I strongly disagree with Matt Birk's decision not to accept the invitation to the White House. I believe that as a Ravens' team member, he should've gone to represent his team and his teams Superbowl win, by not attending I believe that he disrespeced his team, I'm sure they (Ravens'players) don't all agree with President Obama's policies and/or decisions since taking office, but out of respect for their team they accepted the invitation. I am all for freedom of speech, but why do people feel the need to politicize every little thing? It's a simple invitation to honor your "team" Matt, are you a team player or not? I believe this was just a way for Matt Birk to get some press time,
Kelly Johnson - 11 years ago
It is absolutely his right to decline, but I think it is disrespectful. Going with the team to receive a congratulatory message from the President of the United States-be it Barack Obama, George W. Bush, or JFK, would be a gracious and class act gesture, not an endorsement of policy.
Cecelia Atherton - 11 years ago
All of the comments before me are spot on. Matt Birk is a stand up guy and I'm proud of him !!!
Dennis Zeto - 11 years ago
He was invited, and to decline is not an insult to the office, it is merely his personal freedom to chose not to participate with an individual with whom he strongly disagrees. if he were to attend, it could be constued that he endorses and supports the actions of the current President. He has NOT verbally attacked or insulted the President or his office. KUDOS for his courage to stand by his beliefs!!
Christine Shannon - 11 years ago
From what I understand, I believe Matt said he could not attend because the President endorsed Planned Parenthood by saying "God bless Planned Parenthood". That puts the President on the extremist end of the Life issues.
Sheila Flanders - 11 years ago
We live in the greatest country on earth. We can disagree with the President (whoever that is) and still retain our rights to freedom of speech. We can even protest in our own ways and still be protected by our Constitution. I'm not for being bullied by others.... even if someone thinks I'm being disrespectful. Matt, thank-you for standing up for your beliefs. You are, by far, not alone!
Barbara Rustad - 11 years ago
I am on board with Matt. This is a free country. Matt can decide whether he WANTS to go meet with the President, not that he HAS to. President Obama is not a sovereign ruler or king. This is not a command performance.
Rails on - 11 years ago
I listened to your comments about respecting the office of the President of the United States. Respect goes both ways. The President should respect the office he holds and the Constitution whose laws he took an oath to protect and abide by. He disrespected the office he holds with all the scandals and has stomped on the Constitution. Matt Birk is completely correct.
I strongly disagree with Matt Birk's decision not to accept the invitation to the White House. I believe that as a Ravens' team member, he should've gone to represent his team and his teams Superbowl win, by not attending I believe that he disrespeced his team, I'm sure they (Ravens'players) don't all agree with President Obama's policies and/or decisions since taking office, but out of respect for their team they accepted the invitation. I am all for freedom of speech, but why do people feel the need to politicize every little thing? It's a simple invitation to honor your "team" Matt, are you a team player or not? I believe this was just a way for Matt Birk to get some press time,
It is absolutely his right to decline, but I think it is disrespectful. Going with the team to receive a congratulatory message from the President of the United States-be it Barack Obama, George W. Bush, or JFK, would be a gracious and class act gesture, not an endorsement of policy.
All of the comments before me are spot on. Matt Birk is a stand up guy and I'm proud of him !!!
He was invited, and to decline is not an insult to the office, it is merely his personal freedom to chose not to participate with an individual with whom he strongly disagrees. if he were to attend, it could be constued that he endorses and supports the actions of the current President. He has NOT verbally attacked or insulted the President or his office. KUDOS for his courage to stand by his beliefs!!
From what I understand, I believe Matt said he could not attend because the President endorsed Planned Parenthood by saying "God bless Planned Parenthood". That puts the President on the extremist end of the Life issues.
We live in the greatest country on earth. We can disagree with the President (whoever that is) and still retain our rights to freedom of speech. We can even protest in our own ways and still be protected by our Constitution. I'm not for being bullied by others.... even if someone thinks I'm being disrespectful. Matt, thank-you for standing up for your beliefs. You are, by far, not alone!
I am on board with Matt. This is a free country. Matt can decide whether he WANTS to go meet with the President, not that he HAS to. President Obama is not a sovereign ruler or king. This is not a command performance.
I listened to your comments about respecting the office of the President of the United States. Respect goes both ways. The President should respect the office he holds and the Constitution whose laws he took an oath to protect and abide by. He disrespected the office he holds with all the scandals and has stomped on the Constitution. Matt Birk is completely correct.