherrod.  Not only did Mrs. Sherrod receive apologies but she was also offered a brand new position or her old job at the USDA.  The new position was created because of this situation; in the new position it would be addressing questions of discrimination in the department (USDA).   

Mrs. Sherrod took time to review the offer and the situation; at the end of the day she respectfully declined the offers.  She has not ruled out working as a consultant with the USDA in the future.  When asked why she decided not to accept the job offer she stated,   

“A new process is in place, and I hope that it works; I don’t want to be the one to test it. … I think I can be helpful to him and to the department if I just take a little break and look to how I can be helpful in the future.”   

I respect Mrs. Sherrod decision as it would have been easy for to take the new job, but she stood her ground.  A couple of years ago I was in a situation where a co-worker made some insensitive comments to me which were ignorant and disrespectful.  That co-worker tried to apologize to me and offered me a gift; like Mrs Sherrod I fully appreciated my co-workers apology and gift but I respectfully declined his gift.  I did not feel comfortable accepting his gift as I felt in accepting the gift I was condoning his actions.   

Of course people have criticized Mrs Sherrod for trying to milk her “15 minutes of fame”; that is a ridiculous notion!  Without even knowing Sherrod this commentator decided that she should have just taken the job and gone away.  That would have been the easy thing to do but unlike some of the lame politicians who have no pride and sell them selves to the highest bidder; Mrs Sherrod decided her principles were more important.    

If more people showed more heart and pride maybe we wouldn’t have the silliness we have seen in politics; it’s time for people to start standing up for what is right and not for what is polling well in the latest CNN poll!   

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!

Keith Bulluck to be honored by ‘New Yorkers for Children’ organization

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Keith Bulluck

 

Seven years ago Keith Bulluck started ‘The Keith Bulluck Believe and Achieve Foundation’, growing up a foster child Keith understands the challenges that face foster kids.  

“Young people in foster care often figure they will be stuck in minimum-wage jobs after they leave the system. I’m proof it doesn’t have to be that way. Sure, I had natural ability, size and a lot of breaks, but you also need focus in life, someone to bring you along, someone to help you develop job skills.” 

Bulluck’s foundation has hosted charity fundraisers, toy drives, holiday parties for foster kids and their families and donated school supplies for kids over the years in both Tennessee and New York.  Keith’s work off the field garnered him the “Titans Walter Payton Man of the Year” back in 2007. 

“I am pleased that Keith is being recognized for more than he does on the field.” 
  
“He is a terrific player and is committed to making our community a better place.” – Jeff Fisher 2007
As Bulluck now continues his football career with the NY Giants he will be honored next month for his charitable work with foster kids by ‘New Yorkers for Children’ organization; Keith will receive the Nicholas Scoppetta Child Welfare Award. 
 
Past honorees of the Nicholas Scoppetta Child Welfare Award include Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Mary J. Blige, Geoffrey Canada, and Russell Simmons.
 
As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!

Competition at the linebacker spot for the NY Giants

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Jonathan Goff

 

As reported by Ohm Youngmisuk (ESPN) Keith Bulluck took snaps at outside linebacker in certain packages during Monday practice. As Ohm noted Bulluck was brought into to replace Antonio Pierce in the middle; with Bulluck taking snaps at outside linebacker adds a wrinkle to linebacker situation for the Giants. I don’t believe this is alarming in any way or a sign of what type of camp Bulluck is having, as I think this is just a testament to the strong camp that Jonathan Goff is having for the Giants. If anything this is more of a statement against Clint Sintim and his play up until this point. Bulluck is a versatile linebacker that can play both the middle and outside; Sintim is trying to find his way and Coughlin comments sort of allude to that…  

The head coach said Sintim played better on Saturday and praised the way he attacked the line of scrimmage.   

But Coughlin said Bulluck could provide Sintim with competition at outside linebacker.   

“The competitive aspect of it… the way we have gone all camp, if that creates a little bit of competition over there, then so be it,” Coughlin said. – via Ohm Youngmisuk   

Bulluck saw his first game action since suffering the ACL tear and was able to make his presence known during his 6 snaps when he stuck the running back. Hopefully the number of snaps he will play will increase versus the Ravens, but all in all it was a good start. One thing for sure is that Keith will not be satisfied with just providing competition for others, as he has stated in the past he would not have put in all the rehab work if he didn’t think he could play at or near the same level before the injury. Right now the only spot amongst the linebackers solidified is Michael Boley’s; at the end of day Bulluck will definitely be the other starting linebacker. I think we will see Bulluck moved around by Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell similar to how Bulluck was used with the Titans.  

When asked if he still considers Bulluck a middle linebacker, Coughlin said, “I consider him a linebacker.” – via Ohm Youngmisuk   

It’s up to Sintim and Goff to see who will be the 3rd starting linebacker; if they don’t step up be prepared to see Bulluck playing both middle and outside.  

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!

Pat Robertson says Islam is about “World Dominance…”

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Pat Robertson

 

I just watched Pat Robertson say that Islam is about “World Dominance” and that building a Mosque near the World Trade Center is like Islam planting a flag and gloating in the face of 9/1 victims. Robertson is the latest Republican nutbag to spew hate. To think this fool tried to cleanup his comments by saying it’s ok if Muslims want to build a Mosque in other parts of New York but not in downtown Manhattan. 

Pat seems to conveniently forget about all the Christian Missions all over the world whose main goal is to spread Christianity throughout the world. There are many that will say that is a form of “World Dominance”. Here is the Mission Statement of Catholic Missions from http://www.catholic.com/home/about.asp 

Catholic Answers is an apostolate dedicated to serving Christ by bringing the fullness of Catholic truth to the world. We help good Catholics become better Catholics, bring former Catholics “home,” and lead non-Catholics into the fullness of the faith. We explain Catholic truth, equip the faithful to live fully the sacramental life, and assist them in spreading the Good News.  

This sounds like wanting to spread a particular message to the world, “dedicated to serving Christ by bringing the fullness of Catholic truth to the world.” 

Pat Robertson is what is dangerous with our country; I hope people see thru this phony nutbag for what he really is! 

I am a Catholic, but I realize and understand you show respect for other religious beliefs even if they go against yours! 

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!

Talking Points Tuesdays – Ground Zero Mosque

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Ground Zero Mosque

 

The controversy surrounding the Ground Zero Mosque is clear example of how this country is going backwards; when did we as a nation stop progressing?  John Adams in a letter once wrote…  

“There must be a positive Passion for the public good, the public Interest, Honour, Power, and Glory, established in the Minds of the People, or there can be no Republican Government, nor any real Liberty. And this public Passion must be Superior to all private Passions. Men must be ready, they must pride themselves, and be happy to sacrifice their private Pleasures, Passions, and Interests, nay their private Friendships and dearest connections, when they Stand in Competition with the Rights of society.”  

These are powerful words from 1776 that  puts the Ground Zero Mosque mess into perspective, “public Passion must be Superior to all private Passions…”.  Meaning that we need to put our personal feeling aside for the greater good of society.  Some will argue that the greater good for society would be to respect the victims of 9/11 and their families; in no way are disrespecting the memories of loved ones lost.  Islam was not what took the lives of over 3,000 people on September 9th 2001; the act was committed by radical fundamentalist.   

If there was evidence that the builders of the Muslim Cultural Center were affiliated with radical hate groups then I would fully oppose the building of the Mosque.  There is no room or protection of hate groups when it comes to the greater good or society.  If Newt Gingrich or Sarah Palin could show me that this Mosque would be a breeding ground of hate then I would fully support their stance on this issue; but all you hear from the and others like Harry Reid is nothing but political talk.  Both Democrats and Republicans are too worried about November elections and gaining support than the equal protection of religious freedom under the Constitution.  

This issue has been politicized to the point that Republicans have already announced that they will make this an issue during the November elections; in response Democrats like Harry Reid who are in tight races have distanced themselves from what is right in order to save their jobs!  It’s good to see politicians like Charlie Crist, Mike Bloomberg and yes the President of the United States (Obama) take a stand for what is right.   

Some times doing the RIGHT thing means supporting a unpopluar position, over the next couple of days we will see who has the BALLS to do what is right!  I hate to think that political pressure may stop this cultural center aka mosque from being built.  I hope not, I would have a hard time supporting any politician that would fold under the pressure.  That includes President Obama!!!  

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!    

Who will be the leader on the Knicks???

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

When Knicks’ fans read the comments from Chauncey Billups concerning the Nuggets signing Al Harrington; you realize that even with the addition of Amar’e Stoudemire, Raymond Felton and Ronny Turiaf that the Knicks still have work to do.  

 
 

  

Chauncey Billups

 

“I think a guy like Al is going to benefit from the leadership that we have there… I’m not going to let him get away with being sub-par or not playing defense or not rebounding and still wanting to shoot the ball. ” – Chauncey Billups talking to NY Post  

Don’t get me wrong Knick fans, this team has improved by leaps and bounds with the offseason moves but we still have a way to go.  The current Knicks roster still lacks a strong leader on the floor, and from what I have seen from D’Antoni over the past 2 years I don’t see the type of coach to pull a player off the court for not boxing out or rebounding.  Could Amar’e be that type of floor leader?  If you go by his career he has never had the focus on the defensive end to call a player out for not doing their job defensively.  If anything I think Turiaf can step into that role, but the role of leader is usually a player that plays major minutes.  He is scrappy player that by example alone will bring toughness to the Knicks, but the minutes he has averaged in a season is 21.5.   

So who will be that Chauncey Billups type of player on the Knicks?  

Right now I don’t see that type of player on the Knicks and with the idea of bringing in Carmelo Anthony next year I still don’t see it.  Who knows, so far I have been very impressed with what I have seen from Amar’e.  He is taking the challenge of playing in NYC and he is saying and doing all of the rights right now.  Players who dare to be great are always in the running to be leaders, and as a Knicks fan I think we are at the doorstep of something special.  

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!! 

  
 
 

  

 

Karlos Dansby says he’s the best…

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Karlos Dansby

 

This offseason Karlos Dansby signed a 5 year $43 million dollar contract with the Miami Dolphins, so I guess in his mind he has 43 million reason why he is the best linebacker in the NFL.  On 8/13 it was reported by Pro Football Talk that Dansby told reporters he was “the best” when he was asked to rank himself.  There is nothing wrong with a little self-confidence but Dansby might be feeling himself a lil bit too much.  Not sure if he has forgotten about a few other linebackers in the NFL that might take an exception to his statement. 

DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys) might have something to say about Dansby’s self-appointed #1 status; Ware has had 4 consecutive seasons of double-digit sacks while anchoring the Dallas Cowboys’ defense.  Not only can Ware rush the passer but he has improved his run defense along with his coverage capabilities; he has made himself into a complete 3 down player. 

For Dansby to truly be “the best” he will have to put together more seasons like his last 2 seasons with the Cardinals; so calling yourself the best is easy while being the best means putting in the work not in the work not only during the season but in the offseason as well.  Being paid BIG money has a lot of responsibilities; that means Dansby will have to shed the label of not being a hard worker in the offseason and become the leader of that Dolphins’ defense.    

While Dansby proclaims to be the best, I guarantee the likes of Ware, James Harrison (Steelers), Patrick Willis (49ers), Brian Urlacher (Bears) and Keith Bulluck (Giants) are putting in that work necessary to be the best.  Keep an eye out especially for Urlacher and Bulluck; both veterans are coming off injuries and have something to prove.  Bulluck recently told the Newark Star-Ledger… 

He’s only inches away from making plays he used to make, Bulluck said of his surgically repaired knee right now: “It’s scary how good it feels.” 

Soon all the talking will be over and we will see who is “the best”! 

Linebacker – Top 10 according to ESPN’s Insider:

Linebacker – Top 10
RK PLAYER GRADE
1 DeMarcus Ware 94
2 James Harrison 93
3 Shawne Merriman 92
4 Patrick Willis 90
5 Karlos Dansby 86
6 Terrell Suggs 86
7 Lance Briggs 85
8 Jon Beason 85
9 Keith Bulluck 83
10 Brian Urlacher 82

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!

K-Rod apologizes…

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Francisco Rodriguez

 

This afternoon Francisco Rodriguez aka K-Rod apologized to the NY Mets and to his fans for his actions after Wednesday nights game.  After the Mets lost to the Colorado Rockies Wednesday night; K-Rod frustrated by lack of use in that game assaulted his girlfriend’s father (was previously reported his father-in-law).  K-Rod was charged with 3rd degree assault Thursday afternoon after spending the night in a holding cell; the NY Mets suspended Rodriguez for 2 games as a result of his actions.  

In his statement to the media K-Rod said he will be attending anger-managment counseling…  

“First of all, I’m extremely sorry,” Rodriguez said. “I want to apologize to [owners] Fred Wilpon, Jeff Wilpon and Mr. [Saul] Katz for the incident that happened Wednesday night. I want to apologize also to the Mets fans, to my teammates. I want to apologize, of course, to the front office for the embarrassing moment that I caused. I’m looking forward to being a better person.  

“Right now the plan is I’m going to be going to [an] anger management program. And I cannot be speak no farther about the legal stuff that we’re going through right now. I want to apologize. Sorry.” – via ESPN New York  

It remains to be seen what will the long-lasting effects of this incident; it’s just another chapter in a disappointing season for the NY Mets.  In my opinion the Mets are long over-due in firing Jerry Manuel; the team is barely responding to him and at this point any victories this team is able to attain will be due to players not wanting to be completely embarrassed game after game.  At times this year Manuel managerial decisions have cost the Mets wins; inexplicably Manuel did not go to K-Rod with 2 outs and runners on 1st and 2nd.  In a critical game versus the Phillies on 8/7 Manuel used K-Rod for a 5 out save; there is no reason why Manuel could not have used Rodriguez for a 4 out save on Wednesday.   

To be fair Manuel is not the only reason why the Mets are struggling; but like they say you can’t fire all the players.  

One more thing to keep in mind, K-Rod is a highly volatile individual.  He is someone who rides on high emotions; would anger-managment counseling take away from K-Rods game?  Some players need that emotion to be effective; when K-Rod enters the game he walks a thin line with his emotions which made him a record breaking closer 

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!

NY Mets closer K-Rod attacks his father-in-law

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

K-Rod

 

 NY Mets highly emotional closer Frankie Rodriguez aka K-Rod has been charged with 3rd degree assault for attacking his father-in-law after the game in the family room at Citi Field (Mets home ballpark).  Sports New York (SNY) reporter Kevin Burkhardt has reported that after the game while reporters were interviewing players K-Rod became upset when a reporter asked if was available to pitch tonite.  K-Rod then yelled at reporters to “Get Away!” as he stormed off; a few minutes later Kevin Burkhardt tried to talk to K-Rod when he once again aggressively told reporters, “I didn’t pitch, why do I have to talk to you guys…”.  K-Rod then left the clubhouse and entered the family room where he reportedly attacked his father-in-law leaving him with bruises on his face.  K-Rod has been detained at Citi Field by the police while his father-in-law was taken to the hospital.  

K-Rod’s frustration comes from him not being used in tonight’s game against the Colorado Rockies.  With 2 outs and runners on 1st and 2nd in the top of the 8th inning; Mets winning 2-1 and in desperate need of victories.  Jerry Manuel (Mets manager) decided to not use K-Rod for the 4 out save; instead Manual with Manny Acosta who would then give up a Grand-Slam to former Met Melvin Mora.   

K-Rod has on more than one occasion has told the Mets coaching staff that he rather be over worked as he is more effective that way.  In a big game K-Rod wants to be on the field and these days every game is a big game for the Mets. The frustration that spilled over into the altercation with reporters and his father-in-law is without a doubt a result of how Jerry Manuel is using his closer.  In no way am I condoning K-Rod’s behavior; there is no reason to physically assault anyone because of what happened in a baseball game.  But for the SNY team (Kevin Burkhardt and Bobby Ojeda) to say that Jerry Manuel’s handling of this team and the K-Rod incident are unrelated has to be one of the dumbest statements I have heard.  Soon after making that statement Kevin Burkhardt then reports that there are Mets players who are unhappy with the way the is being run.  

Do me a favor Kevin its real simple; K-Rod is upset after the game because he feels he is not being properly used by the manager.  Then you report that players are not happy with the way the team is being run; again by the manager.    

Hello Captain Obvious it’s clear Jerry Manuel’s way of handling the team is affecting everyone!!!!  

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!