Tim Thomas Wrong to Skip Boston Bruins' White House Visit for Political Reasons

The Boston Bruins were at the White House to celebrate their Stanley Cup victory. Star goalie Tim Thomas was absent from the event in a show of political protest and it tarnished the event. 

Thomas, a renowned Tea Party supporter according to Big Government, chose to skip out on the event, and he was given reprieve to skip the event by general manager Peter Chiarelli. 

First, we have to say that Thomas has every right to make his political views known to the world, and I salute him in having the courage to make a stand with his own convictions in mind. 

That does not mean he is safe from public vitriol for placing a pall over what was a happy occasion for his teammates and a chance to celebrate a past accomplishment. Instead, the discussion has become about Thomas and his politics. 

UPDATE: Monday, January 23rd, 6:40 p.m. EST

Thomas has since replied to his action on his Facebook page. Here is what he had to say. 

"

I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.

This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.

Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.

This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT "

Thomas states specifically that this is not about politics but his whole impetus is a declaration on the political landscape of the country. A clarification on this is vital but it seems that Thomas will not make any more comments on what is now a very odd way to make a vague point. 

The fact that he does not choose sides in party, however, makes this more troubling as he has targeted the Office of The President over party affiliation. 

Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo! Sports reports Thomas is a staunch Republican and told Chiarelli months ago that he would not go to the White House. This is what the general manager had to say about the situation. Via Yahoo! Sports:

"

"He chose not to come. The reasons behind it I think he'll make the media aware through his Facebook. 

Everybody has their own opinions and political beliefs. He chose not to join us. We certainly would have liked to have him come and join us but that's his choice. All the guys came except for Tim. It's his decision and his choice."

"

With that, Thomas missed an opportunity to celebrate with his team, choosing instead to make the moment about himself. 

This is a country born on political protest but there is a time when such things should take a back seat to benign acts of applause and affirmation. 

The president welcomes every championship team to take a bow. It is part and parcel of winning a title and has become a badge of honor. 

The act has no basis in political office or party; it is simply a national thank you for high performance and ultimate victory. 

Thomas is ignoring one major factor about visiting the president: He is being greeted by the Office of the President, not Barack Obama and not the Democratic Party. 

When the president requests your presence, you go. I give Thomas every last opportunity to make his case on what should be the correct direction for the country. But staying home like a petulant child is not the manner to make an argument. 

You go, you smile and you take your bow. 

This is something that every president does, regardless of political affiliation. There is nothing disrespectful in criticizing the president or ripping apart every single one of his actions.

Thomas can do that on his own time. This was a moment in which the Office of the President, something grander than Obama, requested his presence to congratulate him, and he said "no thanks."

Instead, the warm feelings for the Bruins have been trumped by Thomas, someone who has had millions of moments to protest before this White House visit, and will get an infinite amount of opportunity to protest after.  

When the President of the United States asks to see you, the next step is simple: You go see him. 

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