NASCAR says "No thanks"

[nissangirl74]

"....You might suck as a president...." if five NASCAR drivers decline your invite to dinner.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/10 ... use-invite

[Ace2cool]

"Like".

Oddly enough, it's all my favorite drivers sitting it out, and all my least favorite attending. Hm.

[themadscientist]

The president has announced he will be challenging them to a race for dissing him.




All kidding aside. I don't like the guy, but it's pretty classless to turn down an invite.

He should rock a Jeff Gordon hat during the lunch.

[krash]

[JoeCool6972]

Probably because they know the stupid racist rednecks that watch NASCRAP. They would lose viewers! Seriously, I hear a lot of rednecks talking about that "n****r president." It burns them up the people elected a black man. And it figures some of the biggest a-holes in NASCRAP are the ones not attending.

I don't give a damn WHO the president is and whether you like them or not, it is a great honor to sit at the same table with the leader of our country.

[ashibah83]

Probably because they know the stupid racist rednecks that watch NASCRAP. They would lose viewers! Seriously, I hear a lot of rednecks talking about that "n****r president." It burns them up the people elected a black man. And it figures some of the biggest a-holes in NASCRAP are the ones not attending.

you sir, are an idiot...

I dont understand how a "schdueling conflict" in any way shape or form denotes racism. Its funny that you think NASCAR fans are racists and rednecks, look at the cross-section of people that watch/attend NASCAR events. Yes, while the vast majority of drivers, fans, and events are from or in the south the sport has been picking up MAJOR steam in all parts of the country. The people that you say talk about a N***** president are ignorant to begin with, elevate the status of those you associate with and you will see the same discontent, but for FAR different reasons. Oh, by the way those mentioned that are not attending, have other chariatable organizations that do require time and energy.

[Ace2cool]

Probably because they know the stupid racist rednecks that watch NASCRAP. They would lose viewers! Seriously, I hear a lot of rednecks talking about that "n****r president." It burns them up the people elected a black man. And it figures some of the biggest a-holes in NASCRAP are the ones not attending.

I don't give a damn WHO the president is and whether you like them or not, it is a great honor to sit at the same table with the leader of our country.

I wouldn't do it unless I was ordered.

Also, YOU are the reason that the idea of racism is still perpetuated through generations. Everyone calls racism on anything and everything negative regarded towards President Obama. Never mind the fact that he is a terrible slick talking president that's only delivered on less than half of what he's promised. If it weren't for the fact that he is black, he would be regarded on equal terms with President Bush. It's the fact that every criticism directed toward him is deemed as racist, that people have to carefully tread when addressing his shortcomings, that he is still regarded even as well as he is now.

Also, the reason I wouldn't accept a dinner invitation with him isn't the fact that I'm a "dumb hillbilly redneck racist," it's because he has run our country into the ground, and is trying to take my paycheck away. Obama imposed a 1.4% pay raise for military servicemen and women for this year. That is the lowest pay increase we have seen since 1973. Nevermind the fact that that's a LOWER RATE INCREASE THAN WELFARE RECIPIENTS. So yeah, I must totally be racist, not wanting to go to a dinner with the President who is taking all my sh*t away.

Also, never mind the fact that most of these drivers, somewhere on their car, have one of these:



Politics is a much bigger deal down south than racism, believe me. It's sh*t like this that gets me all fired up. Ignorant f*cking people calling ignorance and racism on people of a different area simply because that's the stereotype that's in the media and in Hollywood. Let's step back and think about this: Why does the media report certain things? Because it gets viewers. What gets viewers? Scandals, racism, civil rights, ect. So though it may be an isolated event, the media will be all over the hillbilly in Alabama who is spouting off about how he doesn't like the fact that the President is black, as opposed to the people in the same county who believe that the President is doing a downright terrible job simply because he is a sh*tty president.

I've got half a mind to move this to politics, just so it doesn't get Gen Chat all fired up.

[Dattebayo]

Okay, you could get all fired up and call the guy a dumbas$, but then you could acknowledge that we don't actually know why they said they don't want to go.
All they said is a scheduling conflict... I'm willing to bet that some won't admit it, but they may not want to go because he is brown-skinned, and others because they think he's a dolt as a pres.

But lets be fair, every president is going to get picked apart by someone, and this one just happens to be brown skinned. THE FIRST one, ever. And you think that a country that hasn't had one before isn't going to have racist issues??? I call naivete on your ignorance.

[Ace2cool]

I never called the guy a dumb*ss. I Implied that he was ignorant and jumped to conclusions, however.

You're usually the one to play Devil's Advocate, Dave, so there's no surprise in your comment.

[bigbadberry3]

President asks you to do something.

You do it.

[Ace2cool]

I'd like to ask you why. I don't like the guy. Why would I go and eat dinner with him? The only way I'd be sitting at a table with him eating is if it were an official military order.

Also, Dave, I'd like to add one more question: Regarding your comment about racism is to be expected.

If we just accept the fact that racism is to be expected, how are we supposed to move forward and grow in our racial acceptance? That's a conflict in interest of ideals.

[ashibah83]

so if the president asked you to give up civil liberties and "ammend" the bill of rights by removing entire ammendments you would go along no problem?

about racism...take the Morgan Freeman stance on it....http://youtu.be/GeixtYS-P3s

[Ace2cool]

How about this, official quotes from the drivers:

Kevin Harvick: "This time of year, there's a lot going on and most everything that we do is scheduled months in advance. I've been to the White House before, and it's an honor just to go the White House and be in the Oval Office. … I understand the honor and things, just with everything we have going right now, there's just no way possible to reschedule the things we got going next week." He declined to be more specific, saying that it's not public business.
Greg Biffle: Committed to a major 3M sponsor event in Minnesota, Biffle tried to adjust his schedule but could not: "I called [3M] and talked to them about the invitation, and this was very important to them. The function is designed around me and they really can't have it if I can't go. Unfortunately, the date conflicts with the invitation." Biffle noted that there is no political component to his decision; he has a photo of himself shaking hands with Obama hanging in his home, and he said he's "disgusted" by people who suggest that he "rejected" the invitation.
Kurt Busch: "I will be at the White House ... Who would turn down the opportunity?" Busch indicated that he had to adjust his 2012 photo shoot to accommodate the visit, and was not certain how his name was included on the initial press release.
Carl Edwards: Declined public comment on the issue, telling Yahoo! Sports through a spokesman that he had personal commitments. However, Edwards' bona fides with the Obama administration are not in doubt, as he's a member of the President's Council on Fitness.
Tony Stewart: "We have an obligation we have to fulfill. I've enjoyed every trip I've that I've been invited ... There's a lot of people who would like the opportunity. If I could have rescheduled, I would be there in a heartbeat." He didn't specify the obligation.
"I don't think it's fair to the guys who said they could go, or the guys who said they couldn't go, to make it political," Burton said late Friday. "If the president of the United states invited NASCAR to the White House to honor NASCAR , that is an honor whether you agree with policy or not ... you can have respect for the presidency and still disagree with it. Ten years ago, after 9/11, this country was unified, this country was together. Today, we're talking why somebody is or isn't going to the White House. And we wonder why the country's in trouble. We're blaming the people in Washington. Maybe we need to look in the damn mirror."

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/blog/fro ... car-wp3582

Funny how everyone always jumps to racism.

[Dattebayo]

If we just accept the fact that racism is to be expected, how are we supposed to move forward and grow in our racial acceptance? That's a conflict in interest of ideals.

So ignoring it as a driving force for some is better? Way to take what I said to the furthest reaches it could possibly be understood as...

I said what I did because you seem to refuse the possibility that some of these good ol' boys might not appreciate our president because of his race. And the only reason I'm even bringing it up is because no one seems to want to talk about it like it could even be a possibility. It's like you're all afraid of bringing the subject up...

[Dattebayo]

Funny how everyone always jumps to racism.

It's not like they're going to make a public statement identifying them as racist...

Isn't it funny how no one could possibly think that anyone today would even think to be racist anymore?

[orangeNblue]

My thoughts:

Even if you don't like the guy, and most of the country seems to disagree with him, I would never pass up an invitation to sit with the President of the United States. Given the setting, it seems like the perfect place to bring up some of your thoughts vocally and directly to him. People can talk all day about not liking him or his policies, so why not when you have the chance, bring them up to the source.

[Ace2cool]

Ok Dave. Apparently you didn't read anything I posted and just jumped to my comment at the end.

And I never said I was ignoring it. It's just something that we do need to get past. The man is a leader. Leader of the United States. He should be judged on the level of every other United States President that we've ever had. He's not. You want a racist statement? Here's one:

He got elected because he was black. People hate him because he's a terrible president.

My point here is that people need to get past the surface. Actions speak louder than words, and most certainly skin tones. His actions are what makes people dislike him. People who keep bringing up the subject of racism put it at the forefront of everyone's mind. If everyone is being judged on a different scale, how are we all supposed to find a clear winner?

[Dattebayo]

Ok Dave. Apparently you didn't read anything I posted and just jumped to my comment at the end.

Really? That's just like you taking what I said to an extreme too. I guess we're both bad at this, huh...

[Ace2cool]

I addressed the points you brought up. You commented on my one final statement. There's a difference.

[JoeCool6972]

Probably because they know the stupid racist rednecks that watch NASCRAP. They would lose viewers! Seriously, I hear a lot of rednecks talking about that "n****r president." It burns them up the people elected a black man. And it figures some of the biggest a-holes in NASCRAP are the ones not attending.

you sir, are an idiot...

I dont understand how a "schdueling conflict" in any way shape or form denotes racism. Its funny that you think NASCAR fans are racists and rednecks, look at the cross-section of people that watch/attend NASCAR events. Yes, while the vast majority of drivers, fans, and events are from or in the south the sport has been picking up MAJOR steam in all parts of the country. The people that you say talk about a N***** president are ignorant to begin with, elevate the status of those you associate with and you will see the same discontent, but for FAR different reasons. Oh, by the way those mentioned that are not attending, have other chariatable organizations that do require time and energy.

WTF?! At first I was going to say f**K you! But I won't give your unnecessary personal insults a comment. Besides at least I can spell. At least use spell check before calling someone else an idiot...

I won't comment on how people like you (and others on this thread) blame the current US President for all the nation's problems. Let alone the fact these issues have been building up for decades. The largest part of my comment was sarcasm, lighten up!

Not saying I am an Obama supporter, I wrote in RON PAUL, I will do the same next election as well. And remember, it's "smart people" like you who recently voted in the FULL REPUBLICAN congress for him to work with, like that is going to get ANYTHING DONE... You might as well send a bunch of Chevy fans to the Ford dealer to buy cars!

And I still say it is an honor and a privilege to meet with the President of the United States of America. YOU CHANGE YOUR PLANS FOR THAT. YOU DON'T BLOW HIM OFF.

[JoeCool6972]

President asks you to do something.

You do it.

[JoeCool6972]

Probably because they know the stupid racist rednecks that watch NASCRAP. They would lose viewers! Seriously, I hear a lot of rednecks talking about that "n****r president." It burns them up the people elected a black man. And it figures some of the biggest a-holes in NASCRAP are the ones not attending.

I don't give a damn WHO the president is and whether you like them or not, it is a great honor to sit at the same table with the leader of our country.

I wouldn't do it unless I was ordered.

Also, YOU are the reason that the idea of racism is still perpetuated through generations. Everyone calls racism on anything and everything negative regarded towards President Obama. Never mind the fact that he is a terrible slick talking president that's only delivered on less than half of what he's promised. If it weren't for the fact that he is black, he would be regarded on equal terms with President Bush. It's the fact that every criticism directed toward him is deemed as racist, that people have to carefully tread when addressing his shortcomings, that he is still regarded even as well as he is now.

Also, the reason I wouldn't accept a dinner invitation with him isn't the fact that I'm a "dumb hillbilly redneck racist," it's because he has run our country into the ground, and is trying to take my paycheck away. Obama imposed a 1.4% pay raise for military servicemen and women for this year. That is the lowest pay increase we have seen since 1973. Nevermind the fact that that's a LOWER RATE INCREASE THAN WELFARE RECIPIENTS. So yeah, I must totally be racist, not wanting to go to a dinner with the President who is taking all my sh*t away.

Also, never mind the fact that most of these drivers, somewhere on their car, have one of these:



Politics is a much bigger deal down south than racism, believe me. It's sh*t like this that gets me all fired up. Ignorant f*cking people calling ignorance and racism on people of a different area simply because that's the stereotype that's in the media and in Hollywood. Let's step back and think about this: Why does the media report certain things? Because it gets viewers. What gets viewers? Scandals, racism, civil rights, ect. So though it may be an isolated event, the media will be all over the hillbilly in Alabama who is spouting off about how he doesn't like the fact that the President is black, as opposed to the people in the same county who believe that the President is doing a downright terrible job simply because he is a sh*tty president.

I've got half a mind to move this to politics, just so it doesn't get Gen Chat all fired up.

I second the last two posts, minus the "idiot" reference. And as for the "support the troops" decal on the race cars, that is a advertising gimmick more than anything else.

[Ace2cool]

Sure, you just keep telling yourself that. I was treated to box seats, hot lap pit passes (not even families get those), and unlimited access to the infield/garage area because I was military. I didn't speak once to a reporter. So yeah, definitely a gimmick.

[JoeCool6972]

You don't think supporting the troops is good for business?

[JoeCool6972]

This topic and the NASCRAP drivers who turned the invitation down deserve THIS:

[Ace2cool]

Keep it up, buddy. Now you're just pushing buttons and turning this into a stinkfest. Dave and I were having a grown up conversation, and now you're coming in here ranting and raving. You may think it's an honor to meet the POTUS, but trust me, he's just another person with a title that gets paid way too much to screw this country and its inhabitants over time and time again.

I reiterate, only under a military order would I sit at the same table willingly.

[themadscientist]

I'd go even though I don't like him. I'd have a beer with him even though I don't want to see four more years under his control. I would definitely talk shop with him and offer my insights and listen, I mean really listen to his ideas. It's called respect and we need more of it. The thing people forget about respect is, you have to give it before you get it.

[Dattebayo]

he's just another person with a title that gets paid way too much to screw this country and its inhabitants over time and time again.

I really gotta laugh at that. I seriously doubt your ideas about the pres are without emotion, because it sounds like you hold onto some kind of grudge based on appearances or some other silly motive for your lack of respect towards the position he holds.

[Ace2cool]

My paycheck? As previously stated? Or did you forget that earlier this year, he tried to take that away from me completely for a full month? You keep taking my things in a context completely other than how I intend for them. Maybe it's the way I'm wording them. Is he really some great, all knowing superhuman that I should be honored to meet and grovel at his feet? No. That's kinda the vibe I'm getting from the people posting in here. "The president asks you to do something, you do it." Just seems like people are blowing him up to a proportion that's more grand than it actually is. It's a dinner with a guy in a suit that gets paid to talk and sign things.Woooooo.

Mike, I would love to respect him. But I just can't bring myself to. He's done so many things, focused on so many subjects that weren't even relevant, while letting so many other things go by the wayside, that I just can't do it. Military spending cuts when we already can't afford to train our students. Ok, that's cool. In 2 years, we will have the weakest military on the face of the planet. Our pilots won't know how to actually fly jets, because the only "flight time" they got was in a simulator. We won't have flight capable aircraft, because we already don't have money to buy parts. He doesn't think long term. This country is the biggest target out of any country in the world. We need a military to defend against anything, and he's trying to take that away.

[Dattebayo]

It's a dinner with a guy in a suit that gets paid to talk and sign things.Woooooo.

Now how could I possibly interpret that wrong?
It's so much more than that, and you know it.

My paycheck? As previously stated? Or did you forget that earlier this year, he tried to take that away from me completely for a full month?

Maybe now we come to the heart of the argument for you. Did you sign up to get into the military? Because if I understand from what my dad had to go through when he was drafted, is that you basically chose to be govt. property all by yourself. Now before you go and hate me for putting it this way, I want to say I sympathize and you have my respect for doing it! But they really don't HAVE to pay you. Not while they own your butt, afaik...

This doesn't mean you can't feel the way you do. But that makes the conversation even more relevant, because I'm sure there are lots of people who feel the same way that you do who are ready to mouth off and call the pres a racial slur because of that. That's just to show you that racism is alive and well.