I' m a Nascar fan

[Speed8098]

And I am tired of the posts degrading me for my choice of entertainment.

When did the Democratic party become so intolerant?

If you don't like racing, that's just fine, but to call me stupid, or a redneck, just because I like Nascar, is wrong.

I don't watch racing for the accidents, no real fan does. It's the excitement that goes along with racing. Practice, happy hour, qualifying. That's part of it. The new rules are going to make it really close for the championship. Gas Mileage, pit strategy, teamwork, all of it is what makes it a fun sport. Not just cars going around the track on Sunday.

I think Soccer sucks, but I wouldn't ever degrade someone because they like soccer, they may see something I don't.

The point is this.
We as a Party are supposed to include anyone who shares our ideals. It doesn't matter what race they are, or where they live. What matters is compassion. Democrats are compassionate, we care for our fellow human beings.
We believe in "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"

That's not what I've seen here today, and I am extremely disappointed in those of you who chose to close your mind.

[buycitgo]

1. jesus, this forum is turning into a version of the "poor, put-upon"

white, right wing religious wingnut, who feels that his right to shove his religion down my throat is being abrogated

quit whining

I'm x-ing out all these NASCAR threads

they have become tiresome

liebe mein abschmeinke

[Speed8098]

40. "white, right wing religious wingnut"

Did you even read my post?

Right winger my ass.

[lancdem]

2. There are a lot of posters here

who know Dems who like NASCAR.

[no one in particular]

3. People ridicule what they don't understand.

Most rabid NASCAR-haters wouldn't know a PCV valve from an EGR valve.

[fearnobush]

4. No argument here,

I grew up 1 mile from a 1/4 mile raceway park. I fought the newbie Republican transplants that tried to shut that park down. It had been there for 30 years before rich Republicans wanted it shut down because it was too loud.

[iamjoy]

5. You Are Right

But you know, the media has made it sound like there isn't a single Democrat in the NASCAR fan base.

A co-worker of mine is a big NASCAR fan, and she likes the wrecks.

Perhaps we (the party) should not say we want to reach out to Southerners driving pick-up trucks with Confederate flags, but to people hootin' and hollerin' at a NASCAR event and still mourning Dale Earnhardt.

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. Now there is a strategy that would work

and one that would seriously erode the mythical hold the right has
of NASCAR

[Frances]

6. I am a Democrat

and I have a relative who is a mechanic for an up and coming race car driver. Everyone in the family is pulling for them.

The Democrats have a lot more to offer Nascar dads than the Republicans.

By the way, my husband, a former Navy fighter pilot whose plane got shot in the Korean war, noticed the Navy pilots next to Bush at the Nascar event. My husband was not happy about that photo op.

[Heyo]

7. I feel the same way......

And I think that it's soley because most DUers disagree with the political beliefs a lot of NASCAR fans happen to have.

They may have some difficulty in separating the politcs and the racing.

I get the feeling people think it's like.. 'yeah lets get a bunch of right-wingers around and drink beer and talk about how we hate black people.... oh yeah and bring the cars we'll race, too.'

These people are not politicians... they grew up racing.. they love racing.. their fans love racing.. they think about doing well in the races...and there are both dems and repubs among them.

The mix of politics and NASCAR is volatile, NASCAR fans tend to be purists, solely in it for the racing... and if injecting politics into it (or trying to do so) becomes a big thing, that will cause the NASCAR fans to severely reject those people who try to politicize it.

Either you like racing or you don't. NASCAR is NASCAR, politics is politics.

Heyo

[Hippo_Tron]

9. You're absolutely right

Choice of entertainment and choice of political views should have about as much to do with each other as church and state.

[wuushew]

11. Well the Southern Baptists did support war in Iraq

association counts for something, that is why Carter left.

[alcuno]

10. My dad's a huge NASCAR fan and used to drag us to races.

I think the problem is that our "elite" media has determined what it means to be a NASCAR fan; white male Republican from the South. Unfortunately, that turns many here off. Not the white or male or South part but the Republican part.

As well as others, I've been to the Pepsi 400 in Daytona several times; it's hardly a hotbed of political discourse.

[sasquatch]

12. #1. NASCAR isn't a sport

#2. You can like what you want for your entertaiment, I don't really give a damn.

#3. A majority of stock car fans are either "sleeping" racist, closet racist, open racist, religous fundies or white sepratist.

#4. This one is a word of advice;) Don't screw sheep, screw horses instead:silly: That way you can get a ride home afterwards:D

[no one in particular]

15. Disagree.

3. A majority of stock car fans are either "sleeping" racist, closet racist, open racist, religous fundies or white sepratist.

I'm not a big NASCAR fan, but most I know are. I'm not sure how watching car races equates to racism, but I'm sure you're bristling with stats to show us.

Why you equate religious fundies with NASCAR is beyond me, as well. While NASCAR fans, on whole, seem to believe in God, most I know are beer drinking, pot smoking, "just have a good time" kind of people. They're hardly what I'd call "religious fundies".

[sasquatch]

18. Here's my point

There's been all of these damned subdivisions poping up where I live. A lot of these people I hear make the occasional "Nigger joke" or Bigoted statement are really big into NASCAR. I see Dale Earnhardt "3"'s all over the place and these crowds like it for the same reason they moved to the burbs. The heroes are white, clean cut and don't cause any trouble. If you now gearheads that just to like watching cars they do not fall in that "majority" I posted of earlier.

[reprehensor]

13. Freedom, what a concept.

You are free to waste your time and energy on a useless activity. You are free to watch high-octane fuel pissed away, there's plenty more where that came from! Just ask Saddam!

You are free to support the self-destructive fossil fuel fantasy that lies at the root of our modern wars, and I am free to point it out.

http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/012104_klare.html

[sasquatch]

14. Good point

Well thought out too.

[frylock]

19. flights to europe and hawaii waste enormous amounts of fuel as well.

should we denegrate people who take vacations to these locations?

[Djinn]

23. a difference

I don't subscribe to the belief that you can judge a persons politics by their entertainment choices - but there is a big difference between flying to Hawaii and racing around and around in a circle - using fuel to get from point A to point B is probably a little easier to justify on the resource depletion question than driving for racing.

[Heyo]

25. the point here is....

NASCAR fans and racers do not NEED to justify their use of fuel...

If you don't like it.. don't watch it.. boycott the sponsors if you want.

[Deja Q]

30. I would to the businesses, like the health care agencies...

whose CEOs take frequent "meetings" in exotic locations... AT THE COST OF WE, THE CONSUMERS/PATIENTS.

You're damn right, I will denegrate them. They're inflating prices just so they can continue to live in the lap of luxury. They're all a bunch of bloodsucking leeches, living off us while we struggle to survive. They don't give a fuck about anybody but themselves and they only support politicians who'll restructure the tax code so they pay less and WE pay more.

That's what's happening, go look it up. It's a class war and it's about time we organize and fight back.

[Heyo]

24. With that condescending tone..

Am I to believe you'd rather I DIDN'T have the freedom to excercize my right to do those things?

Trying to figure out what you're saying in your post...

Are you trying so say because it's not using fuel how YOU think it should be used, it shouldn't be legal?

Or are you trying to say that even though you don't agree with it, others have the right to do it?

And how is hanging out on a Sunday engaging something I really enjoy 'self-destructive'?

Heyo

[BlueStateGirl]

28. So, what about the fuel used transporting spectators to and

from baseball, hockey, football and basketball games? Or tennis matches? Or the amont of electricity used lighting up stadiums for night games? Or the water being wasted as all stadium toilets are being flushed?

Is it truly the wasted resources you have a problem with?

Are all sports( or entertainment) wasteful?

[qanda]

16. You think *that's* bad

Try being a homeschooler on DU. The party of tolerance suddenly turns very closed.

[sasquatch]

20. Why do you homeschool?

Is it because of religous beliefs?:shrug:

[Red State Rebel]

43. Ha! I've got you beat, I'm a Christian, a Nascar Fan and I drive a

Suburban.....top that! hehehe :)

[DrWeird]

17. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

I happen to like watching accidents, thank you very much.

[rolodomo]

21. I was just watching a Daytona recap on SpeedTV...

The panel of announcers were viewing a clip of Bill Elliot showing Bush how roof flaps work. Then one of the announcers spoke up and asked, "you think Bush understands what Elliot is talking about?" and they all started laughing pretty hard. It was like a real "dumbya" moment.

I just not sure how much the Nascar community is on board with the President. It is certainly not monolithic and unquestioning support. I was reading threads today that the crowd at the race only managed polite applause with a smattering of boos. I think the press is really trying to push this "Socially Conservative Nascar fans support the President" angle.

[izzie]

22. Does sort of get to you if you start watching.

Lots of people like to watch sports. What is wrong with that? I sort of like to watch the horses. Reading I like better but that is just me.

[Comadreja]

26. Kinda like some local Kucinich fans

I've got a button: Meat-eatin', gun-totin' Progressives for Dean. My Kucinich friends (many of whom are vegans and PETA activists)would consider this a personal insult, as they think eating meat or hunting is right up there with genocide. Why make an issue of it, and sound elitist? This doesn't endear liberals to the mainstream, IMO.

[Deja Q]

27. Sorry, but I think the idea of society continuing to be a bit more worthy

My points are these, do read them before you put me on your ignore list:


We as a Party are supposed to include anyone who shares our ideals.

Uh, I'm gay. I know Democrats who'd inflict bodily harm on me if they found out I was gay. Go tell them the same thing you just told us and see what they'd have to say on the issue...


It doesn't matter what race they are, or where they live. What matters is compassion. Democrats are compassionate, we care for our fellow human beings.

Yeah, and the fact I give a damn about the resources NASCAR wastes and thus takes away from fellow human beings and society disgusts me. I wonder why it doesn't disgust you. Do you know the whole scope of the situation? I don't think so.


We believe in "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"

Yeah, see point #2. NASCAR takes away from life (pollution and waste of resources). And should the pursuit of happiness extend to one person abusing resources for his own gain, at the cost of others? With liberty and happiness comes some responsibility too.

Don't you just hate it when people respond to vague jingoistic catchphrases?

Also, soccer doesn't involve the use of irreplaceable resources. There IS a big distinction between soccer and NASCAR. I wonder how much gas they do use, but at those high speeds and duration of the race and number of cars going around in circles, I reckon it's a lot.

If oil was renewable, I'd have no problem whatsoever, can you understand that? But it is not renewable and too many people have said the "P" phrase for me not to get involved. It's called "peak production" (or, rather, peak COLLECTION. We can't make the stuff, it can only be collected. And it's not a bottomless well...)

If I could care less if the drivers die in an accident or mistake, then I'd have no problem. Unfortunately, I do care. I remember when a driver recently goofed up and killed himself. Ooooooooh, the outpouring of pity. :eyes: I didn't buy a single tear of it. For one thing, there was more pity for that idiot than there was to the Space Shuttle crew who died in the disaster, and at least the space shuttle does more good for society and the advancement of society. NASCAR doesn't do diddley squat for the advancement of society, it merely squanders and advertises. It's a bloodsucking leech!

This is my last NASCAR/car-racing post for some time. I can't contribute anything else to the discussion; only repeat what I and others have said before. And I've said plenty. I won't repeat myself. Go look it up; particularly about what oil is used in. From plastic to petrochemical fertilizers, your precious NASCAR is robbing the fields of tomorrow of food and plastic needed for just about EVERYTHING, especially in the MEDICAL industry.


Sorry, but for auto racing, you can bet your sweet bippy I will be intolerant. Society's future and the life and liberty of people is at stake and it's more than a flipping game of soccer!

[Heyo]

33. See this is what bothers me...

It seems like YOU feel like YOU (and others like you) have the right to dictate to everyone how our resources are best used...

...That you are so much smarter and so much more compassionate than everyone else, that if we just let YOU divy up the oil, everything would be cool...

You just don't have the right to tell others what to do...

"How dare they use 4,300 gallons of racing fuel every sunday?"

You have any idea how much fuel is burned up on transatlantic flights every day...?...should we have all those passengers check in with you first.. just to make sure you agree their reason for travelling is justified by you as a proper use of the worlds oil?

I'm gonna use a half gallon or so on my way to work tommorow, BTW. Hope that's okay with you.

Heyo

[PVnRT]

42. So then

NASCAR is responsible for the downfall of civilization? Give me a fucking break.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

29. Here's the deal Speed...I have NO problem with Nascar fans

There is a voting block made up by political science folks called NASCAR DADS which I believe differ from NASCAR fans. This group is considered an actual demographic.

If I were you, I would take issue with the term as it boxes in a whole group of folks under a misleading title heading.

[YNGW]

31. Because...

Some people have to have someone or something to blame in order to feel better about their own inadequacy and shortcomings. In short, you can say it's the indigenous consequence of a people who have restricted intellectual competency coupled with an inferiority complex, and with good reason. Look around. NASCAR is just one avenue of many. There's no shortage.

[Jose Diablo]

35. Kind of arrogant don't you think?

Maybe I should do a sylable count on the words you wrote to determine how easy it is to read your post. Or don't you think its important to convince people of your point of view.

Your right about one thing though, "There's no shortage".

[YNGW]

38. No, it's not.

Some people mistake strong opinions with arrogance. I'm just offering my opinion. I've had a few PM's with others who feel the same way. Convincing people to see my point of view is not something that I concern myself with. If others find it engaging and necessary, then so be it. But, I believe it's important to maintain Eskimos who buy ice, therefore I have no desire to convince people regarding something other than what they choose to believe. There's profit in doing so.

[Elidor]

32. I'm not a NASCAR fan...

But I will still take cheap, good-natured potshots at people who enjoy watching cars go 'round and 'round in circles for hours, because if you've lost the ability to laugh at yourself, you need reminding.

It doesn't mean I REALLY think you're a redneck, or that you're stupid. It means I think you take yourself WAY too seriously. It's fun to play to stereotypes, and no amount of bellyaching will ever make that not so. There are exceptions to every rule - and none of them like it, apparently.

But if you ever came over to my house, I'd offer you one of my beers and might even put on the race for you to watch. Peace.

[Heyo]

36. Right on Hardhead

See.. I can totally respect that attitude...

My friend doesn't like racing at all.. and he always jokes with us on on sunday.. you guys watchin some "round n' round" again?

Or sometimes I will invite him to stop by for some "round n' round" on Sunday..

the fact is it IS 43 cars going 400-500 miles in a circle....

but it's once you watch it and get into it, you see how much deeper it goes in terms of driver and team rivalries, drafting, pit strategy...and all the other nuances that change the outcome... remember.. the point is to go those 500 miles FASTER then the other guys...

I appreciate that comment.. you're all good with me brother...and you're right about not taking things too seriously...

I don't take anything like that too seriously.. but I get a little frustrated when the anti-racing folks take themselves a little to seriously..

Heyo

[Bake]

39. Aw c'mon. Racing's not any dumber than, say

Watching 100 white guys and 1 partly-black guy chase a little white ball around a pasture, trying to knock it into a little hole 400 yards away. Think about it. That's pretty stupid. Oh, I forgot. That's golf. I wonder how much petroleum is wasted on those damn synthetic golf ball covers?? And how much terrible fertilizer is polluting the rivers and lakes to make the grass look green?

Then there's basketball. Ten guys running from one end of a room to another to jump up and slam a ball through a peach basket. How much electricity is wasted to turn on the lights and heat for THAT waste of time??

And how about boxing??? Now there's a really stupid sport if there ever was one! Two guys get in a ring with the sole objective of knocking the other guy's head off!

Oh, and I bet all those guys, especially the golfers and the b-ballers, fly on airlines to get to the next game or the next tournament. WHAT A WASTE OF RESOURCES!!

I could go on and on, but I think the point is made. Anything that is "entertainment" is, by definition, non-essential (i.e., you don't have to have it to LIVE). I don't really get into NASCAR, but on the other hand, I **do** enjoy a round of golf, so go figure.

Bottom line, don't try to dictate to me what to do in my spare time, whether or not to smoke, what kind of music to listen to, where/whether to go to church, or anything else that is NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS, unless of course, YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE MY BOOT UP YOUR ASS!!

Bake

[Heyo]

41. It seems like the typical scenario...

When I was a kid and listened to metal....

"What is that? That's not music, it's just noise!..."

Go to shows.....

"What?! all these people just crashing into each other... that's so stupid!!!"

I got into rap later on..

"That ain't music... that's just talkin'!!!!.. it doesn't take any skill to do that.. that just stupid..."

I was a DJ and spun techno for a while in the late 90's into 2000 or so.. even had some club gigs....

"That music is stupid!... what's the point of music if it doesn't have any words???... people dance to this?? this 'doot-doot-doot' sound all day long??...that isnt music... besides, only druggies listen to this."

Watching some football, never got into it much but watched Miami games and the super bowl usually...

"All these guys in tights.. just piling on top of each other??... that's the stupidest thing..."

So now I really enjoy NASCAR.... so the "rednecks making left turns all day" thing is not something that bothers me, or that I wasn't prepared for... I'm just surprised how many people think that stuff that they themselves are interested in is all there is that's interesting.

Heyo

[RebelOne]

34. If that's what turns you on, more power to you.

I'm not a NASCAR fan, but I'm not going to fault you for being one. I just can't get into seeing cars going round and round on a track.

[marigold20]

37. NASCAR fans seem to be very sociable

The fans I work with are into NASCAR for social reasons, it seems to me. They have nascar parties, make journeys to nascar races out of state, buy nascar gear etc. - reminds me of football fans. I can't get into racing at all, but to each his own. I grew really tired of Soccer Moms and I know I'll get sick of NASCAR dads too!