April 08, 2008
What's With The Tiger Woods Comparisons?
Army Staff Sergeant David Bellavia introduced John McCain at Vets for Freedom Rally today with this unfortunate line, linking Barack Obama with golfer Tiger Woods. But not in a good way:
"Fortunately, I have the privilege, the distinct privilege today, of introducing a true American hero who defies political norms in Washington," Bellavia said. "Sen. John McCain has spent a lifetime in service to our nation. His example of unwavering courage is a model for every American. Rest assured that men like Senator McCain will be the goal and the men that my two young boys will emulate and admire. You can have your Tiger Woods, we've got Senator McCain."
Bellavia is certainly not the first GOPer to connect the two men. In a piece about the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy, Politico reported last month that Republican media consultant Alex Castellanos, creator of Jesse Helms' notorious "Hands" ad, said Obama is no Woods. In other words, with the revelations about Wright's most fiery of sermons, Obama looked less conciliatory, less jovial, less like a bridge builder.
“All the sudden you’ve got two dots, and two dots make a line,” said Castellanos. “You start getting some sense of who he is, and it’s not the Obama you thought. He’s not the Tiger Woods of politics.”
Unfortunately for the Obama team, who might've been able to make some hay of McCain's intro, Teamsters prez James Hoffa mentioned Woods today on a call with reporters. When asked if PA voters -- translation PA's white working class voters -- were concerned about Obama's race, he said: "With regard to his race, he's African American. I know he's of mixed race, but, you know, he's like a Tiger Woods. He's just a great person that's really excited a lot of people. We're not detecting a lot of discussion about his religion or his race here."
Certainly the Hoffa mention was positive, while Bellavia's was, uh, not. Indeed Obama's camp -- if they want to risk highlighting the race issue anew -- could ask for McCain to denounce the staff sergeant's remarks.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
Posted at 01:55 PM
Comments
Did you ever think that perhaps Bellavia was actually talking about Tiger Woods?
Tony | 04.08.08 02:40 PM
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I don't see the problem with a Tiger Woods comparison. He's an incredibly talented guy - not to mention biracial in a very white sport - who also seems to have a great deal of integrity. Lots of interesting parallels.
It's heck of a lot better than being compared to Fuzzy Zoeller.
evie | 04.08.08 02:42 PM
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The Tiger Woods brand, btw, is excellence. Again, not a bad brand to be associated with.
evie | 04.08.08 02:46 PM
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I guess they are racists now for comparing someone to Tiger Woods. I'm really sick of this by the media. Always searching for someway to call people racists if they aren't supporting Obama.
Mac | 04.08.08 02:48 PM
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I do believe there are people out there that can't stand the fact that people of personal accomplishment be compared to one another - you know like apples to apples. So Viva Obama, Viva Woods. Better that the apples to apples of the Clinton to Clinton type rotten apples. The word shame is not in their vocabulary because it's not in their heart because the truth is not in them.
MissClarity | 04.08.08 04:09 PM
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I do believe there are people out there that can't stand the fact that people of personal accomplishment be compared to one another - you know like apples to apples. So Viva Obama, Viva Woods. Better that the apples to apples of the Clinton to Clinton type rotten apples. The word shame is not in their vocabulary because it's not in their heart because the truth is not in them.
MissClarity | 04.08.08 04:11 PM
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I do believe there are people out there that can't stand the fact that people of personal accomplishment be compared to one another - you know like apples to apples. So Viva Obama, Viva Woods. Better that the apples to apples of the Clinton to Clinton type rotten apples. The word shame is not in their vocabulary because it's not in their heart because the truth is not in them.
MissClarity | 04.08.08 04:11 PM
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Hmm, the real message here is the same as in many other instances this year:
don't let your speaker ad lib.
It's when Bellavia gets off his cards that he messes up.
Pining for Chuck Todd | 04.08.08 04:18 PM
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What a complete hack job this is. I was standing right behind david to his left. he was referring to heros, and included Tiger as an example of one. And was saying that while some kids want to be Tiger, his kids would learn to emulate a military hero, Senator McCain.
Way to slam a medal of honor nominee. You could have atleast called him or reviewed the video tape and seen. I just had lunch with him, and SHOCK! His phone did not ring from you guys.
Hacks. All of you hacks.
Mark Seavey | 04.08.08 05:29 PM
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Bellavia is scum.
Samir | 04.08.08 06:59 PM
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"Bellavia is scum." --Samir
What the hell would you know about the guy?
This reflexive desire to smear anyone who might be tied--even tangentially--to something that you perceive as somehow in opposition to your own political preferences is downright frightening, and pitiful as hell.
Educate yourself. Learn to think critically. You're never going to win acceptence in some nebulous online clique by "smearing somebody for the team", and it won't make you feel better about yourself.
Instead of projecting all of your own worst flaws and racial prejudices onto the guy, why don't you try to understand what he might have meant? You might learn something about yourself, about life, about basic human decency.
DaveS | 04.08.08 07:29 PM
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"Bellavia is scum." --Samir
What the hell would you know about the guy?
This reflexive desire to smear anyone who might be tied--even tangentially--to something that you perceive as somehow in opposition to your own political preferences is downright frightening, and pitiful as hell.
Educate yourself. Learn to think critically. You're never going to win acceptence in some nebulous online clique by "smearing somebody for the team", and it won't make you feel better about yourself. So instead of defaulting to projecting all of your own worst flaws and racial prejudices onto the guy, why don't you try to understand what he might have meant? You might learn something about yourself, about life, about basic human decency.
DaveS | 04.08.08 07:31 PM
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It also should be pointed out that Bellavia was probably just intending to say:
"You can have your {universally loved role model}, we got all the role model we need in John McCain."
The choice of Tiger Woods is simply unfortunate because so many on the left are consumed with matters of race, and will immediately jump, in their own minds, to the most racial interpretation. Leftists don't see Tiger Woods as a role model, apparently, but rather as a black guy (kinda like that black guy, Obama!), so they assume that everybody else ALSO thinks of him as a black guy first.
Can anyone here think of a different choice for a universal, non-controversial role model to be mentioned in Bellavia's speech, that would be more suitable than Tiger Woods (racist projection, notwithstanding)?
DaveS | 04.08.08 07:54 PM
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Also, of all people, why would Bells have picked Tiger if he was trying to make such a connection, what with Tiger's dad having been Special Forces in Viet Nam, and Tiger having repeatedly gone to military bases and met the troops? (Last time I was at Bragg he was down there running with the SF unit and then firing off some rounds at the range.)
Mark Seavey | 04.08.08 08:04 PM
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Guy gives a passionate speech about the military, honor John McCain. Differentiates John McCain from typical washington politics. Then he throws in that Tiger Woods line. It didn't go with the speech, obviously he thought he would get a laugh from it. Basically he was just calling Obama nothing more than a black jock.
Brad | 04.08.08 08:43 PM
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That was clearly not meant as a compliment to Obama, or just a reference to Tiger as a role model like McCain (mentions 'the real Audacity of Hope' later). It is clearly just some ignorant hack who co-founded a 95% fake group created for the express purpose of filling in the pro-war talking head slot on Fox News and CNN. Obama and Ron Paul, I believe, have received the most contributions from real troops. McCain probably hates this sort of thing too, but feels he has to go along with it to win over the mentally deficient crowd (i.e. DaveS).
PF | 04.08.08 08:51 PM
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I'm not a McCain supporter and even I can put Bellavia's comment in the context of using Tiger Woods as someone his young children could look up to but he prefers McCain. I highly doubt a conservative war supporter would use Tiger Woods to describe an opponent. In my opinion, that would be counter productive, wouldn't it.
JDen | 04.08.08 08:55 PM
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Tiger Woods is a lot like Barack Obama. They're both young, they both rose to fame quickly, and most importantly, they're both deified by the media, which protects its Nike-sponsored meal ticket with all the rabid fervor of a mother bear guarding her young.
"You don't like Tiger Woods? RACIST! You don't like Obama? RACIST! Now stay tuned for these messages by Gillette, Wheaties, and Gatorade."
ArugulaZ | 04.08.08 08:56 PM
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Bellavia is scum.
Samir | 04.08.08 06:59 PM
No, no, no, no. ALLAH is scum. Muhammad is pedophile scum.
Bellavia is a hero.
hinky | 04.08.08 09:17 PM
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[quote]Did you ever think that perhaps Bellavia was actually talking about Tiger Woods?[/quote] NO. Tiger Woods is not running for President. Being a hero to children is not a good enough reason to VOTE for somebody to become President. Any of the candidates are good role models for our children. They are all highly talented, accomplished people. So, what was he really saying?
Vincent | 04.08.08 09:18 PM
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I mean, its whatever. I don't agree with what he said at all and I think its unacceptable.
An Obama supporter could say "You've got your Colonel Sanders and we have our Senator Obama" as they have alot of similarities....
Either way, no one needs to make a big deal out of this. Making a big deal out of what supporters say is getting old. It doesn't matter unless its out of the candidates mouth.
RS | 04.08.08 09:19 PM
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Yawn. The Obamites must be so thankful that Barack's absentee daddy was african, thus infusing his son with african blood and all of the perceived rights (in their mind) to racial indignance even at the most convoluted opportunity like this one.
And by the way Obamites... Woods is only one quarter black... so perhaps Thai should be more incensed... LOL
D2Boston | 04.08.08 09:26 PM
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Yawn. The Obamites must be so thankful that Barack's absentee daddy was african, thus infusing his son with african blood and all of the perceived rights (in their mind) to racial indignance even at the most convoluted opportunity like this one.
And by the way Obamites... Woods is only one quarter black... so perhaps Thai should be more incensed... LOL (he's half-asian and only one-quarter black, one eighth white and one either american indian)
D2Boston | 04.08.08 09:28 PM
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".. you can have your Tiger Woods..." sound like an attempt by a moron to put down Obama as just a black jock.
Call it what you want, this Bellavia is an idiot.
RiverRed | 04.08.08 09:59 PM
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Are you guys kidding me. The comment was Stupid and Ignorant. He was not comparing Obama and Woods in a good way. He was saying you can have your Black Tiger and we will have our White McCain. I think that " he " came across as a racist. But I know if I find something wrong with it then I must be the racist. Just for the record I'm 100% white, female and voted for Bush both times. I think its funny that McCain can't hold a candle to Tiger or Obama in any capacity. How sad that McCain is so old that he probably didn't even here the comment maybe if he turned his miracle ear up he might have done the right thing and corrected him, instead of embracing him.. What a FOOL !
Shan | 04.08.08 10:14 PM
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You voted for Bush BOTH times? And now you are supporting Obama (apparently)? That's quite a disconnect.
(You really voted for him BOTH times???)
Markydeee | 04.08.08 10:33 PM
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You voted for Bush BOTH times? And now you are supporting Obama (apparently)? That's quite a disconnect.
(You really voted for him BOTH times??? Argh.)
Markydeee | 04.08.08 10:34 PM
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Seems like McCain supporters are protesting a bit too much here. Clearly, the guy wasn't talking about golf. He wanted to equate Woods with Obama... what the hell could he have meant aside from race?
Simplest explanation works best, usually.
Also funny that the pro-McCain commenters here are antebellum in their ability to categorize racial makeups. Time to revive the "quadroon" label, eh?
Brian M. | 04.08.08 10:51 PM
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Seems like McCain supporters are protesting a bit too much here. Clearly, the guy wasn't talking about golf. He wanted to equate Woods with Obama... what the hell could he have meant aside from race?
Simplest explanation works best, usually.
Also funny that the pro-McCain commenters here are antebellum in their ability to categorize racial makeups. Time to revive the "quadroon" label, eh?
Brian M. | 04.08.08 10:51 PM
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Bellavio's comments were obviously racist and a slam on Tiger Woods and Barack Obama, conflating the two in an attempt to promote McCain's white ethnicity over their multicultural backgrounds. It was obvious what Bellavio clumsily tried to do--now the rightwingers are trotting out the Orwellian newspeak that anyone who complains about this obvious racism is the real racist--laughable crap.
jimfocus | 04.08.08 10:55 PM
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Yes, of course, this IS a racial reference. There are dozens of professional athletes that could have been mentioned. However, he doesn't choose a white one or even a "monoracial" black one. He chooses the biracial one. OF COURSE, HE IS MAKING REFERENCE TO BARACK OBAMA!!! DUH. Because, you know, all kind of light-skinned black men look alike, right? So he kills two birds with one stone. He insults BOTH Tiger Woods and Barack Obama.
He thought he was being clever, but he wasn't. He was just being racist. If you cannot see that this was a deliberate jab, then you are just as dumb as Bellavia hopes you are. However, even if he were not referencing Obama, which he is, he would still be taking a swipe at Tiger Woods, who I'm sure wishes he had nothing to do with this.
Di | 04.08.08 10:55 PM
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Yes, of course, this IS a racial reference. There are dozens of professional athletes that could have been mentioned. However, he doesn't choose a white one or even a "monoracial" black one. He chooses the biracial one. OF COURSE, HE IS MAKING REFERENCE TO BARACK OBAMA!!! DUH. Because, you know, all kind of light-skinned black men look alike, right? So he kills two birds with one stone. He insults BOTH Tiger Woods and Barack Obama.
He thought he was being clever, but he wasn't. He was just being racist. If you cannot see that this was a deliberate jab, then you are just as dumb as Bellavia hopes you are. However, even if he were not referencing Obama, which he is, he would still be taking a swipe at Tiger Woods, who I'm sure wishes he had nothing to do with this.
Di | 04.08.08 10:56 PM
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Yes, of course, this IS a racial reference. There are dozens of professional athletes that could have been mentioned. However, he doesn't choose a white one or even a "monoracial" black one. He chooses the biracial one. OF COURSE, HE IS MAKING REFERENCE TO BARACK OBAMA!!! DUH. Because, you know, all kind of light-skinned black men look alike, right? So he kills two birds with one stone. He insults BOTH Tiger Woods and Barack Obama.
He thought he was being clever, but he wasn't. He was just being racist. If you cannot see that this was a deliberate jab, then you are just as dumb as Bellavia hopes you are. However, even if he were not referencing Obama, which he is, he would still be taking a swipe at Tiger Woods, who I'm sure wishes he had nothing to do with this.
Di | 04.08.08 10:56 PM
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I'm neither Black nor White. But what came across from his words is this: ok, you black people already have your great man, Tiger Woods. That's enough, McCain is the real deal, especially for us white folks.
When you have lived in the US for some time, you learn to read between the lines.
Rose | 04.08.08 11:18 PM
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I'm neither Black nor White. But what came across from his words is this: ok, you black people already have your great man, Tiger Woods. That's enough, McCain is the real deal, especially for us white folks.
When you have lived in the US for some time, you learn to read between the lines.
Rose | 04.08.08 11:19 PM
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Possible that Bellavia was referring to Hoffa's comments about Tiger Woods and Obama. Obviously, though, and awkwardly, Bellavia tried to use that comment in reference to Obama (as Woods, or not Woods) to compare to McCain. So, he really seemed to be referring to Obama, saying he is not the role model that McCain is. However, this guy pulled a Geraldine Ferraro. Amazing that people say what they say, well knowing that their comments could be misconstrued. Like Willie Cunningham (idiot), it does McCain a disservice, regardless of intent. Both sides are just waiting to pounce on a misstep. It's carnivorous. Must screen your speakers.
Migutel | 04.09.08 12:29 AM
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Possible that Bellavia was referring to Hoffa's comments about Tiger Woods and Obama. Obviously, though, and awkwardly, Bellavia tried to use that comment in reference to Obama (as Woods, or not Woods) to compare to McCain. So, he really seemed to be referring to Obama, saying he is not the role model that McCain is. However, this guy pulled a Geraldine Ferraro. Amazing that people say what they say, well knowing that their comments could be misconstrued. Like Willie Cunningham (idiot), it does McCain a disservice, regardless of intent. Both sides are just waiting to pounce on a misstep. It's carnivorous. Must screen your speakers.
Migutel | 04.09.08 12:30 AM
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Bellivia could have taken that opportunity to say something inspiring, but instead decided he'd show his true ignorance. It's obvious he doesn't get it - nor did any of those people yukking it up behind him. For all who were bothered with the word, "typical" you've seen it in it's truest form.
M.H | 04.09.08 02:05 AM
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Bellivia could have taken that opportunity to say something inspiring, but instead decided he'd show his true ignorance. It's obvious he doesn't get it - nor did any of those people yukking it up behind him. For all who were bothered with the word, "typical" you've seen it in it's truest form.
M.H | 04.09.08 02:07 AM
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It seems like an utterly silly thing to say in comparison at a McCain rally. It's that like saying, "You can have your skilled, popular, and superbly talented black man. We'll take John McCain.". I was thinking he just insulted McCain. Seriously the more I watch McCain the more I'm thinking he's a lil' senile, with all these mistakes he's making.
Kris | 04.09.08 04:12 AM
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Bellavia said he prefers McCain to the guy who is like Tiger Woods. There is no need to "read between the lines" here: Bellavia's intent was obvious.
It defies logic to say that by "your Tiger Woods" he simply meant "your talented candidate who wins all the time". This would serve to argue in favor of Obama, and would make Bellavia sound like he's picking the wrong guy.
No, Bellavia is saying: I don't care how talented your black man is, I'm going to support this white man instead.
"No, no, no, no. ALLAH is scum. Muhammad is pedophile scum. Bellavia is a hero." - hinky | 04.08.08 09:17 PM
Nice insult, hinky. Hope your enjoying the third grade. Yet again.
Joel | 04.09.08 12:22 PM
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Another "divide and conquer" message from a Republican. Why are Republicans so full of hate?
Bill Evans | 04.09.08 12:44 PM
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Why say something like this? Really. And for it to come from someone who should know better because in the military the only thing you are taught to see is the uniform. Come on. You are being a disgrace to the uniform.
Sidmore | 04.09.08 12:46 PM
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Nevermind. It is clear from the video that he is MENTALLY CHALLENGED. Too bad.
Sidmore | 04.09.08 12:51 PM
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I agree with Sidmore. Because Bellavia is supporting a VET, his RECONITION OF RACE in such a manner is an indirect insult to everyone who has fought and died for this country. Side by side they've fought, and are currently fighting for our families stability and freedom regardless of race. Black,white, latin, or asian... What a stab in the back to the 4,000 lost in Iraq and thier families. A complete disgrace to our proggressive nation!!!
Me, the American | 04.09.08 02:10 PM
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I am ashamed to have served in the same military as Mr. Bellavia. Sidmore is right we were only taught to see the uniform in the military and although Mr. Bellavia is a highly decorated soilder he is also tarnishing those medals by his seemingly racist comments. I would like an answer from Mr. Seavey, Sir if you were indeed standing behind Mr. Bellavia were you the gentleman with the big grin on his face next to the woman who was laughing when these ignorant comments came out of Mr. Bellavia's mouth? It is obvious this was a racial comparison and now Mr. Bellavia's supporters are trying to get the Sh*! back in the horse. Furthermore Mr. Seavey it would be great to hear Mr. Bellavia go back on television and explain the comment, it may put an end to this conversation.
A.T. | 04.09.08 02:18 PM
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The racism and outright bigotry against me (like rebutting my opinion with "Allah is scum") shows to me that this site's users are racist and thus people who oppose Senator Obama oppose him for racial reasons.
This does not surprise me, given that Republicans are not known for tolerance and diversity.
Bellavia and his ilk are scum.
Samir | 04.09.08 02:21 PM
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HE DID NOT COMPARE OBAMA TO TIGER. HE WAS SPEAKING ABOUT HOW HIS SONS WILL GROW UP TO ADMIRE REAL HEROES - NOT SPORTS FIGURES WHO GET PAID MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. THIS IS NOT ABOUT BLACK OR WHITE. BELLAVIA IS NOT A RACIST. THIS WHOLE THING IS RIDICULOUS.
Karl | 04.09.08 03:26 PM
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Hey Hinky,
Way to go with the Ad Hominem. Uncalled for.
jason | 04.09.08 04:27 PM
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Come on Karl, there are a number of other sports figures that have prospered and made a lot more money in their respective sport than Tiger Woods. It is just ironic that Tiger Woods is multiracial the same as Obama. Maybe Bellavia is not a racist but the comment he made had racial undertones. I respect your view I just don't share it.
A.T. | 04.09.08 04:32 PM
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I agree with Bill Evens-Another "Divide and concuer" message! Why are you republicans full of hate! Tiger Woods is proud to be an American, his dad was a warrior-don't insult him by comparing him with Obama. John McClain is not worthy to be president for one thing he's too old. Bellavila dosen't know what he's talking about!
virginia | 04.09.08 04:33 PM
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For the person that had such a hard time understanding that I could have voted for Bush twice and now support Obama.. Yes I did vote for Bush TWO times. But after a lot of soul searching I have just switched parties from Republican to Democrat. I do not how ever support Hillary and if she is the nominee then I will not vote for anyone. I did a lot of research on Obama, about his past and what he has done with his life. I'm tired of supporting a party instead of an individual. Obama has my vote and I'm proud to give it..
Shan | 04.09.08 05:10 PM
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Only a moron would vote for McBush. Or a racist who doesn't care about our standing in the world.
asdf | 04.09.08 05:27 PM
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Denial is not just a river in Egypt. The only reason this comparison was made was because they are both mixed race males, who both, oh my! look black. Woods and Obama have nothing else in common that is worthy of comparison. Not one darn thing. One mixed race black looking guy is interchangeable with another.
This reminds me of 35 years ago when a white co-worker who didn't approve of Ronald Dellums going to Congress (apparently just because) compared Dellums to Adam Clayton Powell, who had been accused of misappropriation of funds. Basically calling Dellums a criminal without any supporting evidence. Two black Congressmen, both must be the same, both must be criminals.
Woods, Obama, no difference.
But back to Obama, why compare him to a seemingly apolitical athlete who just coincidentally happens to be mixed race. My goodness, it's hard to believe that people could really be this clueless and not be institutionalized.
SIck and Tired | 04.09.08 05:33 PM
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Denial is not just a river in Egypt. The only reason this comparison was made was because they are both mixed race males, who both, oh my! look black. Woods and Obama have nothing else in common that is worthy of comparison. Not one darn thing. One mixed race black looking guy is interchangeable with another.
This reminds me of 35 years ago when a white co-worker who didn't approve of Ronald Dellums going to Congress (apparently just because) compared Dellums to Adam Clayton Powell, who had been accused of misappropriation of funds. Basically calling Dellums a criminal without any supporting evidence. Two black Congressmen, both must be the same, both must be criminals.
Woods, Obama, no difference.
But back to Obama, why compare him to a seemingly apolitical athlete who just coincidentally happens to be mixed race. My goodness, it's hard to believe that people could really be this clueless and not be institutionalized.
Sick & Tired | 04.09.08 05:34 PM
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What does tiger woods has to do with John mccain? This man is clearly, connecting Obama and Woods becuase of their color. it's not because of who they are or what they have done. He's clealy saying, we white people or republicans have john mccain. and "You" who ever is "you," according to his retarded mind, will have the blacks. This man is not a true American, who is not pround of what makes america great. America is great because of hard working dedicated heros such as Woods and obama. This man should be criticized by everybody. Both tiger woods and obama are true accomplished role models. Again, this is a racist comment that will never unite the country. I don't know what this man is thinking. I don't know what he expects out of these kinds of ridiculous comments. It will not benefit John mccain by any means. John mccain should totally denounce it publicly. so I would say if this man wants to divide people with these kinds of racial comments, he should keep it up and see how black people will vote for john mccain. he should keep it up to see how these kinds of words will unite the country or the republican party.
DKamex | 04.09.08 05:50 PM
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I think that Sgt. Bellavia suffers from PTSD. I am not making excuses for his racially insensitive remarks, but, his remarks are symptomatic of a man in the grips of a mental illness. He needs therapy.
Since when does serving in the military make one qualified for political office. Sgt. Bellavia has no political experience whatsoever. He has no education. Shooting poorly equipped Iraq's does not qualify Sgt. Bellavia for public office either.
Let's be honest about this race issue. It's mentally ill people like Bellavia who add fuel to the fire. You could actually see the hatred in his face. Bellavia is one episode away from grabbing a rifle and running into a crowded mall. He should not be making any public statements, he should be under heavy sedation, getting his PTSD fixed. He not only shamed Sen. McCain he shamed the U.S. Army.
Sgt. Bellavia is a PTSD suffering openly admitted bigot.
Bellavia's PTSD | 04.09.08 06:03 PM
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Agreed, it is Bellavia and his supporters who are wrong and misinformed.
asdf | 04.09.08 06:27 PM
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Bellavia’s racists remarks display the most compelling argument yet that the war in Iraq must end. Bellavia was most likely a level headed person until he volunteered to fight a war that should have never been. Bellavia was one of the legion of post 9/11 gung-ho stooges who ran into the military to be a Rambo. He liked killing innocent Iraqi women and children so much that he re-enlisted to go back for more. Bellavia’s insane blood-lust spilled over into his civilian life, only now he is a damaged killer, his death and destruction mentality became apparent yesterday in his misguided words.
Now, take Bellavia and multiply that jerk by 200,000. 200,000 Iraqi vets returning home with a myriad of macabre memories and hearts full of war-torn hatred. This war must end now. Before the country is deluged with bigots like the pathetic Mr. Bellavia. Bellavia is a product of a failed administration. I can’t understand why Bellavia is supporting McCain. McCain is partly responsible for his ruined life. The US Army destroyed what was once an innocent young man, then unleashed him out into society without skipping a beat, I agree with the PTSD diagnosis.
Poor Bellavia has no idea what he is saying. Six years of death and destruction have morphed Bellavia into a jealous, hate-mongering, ignorant fool. Tiger Woods and Sen. Barack Obama may be part black, but at least they are human and decent, for that idiot Bellavia to bash either man shows how the war screwed up his thought process. Bellavia has made me a “BELLEVIA” that this war must end!
NOT-A-BELLEVIA | 04.09.08 07:02 PM
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Could be he was saying McCain is to a Veteran, as Obama is to a yuppie sports star…
Those who have been monitoring the National Heroes Tour would know that David Bellavia often invokes the name Tiger Woods. He compares the real true living heroes on the bus to the type of people who Americans make into heroes like Tiger Woods.
He was referring to Tiger Woods as an example of a contemporary hero to many children, and contrasted that with how his kids (he has 2 very young ones) would be taught the heroism of others like McCain.
Strykerdad54 | 04.09.08 07:15 PM
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If he really is talking about Tiger Woods, then why? Still why is it Tiger Woods is a topic in a political meeting. Who even thinks of Tiger Woods an American hero. I am black and he doesn't seem like an American hero to me. Maybe he should have picked someone people do see as a hero. Certainly not Tiger Woods. Either way, it makes no sense, especially after the lynching comment a few months ago.
Che | 04.09.08 10:12 PM
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DaveS: yeah right, so he just as esily could have said, "you can have your brett favre..." sure.
Quincy | 04.09.08 10:20 PM
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Regardless of what he meant to say. Wether he meant "universally eccepted role model" or just to compare Tiger as a "very talented guy".
Its obvious that just like in golf where the rich white man got scared when Woods started cleaning house and winning all their tournaments. The rich white politicians are afraid Obama will do the same thing.
Bill | 04.10.08 08:54 AM
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If Bellavia is praising Tiger Woods, then why is he saying "you can have your Tiger Woods"? Anything to let a bigot off the hook.
Sick & Tired | 04.10.08 12:00 PM
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As a member of the U.S. Army, I just want everyone to know that not all of us are racist miscreants like this GOP bigot Sgt. Bellavia, there are bad apples in every bunch. Sgt. Bellavia just happens to be one.
Sgt. Bellavia: Please stop making the Army look like the clan. Next time you open your big mouth, think about what you are saying, you’re not in the barracks talking trash. If you continue to dishonor real, level-headed Iraqi vets by using racist analogies it could come back to haunt you.
Sgt. Bellavia you owe the public an apology for your irresponsible and treacherous racist remarks.
UNBELLAVIA-BLE | 04.10.08 01:16 PM
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I'm a Sergeant First Class who has proudly served 13 years in the Army. I've seen military professionalism at it's best and this is not an example of it. This is obviously a comparison based on ethnic backgrounds and skin color.
I will strive to ensure that this Non-commissioned officer is properly repremanded by his chain of command for this misrepresentation the U.S. Army!
Real American Hero | 04.10.08 06:16 PM
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i wonder if he used a black war hero for an analogy would anyone think it too be racist ? i dont think so because it would have fit properly in the context of his intro but when he said tiger woods it came across as he was saying tiger was black peoples hero for taking over golf and now obama is our hero in the politcal world. i dont really know thats my view i do know alot of white people were really upset with tiger being a young black kid beating everyone on the golf circuit and maybe now they are mad about obama ?? what i do know is the folks who claim not to be racist are allways sticking their foots in their mouths
young black man | 04.10.08 07:00 PM
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It's amazing when a presumed white man makes a racist comment like that, it's not ment to be racist. He's saying to american, we white folks have john mccain and you black folks have OBAMA (Tiger Woods). The best thing about that, is we've got the best golfer in the world, that's dominating a white man's sport. You go figure. Idiot!
bev | 04.11.08 09:48 AM
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It's amazing when a presumed white man makes a racist comment like that, it's not ment to be racist. He's saying to american, we white folks have john mccain and you black folks have OBAMA (Tiger Woods). The best thing about that, is we've got the best golfer in the world, that's dominating a white man's sport. You go figure. Idiot!
bev | 04.11.08 09:49 AM
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Why would he be talking about Tiger Woods when introducing John McCain, Tony?
Keyser Soze | 04.11.08 01:17 PM
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I think all you people who think this is a racist comment need to get a life, anytime an african americans name is used they are some how considered racist. Did you ever think that just maybe he is trying to teach his kids to look up to people that are trying to make the country a better place. I think the race card is way over played.
Jaime | 04.12.08 12:08 AM
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Look, lets all take a break, back-off, j-off and regroup. At least that's what the DI's at Benning used to tell us.
Yes, there are racist in the Army, hello, look at this a-hole, dimwit Bellavia. He represents all the forces that are trying to divide this country.
SGT BELLAVIA IS A RACIST!!!!
Dr. Al Caroll | 04.13.08 04:52 AM
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Mr. Bellavia implied you can have your mixed race candidate we have our all white McCain. Senitor McCain was right behind Bellavia when he made the statement and never denounced or rejected the comments. Would it be OK for Hillary’s people to say you can have your George Burns we have Hillary Clinton or Can Barack’s people get away with saying you can have your typical white woman we have Barack Obama?
Eric In Calli | 04.13.08 10:46 PM
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The irony in this all is that Bellavia may be the less racist than most others editorializing his comments. The fact that many of you assume David was referring to Obama via a Tiger Woods reference implies that you see Tiger's skin color before all. Did it ever dawn on many of you that Tiger and Obama are more than their skin color and can be compared with others for what is beneath the skin? And that using Tiger as the example of a "sports hero" transends his race and acknowledges him as a great athelete, not just a great black athlete. Though I agree Bellavia should have been more articulate, his intended point is a good one...that there are far greater heroes among us than our sports stars.
Michael | 04.25.08 09:22 PM
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