Soooo Lance Armstrong is a Republican....I wonder

[JanMichael]

if he would feel differently about the Pretzledent if he had been POOR when he got cancer? Surely to God, he at least got to see people with cancer and no health care benefits?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050814/ts_alt_afp/afplifestylearmstrong

Maybe he could teach the jerk to at least stay on his freaking bike.

[KG]

1. maybe Sheryl will dump him over this

and hook up with a real lefty man, like me. :)

[Domitan]

2. Where does it say that he declared himself as GOP?

evidence please

[JanMichael]

9. The article doesn't "say" that

OK...so let's assume that he is a Democrat...You think a Dem would blissfully go bike riding past the Cindy Sheehan camp without a freaking word?

No...it doesn't "say" that he is GOP...I just supposed that because going bike riding with that jerk AT THIS TIME seems a bit insensitive...and Republican.

[tx_dem41]

16. So your title is just your opinion...

Not based on his past statements. Got it.

[Misunderestimator]

25. It's an educated guess is what it is... not exactly an opinion.

I just love it when people nitpick about things like that instead of addressing the larger subject.

[tx_dem41]

27. "Nitpick".....

wow...I guess being a Republican or a Democrat is more important to me than it is to you.

Of course, what's most important is that Lance takes every opportunity to publicize his Foundation's fight to eradicate cancer. I guess many DUers' could care less about that.

[Misunderestimator]

35. Right.... you got it.... I don't care. Not a bit....

:eyes:

[tx_dem41]

37. Glad you "'fessed up".

It's good for the soul, no?

[Misunderestimator]

39. Yes, it is good for my horrid soul.

:eyes:

You should try it some time.

[tx_dem41]

41. I have.....

while watching someone I loved take three years to die an agonizing, painful death due to breast cancer. Believe me, its a soul-wrenching experience. But, it also enables you to reorganize priorities as well as multi-task your "fights".

[Misunderestimator]

44. I have also had relatives die of cancer... you are not alone here.

[tx_dem41]

46. I never said I was.

I'm sorry you had to go through that as well.

[JanMichael]

47. Multi-tasking could possibly mean caring about war victims too, eh?

Face it---Lance is RICH...He and his great buddy (who has been happily cutting health care funding to soldiers and vets) could fly into Crawford on private jets and go bike riding any goddamned time.

So Lance chose this weekend in fucking August?

Spare me about your multi-tasking bullshit.

And I bet damn near every DUer has known someone who died of cancer..we lost one DUer to it last year. I am very very sorry about your Mom, but JUST AS SORRY as I am about Casey Sheehan and every single Iraqi citizen that got caught in Shrub's mania for war.

Stephanie

[tx_dem41]

50. I'm able to care about more than one fight at once.

I'm sure most here are as well. To Lance, I would presume the fight to eradicate cancer (and his ability to enable that because he is "rich" and "famous") is the most important thing to him. With his past experience, how can I begrudge him that?

[JanMichael]

52. Couldn't he have maybe picked a better weekend?

Ya think?

Two rich guys who only have to do "social" work now, without real 9-5 set hours?

[tx_dem41]

53. So running a Foundation to fight cancer is "social" work to you....

ummmm....wow.

[JanMichael]

55. The quotation marks should indicate to you

that I don't consider "Social" to be used in the same sense as a party.

Like "Social Worker."

Does that help?

[tx_dem41]

58. Nope...it wasn't the quotation marks....

it was the "only have to" (i.e. the dismissive context of your phrasing).

[JanMichael]

59. Ooo....kayyyyyy let's try this:

Do you feel that Lance Armstrong could have possibly found a different weekend to go mountain biking in Texas with his friend, the War Monger?

[tx_dem41]

61. Lance obviously wants the photo-op set at Crawford...

His Foundation can use it to raise much-needed funds.

Cindy et. al. was there last weekend, and the next two coming weekends. Lance has been in Europe before that. Not sure when he could have picked a different time that wouldn't have pissed you off.

[JanMichael]

63. I see. And you respect a rich dude flying in for a photo op.

Will he have a flight suit on too? Maybe a sign that reads "Mission Accomplished?"

[tx_dem41]

65. I respect anyone that is dedicated to fighting cancer.

Not sure why you apparently don't.

[JanMichael]

60. Let's also try ONE more question for you:

Do you really think Bush gives a flying rat's ass about anyone other than himself or his family and friends getting, or dying from, a dreadful disease?

[tx_dem41]

64. I care about people dying from a dreadful disease...

I will never forget my mother's last three years, as I assume many, many DUers (sorry Misunderestimator)will never forget either.

I could care less what President Bush thinks. But, if he can be "used" to raise funds....use him.

[Tesla]

3. Didn't he leave his wife and children for Cherly Crow

AFTER she was his support through his cancer? NICE!!

I thought she was a Democrat, but what do I know I also thought she was a Lesbian.

[GOPisEvil]

6. You are incorrect.

Lance did not meet his ex-wife until AFTER his treatment for cancer.

Edit - according to what I've heard, their divorce was mutual.

[sonias]

20. GOPisEvil is correct

Lance Armstrong was diagnosed and treated for his cancer in 1996. He met and married Kristin Richard in 1998. They divorced amicably in 2003.

Sonia

[Tesla]

33. Didn't he have kids before he had cancer?

I'm confused.

[GOPisEvil]

36. Nope. Kids born after cancer.

Lance "banked" his sperm because he wanted to have kids some day. In fact, that is one of the things that Lance and Kristin have lent their support to in the past.

[Tesla]

66. Cool thanks, not much into Lance, I like my sports with

BALLS!!!!! I mean football, basebase ball.

You thought I was trying to be mean....:sarcasm:

[sonias]

71. The time-line from our local rag the Austin American Statesman

You do have to register to read it or get the login via bugmenot
http://www.statesman.com/search/content/auto/epaper/editions/today/sports_244ee8e2f34271421080.html

Oct. 2, 1996
The 25-year-old Armstrong is diagnosed with testicular cancer. X-rays show cancer has spread to the lungs. He is scheduled for surgery the next morning.

Dec. 13, 1996
Armstrong's chemotherapy ends. He soon begins plans for a charitable foundation and a bike race called Ride for the Roses. and meets future wife Kristin Richard.

Jan. 1997
Lance meets future wife Kristin Richard at a press conference announcing the launch of the cancer foundation and the Ride for the Roses. The first race raises more than $200,000 that March.

May 8, 1998
Armstrong and Richard wed in Santa Barbara, Calif. Two weeks later, he finishes first in the Sprint 56K Criterium at the Ride for the Roses in Austin.


Dec. 28, 1998
The Armstrongs consult with an Austin doctor about in-vitro fertilization.

Feb. 15, 1999
The Armstrongs learn that IVF has worked and Kristin is pregnant.

Oct. 12, 1999
Luke David Armstrong, the couple's first child, is born.

Nov. 20, 2001
Kristin Armstrong gives birth to twins, Grace and Isabelle.

Feb. 24, 2003
Armstrong announces that he and Kristin are separating after 4 1/2 years of marriage.

Sept. 2003
After a brief reconciliation, Lance and Kristin file for divorce. Within months, the New York Post reports that Armstrong is dating rock-star Sheryl Crow.
-------------

So there you go. Kids born after cancer with aide of in-vitro fertilization. Lance diagnosed with cancer and treatment before he met Kristen. The person that got him through his chemo and recovery was his mom. Sheryl did not break them up, they were already having marriage trouble.

Sonia

[tx_dem41]

4. Where in the article does it say he is a Republican?

I scanned it quickly. I must have missed it. :eyes:

[acmejack]

5. He says he is a democrat.

I have seen this several times.

[tx_dem41]

8. Wonder why the OP states he is a Republican. n/t

[HereSince1628]

14. In interview with Stephanopolis he said both Bush and Kerry

were personal friends. Kerry apparently was following him in a car at some point in the Tour de France.

The one thing that was very clear is that Armstrong is pushing the fight against cancer harder than any side of politics.

[tx_dem41]

17. And, quite frankly, I like him because of that.

With his past, that is his priority. Who can get mad at him for that?

[fujiyama]

68. I didn't know he had stated that

but I do know he was against the war, and is a moderate on several issues.

He's known Bush for a while now as well so he considers him a friend.

[Crankie Avalon]

7. He's right to stay out of politics...

...cuase he sure has no feel for it if he picks now of all times to cozy up to Bush.

Talk about jumping onto a sinking ship! :eyes:

[Loki]

10. If Lance rides on the ranch with the jerk

while Cindy Sheehan and other parents wait outside, he is like the scab that crosses the picket line and further reinforces the rumor that he's just an asshole who knows how to ride a bike. Lance, we shall soon see where your priorities are.

[JanMichael]

11. Bingo

My point exactly.

Seems like a Repub thing to do doesn't it?

[mattclearing]

13. I dunno. If you had the opportunity to talk to Bush, wouldn't you?

I would. I want to understand what truly motivates him, whether he really believes all the lies or is a pawn, or whatever.

I'm not sure I have Bush pegged, but I would like to know what goes on in his head. I know he's not as dumb as we think, but not as smart as he probably needs to be.

I'd take that ride if I were Armstrong. That's an opportunity to do some real good, or at least satisfy one's curiosity.

[Misunderestimator]

28. Not at that price... to be seen as supporting Bush...

not to mention that Bush simply would not meet with someone who is not supportive. Or hasn't he made that clear enough for everyone yet?

[mattclearing]

43. I think he wants to see how he measures up to the world's best biker.

And he will tolerate some liberal bullshit to find that out. :D

[Misunderestimator]

49. I think you have something there.

[SammyWinstonJack]

29. He may not be as "dumb" as we think, but I'm pretty sure he as

uncaring and insensitive as he appears to be. Unless Armstrong is throwing a bunch of money the little worm's way, Chimpy isn't likely to listen to anything Lance has to say. We all know how Chimpy is in that regard.

[SouthernDem2004]

26. Would it not be better to talk with the President about cancer research?

There are other issues that are important. We can do more then one thing at a time.

[tx_dem41]

31. Thank you SD, for "getting it".

BTW, I do believe "we" can only think of one thing at a time...sadly.

[sonias]

12. Lance is not a republican

This has been discussed to death on these boards. He's an atheist and we all know they aren't welcome in the repuke party. He leans left but not as far left as Cheryl. Cheryl knows his political beliefs and I don't think she would stay with him if he was republican.

Lance does what he needs to promote cycling, including riding with the idiot in chief. I wouldn't be surprised if he happens to drop in on Cindy. Both he and Cheryl. What will the bu$h do then?

Sonia

[JanMichael]

15. We'll certainly see, won't we?

Hopefully there will be DUers down there blogging....

[tx_dem41]

18. Hopefully, they'll mention the reason that Lance is going down...

there....to further publicize his foundation's fight to eradicate cancer. Here's to hoping that the DUer blogs support that fight as well.

[GOPisEvil]

21. Well, Kerry did follow him in a chase car during the Tour de France.

So, in this case, I think Lance views riding with George as a chance to pressure him into funding more cancer research and to promoite cycling in general.

[DivinBreuvage]

38. There are plenty of Republican atheists

which isn't surprising, since atheists are just people and thus as likely to harbor idiots, misers, and vicious garbage in their ranks as any other group.

The truth is that religious zealots are only a segment of the Republican party, and they might not even be the most powerful segment. It is hard to know who holds most of the strings behind the scenes.

The zealots get lots of air time because they tend to be loud anyway (testify! testify!), and religious showboating plays well in the heartland. The "robber baron" and "world-historical game player" segments of the party find it more congenial to work below the radar, as the saying is.

[LostinVA]

56. No way Sheryl Crow would date a Repub so long

She is way too progressive and anti-Bush...

[fujiyama]

69. Whatever party he belongs to

he has made it clear he disagrees with the president on the war.

I think both him and Sheryl should visit Cindy. There's no reason not to. I'm sure Sheryl sympathizes with her cause.

[Ian David]

19. They hate Lance Armstrong in Freeperville

I thought I remembered the freepers taunding Lance...

LANCE ARMSTRONG - CODE PINK POSTERBOY
Lance Armstrong, seven time winner of the Tour de France bicycle race and cancer ... An e-mail to the Lance Armstrong Foundation's media contact inquiring ...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1457661/posts

User Posts
Lance Armstrong and his foundation are experienced operators. His lawyers know how to crank out cease and desist letters like sausage. ...
http://www.freerepublic.com/~kristinn/in-forum

John Kerry sees a budding politician in Lance Armstrong
John Kerry thinks Lance Armstrong would make a terrific politician -- but ... I think the article meant to say: "Lance Armstrong sees a budding bicyclist in ...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1449145/posts

[tx_dem41]

24. It appears "we" hate him here now...

of course that is easy for many around here to do.

Don't worry, tomorrow "they'll" love him. But watch out for next month...yep, "hate" again.

[JanMichael]

30. I don't think I count as a "we," nor did I write that I "hate him."

most posters here are supportive of him; I am disgusted that he would ride or fly over Cindy Sheehan's group to find a way to try and save people from cancer.

I wonder, in the past say...50 years.. (just because that is a number off the top of my head) how many people have died from war related incidents vs the number of people who have died of cancer? Worldwide?

[tx_dem41]

34. My mother died of cancer. That's what matters to me.

Kind of like, Casey's death is what matters to Cindy. Some of us can care about more than one thing at once.


BTW, MANY, MANY more have died of cancer than war.

[bullimiami]

22. if he was poor the cancer would have killed him.

if he IS republican he is stupid. there is no other way to reconcile it.

[niallmac]

23. His own politics?

http://backword.me.uk/2004/July/thecyclist.html
If this link works..the article seems to indicate Lance has 'his own politics.'
Say, I am new here, wouild a DUer find it fit to create a poll to the effect:

"If you were famous and suddenly adored by the public for some reason..would you accept an invitation to visit the Prez even if he was a murderous psychopath?
1-yes..respect the office not the person blah blah blah
2-yes.. to make a statement, speak out , kick him in his pretzels.
3-No- I'd snub him.

Lots of precedent about this question of whether to honor the president.
I recall ages ago a young teen seeing the prez during the V Nam war who spoke out
putting the rest of the group to shame. He made national news. Sorry, can't recall the details.

[tx_dem41]

32. From this thread, I can only presume that many at DU could care less...

about cancer research. "Groupthink" can be a sad, pitiful thing at times. This is one of those times.

[Misunderestimator]

40. That's ridiculous, but you know that. Of course we all care very much

about cancer research... I find it amusing though how you jump on this opportunity to say such a ridiculous thing.

(Especially humorous since there are only a handful of posters on this thread.... "Many at DU." :rofl:)

[tx_dem41]

45. Glad you find this such a laughing matter...

or, maybe, I just misunderestimate you.

[Misunderestimator]

48. It's humorous that you use "groupthink" and "Many at DU" ...

I truly wish it was a laughing matter... but this "humorous" is more like "Oh... there it is... just the kind of post I was expecting."

[tx_dem41]

51. No...actually....

the kind of post I was expecting from liberals, showed up very rarely on this thread.

[Misunderestimator]

54. There are thousands of other threads... Where you will find the opinions

of "Many at DU"... besides the 20 unique posters on this thread. I just think it's funny when a fellow "liberal" says such inflammatory things about other liberals... making blanket generalizations about "Many at DU." It's just so damn humorous to me.

[tx_dem41]

57. Life's funny....

Glad I could bring a smile to your face and a song to your heart on a dreary Monday morning.

[JanMichael]

62. Life isn't funny for poor people, or war victims right now, dear

I have two questions for you, up top.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

42. I can definitely see the point of view that says, Lance is first and

foremost an advocate for cancer research and funding. Therefore he should appear as politically neutral as possible, and it helps this end to be seen as friendly and approachable to Dems and Repubs alike.

However, all actions have consequences. Regardless of the effect on cancer research, a visit to shrub at Crawford now, especially if it passes without any other comment and without a visit to Cindy, will, whether intentional or not, have the effect of being seen by much of the nation as an endorsement to shrub by a popular sports figure, in a difficult time for him.

Many of us here, including myself, can't help but feel dismay at that prospect.

It's good to try to keep an open mind though and see how it all unfolds.

[fujiyama]

70. I agree

Whether intended or not, the impression he gives is that he endorses the president's policies.

I am disappointed that he would visit him at his ranch at a time like this, but I support him if this is more a matter of raising money for cancer research.

Of course, this could just as likely be a matter of Lance going to meet with an old friend. He's known him for several years now.

[Armstead]

67. He should not be pigeonholed. He clearly says he is anti-war

There was a long interview with him the other day (I think it was Charlie Rose) in which he discussed all this.

He clearly states that he believes the Iraq War was a mistake, and he believes the money would be better spent on domestic concerns. He also said that he would tell that to Bush when he goes riding with him, but he already knows Bush disagrees.

He said Both Bush and Kerry have been supportive of him, and he likes both of them personally.

He is also a close friend of the rock singer Bono, and he said he discussed what he should do with his post-cycling life with him. He has views on other subjects, but his major focus is on pushing for more cancer research and improving treatment. And, like Bono is with debt relief, he believes the most effective way to advocate for that is to work with all sides of the political spectrum.