RIP George

[rc4157]

Sorry if this has already been shared but I thought it fit this thread well.
Nice and touching article regarding George Steinbrenner.
RC
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/07/1...ex.html?hpt=C2

[chris6net]

I have been hearing all the accolades about Steinbrenner and I disagree. A long time family friend of my wife before she passed worked for the Yankees as a cleaner from 1964-1983 Irma Ramirez. In 1983 Steinbrenner got mad about sometething and first took away health/dental benefits from about 40 longtime workers. When they tried to complain he fired them all. These were people who worked their ass off for the Yankees and made basically the minimum wage. I remember Irma telling me how much she hated Steinbrenner. I researched it and the replacements mostly immigrants never got any health benefits even though club executives were in favor of it. Steinbrenner was a bully to the poor and little guy.CN

[Jim VB]

Chris,

It's perfectly OK to disagree.

It's not OK to post negative comments in a thread designed to eulogize someone. It shows a lack of class.

There is no argument that Steinbrenner touched many people in his life. Some good. Some bad. But it is in poor taste to wait 27 years after an event and then slam someone on a public message board.

In addition, it's poor etiquette to derail the original thread, which was intended as a tribute to a human being who has passed.

At least in your case, your facts may be accurate. Other posters who come on making wild claims about him "ruining baseball," are based in emotion, and, simply, inaccurate.

[chris6net]

Jim,I totally disagree with you. I have my facts and my opinion of a person is mine. I just said that he was not the Saint that many people have made him out to be.CN

[Jim VB]

What's to disagree with me about? I said you are entitled to your opinion. I said your facts may be 100% accurate. (It was the other guy whose statements were full of misinformation.)

I did say that it's improper to derail Jay's thread (or any thread meant to eulogize someone) by speaking ill of the dead. Chiming negatively into this sort of thread makes you look like an insensitive individual.

If you started your own thread ripping into George, that would be fine (a little crude, given the timing, but fine.)

[M's_Fan]

While I'm not expressing any opinion on George, I'd say that anyone who starts a thread on George should have the stomach to take whatever comments on George may come. You don't have to start a new thread because you disagree with the original poster. I see your point Jim, but I just think one Steinbrenner thread is all we need...

[Jim VB]

I wasn't really suggesting a second thread. I was suggesting silent disgression on the part of the haters.

In Chris's case, 27 years have lapsed since George, allegedly committed this injustice. Bringing it up during the time right after his passing is insensitive.