Chiefs The Clarks Love Money More than Vets - Page 4

**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.

saphojunkie · 05-08-2015, 11:15 AM

The NFL doesn't salute cancer researchers or doctors without borders or people building houses in New Orleans or volunteers at battered women's shelters or anyone else doing some good good but don't have the TRILLIONS in resources to promote themselves for recruiting purposes.

crazycoffey · 05-08-2015, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrwheader

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.

I always feel kinda sheepish when being singled out in any way. I'm also not one to blateny ask for that attention.

However, I do use USAA insurance and have A VA loan on my house. When applying for certain things that have veteran discounts I'm happy to save a little coin. I do not go to the restaurants on Veterans Day, I don't like standing up in a stadium or other public event, it feels like it's advertisement.

That being said, I also would like to keep the rights I signed up for 20 years ago and many of those are deteriorating because of the public figures who feel much like virus. I don't want to get into what all I've done or saw, but I sure as hell wasnt doing it for the money. I did use the GI bill and I had walked away from a family business where I could've made a shitload more. There were and are many like me in the service. One of the biggest names is Tillman. You want to tell his family he died for institutionalism?

Cynicism is one thing, but dont be dicks here on this subject, just to be dicks.

I'm anti war too, most all service members are, even the infantry guys, saying shit like they're ready is mental training.

MMXcalibur · 05-08-2015, 11:42 AM

I'm currently in the Air Force going on 13 years, and while I appreciate the sentiment, I always feel a bit weird standing up at Chiefs games or being acknowledged.

Maybe there's a subset that don't mind it, or maybe I'm the outlier....but on most days, I just consider it a regular 9-5 job.

**DaneMcCloud** · 05-08-2015, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

**** that, flyovers are awesome...just relax and watch the planes fly over. I think their pretty cool.

You completely missed the point. It's not that flyovers aren't "awesome" it's that they appear to be pure propaganda.

Why is it necessary to show America's military might before a football game broadcast to the entire world?

rocknrolla · 05-08-2015, 11:49 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'm a Marine from the Desert shield era, no one in my unit was injured or fatalities. Granted it is a far cry from what soldiers are going through today, for what? In most places it is not for our freedom. I don't ever bring it up unless someone asks. I wont even use the VA, yes I served, yet the VA is such a cluster f***, I'm not going to make wounded vet or these older vets wait any longer than they already have to. I wish they would put that money into that broken system.

ThaVirus · 05-08-2015, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazycoffey

I always feel kinda sheepish when being singled out in any way. I'm also not one to blateny ask for that attention.

However, I do use USAA insurance and have A VA loan on my house. When applying for certain things that have veteran discounts I'm happy to save a little coin. I do not go to the restaurants on Veterans Day, I don't like standing up in a stadium or other public event, it feels like it's advertisement.

That being said, I also would like to keep the rights I signed up for 20 years ago and many of those are deteriorating because of the public figures who feel much like virus. I don't want to get into what all I've done or saw, but I sure as hell wasnt doing it for the money. I did use the GI bill and I had walked away from a family business where I could've made a shitload more. There were and are many like me in the service. One of the biggest names is Tillman. You want to tell his family he died for institutionalism?

Cynicism is one thing, but dont be dicks here on this subject, just to be dicks.

I'm anti war too, most all service members are, even the infantry guys, saying shit like they're ready is mental training.

I wasn't being a dick at all. It's just that American military culture has made it impossible to criticize the military (as an institution) without someone somewhere taking it as a personal affront on the individuals who serve.

It's just strange to me what people choose to latch onto. We put military servicemen, LEO, firefighters, etc. on pedestals but I don't see anyone taking a moment of silence for the roofers, truck drivers, and fishermen who work jobs that are just as important and dangerous.

**srvy** · 05-08-2015, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

You completely missed the point. It's not that flyovers aren't "awesome" it's that they appear to be pure propaganda.

Why is it necessary to show America's military might before a football game broadcast to the entire world?

Flying machines my friend. There will always be people who want to see those who may never get to an air show or football game. Also Its nice to see what we bought with our tax dollars. A little thing called pride.

Why does the Academy always televise the Oscars to the Nation every year? There is only a fraction of people who give a rats ass. Its closed to all except those in the Industry who want to pat each other on the back and tell everyone how great they are.

**Baby Lee** · 05-08-2015, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Why is it necessary to show America's military might before a football game broadcast to the entire world?

Because you have a ton of people all in one place waiting to be entertained.

**notorious** · 05-08-2015, 01:15 PM

If you serve in the military for 20+ years you shouldn't have to pay taxes ever again.

Pasta Little Brioni · 05-08-2015, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notorious

If you serve in the mehlitary for 20+ years you shouldn't have to pay taxes ever again.

FYP

**notorious** · 05-08-2015, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pasta Giant Meatball

FYP

(applause)

saphojunkie · 05-08-2015, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notorious

If you serve in the military for 20+ years you shouldn't have to pay taxes ever again.

**** that.

**DaneMcCloud** · 05-08-2015, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srvy

Flying machines my friend. There will always be people who want to see those who may never get to an air show or football game. Also Its nice to see what we bought with our tax dollars. A little thing called pride.

This is a good point. My parents used to take us to the shows at Richards-Gebaur as kids and it was a blast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by srvy

Why does the Academy always televise the Oscars to the Nation every year? There is only a fraction of people who give a rats ass. Its closed to all except those in the Industry who want to pat each other on the back and tell everyone how great they are.

While I agree that televising awards shows is mostly absurd (SAG Awards? Director's Guild Awards? Even the Golden Globes), the Oscars wouldn't be broadcast if it weren't for ratings. That said, I find it difficult to sit through the entire broadcast, especially in years in which I haven't had time to see a single movie.

With the lack of true royalty in this country (thankfully!), people gravitate to famous actors and actresses instead. But you'd probably be surprised how many participants are actually nauseated by it as well.

**DaneMcCloud** · 05-08-2015, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

Because you have a ton of people all in one place waiting to be entertained.

By that standard, why not bring in rock bands or pop artists for pregame? It's done in other parts of the country.

**BigRedChief** · 05-08-2015, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

Enlighten me...

Every single day there are soldiers putting themselves in harms way and dying to go after people who would kill Americans for no reason other than they are American. They have earned our respect.

05-08-2015, 08:30 AM
gblowfish Be Kind To Your Pets Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Glorious Independence, MO Casino cash: $17646178 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: 40,839

05-08-2015, 11:15 AM	#46
saphojunkie MVP Join Date: Aug 2011 Casino cash: $4596550	The NFL doesn't salute cancer researchers or doctors without borders or people building houses in New Orleans or volunteers at battered women's shelters or anyone else doing some good good but don't have the TRILLIONS in resources to promote themselves for recruiting purposes.
Posts: 12,586

05-08-2015, 11:42 AM	#48
MMXcalibur Pessimistically optimistic. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Denver, CO Casino cash: $2285086	I'm currently in the Air Force going on 13 years, and while I appreciate the sentiment, I always feel a bit weird standing up at Chiefs games or being acknowledged. Maybe there's a subset that don't mind it, or maybe I'm the outlier....but on most days, I just consider it a regular 9-5 job.
Posts: 16,429

05-08-2015, 01:15 PM	#54
notorious Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Who knows? Casino cash: $2755884	If you serve in the military for 20+ years you shouldn't have to pay taxes ever again.
Posts: 83,513