Chiefs The Clarks Love Money More than Vets - Page 2

**gblowfish** · 05-08-2015, 08:30 AM

Apologies if posted before, and maybe this ought to be in the DC section.

Washington Post reports that the Federal Military has paid millions to the NFL to "salute" veterans. The Clarks took $250,000. So much for the NFL saluting soldiers out of the goodness of their hearts.

The Chiefs don't need the money. They should send that cash back to the military to buy body armor for active service guys, so we wouldn't have so many "wounded warriors" to salute. This whole thing makes me more cynical than I already am, if that's even possible.

Just salute veterans because its the right thing to do, and pick up the goddamn check. They put their lives on the line for us, it's the least a tax-exempt, multi-billion dollar enterprise like the NFL can do.

I didn't get a harrrump outta that guy......

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...rss=rss_sports

During timeouts at home games, the New York Jets air a Hometown Heroes segment in which a U.S. soldier or two are shown on the Jumbotron and everyone thanks them for their service. The soldiers and three friends get seats in the Coaches Club. It’s a nice salute.

It’s also funded by U.S. taxpayers.

According to Christopher Baxter and Jonathan D. Salant of New Jersey Advance Media, the Department of Defense paid 14 NFL teams $5.4 million from 2011 to 2014 for salutes like the Hometown Heroes segment and other advertising at professional football games. All but $100,000 of that money came from the National Guard.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) called the spending wasteful and disingenuous, Baxter and Salant report:

“Those of us go to sporting events and see them honoring the heroes,” Flake said in an interview. “You get a good feeling in your heart. Then to find out they’re doing it because they’re compensated for it, it leaves you underwhelmed. It seems a little unseemly.” …

“They realize the public believes they’re doing it as a public service or a sense of patriotism,” Flake said. “It leaves a bad taste in your mouth.”

Flake added that he has no problem with the National Guard spending money on recruitment advertising at football games. “The problem, he said, was spending taxpayer money on a program that, on its face, appeared to be a generous gesture by a football team,” Baxter and Salant write.

The story goes on to detail what the National Guard gets in return for its spending:

Aside from the Hometown Heroes segment, the agreements also included advertising and marketing services, including a kickoff video message from the Guard, digital advertising on stadium screens, online advertising and meeting space for a meeting or events.

Also, soldiers attended the annual kickoff lunch in New York City to meet and take pictures with the players for promotional use, and the Jets allowed soldiers to participate in a charity event in which coaches and players build or rebuild a playground or park.

The Jets also provided game access passes.

A National Guard spokesman said the agreement with the Jets helps promote and increase “the public’s understanding and appreciation of military service in the New Jersey Army National Guard increases the propensity for service in our ranks and garners public support for our Hometown Team.” A Jets spokesman says the team works with the National Guard just as it works with any other sponsor to tailor in-game advertising.

According to the report, the Colts and Ravens are among the other teams that have similar agreements with the National Guard.

cosmo20002 · 05-08-2015, 09:19 AM

Seems like those spots are always intro'd with "the Chiefs support our military and salute Sgt. Joe Smith..."

No they don't. The military is supporting Joe Smith. The Chiefs are just allowing him to be saluted at the game in exchange for $$$.

**The Franchise** · 05-08-2015, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrwheader

A. Maybe so, but they took a stand for your freedom. Joining the military means " hey if shit hits the fan I will die to protect this country. " Regardless of your opinions on recent wars doest change the fact those guys/gals are writing a blank check to us all.

B. I know for a fact that there are many unconventional soldiers who have definitely fought for our safety, you just dont hear about it.

C. I agree the Chiefs should pick up the tab.

Come on man....you know as well as I do that a good number of people join the military and A isn't even on their minds. It's free school and a guaranteed paycheck nowadays. And that's coming from someone who was in the Air Force.

Beef Supreme · 05-08-2015, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

Seems like those spots are always intro'd with "the Chiefs support our military and salute Sgt. Joe Smith..."

No they don't. The military is supporting Joe Smith. The Chiefs are just allowing him to be saluted at the game in exchange for $$$.

The taxpayer is supporting Joe Smith. We are the ones paying for it.

Oh, and let us sell you this tragically overpriced green NFL gear while we're at it.

Eleazar · 05-08-2015, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

So, it is basically just a paid-for commercial. I guess there's really nothing wrong with that...it just LOOKS like an act of goodwill from the NFL/the team. So really, this is a great deal for them--they look classy, and they get $$$. They didn't make the teams worth billions by being stupid.

I don't think there's anything wrong with what either side is doing. I feel like it should be a little more transparent, though.

-King- · 05-08-2015, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Come on man....you know as well as I do that a good number of people join the military and A isn't even on their minds. It's free school and a guaranteed paycheck nowadays. And that's coming from someone who was in the Air Force.

Exactly. Wanted to make this post but didn't want to be too "DC". People these days join the military for the most part because it can help them support familily, get a cheap/free education, or get them away from a bad situation. And there's nothing wrong with that. I just have a problem with the " he joined to fight for the country and protect your freedom!!" Guilt trip that people try to apply to the situation.
Posted via Mobile Device

ThaVirus · 05-08-2015, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrwheader

A. Maybe so, but they took a stand for your freedom. Joining the military means " hey if shit hits the fan I will die to protect this country. " Regardless of your opinions on recent wars doest change the fact those guys/gals are writing a blank check to us all.

B. I know for a fact that there are many unconventional soldiers who have definitely fought for our safety, you just dont hear about it.

C. I agree the Chiefs should pick up the tab.

American soldiers in my lifetime are fighting over resources.

If shit truly hit the fan and our country went to war legitimately for our freedom I'd fight as well. No ones patting me on the back for it.

Eleazar · 05-08-2015, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

American soldiers in my lifetime are fighting over resources.

If shit truly hit the fan and our country went to war legitimately for our freedom I'd fight as well. No ones patting me on the back for it.

They aren't fighting direct threats to our life and limb any longer. They fight to preserve stability in the world. One could argue that you can do the latter to prevent having to do the former, as well.

ThaVirus · 05-08-2015, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

They aren't fighting direct threats to our life and limb any longer. They fight to preserve stability in the world. One could argue that you can do the latter to prevent having to do the former, as well.

Our presence in a lot of places probably does more to promote instability than anything.

ThaVirus · 05-08-2015, 09:36 AM

They're fighting to preserve the status quo.

Yes, I'm a cynic.

arrwheader · 05-08-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Come on man....you know as well as I do that a good number of people join the military and A isn't even on their minds. It's free school and a guaranteed paycheck nowadays. And that's coming from someone who was in the Air Force.

True, I am not disagreeing with peoples motivations for joining. I am simply saying that regardless of a persons individual reasons, they are still writing a blank check.

I was in the Army. I hated getting any extra attention becasue of it. I personally feel that being in the service is jsut that...a service and you should serve out your time humbily and not require extra attention for what you do. Trust me ive seen plenty of D bags try and play the soldier card. I agree, I was on the streets of Iraq and I was not fighitng for anyones freedom back here in Ameica. If we were however attacked by a conventional force like Russia or China hypothtically then those individuals would be then defending our freedom. This is what I meant by standing for it.

**The Franchise** · 05-08-2015, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrwheader

True, I am not disagreeing with peoples motivations for joining. I am simply saying that regardless of a persons individual reasons, they are still writing a blank check.

I was in the Army. I hated getting any extra attention becasue of it. I personally feel that being in the service is jsut that...a service and you should serve out your time humbily and not require extra attention for what you do. Trust me ive seen plenty of D bags try and play the soldier card. I agree, I was on the streets of Iraq and I was not fighitng for anyones freedom back here in Ameica. If we were however attacked by a conventional force like Russia or China hypothtically then those individuals would be then defending our freedom. This is what I meant by standing for it.

I didn't mean anything by it. I've served and met plenty of people that honestly believed that's what they were there for. It was there life mission to serve the country and do it proudly. I'm cool with both kinds of people, honestly.

ThaVirus · 05-08-2015, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrwheader

True, I am not disagreeing with peoples motivations for joining. I am simply saying that regardless of a persons individual reasons, they are still writing a blank check.

I was in the Army. I hated getting any extra attention becasue of it. I personally feel that being in the service is jsut that...a service and you should serve out your time humbily and not require extra attention for what you do. Trust me ive seen plenty of D bags try and play the soldier card. I agree, I was on the streets of Iraq and I was not fighitng for anyones freedom back here in Ameica. If we were however attacked by a conventional force like Russia or China hypothtically then those individuals would be then defending our freedom. This is what I meant by standing for it.

You seem pretty level headed so I hope you don't take any offense. I don't mean to disrespect the individuals; my issue is with the institution. But if there's one thing I can't ****ing stand it's a soldier that plays the "I devoted my life to fight for you freedoms" card. On that we can agree.

CaliforniaChief · 05-08-2015, 09:45 AM

Of all the things a country deep in debt should be spending money it doesn't actually have, paying NFL teams anything shouldn't be on that list.

I know they probably view that as part of recruitment, but still...take care of our veterans, keep our active duty soldiers and their families taken care of, and make sure they have the best stuff to fight/defend with.

arrwheader · 05-08-2015, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

American soldiers in my lifetime are fighting over resources.

If shit truly hit the fan and our country went to war legitimately for our freedom I'd fight as well. No ones patting me on the back for it.

See thats the difference. The guys who are serving already signed the papers and took the oath. What you have here now are just words....

I agree with you though on the worship thing, it does get out of hand at times. Trust me I hated the special treatment. The airlines trying to bump you to first class, the constant thank you's ect. Its really about serving, not about being treated above others becasue you dawn the uniform.

arrwheader · 05-08-2015, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

You seem pretty level headed so I hope you don't take any offense. I don't mean to disrespect the individuals; my issue is with the institution. But if there's one thing I can't ****ing stand it's a soldier that plays the "I devoted my life to fight for you freedoms" card. On that we can agree.

Totally agree with that!

05-08-2015, 08:30 AM
gblowfish Be Kind To Your Pets Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Glorious Independence, MO Casino cash: $17666178 VARSITY	The Clarks Love Money More than Vets Apologies if posted before, and maybe this ought to be in the DC section. Washington Post reports that the Federal Military has paid millions to the NFL to "salute" veterans. The Clarks took $250,000. So much for the NFL saluting soldiers out of the goodness of their hearts. The Chiefs don't need the money. They should send that cash back to the military to buy body armor for active service guys, so we wouldn't have so many "wounded warriors" to salute. This whole thing makes me more cynical than I already am, if that's even possible. Just salute veterans because its the right thing to do, and pick up the goddamn check. They put their lives on the line for us, it's the least a tax-exempt, multi-billion dollar enterprise like the NFL can do. I didn't get a harrrump outta that guy...... http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...rss=rss_sports During timeouts at home games, the New York Jets air a Hometown Heroes segment in which a U.S. soldier or two are shown on the Jumbotron and everyone thanks them for their service. The soldiers and three friends get seats in the Coaches Club. It’s a nice salute. It’s also funded by U.S. taxpayers. According to Christopher Baxter and Jonathan D. Salant of New Jersey Advance Media, the Department of Defense paid 14 NFL teams $5.4 million from 2011 to 2014 for salutes like the Hometown Heroes segment and other advertising at professional football games. All but $100,000 of that money came from the National Guard. U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) called the spending wasteful and disingenuous, Baxter and Salant report: “Those of us go to sporting events and see them honoring the heroes,” Flake said in an interview. “You get a good feeling in your heart. Then to find out they’re doing it because they’re compensated for it, it leaves you underwhelmed. It seems a little unseemly.” … “They realize the public believes they’re doing it as a public service or a sense of patriotism,” Flake said. “It leaves a bad taste in your mouth.” Flake added that he has no problem with the National Guard spending money on recruitment advertising at football games. “The problem, he said, was spending taxpayer money on a program that, on its face, appeared to be a generous gesture by a football team,” Baxter and Salant write. The story goes on to detail what the National Guard gets in return for its spending: Aside from the Hometown Heroes segment, the agreements also included advertising and marketing services, including a kickoff video message from the Guard, digital advertising on stadium screens, online advertising and meeting space for a meeting or events. Also, soldiers attended the annual kickoff lunch in New York City to meet and take pictures with the players for promotional use, and the Jets allowed soldiers to participate in a charity event in which coaches and players build or rebuild a playground or park. The Jets also provided game access passes. A National Guard spokesman said the agreement with the Jets helps promote and increase “the public’s understanding and appreciation of military service in the New Jersey Army National Guard increases the propensity for service in our ranks and garners public support for our Hometown Team.” A Jets spokesman says the team works with the National Guard just as it works with any other sponsor to tailor in-game advertising. According to the report, the Colts and Ravens are among the other teams that have similar agreements with the National Guard.
Posts: 40,833

05-08-2015, 09:19 AM	#16
cosmo20002 Debunking your bullshit Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: KC area Casino cash: $5180315	Seems like those spots are always intro'd with "the Chiefs support our military and salute Sgt. Joe Smith..." No they don't. The military is supporting Joe Smith. The Chiefs are just allowing him to be saluted at the game in exchange for $$$.
Posts: 52,592

05-08-2015, 09:36 AM	#24
ThaVirus Settle this once and forever Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $2072369	They're fighting to preserve the status quo. Yes, I'm a cynic.
Posts: 44,268

05-08-2015, 09:45 AM	#28
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12422899	Of all the things a country deep in debt should be spending money it doesn't actually have, paying NFL teams anything shouldn't be on that list. I know they probably view that as part of recruitment, but still...take care of our veterans, keep our active duty soldiers and their families taken care of, and make sure they have the best stuff to fight/defend with.
Posts: 17,319