U.S. Military Gave Trail Blazers $35,000 for “Paid Patriotism”

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by SlyPokerDog, Nov 6, 2015.

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  1. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    The U.S. military has spent $6.8 million on patriotic displays and perks for soldiers at professional sporting events in the past four years, says an oversight report released Wednesday by U.S. Sens. John McCain (R-Arizona) and John Flake (R-Arizona).

    Among the prominent beneficiaries of Pentagon largesse? Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen.

    McCain, a longtime watchdog of federal pork, describes the contracts as "paid patriotism." KOIN-TV reporter Dan Tilkin cast a Portland spotlight on the report Thursday evening.

    The McCain-Flake report says the Oregon Army National Guard paid the Trail Blazers $35,000 in fiscal years 2012 and 2013. It says the contracts were for color guard ceremonies before three games, and executive suites for 11 games.

    The Blazers' haul is chump change compared to what the Pentagon spent on Allen's Seahawks: $453,500.

    Those contracts included military enlistment, re-enlistment and flag retirement ceremonies at Seahawks games.

    The report is scathing toward such displays.

    "By paying for such heartwarming displays like recognition of wounded warriors, surprise homecomings, and on-field enlistment ceremonies, these displays lost their luster," the report says. "Unsuspecting audience members became the subjects of paid-marketing campaigns rather than simply bearing witness to teams' authentic, voluntary shows of support for the brave men and women who wear our nation's uniform."

    http://www.wweek.com/2015/11/06/mcc...gave-trail-blazers-35000-for-paid-patriotism/
     
    SlyPokerDog, Nov 6, 2015
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  2. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    I put a US flag out in front of my house during certain holidays but if someone wants to pay me for it... bonus!

    Not sure what the Blazers could have done here, can you imagine the press if the Blazers turned down the money from the military? "Blazers refuse to honor troops!" or "Blazers say no to renting game suite to military."
     
    SlyPokerDog, Nov 6, 2015
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  3. BlazerCaravan

    BlazerCaravan Hug a Bigot... to Death

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    The US Military is no different than any other corporation; I don't see anything wrong with them buying sponsorships.

    I wish they'd spend more of their money on their employees...
     
    BlazerCaravan, Nov 6, 2015
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  4. kjironman1

    kjironman1 Well-Known Member

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    They could make the suite available without payment. They could donate the money to a cause to help Vets.
    Just a couple ideas.
     
    kjironman1, Nov 6, 2015
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  5. BlazerCaravan

    BlazerCaravan Hug a Bigot... to Death

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    Fuck that, this is a business transaction between two businesses. It's the military that should have a PR problem here.
     
    BlazerCaravan, Nov 6, 2015
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  6. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    I would rather have a US Armed Forces logo on the All Star jerseys then a Kia ad.
     
    SlyPokerDog, Nov 6, 2015
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  7. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    How much do they think it costs to plaster US Army all over a NASCAR stock car?
     
    Natebishop3, Nov 6, 2015
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  8. kjironman1

    kjironman1 Well-Known Member

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    The Military is trying to buy "Patriotism" i'll give you that. However acting like a patriot is also our responsibility as Americans. The Blazers could do a number of things with the money. 35K will not make or break them. It could however make a huge difference in a number of peoples lives. I am not saying the organization is wrong. What i am saying is they could do something really right here.
     
    kjironman1, Nov 6, 2015
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  9. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    About $55k in reddit Dogecoin.
     
    SlyPokerDog, Nov 6, 2015
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  10. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    How do you know they don't already do things for Vets? I see them honoring them every home game.
     
    SlyPokerDog, Nov 6, 2015
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  11. kjironman1

    kjironman1 Well-Known Member

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    Honestly i don't. But i can look and get back to ya.
     
    kjironman1, Nov 6, 2015
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  12. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    I know HCP is a vet and they gave him a job. That's a lot of charity right there.
     
    SlyPokerDog, Nov 6, 2015
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  13. kjironman1

    kjironman1 Well-Known Member

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    kjironman1, Nov 6, 2015
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  14. kjironman1

    kjironman1 Well-Known Member

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    That might not be the kind of "Community" action people are looking for?
     
    kjironman1, Nov 6, 2015
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  15. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    No one wants to see HCP wandering the streets homeless and unemployed.
     
    SlyPokerDog, Nov 6, 2015
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  16. kjironman1

    kjironman1 Well-Known Member

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    But just think about the sign he would hold? Will mow lawns for food?
     
    kjironman1, Nov 6, 2015
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  17. barfo

    barfo triggered obsessive commie pinko boomer maniac Staff Member Global Moderator

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    It seems to me the military could save money by just taking those suites by force. They are surely better armed than the Blazers.

    barfo
     
    barfo, Nov 6, 2015
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  18. BBert

    BBert Weasels Ripped My Flesh

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    No. Joke.
     
    BBert, Nov 6, 2015
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  19. BBert

    BBert Weasels Ripped My Flesh

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    The Third Amendment to the US Constitution says the government shall not quarter soldiers in private homes without consent.

    Or is that Led Zeppelin?

    :dunno:
     
    BBert, Nov 6, 2015
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  20. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    You mean quarter as in drawn and quartered? No one is giving consent for that.
     
    SlyPokerDog, Nov 6, 2015
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