Tim Thomas is a goalie for the Boston Bruins. In 2011, the Bruins won the NHL's Stanley Cup and, as tradition goes, the championship team is invited to the White House to do a meet-and-greet with the president.
Thomas, though, is a Republican who said he would most like to have dinner with crazy person Glenn Beck. So Thomas decided to snub the offer and was the only Boston Bruin not to show up at the White House on Monday. Thomas explained his decision and for good measure, threw in that he hates both parties because the government is just so out of control:
“I believe the federal government has grown out of control, threatening the rights, liberties, and property of the people,” he said.
“This is being done at the executive, legislative, and judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the constitution and the founding fathers vision for the federal government.
“Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a free citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an individual.”
Yeah, yeah, you're awesome. You decided to make a non-political event political and by choosing not to meet the president, you're daring to be the cool guy in Glenn Beck's club.
Funny, though, how Thomas is a member of the NHL Players Association, a union, and did not cross the picket line during the NHL lockout in 2004-2005. Funny how Thomas thinks he is entitled to the money, benefits and protection afforded to NHL players who perform in one of the most dangerous sports.
Thomas doesn't think us non-hockey players should get the same sort of deal. Social Security? Fuck you. Medicare? Fuck you. Government's out of control, brah.
So bravo to you, Tim Thomas, you brave patriot. When the people who pay your salary can't show up anymore because the Big Bad Government had to draw back, don't piss and moan about it. I'm sure a hockey goalie has all the skills to make it out there in the free market.