Things They Say

"I know there are Republicans who believe government should only perform a few minimal functions but that one of those functions should be making sure nearly 3,000 Americans don't die in a hurricane and its aftermath."

-President Obama
 
“So they’re not in that book that you carry” - Kamela Harris speaking about the Constitution that she has sworn to uphold and protect


“The Constitution — it is in the book that I carry,” Kavanaugh retorted. “The Constitution protects unenumerated rights, that’s what the Supreme Court has said.”
 
"But I've seen other men call other umpires several things. I'm here fighting for women's rights and for women's equality and for all kinds of stuff. For me to say 'thief' and for him to take a game, it made me feel like it was a sexist remark. He's never taken a game from a man because they said 'thief.'"

"I just feel like the fact that I have to go through this is just an example for the next person that has emotions and that want to express themselves and want to be a strong woman. They're going to be allowed to do that because of today.”

- Serena Williams, a true hero standing up for the rights of women to not be penalized for unsportsmanlike behavior
 
"But I've seen other men call other umpires several things. I'm here fighting for women's rights and for women's equality and for all kinds of stuff. For me to say 'thief' and for him to take a game, it made me feel like it was a sexist remark. He's never taken a game from a man because they said 'thief.'"

"I just feel like the fact that I have to go through this is just an example for the next person that has emotions and that want to express themselves and want to be a strong woman. They're going to be allowed to do that because of today.”

- Serena Williams, a true hero standing up for the rights of women to not be penalized for unsportsmanlike behavior

Lost so much respect for her tonight... what a joke
 
She did lose it. And what she said to the chair umpire was way out of line and I think he was right to assess the game penalty. I just feel reluctant to judge her on that one moment. We all snap now and then.

Especially with athletes when they may be exhausted, stressed or in pain, its hard to apply the usual standards that we normally expect of people. For some strange reason, this whole thing brings to mind Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup finals in 2008. It didn't change how I felt about Zidane and this won't change how I feel about Serena.
 
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She did lose it. And what she said to the chair umpire was way out of line and I think he was right to assess the game penalty. I just feel reluctant to judge her on that one moment. We all snap now and then.

Especially with athletes when they may be exhausted, stressed or in pain, its hard to apply the usual standards that we normally expect of people. For some strange reason, this whole thing brings to mind Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup finals in 2008. It didn't change how I felt about Zidane and this won't change how I feel about Serena.

I'm fine with snapping and losing your temperature... but the constant "you owe me an apology" and "you wouldn't have done this if i were a man" were just absurd... it was ongoing and she didnt let it go.

She needed an excuse for getting her ass beat, I guess
 
I'm fine with snapping and losing your temperature... but the constant "you owe me an apology" and "you wouldn't have done this if i were a man" were just absurd... it was ongoing and she didnt let it go.

She needed an excuse for getting her ass beat, I guess

yeah...way over the top...it did make me wonder if she was a bit like that in private...hell hath no fury...
 
She did lose it. And what she said to the chair umpire was way out of line and I think he was right to assess the game penalty. I just feel reluctant to judge her on that one moment. We all snap now and then.

Especially with athletes when they may be exhausted, stressed or in pain, its hard to apply the usual standards that we normally expect of people. For some strange reason, this whole thing brings to mind Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup finals in 2008. It didn't change how I felt about Zidane and this won't change how I feel about Serena.

You guys should have grown up in the era of John McEnroe...
 
back then i was more of a tennis fan...i loved McEnroe...i was never really offended by his antics

I was just trying to say that since McEnroe there really aren't many antics to even talk about, even collectively. I used to like tennis back in the days of McEnroe/Borg/Connors.
 
You guys should have grown up in the era of John McEnroe...

I did and always wanted the umpire to throw him out for his childish behavior. But with McEnroe his outbursts seemed more staged gamesmanship and a way to settle himself down.

Still, there should be one set of rules.
 
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I did and always wanted the umpire to throw him out for his childish behavior. But with McEnroe his outbursts seemed more staged gamesmanship and a way to settle himself down.

Still, there should be one set of rules.

I think his strategy was as you said, plus to try and upset the rhythm of his opponent, sort of like when a coach calls a time out in basketball when the other team is "on a roll".
 
I no little/nothing about tennis. I get the impression the coaching penalty is sort of like the balk in baseball (or maybe pass interference on hail mary passes) - a rule violation that is rarely called, but could be called most times if the umpire were so inclined. I'd be willing to concede Serena got a raw deal there, but technically there was still a rule violation and the ref was within his rights to make the call. From that moment on, however, it was all self-inflicted wounds by Serena, made worse by her laughable comments during and after the match. Just as bad (IMO) has been the reaction by the fans and media (paraphrasing "Serena's reaction is understandable given the stress she is under, trying to make a comeback as a mother." ...What?)
 
Solid take by Martina. I think it’s reasonsble to hold Serena accountable for her actions while acknowledging that she faces a myriad of double standards here and elsewhere based on who she is.
 
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