Should you have to visit the White House?

The recent news of the star of the Stanley Cup Finals, goalie Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins, electing not to visit the White House after their recent championship has brought the hockey world to the forefront for the wrong reasons.

Since making this move, many media outlets and fans have bashed the American goalie for not making the historic trip through the White House. In a statement from Thomas he said, “I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.”

He goes on to blame both parties for what has happened with our government and says his choosing not to attend the White House had nothing to do with, “politics or party.” He says he was exercising his right as a “FREE CITIZEN” to not go to the White House.

While I don’t disagree with Thomas’ point-of-view on our government, his decision not to go with his team to the White House is a decision he will regret for the rest of his life and quite possibly is a decision that is un-American in itself.

Whether you agree with the current presidents’ political beliefs or not, the chance to visit the White House is a once in a lifetime experience that many people don’t get to experience. Every year athletes from championship winning teams get to visit this historic building and meet the president of OUR country. Choosing not to do so is wrong for so many reasons.

Yes, he has his right as an American citizen not to go and he’s not the first athlete to turn down a chance to visit the White House and meet the president, but he could have kept his reasoning to himself instead of making a statement about it. Do you think every American that’s entered the White House and shaken the president’s hand has agreed with that presidents’ politics? Not likely.

You may hate the Cubs or Red Sox, but if you’re given the opportunity to visit Fenway Park or Wrigley Field, you don’t say, “No, I don’t agree with the way those teams play baseball.” You go visit these historic buildings because it’s part of our country and an experience you’ll never forget.

I don’t know what Thomas’ intentions where with this little protest, but it has totally backfired in his face. If the Bruins win it again this year, expect to see their goaltender leading his team to the podium. Of course, there could be another president in place next year, which could make his reasoning for going then even more awkward.

You can follow Jake on Twitter at: @j8a1k0e or on his MLB Braves blog at: http://bravesandmore.mlblogs.com/