14 Comments
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Dean Hinnen's avatar

Your take on the national anthem is absurd. If it weren't for U.S. defense spending during the Cold War and beyond, the national language of Canada would be Russian. The U.S.-Canada relationship is a parasitic one, with the U.S. as host and Canada the parasite. Stick to sports; that's why I subscribe, not for your silly political views.

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Robert Tiffin's avatar

Just trying to explain why they were booing. Don't worry, this isn't a political blog, except for when it happens to poke its nose into a hockey game =)

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CScotty's avatar

Boooooooo to you!

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CScotty's avatar

Um, not you Robert to be clear :))). Absolutely the best hockey I’ve seen in years!

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Oldepunk's avatar

Then why bring your politics to a hockey blog?

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Robert Tiffin's avatar

I deserve some blame here. The amount of people hurting in Canada right now is huge. There's a lot of fear and anger when prices go up, and I didn't do a good job expressing empathy for our neighbors in trying to mull over how the booing expressed pain. Obviously anything about anthems is going to be a touchy subject, and I was probably a bit arrogant to think I could bring it up without annoying some folks. That's on me to do a better job of expressing what I mean in the future when it comes to incendiary topics like that one. Appreciate you all reading and putting up with me.

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Oldepunk's avatar

I felt like all u did was try to put yourself in the shoes of a Canadian and explain why you thought they booed our national anthem. I didn't read it as you giving us a political viewpoint

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R Dell's avatar

I knew political leanings before I subscribed. I'm not threatened or bothered by them inasmuch as there is mutual respect. I love your writing, so I finally subscribed after holding out far too long.

We all get enough of these conversations and the tone of discord now present in these responses from all viewpoints. Nobody here is stupid, or less than.

I subscribed to enjoy your insight, talent and passion for hockey. No matter how you address this subject you're going to stir up shit. I personally don't need four paragraphs on this subject summarized by a directive to toughen up. It's condescending, dismissive and it's a bad business move.

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Jeff Brown's avatar

R Dell is right on the money here. The analysis and writing on hockey is excellent.

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Robert Tiffin's avatar

If anyone here is being stupid, it's usually me. I appreciate your trust!

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Ben Perera's avatar

Wonderful article Robert. Appreciate your insights on the anthem, don’t feel I can support the US due to the climate at the moment but happy for Otter and my fellow Stars fans. It’s a double edged sword, I really want him to start v Sweden but the priority is to keep him healthy for our playoff run. It’s a shame the US v Canada game wasn’t streaming anywhere in Australia, but looked like Harley fit in seamlessly. Granlund and Lindell continue to thrive and Roope very solid but would love to see him unleash more of his exceptional skating ability.

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Angela Jones's avatar

I loved the history lesson about Finland/Sweden, thanks! Got me imagining what it might be like if the beautiful game grew enough to get England v Ireland 😱 or Japan v Korea 😱😱

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R Dell's avatar

I really enjoyed most of this article. It captured how exciting this tournament has been quite well. Thank you.

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Jeremy Dalluge's avatar

That game was “an experience”. What a treat to watch playoff hockey in February. Great piece as always Robert!

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