Constitutions

I saw John's show again, and again I enjoyed it tremendously. It was good also, despite some initial apprehension on my part, to see Jean and Rhea. They were welcoming and it was much appreciated, given how I had initially feared it may go. Thank you to you both.

I saw an interview with Alan Keyes last Friday, where he talked about repealing (presumably) two amendments to the Constitution. One was to be expected, and he didn't outright call for it's repeal, but he wants to get rid on the Income Tax, in favor of a national sales tax, which would essentially repeal the 16th Amendment. The ironic twist is that he also called for the repeal of the 17th. Its ironic because he did so while running for Senate. The 17th Amendment calls for the direct election of United States Senators, as opposed to their selection by their states legislature. His point was that the Framer's intended it to be that way. Unfortunately, Keyes fails to understand that when the Amendment was passed they believed they were acting in the spirit of the Framers. And the Framers were not gods, they were fallible, after all that's why we have amendments, to correct their mistakes and update the Constitution for the changing landscape.

The Men's team that lost to Peurto Rico is a deeply flawed team. The problem is, the NBA league office was instrumental in finding the players on this team. They were looking to sell Jerseys and product, not win. There is no reason LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade should all be on the team. There is no way on God's earth that Stephon Marbury should have been allowed to be considered. The people who selected this team are not guilty of panic so much as they are supreme arrogance. They thought we could send out anyone who was succesful in the NBA and assume they would have success in International Basketball, which is more different than International and NHL Hockey are from each other. We currently have three, 3! post players, and only one seeing significant time. The other players are either slashers or athletic wing players who can't shoot. Post play and slashing are limited in the FIBA style of play because the zone is used so often and so well. The US Team has no one who cou8ld be considered a great shooter, we aren't producing a lot of them any more, and those we do (Michael Redd, Brent Barry, Reggie Miller, Rip Hamilton, Ray Allen) are sitting at home. Now, truth be told, Allen was originally on the team, and Rip turned them down after being invited at the 11th hour, but still, the makeup of the team is compromised. What follows is my group of 12, one I think would be much better suited to the International game:

C- Tim Duncan- He's played well, and because he's so unselfish and passes well, he fits perfectly the style that is needed in the Olympics. Ben Wallace would be there too, for a banger off the bench for just rebounds and defends and doesn't demand the ball all game.

PF- Rasheed Wallace- At least one big man needs to be able to step out in International basketball. Rasheed has the perfect game for this level, he's unselfish, a tenacious help defender, and rebounds on both ends. Plus he shoots well from outside.

SF- Lamar Odom- Again versatility is key, and Odom can handle the ball, and rebound. He's not a great shooter but that's why we have...

SG- Michael Redd- The best American born shooter currently in the NBA, he would be an absolutely perfect zone-buster, because his greatest offensive weakness, his inability to create his own shot, doesn't matter in a Zone dominated game. Rip Hamilton would also be quite good in this role.

PG- Chauncey Billups- He can shoot, especially spotting up. He creates for his teammates and he would be a beast for International point guards to play because of his strength. Brent Barry could come off the bench to shoot and to create.

Of the bench, in addition to the guys I've already said would be:

Iverson- He's not a good shooter and demands the ball too much, but no one on earth is better for scoring in bunches.

Tayshaun Prince- The perfect international wing defender- incredibly long and is able to shoot well enough, but he's here for defense.

Shane Battier- See above.

Brian Cardinal- Because no one will out work him, he'll shoot, and he will bang with anyone.