Game 1: Colgate University, Friday, Nov 13th, 7 PM, MASN

[Galen]

I don't see where i threw out any racism attack. I am pointing out that there is alot of knee jerk reacting going on over all of this. Trump is the perfect example of this. We are not far apart in our viewpoints at all. I favor camps as a step towards resettlement. I favor strict screening of all to determine any ties to radical groups. I like the idea of using GITMO as a possible location for a temporary camp for incoming refugees. What I don't like is some who seek to bar refugees solely on their ethnic or religious affiliation or those that consider curtailing the rights of those already living here based on their religious affiliation.

Actually, religious affiliation is a reason to allow someone in or keep someone out. Religious persecution is grounds for asylum. The Syrian refugees are not being persecuted for their religion, since they are Muslim, like ISIS. They cannon claim asylum. Asylum get you to the "head of the line" as it were.
Those who claim that rejecting/delaying Syrians is like rejecting the Jews in the 1930's do not know their history. The Jews were being persecuted for their faith. The Syrians are fleeing war. Therefore a Christian or Jew fleeing ISIS would have priority over a Muslim entering this country. This is not a American position, but the position of the United Nations. See the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention.

 

[GreenLantern]

I can see that. You have to focus on the most persecuted groups and that would be Jews, Christians and ethnic minorities like the Yazidis. I'd love to know the ethnic religious makeup of those who've already entered the country.

 

[GMUgemini]

Actually, religious affiliation is a reason to allow someone in or keep someone out. Religious persecution is grounds for asylum. The Syrian refugees are not being persecuted for their religion, since they are Muslim, like ISIS. They cannon claim asylum. Asylum get you to the "head of the line" as it were.
Those who claim that rejecting/delaying Syrians is like rejecting the Jews in the 1930's do not know their history. The Jews were being persecuted for their faith. The Syrians are fleeing war. Therefore a Christian or Jew fleeing ISIS would have priority over a Muslim entering this country. This is not a American position, but the position of the United Nations. See the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention.

ISIS persecuted all religions it considers apostates, which include all Shia Muslims as well as other minority Muslim sects like Alawites

You are also forgetting political asylum and the fact that Assad and his allies have killed far more Syrians than ISIS.

 

[Quentin Daniels]

I can see that. You have to focus on the most persecuted groups and that would be Jews, Christians and ethnic minorities like the Yazidis. I'd love to know the ethnic religious makeup of those who've already entered the country.

http://bfy.tw/2rhg

 

[gmubrian]

You sure are talking about it a lot, for going on 4 days now, on a basketball message board, for someone who doesn't want to talk about it...

Way to completely misrepresent what I have said. I have no problem talking about it. I'd be glad to pick apart his misguided positions on many topics if he really wanted to have a discussion about it. What I don't want is to be forced to listen to our "esteemed" university president, who has proven to be hypocritical on the topic, when he uses his position to lecture a captured audience, thus politicizing a basketball game.

What is funny is that some of you that were arguing against me and others were complaining about us talking about a political topic on these message boards, when that was my complaint in the first place, that Cabrerra turned a basketball game into a political lecture. That was not the place for it. Merten may have screwed up when it came to the handling of the basketball program, but at least he knew how to carry himself to not alienate donors based on his political leanings. Cabrera, on the other hand, doesn't seem to have the same level of polish.

Speeches like that are not going to convince anyone of anything. He did it solely for grandstanding value. From what I have heard, he is already on the hot seat with his contract renewal. Word is he has alienated several on the BOV with his public, partisan ramblings. The BOV has requested input from constituents regarding his effectiveness. I would not think that is something you typically do unless you are looking for evidence to justify a non-renewal.

Cabrerra has alienated donors with his behavior. Similarly, I already have one foot out the door with regards to Mason. It was only coincidence that I was even at the game given the issues I ran into when (unsuccessfully) trying to secure season tickets (a story for another day). Then he pulls that BS on my first game back in over a year. Not a good move. I have gone to great lengths to ignore his political leanings (like even moving my seats one year so I wouldn't be seated by him and listen to his ramblings at a basketball game, stopping going to donor appreciation events, etc.). If he insists on making Mason basketball games about things other than basketball, then my decision to support Mason basketball will also factor in the things he brings into the discussion.

I agree with those that want to keep our discussions on basketball free of politics. It is not the place for it. There are plenty of political forums for that. That should apply to the games themselves.

 

[GMUgemini]

Not to politicize this anymore, but it would be interesting to do a survey of non-donating alumni to see who alienates donors more: Cabrera's politics, or Mason's association with the Koch Brothers.

 

[Pablo]

It was only coincidence that I was even at the game given the issues I ran into when (unsuccessfully) trying to secure season tickets (a story for another day).

Why not tell us now?

 

[polepino]

Politics? C'mon guys and gals..... liberal = conservative and vice versa even though they don't think so. GMU basketball all the way.

 

[gmujim92]

If Cabrera is on the hot seat already -- and I have no reason to doubt Brian, who is far more well-connected at Mason then I am -- then it is critical that the BOV select a president who can operate on the same page with Edwards.

We finally have an AD who knows what the hell he is doing. The last thing we need right now is a change at the top of the administration that would potentially undermine Edwards' and Paulsen's efforts to rebuild the men's basketball program.

I think the best course of action is for our current president to either steer clear of social media altogether or put a lid on his personal beliefs and leave the political commentary to someone else.

 

[Vurbel]

his public, partisan ramblings.

It's sad when somebody in a leadership speaks out against racism and it is viewed as partisan.

Now, back to basketball discussion.

 

[gmubrian]

Why not tell us now?

I just didn't have time that day, and it was a tangent. Here is a summary:

I contacted ticket office back in May indicating my interest in season tickets. I was shown the seats that were currently available. It consisted, basically, of seats above the portals and a couple seats in VIP section that are past the baseline (really bad viewing angle). I was not interested in any of those seats (especially considering for the amount of money I was planning to donate). I was told I would have to wait until the season ticket renewal process was done to see other seat options. I replied "feel free to let me know if better options become available as the renewal process progresses". That was on May 21st. I have yet to be contacted by anyone from the ticket office, the AD or Mason at large for that matter. Complete radio silence.

 

[gmubrian]

If Cabrera is on the hot seat already -- and I have no reason to doubt Brian, who is far more well-connected at Mason then I am -- then it is critical that the BOV select a president who can operate on the same page with Edwards.

We finally have an AD who knows what the hell he is doing. The last thing we need right now is a change at the top of the administration that would potentially undermine Edwards' and Paulsen's efforts to rebuild the men's basketball program.

I think the best course of action is for our current president to either steer clear of social media altogether or put a lid on his personal beliefs and leave the political commentary to someone else.

Jim-I am about as far from being well connected at Mason as possible at this point (see my previous post where Mason doesn't even get back to me about tickets any longer). Ever since I sent my "get rid of the virus letter", I have pretty much been given the cold shoulder.

But, I did hear that two BOV members had expressed displeasure with his non-University related public statements. Unless the survey came back hugely negative, which I doubt, I would be surprised if he is not renewed. Since he seems to get it when it comes to basketball, I would be fine with him remaining in charge if he can tone down his personal/political commentary.

 

[gmubrian]

It's sad when somebody in a leadership speaks out against racism and it is viewed as partisan.

If you haven't seen how the calling everything out as being racist isn't being used for partisan purposes, you must be living in a cave. And when the guy who preaches the diversity brings good ideas mantra decides what diversity of ideas are allowed on campus (regardless how repugnant you might find them), yes, that is a problem. So, diversity is good as long as you or the Cabrera decides it is the type of diversity you like. OK, got it.

 

[Pablo]

I just didn't have time that day, and it was a tangent. Here is a summary:

I contacted ticket office back in May indicating my interest in season tickets. I was shown the seats that were currently available. It consisted, basically, of seats above the portals and a couple seats in VIP section that are past the baseline (really bad viewing angle). I was not interested in any of those seats (especially considering for the amount of money I was planning to donate). I was told I would have to wait until the season ticket renewal process was done to see other seat options. I replied "feel free to let me know if better options become available as the renewal process progresses". That was on May 21st. I have yet to be contacted by anyone from the ticket office, the AD or Mason at large for that matter. Complete radio silence.

Well, I feel better knowing that you were not being blackballed in your attempt to purchase season tickets. If it would make you feel better, I was also told that I would be contacted after the ticket renewal process was completed for an opportunity for an upgrade. I was never contacted again.

BTW, it's good to have you back!

 

[psyclone]

FYI, email to faculty and staff from BOV Rector Davis announcing that Cabrera was renewed:

"Several months ago, the Board of Visitors commenced a collaborative outreach process to collect input from the University's many constituent groups as we prepared to consider a contract extension for President Ángel Cabrera.

Based on the feedback received, I am pleased to announce that the Board of Visitors of George Mason University has unanimously agreed to extend the contract of President Ángel Cabrera for a second 5-year term.

President Cabrera is the right leader to take George Mason University to the next level and maximize the university's contribution to the community it was founded to serve.

Since his arrival in 2012, President Cabrera has sought to build upon Mason's historic strengths while setting a dynamic new course for the institution. He led the creation of a new strategic plan, which articulates our aspirations for the university's future. He has overseen record enrollment and fund-raising totals and, under his guidance, the university has continued to deliver increasing value for students and their families. At the same time, he has secured funds for additional instructional and research infrastructure and has expanded Mason's global reach. The university is stronger academically and financially.

I thank all the members of our community who contributed their input in the assessment of President Cabrera. Your feedback has been heard and is valued.

We look forward to working with President Cabrera and all of you to write the next chapter in our university's exciting history. "

The Hon. Thomas Davis
Rector, George Mason University

 

[MasonSAE4]

Bit disappointed he got renewed. I feel like most people have a grasp on what basketball means to the university and would continue on the path he is. Edwards seems super competent and I don't think a change at the top would have affected that. The school has no more spirit than when he came on board. And as someone who (generally) agrees with his beliefs, he is too much of a twitter warrior even for me. I feel like nothing has really been done to fix the social atmosphere at Mason. More housing, but just as little spirit and social outlets for students to do what college students do.

 

[GSII]

so you want him to make students have spirit? grab some beers, throw a party. then again, with this generation having their phones stuck to their face, i question if they can even have a thrown down.

 

[Bricker]

Bit disappointed he got renewed. I feel like most people have a grasp on what basketball means to the university and would continue on the path he is. Edwards seems super competent and I don't think a change at the top would have affected that. The school has no more spirit than when he came on board. And as someone who (generally) agrees with his beliefs, he is too much of a twitter warrior even for me. I feel like nothing has really been done to fix the social atmosphere at Mason. More housing, but just as little spirit and social outlets for students to do what college students do.

Not sure what this has to do with the prez...

 

[GMU92]

If he insists on making Mason basketball games about things other than basketball, then my decision to support Mason basketball will also factor in the things he brings into the discussion.
I agree with those that want to keep our discussions on basketball free of politics. It is not the place for it. There are plenty of political forums for that. That should apply to the games themselves.

Sadly politics is creeping into every aspect of our lives. A writer for NR put together an interesting series of articles on this not long ago. His first example was attending the symphony orchestra and having the conductor begin the performance with an anti-Bush administration rant.

 

[GMU92]

so you want him to make students have spirit? grab some beers, throw a party. then again, with this generation having their phones stuck to their face, i question if they can even have a thrown down.

+1. To be fair to them, this is the result of dopey helicopter parents who overscheduled and "play dated" every aspect of their progeny's lives. The stories I've heard are amazing, including one lady who scheduled her work hours because she didn't want her daughter to use a knife to eat her meals...at 18 years old. From the young parents I see now, thank goodness I think that kind of neurosis is fading away.

The phone thing is maddening, and is a result of conditioning from an early age + the release of dopamine - there are some interesting articles in publications like Psychology Today that show that texting and tweeting (short bursts of information) release dopamine, which causes you to seek ever more information...it's kind of a mental addiction.