Thursday July 03, 2008

Ryan Update / Partisan Politics

Ryan Update 7-3
First, I want to apologize about not writing a blog yesterday. Our day was slammed I could not get away for a couple of hours to get it done. I think Ryan is moving to a rehab center in Charlotte today and we have been busy with the decisions. I am sorry but I also attended a funeral yesterday for a friend and a family of friends. After returning to the hospital, I just could not make myself sit down and write anything about football. Please accept my apology and understand yesterday was both busy from Ryan's standpoint and empty emotionally after the friend's funeral.

Now for the great news, for the third straight day Ryan has had his best day. Wednesday morning he was able to do commands with more purpose and more conviction than ever. His mom asked him to give her a thumbs up and he immediately responded. She asked him to extend his index finger and again he followed. She asked for him to move two fingers and then just his pinky and he responded each time. Kelly asked him to stick out his tongue and he responded yet again. Finally she reached down to give him a kiss on his cheek and she said he made a sound with his mouth like a kiss.

Ryan's physical therapist made some progress with him yesterday. They asked him to do a lot of stuff and you could tell he was trying but could only execute some tasks. He was able to open his hand and then make a fist then they asked. Ryan was also able to wiggle his toes slightly. He also kicked his leg just slightly.

Dr. Gardner said he is progressing and following commands well. He said he thinks we will see a lot of improvement by Labor Day. Dr. Gardner said Ryan will do well with any therapy when he is ready.

Wednesday his speech therapist gave Ryan small chips of ice to see how he would respond and he immediately chomped each bite. He is did not swallow the first three or four times but later swallowed.

We took Ryan outside again today for the third day in a row. I think Ryan enjoys being outside but it was hotter today so we stayed a little less.

If Ryan is moved to Charlotte today then I may be out of pocket until Monday but I will try to give everyone a quick update when I get a break. Thanks for understanding and thanks for your prayers.

Partisan Politics
It was not too long ago, I used to really get into politics and enjoyed keeping up with the candidates and the political parties. I enjoyed the debates from the other side of the aisle and I used to enjoy participating.

Unfortunately, I have to become turned off to politics and I am no longer optimistic about the entire process. Do people really believe their candidate is actually going to make all of these changes they present? I have heard it for too long.

One of the aspects of politics I always enjoyed was how each party would have members that chose to defend a side of an issue on their platform even though they personally disagreed. Democrats who thought abortion was wrong or Republicans who thought assault rifles were not the best thing for our country but they both still decided to stand by their party instead of their feelings. We all have seen it time and time again. Because the party says it, I have to feel it! Well I am not buying it anymore.

We see this in our rivalry in the Palmetto State often. South Carolina has had more than their fair share off of the field problems and arrests. Clemson fans have been the first to remind them every time something new arises with their student-athletes. I sometimes see a post on a message board quoting the law on each case. There is nothing like some internet law experts to add their two cents. Whenever the tables are reversed, South Carolina fans take the opportunity to take the jab at Clemson and make a statement about the case like they were expert witnesses.

Unfortunately, we all have to change our strips depending on each situation. Here is the guideline to the procedure the next time you are on either side of the rivalry:

When a player from your team is arrested be sure to point out:
1. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
2. No fan knows the facts of the case and will not until a trial.
3. Let the judicial system run it's course.
4. Allow the coaching staff to make their decision on the player whenever they obtain all of the information they need.
5. Point out the arrest record of your rival. Be sure to remind them of their issues.

6. Point out how your head coach is much more of a disciplinarian than the rival's.

7. If there is a victim, attack their credibility.

When a player from your rival is arrested be sure to point out:
1. The facts of the case are over-whelming and their player is guilty so why wait for the judicial process.
2. Their coach should have already made the decision and made a statement.
3. Previous arrests and claim the pattern in getting out of control.
4. Their coach puts winning in front of discipline and make moral judgments on his character.
5. Their fans or coaches are probably paying off the victim or have become involved in witness tampering.

Unfortunately, this is yet another competition in part of the rivalry and some websites even have the running total of arrests for each program.

If you ever want to see a Clemson fan really take stand against drugs or have a Tiger fan have a renewed enthusiasm towards our drug enforcement then have a Gamecock football player get arrested on a drug charge. If you want to see a Gamecock fan get tough against domestic violence then have a Tiger player get arrested with that kind of charge.

In my opinion, there are enough aspects of the rivalry to debate. Let's talk about personnel, coaching, recruiting, facilities, fund raising, traditions, mascots, cheerleaders, campus beauty, academics or even series history. But please spare me the partisan stances on the discipline issues. I already know the stance because I know if you are a Gamecock or a Tiger.

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