Tucker Carlson: Insensitivity, And Beyond

I don't know Tucker Carlson personally, but we did share some satellite banter back in the old CNN days. I remember the bow tie, the dry humor, and the right wing point of view he espoused. Other than that, he seemed likable enough while being thoughtful and intelligent.

Well, all that went out of the proverbial window with his recent comments about Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. President Obama had called Eagles ownership to commend them on giving Vick another chance in the NFL. I happen to agree with the president because ALL of us fall short of God's expectations, and ALL of us deserve a second chance after dealing with the consequences of poor judgment.

In case you've forgotten - and the conservative media wouldn't dare let you - Vick was convicted for his role in dog fighting. He served 18-months in prison and lost tens of millions of dollars in the process along with any good reputation he might have had.

Please get this straight: I don't know Michael Vick, and I know nothing of dog fighting except what I learned covering the story to some degree. He deserved every bit of punishment the court dished out. I do know what he did to those animals was reprehensible and wrong beyond explanation. But, for Mr. Carlson to come on FOX News and say the man should have been executed is beyond irresponsible. And, for him to preface the comment by proclaiming his alleged status as a Christian is an insult to all of us Christians everywhere. You can think such things, as wrong headed as they may be, but you cannot say such things over the airwaves. It is hateful, insensitive, and geared to appeal to the small minded among us who either can't or won't think for ourselves. It's like a one man lynch mob wearing a suit and screaming 'GET HIM!' to anyone ignorant enough to listen.

That's the bad part...but, here's the worst. There can only be one reason Mr. Carlson is still holding down a position, although he was guest hosting for Sean Hannity that day (don't get me started on HIS act). That's because some decision maker at Fox News either agrees with Mr. Carlson OR they see a profit in sensationalism of this story which is, frankly, very old news. Either way, it is wrong, UN-fair and UN-balanced.

Have your political views - this is America, and we are all entitled to our own. But, let's be mindful that we are not the judge and jury just because we have access to a microphone.

The only thing which should be executed here is Mr. Carlson's access to a microphone, lest he sees the errors of his ways.

Thanks, Philly...Shame on You, Gov.

Last week, the weather on the east coast was frightful. The Eagles vs. Vikings game was postponed from Sunday to Tuesday out of concern for the commuting fan. Great idea...right idea. It's the first time in my recent memory that a team did something to place the interest of the fan above that of the bottom line and concession sales. Good job.

What I don't get is why Governor Rendell decided to invoke the 'woosie' term referring to the rescheduling of the game. Emergencies had been declared. Lives were at stake on the roads. It's not a 'tough guy' thing. It's a matter of taking care of the public.

Tell the folks stranded in airports...for days...to suck it up. How about those stranded on roads for hours waiting for them to clear?

I guess what I'm saying is this...football is a game, but life is life. Careful, Gov. Life and safety of the people is more important. The Eagles and the NFL made the right call.

Merry Christmas!

My wife and I have much to be thankful for this Christmas season. First, for the gift of Jesus. Second, for the gift of having each other as husband and wife. Third, for our children. And, fourth, for our family and friends, good health, the promise of prosperity for our company in conjunction with Dorsett Sports Marketing.

We hope to be a blessing to someone all year, and wish the same for you. 'Fred Said It' is going to be a lot of fun. Thanks for stopping by, and come back often as I will weigh in on everything from soup to nuts.

P.S., Sneak preview...there could be a bus in our immediate future. Coach Madden, move over! :)

Merry Christmas, all.

" I Am Serious, and Don't Call Me Shirley."

I was never a big soap opera guy, but my mother was a huge 'Peyton Place' fan back in the day. I, on the other hand, preferred westerns such as 'The Virginian.' But, I do recall one actor with fondness who appeared in both, and went on to become iconic for, ironically enough, turning his serious persona into one of an hysterical straight man in pictures such as 'Airplane' and 'Naked Gun.'

I remember Leslie Nielsen well for all his great dramatic and super funny work. But, I will remember the late, great Leslie, whom we just lost at the age of 84, for something more personal...

A few years back, while living in West Hartford, Connecticut, raising two kids as a single parent and before meeting my wonderful wife, I was standing on the front porch of my condo contemplating how much life stunk. Well, the Greater Hartford Open golf event was happening that week. One of my neighbors happened to be working the event, and guess who was a guest at his home? Leslie Nielsen!

I saw him walking in the turnabout and did a double take. I've been around celebrities mall my life, but this was out of the clear blue.

I grabbed my son, who was in middle school at the time, and told him there was someone outside he might want to meet. He grudgingly tore himself away from the playstation, came outside, and...beamingly...exclaimed " Frank Drebin!...wow!"

Then, Leslie said, in his classic style, "That's officer Drebin, son." Beautiful. Made our whole day!

So, Leslie...here's to you, old friend. Thanks for the memories. Rest in in peace, and I won't call you Shirley. :)

A Classical Gas

My family and I have just returned from the Florida Classic football at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Bethune Cookman University, my wife's undergrad alma mater, lost to Florida A & M... my late father-in-laws Alma mater, as well as many other members of the family on my wife's side.

To the players and the schools, this is the Superbowl, as I quickly learned in my first Classic experience. The bands as well, I might add. But there were no losers Saturday. These are two historical Black Universities...and, not the only two. And, the kinship was palpable. No jeering. No fighting among fans. No animosity or nastiness. Just a good-natured rivalry which was enjoyed by a huge crowd of fans who look forward to the event each year.

And, make no mistake, it IS an event. It was a great example of what good, clean sportsmanship is about on and off the field. Coaches shaking hands with each and every one of their players during warm ups. Alums aging from their 20's, I dare say, to and past the century mark getting acquainted and reacquainted.

The halftime show was tremendous. The F.A.M.U. Band was out standing, but the marching 100 is more like the marching 350 these days. (They had us outnumbered)

Good food, good friends-old and new-good fellowship and good times. I'm the better man and fan for attending. I didn't attend an H.B.C.U., but as a man of color who is proud of his lineage, I wish I had...and, I'm glad my wonderful wife did.

However, please understand...games like the classic are for everyone of every color who enjoy sports for what they should be. Not just to watch guys playing for draft position on the board are rankings in the B.C.S.

Do yourself a favor and attend an H.B.C.U. event soon. Just don't try to get our seats. They are already spoken for. :)

Bethune vs. FAMU

Just a short note. We have arrived in the greater Orlando are for tomorrow's game between Bethune Cookman and FAMU. I am tickled on a number of different levels, then first being my wife is a BC alumnus and the most beautiful AKA God ever created. Second, my late great father-in-law was a rattler. Will watch and report!

Thanks To All The Vets

As we launch our website, and a whole new chapter in my career, I just wanted to take a moment to thank all our brave service personnel who make it possible for me to enjoy such freedom.

The thing that strikes me the most is that each and every one I've known or met signs up of their own free will to serve their country, be wounded for it, and too often, to die for it.

Two things happened to me this summer to drive the point home. We visited Arlington National Cemetery. If you haven't done so, put it on your list. The other was to watch a large group of Air Force Reserve recruits sworn in before a big league baseball game crowd. They were all just kids...mere high schoolers...acne and all. God bless them, for we know not how many will be taking that one way trip to Arlington some day themselves.

I long ago ceased using the word 'hero' in reference to athletes... since 9/11 in fact. Above are just a few more of the reasons.

Again, thank you vets.