Paul - the key word is worthy - they are more than welcome. Just do it legally - that's all we're asking. Our great country does have its warts, but in general, we continually try to address them , and my what progress we have made.
If I was the GM I'd only look to BUY pitching this year if possible. I don't think I'd trade away any of their top minor league guys just yet. Two reasons: Injuries, and we honestly still don't know who will continue to produce daily and who might fade. My eyes tell me EDC, Steer, and McLain are for real...but it's an incredibly short sample size.
I agree that doing SOMETHING this year makes sense. How often can you rely on the rest of the division being so mediocre? So I'd go for it this year but hope to pick up pitching for money and as few prospects as possible.
Many Red's fans are in the " don't mortgage the future " mode. I say the Reds have two of their so called " future " stud pitchers unavailable until at least August. If the Red's don't play for the here and now, there's no guarantee what the future brings. Any athlete is one ACL, rotator cuff, or concussion away from losing their youthful abilities. They will still have a core of valuable players. Now is the time ! As for our Independence, I was taught a long time ago, that most of us came from immigrants. Our forefathers went through hellacious times to get their freedom. A visit to Ellis Island, and it's history provides a small sample of what our immigrant families had to face. It's no easier now. Also, Doc, you picked a great song !
Doc, I respectfully disagree with you. As a country we are more tolerant today by far over where we were 50 years ago. Still far from perfect. But we’ll never have everybody deciding to embrace everyone. Just like probably 10% of us don’ like Jeff Ruby’s. But, I believe we have made admirable strides over the pstt 40-50 years.
Great to hear of your trip to Italy yesterday. It's on my bucket list. My sister-in-law is moving to Milan next year so I see a trip coming soon. My feeling about All-stars is that no rookie should ever play. Half a season does not make an All-star. See Jack Armstrong and Aristides Aquino. I don't know how far this Reds team will go but they are fun and reminding me of the 2021 Bengals. As for patriotism, I'm more or less with you. As a retired USAF officer, I am a bit uncomfortable during the Hometown Hero segments at the Reds games, not because the veterans don't deserve some recognition, but because the real heroes are the guys that didn't make it home, as well as the wounded, both physically and mentally. But, it's okay. The reality is we have a mercenary military force. Very few Americans have any real skin in the game. Those who proclaim their patriotism the loudest have mostly not given back anything to their country. As for flyovers, they are marketing for the military.
The Reds are my shining stars...and I'll never stop dreaming...it's what keeps me breathing. Good song...unfortunately...or fortunately almost all of my time is spent dreaming. Maybe I need to save some time for not dreaming...clearly my brain, not my feet, carry me forward.
I was on Air Force One this past Friday; the Kennedy through Clinton AF1 on display at Dayton’s Air Force Museum. 😀
So few Cincinnatians take the time to make an hour drive north to see the aircraft and read about the people who defended this country. I try to get there every few years.
A sporting event flyover is about the only time someone will ever see aircraft of any significance that serve the nation. While you won’t see the Memphis Belle fly over GABP, you can see it in Dayton. While you won’t see the B-29 Superfortress “Bockscar” that flew over Nagasaki anywhere near Paycor, you can see it, along with a decommissioned, back-up “Fat Man” atomic bomb sitting next to it, in Dayton. Stealth fighters? An arms length away? Check. Stealth bombers? Check. Current, retired, drones hanging from the ceilings that are much bigger than you might imagine? Just incredible. That experimental aircraft you see in grainy videos that looks like a flying saucer? It’s in Dayton and, given its shape, there’s no wonder it was built by hockey puck minded Canadians. And space craft? C’mon. The rocket room still makes me smile and I have walked in there more times than I can remember. The Apollo 15 Command Module might be the coolest thing in there. The REAL A15 Command Module with re-entry burns all over it. It’s large yet small considering where it spent most of it’s mission.
I don’t mind the sporting event flyovers because it reminds people of the sacrifice that US service members have endured and continue to endure.
Please visit the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton. If you regret going, I will personally refund your admission fee.*
Great column today. Hooray for the upstart Reds. Went to a sold-out game vs. the Braves last weekend. The Reds' fans were out in full force, the atmosphere felt like it does on Opening Day.
Excellent observations on America and the 4th. Unfortunately, we are enduring a revival of ignorance, which is a self-perpetuating affliction, as history clearly reveals, yet many unfortunately do not learn from it. Examples:
In the 1850's, when the US population was ~24 million, a movement arose that called itself "The Order of the Star Spangled Banner". They were obsessed with deporting about 3 million people they called "riffraff" that were ruining our country. Those people were ID'd as Irish and German Catholics. Yeah, that was a wise and worthwhile effort in hate and fear mongering. As we know, the US culture, in its open armed and open-hearted ways eventually welcomed the "troublemakers", dismissed the haters as the "Know Nothing Party" and we are better for it. A brief summary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Star_Spangled_Banner
At the same time, another movement, the "Peace Democrats" wanted to sign an Armistice with the Confederate states, allowing slavery to continue on indefinitely, primarily for economic reasons. The white nationalist pursued and recruited the persecuted Irish and German Catholic populations, encouraging them to join their movement in order keep the dark-skinned populations below them in the social order. The fanatics were aptly opposed and labeled "Copperheads" after the poisonous snakes. A brief summary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhead_(politics)
So today's White Nationalists are nothing new under the sun. Let's just hope Americans come to their senses and embrace their fellow man in the true spirit of our nation.
I partially agree with your column and respect your viewpoint. I think the Reds should make a trade for a reliable starter, but not give up any key players or top prospects. Perhaps trade Sensel and one of the shortstop prospects. I always worry that a top starter would get injured as soon as they become a Red. Their pitching staff seems to have a lot of injuries and I doubt Lodolo will be back this year.
I agree that we should welcome newcomers to our country, but some controls need to be in place. When many of our Irish ancestors came during the civil war they still had to be processed and many fought for the North in the civil war. If they didn't work, they didn't eat. We can't continue to allow unfiltered immigration with no control at our borders. Our cities can't even deal with the current homeless and crime. You are likely upper middle class like many of us and how much more are you willing and able to pay in taxes? I own an average priced home in Hamilton County and my property tax bill is more than rent for a typical apartment in the area 5 years ago. I think too many people today only care about their 'rights' rather than responsibilities. There needs to be balance and some control systems in place to assure our country can continue to be the best. Be nice.....until it's time not to be nice!
There was a Gallup poll released last week that indicated most American adults are not proud of their country. As a child of the Second World War generation, I have a different opinion, of course, but if there is anything about America that I like it is the freedom to believe whatever you want to and say it out loud at any time. Social media may be polarizing but to me it has just given the most outspoken their loudest megaphone and you can listen to them or keep on moving.
We all have the freedom to rewrite American history as we prefer but doing so without an adequate effort to be somewhat correct in the telling of the story strikes me as shallow so I read all I can on how we got to this point. I could never agree with Howard Zinn and his People’s History of the U.S. but listening to alternate views sharpens your arguments in my opinion. I pray we’re doing what’s is best for our collective future, but I certainly agree with Toby Keith “when we see Old Glory flying there’s a lot of men dead”.
Welcome back, good sir. Loved the recap yesterday of your trip to Italy. Very glad it was a magical trip for you and yours.
This Reds team has me back in love with the franchise. I had fallen out of love, as I’ve previously written, but now find myself sitting on the front porch on game nights, radio tuned in, and texting back and forth with my son (the 14-year-old who just decided to play organized baseball for the first time this year) about the games and results. They are reminding me much of the ‘99 team, one I followed through newspaper clippings mailed to me while in Army basic training. A wonderful surprise out of nowhere, and one which I hope continues. But as you said, they need to go for it. Success can be fleeting. Maybe I’ll bend the ear of one of my former Army comrades, who is a first cousin of Krall. She actually came into town for the last homestand … maybe I’ll message her and order her to tell her cousin to morph into Trader Nick haha.
As always, great observations on Fourth, and don’t just stick to sports. Us who love your musings would read regardless.
Pre-arena sound Steve Miller Band album, Sailor. There is a song titled Living in the USA. Raucous. A line says "Somebody give me a cheeseburger." Always seems like a 4th song to me.
Absolutely agree with every word of "Do We Celebrate the Wrong Stuff on July 4?"! I appreciate your observations about sports, but I love even more your observations about life!
Paul - the key word is worthy - they are more than welcome. Just do it legally - that's all we're asking. Our great country does have its warts, but in general, we continually try to address them , and my what progress we have made.
If I was the GM I'd only look to BUY pitching this year if possible. I don't think I'd trade away any of their top minor league guys just yet. Two reasons: Injuries, and we honestly still don't know who will continue to produce daily and who might fade. My eyes tell me EDC, Steer, and McLain are for real...but it's an incredibly short sample size.
I agree that doing SOMETHING this year makes sense. How often can you rely on the rest of the division being so mediocre? So I'd go for it this year but hope to pick up pitching for money and as few prospects as possible.
Many Red's fans are in the " don't mortgage the future " mode. I say the Reds have two of their so called " future " stud pitchers unavailable until at least August. If the Red's don't play for the here and now, there's no guarantee what the future brings. Any athlete is one ACL, rotator cuff, or concussion away from losing their youthful abilities. They will still have a core of valuable players. Now is the time ! As for our Independence, I was taught a long time ago, that most of us came from immigrants. Our forefathers went through hellacious times to get their freedom. A visit to Ellis Island, and it's history provides a small sample of what our immigrant families had to face. It's no easier now. Also, Doc, you picked a great song !
Doc, I respectfully disagree with you. As a country we are more tolerant today by far over where we were 50 years ago. Still far from perfect. But we’ll never have everybody deciding to embrace everyone. Just like probably 10% of us don’ like Jeff Ruby’s. But, I believe we have made admirable strides over the pstt 40-50 years.
Great to hear of your trip to Italy yesterday. It's on my bucket list. My sister-in-law is moving to Milan next year so I see a trip coming soon. My feeling about All-stars is that no rookie should ever play. Half a season does not make an All-star. See Jack Armstrong and Aristides Aquino. I don't know how far this Reds team will go but they are fun and reminding me of the 2021 Bengals. As for patriotism, I'm more or less with you. As a retired USAF officer, I am a bit uncomfortable during the Hometown Hero segments at the Reds games, not because the veterans don't deserve some recognition, but because the real heroes are the guys that didn't make it home, as well as the wounded, both physically and mentally. But, it's okay. The reality is we have a mercenary military force. Very few Americans have any real skin in the game. Those who proclaim their patriotism the loudest have mostly not given back anything to their country. As for flyovers, they are marketing for the military.
Enjoy the holiday!
The Reds are my shining stars...and I'll never stop dreaming...it's what keeps me breathing. Good song...unfortunately...or fortunately almost all of my time is spent dreaming. Maybe I need to save some time for not dreaming...clearly my brain, not my feet, carry me forward.
I was on Air Force One this past Friday; the Kennedy through Clinton AF1 on display at Dayton’s Air Force Museum. 😀
So few Cincinnatians take the time to make an hour drive north to see the aircraft and read about the people who defended this country. I try to get there every few years.
A sporting event flyover is about the only time someone will ever see aircraft of any significance that serve the nation. While you won’t see the Memphis Belle fly over GABP, you can see it in Dayton. While you won’t see the B-29 Superfortress “Bockscar” that flew over Nagasaki anywhere near Paycor, you can see it, along with a decommissioned, back-up “Fat Man” atomic bomb sitting next to it, in Dayton. Stealth fighters? An arms length away? Check. Stealth bombers? Check. Current, retired, drones hanging from the ceilings that are much bigger than you might imagine? Just incredible. That experimental aircraft you see in grainy videos that looks like a flying saucer? It’s in Dayton and, given its shape, there’s no wonder it was built by hockey puck minded Canadians. And space craft? C’mon. The rocket room still makes me smile and I have walked in there more times than I can remember. The Apollo 15 Command Module might be the coolest thing in there. The REAL A15 Command Module with re-entry burns all over it. It’s large yet small considering where it spent most of it’s mission.
I don’t mind the sporting event flyovers because it reminds people of the sacrifice that US service members have endured and continue to endure.
Please visit the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton. If you regret going, I will personally refund your admission fee.*
*admission is free 😏
Great column today. Hooray for the upstart Reds. Went to a sold-out game vs. the Braves last weekend. The Reds' fans were out in full force, the atmosphere felt like it does on Opening Day.
Excellent observations on America and the 4th. Unfortunately, we are enduring a revival of ignorance, which is a self-perpetuating affliction, as history clearly reveals, yet many unfortunately do not learn from it. Examples:
In the 1850's, when the US population was ~24 million, a movement arose that called itself "The Order of the Star Spangled Banner". They were obsessed with deporting about 3 million people they called "riffraff" that were ruining our country. Those people were ID'd as Irish and German Catholics. Yeah, that was a wise and worthwhile effort in hate and fear mongering. As we know, the US culture, in its open armed and open-hearted ways eventually welcomed the "troublemakers", dismissed the haters as the "Know Nothing Party" and we are better for it. A brief summary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Star_Spangled_Banner
At the same time, another movement, the "Peace Democrats" wanted to sign an Armistice with the Confederate states, allowing slavery to continue on indefinitely, primarily for economic reasons. The white nationalist pursued and recruited the persecuted Irish and German Catholic populations, encouraging them to join their movement in order keep the dark-skinned populations below them in the social order. The fanatics were aptly opposed and labeled "Copperheads" after the poisonous snakes. A brief summary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhead_(politics)
So today's White Nationalists are nothing new under the sun. Let's just hope Americans come to their senses and embrace their fellow man in the true spirit of our nation.
I partially agree with your column and respect your viewpoint. I think the Reds should make a trade for a reliable starter, but not give up any key players or top prospects. Perhaps trade Sensel and one of the shortstop prospects. I always worry that a top starter would get injured as soon as they become a Red. Their pitching staff seems to have a lot of injuries and I doubt Lodolo will be back this year.
I agree that we should welcome newcomers to our country, but some controls need to be in place. When many of our Irish ancestors came during the civil war they still had to be processed and many fought for the North in the civil war. If they didn't work, they didn't eat. We can't continue to allow unfiltered immigration with no control at our borders. Our cities can't even deal with the current homeless and crime. You are likely upper middle class like many of us and how much more are you willing and able to pay in taxes? I own an average priced home in Hamilton County and my property tax bill is more than rent for a typical apartment in the area 5 years ago. I think too many people today only care about their 'rights' rather than responsibilities. There needs to be balance and some control systems in place to assure our country can continue to be the best. Be nice.....until it's time not to be nice!
There was a Gallup poll released last week that indicated most American adults are not proud of their country. As a child of the Second World War generation, I have a different opinion, of course, but if there is anything about America that I like it is the freedom to believe whatever you want to and say it out loud at any time. Social media may be polarizing but to me it has just given the most outspoken their loudest megaphone and you can listen to them or keep on moving.
We all have the freedom to rewrite American history as we prefer but doing so without an adequate effort to be somewhat correct in the telling of the story strikes me as shallow so I read all I can on how we got to this point. I could never agree with Howard Zinn and his People’s History of the U.S. but listening to alternate views sharpens your arguments in my opinion. I pray we’re doing what’s is best for our collective future, but I certainly agree with Toby Keith “when we see Old Glory flying there’s a lot of men dead”.
I saw this last week....hope they are paying Doc his royalties
https://cincyshirts.com/products/run-dlc-tee
Not sure I would trade, but, re: celebrating:
What a first rate column! The best you have ever written!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee_uujKuJMI
Welcome back, good sir. Loved the recap yesterday of your trip to Italy. Very glad it was a magical trip for you and yours.
This Reds team has me back in love with the franchise. I had fallen out of love, as I’ve previously written, but now find myself sitting on the front porch on game nights, radio tuned in, and texting back and forth with my son (the 14-year-old who just decided to play organized baseball for the first time this year) about the games and results. They are reminding me much of the ‘99 team, one I followed through newspaper clippings mailed to me while in Army basic training. A wonderful surprise out of nowhere, and one which I hope continues. But as you said, they need to go for it. Success can be fleeting. Maybe I’ll bend the ear of one of my former Army comrades, who is a first cousin of Krall. She actually came into town for the last homestand … maybe I’ll message her and order her to tell her cousin to morph into Trader Nick haha.
As always, great observations on Fourth, and don’t just stick to sports. Us who love your musings would read regardless.
Pre-arena sound Steve Miller Band album, Sailor. There is a song titled Living in the USA. Raucous. A line says "Somebody give me a cheeseburger." Always seems like a 4th song to me.
Enjoy the day, everybody.
Absolutely agree with every word of "Do We Celebrate the Wrong Stuff on July 4?"! I appreciate your observations about sports, but I love even more your observations about life!