[dropcap]You’ll[/dropcap] remember that Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson got in hot water back in January with a GQ article where he didn’t have very flattering things to say about homosexuals. While the response to Hank Aaron comparing Republicans and others who don’t agree with President Barack Obama’s politics to that KKK may not illict the same hornet’s nest that Robertson received, it’s still worth reviewing.
On April 9th, the Atlanta Braves honored Hank Aaron’s 40th anniversary of breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1974 by hitting his 715th. It was a great day for baseball then, and a great day for baseball now. I took to my Facebook page with a link to Sportsnaut’s own Jessica Kleinschmidt’s 11 Fun Facts About Hank Aaron story and adding the comment of “Aaron > Bonds” (> = greater than) in reference to Aaron’s home run total being more respected than Barry Bonds’ steroid-filled record.
Later that night my friend Eric sent me a link to this story and asked, “So… are you still a big Hank Aaron fan?”
Here’s a taste:
“Sure, this country has a black president, but when you look at a black president, President Obama is left with his foot stuck in the mud from all of the Republicans with the way he’s treated,” Aaron told USA Today Sports.
Aaron continued: “The bigger difference is that back then they had hoods. Now they have neckties and starched shirts.”
Aaron stated that there is still room for improvement for race relations in the U.S.
Clearly, Mr. Aaron.
With President Obama six years into his Presidency and having been elected twice by America, the typical reaction to such a disgraceful statement made by Aaron to those it’s directed at is: meh. They’ve heard it enough to know that it’s the same ol’ shit, just on a different day. They’re disappointed to find out it’s someone they have a high regard for, then they note their mistake and move on quickly.
I happen to believe we’re all earthlings and specifically American’s, and as a result I don’t classify people based on their gender, skin color, religion, sexual preferences, or any other manner. However, that doesn’t sell in politics and in media these days, so progressive and conservative political and media drama queens (think Keith Olbermann, Al Sharpton, and Karl Rove-types) fill the airwaves with this divide-people-pablum resulting in parrots like Hank Aaron and Phil Robertson lowering the bar.
Hank Aaron is 80-years-old. I understand the concept of diminished capacity.
As financial guru Dave Ramsey says…
Some people have their head so far up their politics, they can’t think for themselves.
Of course short-sighted individuals with a lack of common sense will take the attitude – “[Insert Phil or Hank’s name here] is telling the truth.” People are going to believe what they want to believe, and politics and social issues have definitely become a cheer-leading team sport in America on who’s right and who’s wrong, ala the Red Sox/Yankees, 49ers/Seahawks, Spurts/Heat rivalries. “I want my guy, my team to win.” Good luck with that. And thanks for being part of the problem.
I’ll stand by my initial opinion because I don’t want to be a part of the problem. Aaron > Bonds.
Photo: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports