Washington ThinSkin

I recently reflected on my upbringing when it comes to politics. Looking back at it as a whole, it's almost as if I was looking at two completely different people.

Some of my views fiscally are mostly conservative. I won't lie. I like money and the opportunity to pursue a better life and not settling for the status quo.

However, when it comes to social issues, I like to use the common sense meter compared to the liberal or conservative cue cards.

Lately, I've grown sick of politics. My sickness has no immunity to either party.

When I turn on MSNBC and a episode of Lock-Up or reruns of To Catch a Predator are not on, I want to vomit.

When I even turn it on Fox News, I want to punch the panel in the face.

I ask myself, why have I become so cynical that I'm not eager to hear both sides of the argument?

The answer is plain and simple.

The only thing you hear is rhettoric and bullshit and no focus on the real problem at hand.

Here's an example:

Bob Costas had a commentary in regards to the controversial Washington Redskins, who now after 80 years of existence, are deemed offensive.

The first thing I hear is that Bob Costas needs to keep the politics out of his sports commentary.

I disagree even though I think that his take had contradiction and is a little misguided.

There are three questions that I would like to ask:

1) If this was so offensive and not a problem, why was it not addressed in the 1960's after the historic Civil Rights Battle? Was it a problem then?

2) Exactly what percentage of the butt-hurt over this name is actually by those of Native American decent? I'd be shocked if it was above 20.

3) How many American people actually actually use the term Redskins other than describing the NFL Franchise?

For those who are so offended by this, Ask yourself that question and then ask yourself, "Am I making a difference or being a nuisance?".

What would be a better use of your time and make a better impact? Raising Money and Awareness for abused children so no other father would have to suffer the anguish that Adrian Peterson recently did? Or do you want to fight to change a name of a football where anyone with a functioning brain would not be all of the sudden racist because they talk about them?

This is why I have become sick of the political environment.

Don't get wrong, I think it is important to keep up with politics and know what is going on.

However, when you flip on the news, you should be hearing conversations about how our economy should be fixed, what's the best compromise for that goal and how we can come up with solutions rather than fighting over agendas.

Instead, we're hearing about a talk show host who should be fried for using the term "slut", (which isn't the worst thing mentioned talk show host has ever said), and how an NFL team needs to change it's name and that we're too dumb to see how offensive it is.

Is it because we're too dumb or maybe we don't use that term in any other way but describe the football team.

If the Redskins change their name, when does it end? Will it come to a point to where we can't have nicknames at all because some idiot with artificial outrage will get his way?

Sports is our escape from the political rhetoric that gets crammed down our throats from both sides of the aisle.

What really should be offensive about this conversation is the lack of common sense when it comes to handling it.

Dear Ole Miss fans, you're being ridiculous! Please Stop!

Dear Ole Miss fans,

I am writing to you because you seem to have this idea in your head that had not one Tyler Siskey (former Ole Miss assistant now Alabama off the field assistant) been giving the inside skinny on Hugh Freeze's diabolical plan to upset #1 Alabama, your Saturday night would have been more jubilant beyond your wildest dreams.

Did it make a difference? You bet, but if Hugh Freeze had a former Alabama defensive assistant on his staff that maybe he would like the inside skinny on Ha-Ha Clinton Dix's man to man coverage tendancies? You bet he would and you would be defending Freezus until you're blue in the face.

Tyler Siskey gets a paycheck from the University of Alabama, no longer from the University of Mississippi. He was doing his job.

Also, wouldn't you think it was the fault of the Ole Miss staff, knowing Siskey would give them the inside skinny, to mix some calls and keep the former Rebel assistant guessing? You'd think they would but it's obvious they didn't.

Ole Miss has a young team and had a growing up moment on Saturday Night. Bo Wallace ate a slice of humble pie after basically stirring up an Alabama defense that, let's just say, doesn't need any extra motivation.

The defense played great and this program has a bright future at the moment.

Hugh Freeze layed it all on the line, putting his trust in his offense. They failed Freeze and he won't let them forget it.

Ole Miss has some growing up to do and I think a humbling loss like this will cause them to grow up.

As for the Tyler Siskey microscope, the Ole Miss fans who are playing this card, need to grow up as well and learn reality.

Sincerely,
Jason Marks

All of the speculation regarding Mack Brown will make Nick Saban a richer man

It's only week 3 of the college football season and Mack Brown has already been labeled a sacrifice to the Texas Wicker Man in hopes of a good harvest and a brighter future.

With the 44-23 loss to Ole Miss (a game exclusive to the Longhorn Network ironically), It looks as if ESPN has already marched Mack Brown out the door.

In respect, he did make North Carolina football competitive and then led Texas to a National Championship.

However, with the latest surge of success in College Station and two horrendous losses to BYU and Ole Miss, it seems the time has come.

When fans are booing a Mack Brown PSA on a videoboard encouraging donations for children's charities, you've worn out your welcome despite the ignorance and lack of respect.

Of course, the wish lists start breaking out and of course Nick Saban's name is mention.

If there was a program that Nick Saban would leave Tuscaloosa for, it would be Texas. The resources (including The Longhorn Network), are the closest match.

Having said that, Nick Saban is the kind of guy who wants the keys to the car and to be left alone. It's worked out well with Alabama obviously.

ESPN Austin reported that Texas was willing to fork out $8 Million to bring him to Texas.

Do I believe that Texas would and could make that offer to the best Head Coach in College Football? You bet.

Do I think Alabama would counter that offer to keep the coach that brought a program with passionate and rabid fanbase back to the days that you could say exceeded the era of Paul "Bear" Bryant? They would be foolish not to.

It took nearly 25 years and one national championship to heal the wounds of the post-Bear Bryant Era. Do you think they want to go through that again? Of course not.

As for all of this Nick Saban to Texas talk, I will believe it when I see it.

If Texas does make an offer, Nick Saban has already won. He will be a richer man no matter what happens in the end....most likely as the highest paid coach in college football history.