We here at DaBearsBlog (and by we, I mean me) would like to throw our hat in the political arena and endorse Illinois Senator and assumed Green Bay Packers-hater Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. As a registered independent, it is my duty to support a man who seems to have upset equally the bases of both major political parties and stirred the spirits of America's youth enough to actually get them to vote.
Oh yeah, and someone showed me a picture of him wearing this...
#2 Minnesota Mad Dog said . . .Hey Phil, I saw your boy Ron Turner at work today...
February 16, 2008
#3 mikebdot said . . .I love the site and read it every day. I do not comment, until now. Now, I must.
This is too much. We do not need our moron site master making policital judgements. This is a blog for the Bears and fooball. Not for politics. What the fuck does the moron(s) know about that?
I like Obama OK too, but So what?
This is a fooball site. Not some bull shit politics op-ed page. Drop it.February 16, 2008
#4 Z said . . .Minnesota Mad Dog: Please keep your concern trolling to yourself. Or else, write your own fucking blog. And if you think the site master is a moron, once again, why do you torture yourself so? Some people have serious problems. Are you a cutter? If so, get help.
February 16, 2008
#5 Z said . . .The Bears are 29-4 when scoring at least 18 points in Lovie Smith’s four seasons. 23-1 before last season. Their record is just 7-24 when scoring 17 or fewer points under Smith.
So, I would say that is our magic # we need to get to on O. ST and D are bonus. Who do we need to get to make that happen?
And yes go Obama. Hillary seems like she'll say or do anything to win and McCain sounds ready to blow some things up. Even if all things were equal gotta take the Bears fan.
Favorite team is worth a shot as reason to pick a leader. God knows how we got the last one sure didn't work out.February 16, 2008
#6 Phil from SATX said . . .And Jeff does a great job with this site and it is his to do as he sees fit. If taking 1 thread during the offseason before free agency has even started to talk about who will lead our country in one of the most pivotal times in our history is what he wants to do, then he should. Or anything else he thinks is that important.
Go Obama Bears!!
February 16, 2008
#7 Megan said . . .Thanks, Jeff, I knew I could count on you.
It takes courage to step out and take a stand, and in this case, it's necessary.
Barack Obama is exactly who he says he is, nothing more, nothing less. If anyone who reads or participates on this site hasn't followed him or listened to him speak, you must do so, and your support will become inevitable.
Of course, since he's Illinois' own, I'm not sure what anyone who participates here would be doing otherwise, so I may be preaching to the choir.
On March 4 I am voting in the first primary of my life (always have voted in my 47 years, never in a primary, always independent). I will be encouraging everyone I know to do so.
Minnesota Mad Dog, please let that be the last time you comment here.
Shady, did you at least try to trip him or lob a stabler at him or something? Actually, he really represents one person I would love to have a one-on-one, heart-to-heart with. I'd love to ask him all the questions we have about last season's playcalling and personnel decisions, and give him truth serum so he had to answer me with what was in his brain. Maybe he had good reasons that we didn't know about. Maybe Lovie was actually calling the shots (but probably not). Maybe he completely regrets how he did things and wants to make up for it in 2008 (what I would really hope he would say). Maybe he would say they were mostly all great calls, our players just didn't execute them (what I would guess he really would say). One of the things that's hardest about being an ardent fan of a faltering team is the lack of understanding of what's in these guys heads, which under this coaching regime is a much bigger issue because they are famous for withholding info and dissembling.
I did appreciate JA's candor post-season, and it helped me to move on. He has a different, and correct, viewpoint on what he owes Bear fans in terms of providing answers to troubling issues. Lovie's a different cat where that's concerned.
One last aside - seeing the picture Jeff posted made me think of another sort-of-non-Bears issue - but I'm down in San Antonio, as you know, and despite the fact that PO'd hates the Spurs and would like to ban any mention of them on this site...
Do you know who is the concensus biggest Bear fan in the whole NBA?
Tim Duncan. I mean he's an INSANE Bears fan. Coming from the Virgin Islands no less. So after the Bulls, or your own favorite NBA team, Tim Duncan should hold a special place in your heart because of our shared connection and love of THE BEST FRANCHISE IN SPORTS.
Go Obama! Go Bears!
February 16, 2008
#8 Megan said . . .Jeff, jeff jeff--Thank you ONCE again. You are such a pushover for ANYTHING wearing Bears paraphanalia...
That's a cute picture. Had to be taken at the beginning of the season because he is smiling while he's wearing it.
I agree, it has been too long coming. We have needed something in this country to get people excited/stirred up about voting or at the very least- engaging in conversations that encourage others to care enough to vote.
Once again, Gawd I love this site!
February 16, 2008
#9 jeff said . . .Minnesota Mad Dog--Lighten up Dawg.
Jeff's just a Bears fan. Isn't that so completely obvious? Esp. if you have been reading this site "everyday?"February 16, 2008
#10 jeff said . . .guys, lay off the minny mad dog, though the support is appreciated. i thought the picture needed to get on the site. it's here.
February 16, 2008
#11 Al in WI said . . .by the way, minny. i know more about politics and government than football.
February 16, 2008
#12 Shady said . . .Yuck, politics on a sports blog. Not a fan of that no matter what direction it would have gone.
February 16, 2008
#13 craig said . . .The conversation kinda went something like this:
Shady: Mr Turner?
Ron: Yes?
Shady: I'm sure you probably hear this all the time, but my name is Shady and I'm a huge Bears fan.
*Shakes my hand*
Ron: Nice to meet you Shady.
... After helping him find what he was looking for (Levi jeans by the way, yes he wears Levis like everybody else.)
Shady: So we need to get you some weapons for next year, right?
Ron: Yeah. Like keeping Bernard Berrian.
Shady: And Rex too right?
Ron: Yeah.... (long pause) Rex too.
Shady: Well, nice meeting you Mr. Turner, good luck this offseason and take care.
I would have loved to sit and chat wih him longer, but I was on the job so I couldn't act too much like a crazy Bears fan. Sounds like he wants BB back, or at least thinks we have a shot at him. Rex? Not sure he's coming back after that convo. Sorry PO'd.
I guess I could have bitched and moaned about play-calling last year, but what good would that have done. I wanted some insight into the offseason, and although I didn't get much, it was something to think about.
February 16, 2008
#14 Phil from SATX said . . .I don't understand the reactions here. It's his blog, he can write whatever he wants.
Don't like it? Then don't f*ing read it.
February 16, 2008
#15 minnie Mad Dog said . . .Wow, Shady, that sounds like you might have stumbled on to some real info. If we keep Berrian and lose Rex, I'm changing your name to Deep Throat. That would be better info than we got from the beat reporters all year. I hope you're wrong, because I'm not sure where else they'd go at this point. Maybe PJ Losman IS in their plans. Still can't believe that Turner has been converted to an Orton guy - he sees the same stuff we do and much more. And he's blurting out that he feels we need to keep Berrian?
Keep your head down and ears open, and somebody spill some ink on RT's new jeans. Maybe you can be miked next time?
On the other hand, maybe he feels like Rex burned him big time when he played the way he did in those first three games. Maybe it's personal.
February 16, 2008
#16 jeff said . . .Jeff,
Thank you for calling off the dogs. I felt like I was circled by a pack, all nipping at my ass. I apologize for criticizing the posting and, as mentioned, actually do support Obama. It's funny though. Cheese Heads use this site, say bizarre and stupid shit (as might be expected) and nobody seems to blast them. Go wonder.
February 16, 2008
#17 Shady said . . .no worries, man. i knew putting this up would piss of some people but to be honest, what the hell else do you write about when nothing is happening....figured i'd throw barack ina bears cap up....
February 16, 2008
#18 Jimbo said . . .I don't know if he thinks Orton is the answer in '08, perhaps Turner would rather see a draft pick spent on another QB, if so I wonder who it would be... Or maybe he favors a trade for McNabb. But we know Jerry Angelo wants to bring rexy back: "I'm bringing Rexy back... Yeah!"
Pretty cool Duncan is a Bears fan. I wonder who else in sports loves the Bears? By the way, where's NIU Mike?
I'll be rooting for the troubled Hoosiers tonight against a very good Michigan St. team. Lot's of adversity for Indiana to overcome this year. No doubt this would be a big win for Indiana basketball, for it might save Kelvin Sampson's job at IU or perhaps could spell the end.
Bear down Bears.
Bear down Indiana.
Bear down Chicago,
And Bear the fuck down Obama.February 17, 2008
#19 Jimbo said . . .I'm sure most saw Dan Pompei projected us to take Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. Here's his writeup from NFLdraft countdown.com...
"Kentwan Balmer
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 295 | 40-Time: 5.05
Strengths:
Good size with a large frame and room to bulk up further...Extremely strong...Very athletic...Has pretty good speed and quickness...Nice range and does a good job in pursuit...Can hold his ground at the point of attack...Offers some versatility...Is coming off a great senior year...Can contribute on special teams...Still has upside.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent and has a questionable motor...Does not have great bulk...Has some trouble shedding blocks...He is slow to read and react....Plays with poor leverage at times...Considered to be an underachiever prior to 2007...Could be a 'tweener.
Notes:
The light finally seemed to come on and he started to fulfill his immense potential as a senior...He could project to either tackle in a 4-3 or end in a 3-4...Has all the physical tools you look for but will need to stay motivated and play like he did this past year..Exceptionally talented but a risky prospect who is a boom or bust type."Most of the draft sites have Balmer rated much lower than 14, so as far as a best on the board pick, I think we would be reaching if we draft this kid at 14.
February 17, 2008
#20 Rancid said . . .Of course, right after I say that, I see this on NFL.com. Balmer at 15. Also, this guy does not have Kenny Phillips or McFadden in his top 20.
Mike Mayock's top 20 (as of Feb. 12, 2008)
1. Matt Ryan - QB, Boston College
2. Sedrick Ellis – DT, USC
3. Chris Long - DE, Virginia
4. Glenn Dorsey – DT, LSU
5. Vernon Gholston – DE, Ohio State
6. Jake Long – OL, Michigan
7. Ryan Clady – OL, Boise State
8. Keith Rivers – LB, USC
9. Phillip Merling – DE, Clemson
10. Leodis McKelvin – CB, Troy
11. Brandon Flowers – CB, Virginia Tech
12. Rashard Mendenhall – RB, Illinois
13. Jeff Otah – OL, Pittsburgh
14. Derrick Harvey – DE, Florida
15. Kentwan Balmer – DT, North Carolina
16. Aqib Talib – CB, Kansas
17. Chris Williams – OL, Vanderbilt
18. Mario Manningham – WR, Michigan
19. Limas Sweed – WR, Texas
20. Branden Albert – OL, VirginiaFebruary 17, 2008
#21 Phil from SATX said . . .Shady - My conversation with Turner would have gone very similarly. I would have been nice, cordial, even semi-charming. Until the part where he swipes his card. Then my face darkens and I say "You listen to me you arrogant fuck. I can get your address from this credit card info and so help me if you don't get Olsen, Hester and occaisonally Wolfe the damn ball on a regular basis I will go to that address and burn your home to the ground. Now enjoy your pretty new jeans and get the hell out of here. You're lucky you've still got a job and can afford them. If I was in charge you'd be on the street you worthless piece of shit. Bear down."
I have been blocking the reality that RT didn't get canned. Time to let out a little rage I guess.
In a side note, while I do not personally support Obama at this time, I wholeheartedly respect both Jeff's political views and his right to name an official candidate on the blog that he runs. I obviously don't want to see this become a political blog, but hey, it's the offseason, and since the man's wearing a Bears hat, it's well worth a post. Thanks for the blog, jeff.
February 17, 2008
#22 Rancid said . . .Rancid, no one else cares about this but for whatever reason I feel most connected to you on this site - I'm sure you have recognized that you and I not only share opinions, but share degree/depth of opinions most often. You made me laugh once again with your latest post, very typical. I still maintain you are the funniest poster on this site. Thanks for that.
I would feel much better if you did support Obama. What's in your head? This is obviously not a political blog, nor do we want it to be. But I was not surprised to learn that Jeff was an Obama supporter, because while I've never met Jeff, he and I go along a similar wavelength. At this point, I'm assuming you're either McCain or Hilary, the other horses left. Either way, I'm cool with your position - I actually think we're all going to be winners in this next election no matter who's elected. IT'S NOT GEORGE BUSH. Nuff said. But I'm still interested in your Obama position.
Minnie, I take it back - you can post here, not just because you're an Obama supporter, but you sound decent. Your first post was not. To us, we have been reading Jeff for a long time. Moron site master is not a name which makes any degree of sense - we all know Jeff is a great writer, we assume he's probably a talented playwright, and he's our friend. And he's damn smart, so moron doesn't work as an adjective for him. Stick around for awhile, you'll see. But we're a forgiving bunch around here, so it's all good.
Dan Pompei's draft list was really weird, totally out of the box compared to what we've been watching. Think Pompei is good, just don't know where he's coming from on this. Hope he's wrong.
February 17, 2008
#23 Shady said . . .Thanks Phil, I do normally have nearly complete agreement with your posts. It's great to find people with simlar lines of thought. Overall this is a blog that contains a much "deeper" level of Bears conversation, not simply arrogant blowhards cussing awkwardly and accusing each other of having sexual relations with farm animals. Not that that type of behavior doesn't have its place or occaisionally make me laugh, but when it is the day-in day-out norm as it is on many sports blogs its gets tiring. Most guys on here, especially this time of year, are dedicated fans with a deep knowledge of the team and it's history and it's a fantastic place to be a part of.
As far as the politics go, I don't land in a particular camp easily and then once I do (if I do), it's for good. I'm still on the outside looking at 'em all. Frankly, I don't think the "horses" are all that distinguishable at this point. I am particulary distrustful of nearly all politicians and have trouble endearing myself to one. Personally, I think I'd just write in "Ditka" at this point.
February 17, 2008
#24 Z said . . ."Now enjoy your pretty new jeans and get the hell out of here."
haha that's good stuff~ Ditka Barkley '08 ~
February 17, 2008
#25 JB said . . .Rancid hilarious that is exactly what to say. Not handling a lot of the customer service calls in your job huh? Just kidding.
A DT that has a questionable motor and can't shed blockers so good at the college level. Sounds like a potential paycheck grabber to me (I think I hear Ced coming). If Kenny Phillips or McFadden are available I say grab em. I know RB's can be found in a lot of places besides the 1st round but I might break my own rule 4 that one.
GO BEARS!!
February 17, 2008
#26 Al in WI said . . .Yeah, Jeff I remember that Monday night game when he did that, and even though I was supporting him at that point...before he even decided to run, he sealed it for me there. I think this endorsement may just put him over the top. This was one of the last remaining interests not backing a candidate and it's a great honor to support this dabearsblog decision.
OBAMA '08
BEARS '08!February 17, 2008
#27 Phil from SATX said . . .So looking forward to some FA signings or even action!!
I'm a little concerned that reports have the Bears not responding to Booker's interest in returning. Would love to have the guy back for sure.February 17, 2008
#28 Jimbo said . . .Al, it's starting to seriously bug me that I'm hearing all these things out of other camps - mostly about cuttings - but some signings - and of course nothing out of ours.
Very impatient here! Also very disturbed by the Shady news. Don't like the implications there AT ALL.
February 17, 2008
#29 Z said . . .If Brian Brohm is available at 14, do we take him?
I say yes, what say you?
February 18, 2008
#30 Shady said . . .If Rex is not signed and we don't have a decent QB signed from FA or traded for by draft day I feel we must draft the best QB available with the 1st round pick. We can not take a significant drop at the most important position in our sport and expect to compete over the next few years while our D is good. The time is now or real, real close to now.
All my other 1st round draft hopes are contingent on Rex re-signing.
Eventually wouldn't u think we would accidently get a franchise QB or by mistake. Every year w/ this shit.
Seriously Bear Down!!
February 18, 2008
#31 Dave said . . .Booker wants back:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-booker021408,0,4617696.story
Please give this offense some weapons!
February 18, 2008
#32 JB said . . .You have just lost one vistor to your site. I thought I had actually found a place to go without someone shoving their political views down my throat. Guess not.
Take Minnesota MadDog's advice. Drop it.
February 18, 2008
#33 Pissed Off said . . .btw, do we need to set up a meeting between rancid and phil? you guys sound like you'd really hit it off. e-harmony. Does anyone have a cyber crush on my opinions? I don't think I have anyone on here that mirrors my exact opinions... shady is maybe close... I usually agree with Jeff. PO'd and I used to agree on one thing, but I deserted. But really, I'll take Nicole...she makes some sort of desert on gamedays that sounds great.
February 18, 2008
#34 Pissed Off said . . .This is da bears blog and we're happy that Obama is a Bears fan, as he should be, and I'm sure he's a cubs fan and a bulls fan too but how big of a fan is he really? Just cuz he wears the hat doesnt mean shit. He's probably fair weather like some of the other D-bags we've come across.
Putting a political spin on something like this site is not ideal. Thats all I will say. I am not even going to get into my political stance cuz no one cares and I'd rather not make enemies with my bears blog buddies......except Mike, I dont give a shit about that guy.
February 18, 2008
#35 JM said . . .Regarding the agreeing thing, I've pretty much agreed with Al ever since he started blogging on almost all issues and recently I've had mirrored opinions with rancid too. JB and I used to agree but as he said he deserted the main opinion we were together on. Phil and I seem to agree quite a bit but we have our debates...its fun.
February 18, 2008
#36 Sam said . . .That pic was from the intro to MNF when we pulled the miracle in the desert and Obama asks if we were ready for some football. A pinch of politics never hurt anyone
February 18, 2008
#37 Payton Was The Greatest said . . .Bear down, Barack Obama
Make every state clear the way to victory
Bear down, Barack Obama
Put up a fight with might so fearlessly
We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation, with your change oration
Bear down, Barack Obama
And let them know why you're winning the vote
You're the pride and joy of Iliinois
Barack Obama, Bear down!February 20, 2008
Great blog, Jeff. Keep up the good work.
April 7, 2008
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.