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    99.99 Percent Positive by realist1961

    Jun 19, 2009 at 12:05 PM | COMMENTS (35) | LIKES (21)
    I haven’t been on much the last few days, so I’m not sure if this has already been discussed. It’s not a “dead horse” since I don’t really believe in that B.S. Dead horses are for intellectual midgets who don’t want to spend the time tossing around ideas, suggestions, and arguments coming to better understanding of how things really are... or could be. If intellectualism was the regurgitation of facts and figures, the world would be ruled by computers, but I digress. I saw an interview with Kyle Busch where he stated he received 99.99 percent positive feedback on his Nashville guitar smashing. He must have talked to a bunch of wannabe rock stars; because all of the NASCAR related commentary I heard and read this past weekend pretty much sided on the side of Kyle being a horse’s ass. The mildest comments were “he didn’t think this all the way through”, which is not too surprising given some of the reckless moves Kyle makes on the track. Kyle decided to draw attention away from this controversy by calling Jr. Nation a bunch of crazies. I guess it takes one to know one, but do you really want to go there? You want NASCAR fans to forget your immature unprofessional mannerisms by stating that Dale, Jr. fans are crazy? If so, I suppose you would tell a police officer, when pulled over, “do you know who I am”? Oh wait, that was your brother. The only people in Kyle’s corner are his friends and family and the handful of apologists and enablers. I can sympathize with them because I’m 99.99 positive they all just want this thing to go away… like a dead horse. You see, just like Kyle’s behavior, it’s easier to ignore a dead horse than to explain why it is dead. I also want to be very clear. I don’t hate Kyle Busch. He’s a great driver, reckless at times, but what I don’t like is his behavior. It’s like loving the sinner but hating the sin. What I like about NASCAR is how the drivers are heads above athletes in other sports in terms of integrity, professionalism, sincerity, and values. By holding everyone accountable, including drivers, owners, sponsors, and the hooligans who throw crap onto the track, NASCAR, in the end, comes out better. We are better when we expect the best behavior from everyone. We are also better people when we discuss it without trying to curtail the exchange of thoughts or ideas by calling this whole thing a dead horse or say it’s the wrong thing to talk about.
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    • Added by
      RowdyPenny
    • Jun 22, 2009 at 01:27 PM EST

      those are all Kyle Busch fans by the way you make it sound... really, cause I highly doubt his fans are the ones throwing beer cans at him... but I could be wrong.

      Well at least I understand where I stand... doesn't matter who I am - if I cheer for the wrong person in some eyes, that makes me bad for Nascar... thanks for the lesson.

    • Added by
      realist1961
    • Jun 21, 2009 at 12:57 PM EST

      apples and oranges. i can be a good person, but a poor employee, a good father, but a poor spouse. not sure why it's so difficult to understand kyle is not a good professional regardless of the other things he is good at. it's the sort of behavior that has become all too common at children's sporting events. respected people of the community yelling, taunting, arguing... taking away from the "sport" and the fun that it is suppose to bring.

    • Added by
      RowdyPenny
    • Jun 20, 2009 at 01:36 PM EST

      what - the point is that everyone does not have to think exactly alike & I disagree - imagine that - in the good old USA - I disagree with you. And so do others... and some agree with you - that's the beauty of it - there is no wrong or right answer to this type of debate - no stats you can pull up to prove you are right and I am wrong - no law or written words to make somebody the "winner".

      And you can read what I say and think you know what I mean... but you would be wrong - I never said the word "hate" - I said don't care of and that is a completely different meaning. So please don't put words in my mouth.

      And to enable somebody is to not see the fault - and guess what, his fans see his faults. And they don't say he is perfect and they don't think all he does is ok. But guess what, Kyle is not Satan himself - no matter how much you try to make this out to be the worse thing we have ever seen - its not true. And I believe that this driver has enough good in him to change things - and he will. But right now, in truth, it probably won't be soon as it takes time to make changes - and being young and succeeding in something you love can cloud your judgement - but if you don't give somebody a chance, then you are just as bad as you make them out to be. Judging is not good thing either.

      We all like Nascar for what WE want - I like to see competition at its finest. I also see that all these drivers give so much back to their fans and community - guess what, that includes Kyle Busch. I will say it again - we all have our weaknesses - we all have our strengthes - if you think its ok to pick apart somebody's weakness - have at it - I will continue to look for the good and strengths in people. That's who I am. Which is a Kyle fan - so am I good enough to be a fan of Nascar? Seriously! Being judged by who a person roots for goes just a little too far, don't you think?

    • Added by
      Suzi_24JG
    • Jun 20, 2009 at 12:30 AM EST

      Drew me to Nascar was good people, good times, good family environment. It's also that it's a team sport, drivers/crew/families and fans camp and do other activities together pre- and post-race, and support each other in many racing related activities, and sometimes caravan together to a race.

      Realist - I agree with how you clarified my point. Thank you.

    • Added by
      realist1961
    • Jun 20, 2009 at 12:01 AM EST

      lvgordonfan2 - you are my type of fan. you are one of the reasons why i was drawn to nascar. good people, good times, good family environment. it's what makes nascar... nascar.

      as to suzi's point - it's not about kyle the person or even kyle the driver, it's about kyle the representative of the face of nascar. maybe he will draw fans to the sport,but is it the type of draw that makes nascar... nascar. good people, good times, good family environment.

    • Added by
      lvgordonfan2
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 11:11 PM EST

      I feel that Nascar is a clean, family friendly, pure sport and that it is americas true pasttime. Nascar has been around for over 60 years and in that time we have had a lot of ups and downs we have lost drivers, we have had exciting races, and boring races, we have crowned champions and multi time champions. But the one thing that has been a constant has been the fact that nascar is different than other sports and i am not talking about the fact that the drivers use cars and not a bat or a ball or both. what i am saying is that nascar has not really had any big serious negative issues and that is because they have not allowed any. Nascar has had strikes and boycotts over tires due to safety concerns but they have not had walk outs as Major League Baseball and the NHL have. THey have not had all the legal issues with the law that he NBA and NFL andMLB have. They have not had all the steroid investigation. THey have been pretty clean. We don't have any Darrell Strawberry's or Barry Bonds, or PAcman jones, or TO's. We haven't had any MIke Tysons, or Kobes. But I feel that is somnething is not done about it now we may have the negative press that these others have because of Kyle BUsch. NOw I am not saying he is a drug using, rapist criminal that shoots up nightclubs in vegas but he is creating a negative image, just as the whole Jeremy mayfiels thing and the media for rushing to judgement has just to get the story. We are here fighting amongst ourselves while the rest of the sporting world is looking in saying these nascar people are a bunch of backwards, backwoods, hillbillies. or other negative things. I mean in the last month we have had drivers bad mouth fans, smash a guitar, be accused of doing drug. And a crew cheif make a racial slur and most of that was in the last 2 or 3 weeks. that is too much negative press for a sport that some already want to write off as either, not a real sport or just a bunch of rednecks driving in circles. We as fans already have to defend the sport to the non fans who worship the stick and ball sports and think that they are the only sports. I mean does anyone remember like two years ago when the polititian in washington state claimed wrongly and unfairly that richard petty had once got a dui. I mean this is the bs stereotypes that we as fans and our drivers have to deal with. we dont need now more created by negative press. I know kyle wants to make sure he is noticed but he doesn't need to do it after he gets out of the car he already has done it during the race. he is good on the track he need to start being good off it as well. dont be a pac man kyle.

      In closing, i just want to say that this was supposed to be a small response to s very well writen blog and it has now taken on a life of its own and if i seem to have rambled, i am sorry. but we as fans need to stick together and yeas it is ok to give other fans a hard time about their driver as long as it is in good fun and nobody gets hurt or offended. I mean If my driver #24 gives Tony the ole bump and run I wanna hear about it from the fans with the #14 as long as they are not saying they are gonna kill me or they are not throwing bottles at me at the track but a little fun joking is ok. And yes all our drivers have done bad things or have things to be brought up. Jr dropped the S bomb, jeff has shoved matt. tony has shoved robby, carl and kevin have scuffled, hell even Cale, donnie and bobby did it one time. Tony bad mouths goodyear, tony badmouths nascar. Dale rattled Terry's cage and darrells cage. Jimmy spencer punched Kurt Busch, Kurt faght the law and well no one really won. Lol I mean what are drivers do we should accept the critisim even if it is just that they are boring, (jimmie and Matt). And we should express our feeling about another driver with our words not objects. I wrote a blog the other day about the very subject feel free to search for it and read it and respond to it. It is entitled "War of words, and bottles, and other blunt objects." Lets just all get along and ke

    • Added by
      lvgordonfan2
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 11:11 PM EST

      First off I am not just responding on the main blog but also a few choice comments that caught my attention. I just want to say that in no way does my response intend to be a criticism toward a particular fan just that the comment or comments by that fan stood out to me. Remember we are all family here, the nascar family.

      First Realist1961 I loved the blog and felt that it went to the core of the issue at hand and did not seem like a biased opinion based on your love or hate of the driver in question, but of his actions on and off the track which should be the main reason for the topic and not weather he is a good driver or not. Not once did you slam his driving ability. And as far as the dead horse issue I agree the only reason people want to sweep it under the rug is that they are embarrassed of the incident. I mean just look how NASCAR swept their treatment of Tim Richmond under the rug back in the day, I dont feel that is a dead horse even 21 years later. The whole point of a blog is to express our opinions and hopefully elicit discussion because discussion is healthy. Its a whole lot healthier than throwing cans or a driver taking jabs at fans.

      "Jun 19 2009 07:27 rowdypenny
      How come

      when Kyle’s fans defend their driver, they are “apologists and enablers” but the rest of the fans that do the same thing is just a driver’s “fan”. We got it – you don’t care for Kyle. Does not mean that his fans agree with you. Its not about wanting something to “go away” – for me, I just don’t happen to agree with you – and that does not mean I’m wrong and you’re right – it means we have a difference of opinion. I look for the good in people and don’t always try to impress on the negative because if you looked closely at ANYONE, we all have things we need to improve and change… and judging is something I will leave to a higher power."

      That was a response from RowdyPenny, remember RowdyPennyI said at the beginning I am not singling you out because of malice towards you I just felt that there were things in your response that needed a response. First I want to respond to the first part of your comment "when Kyle’s fans defend their driver, they are “apologists and enablers” but the rest of the fans that do the same thing is just a driver’s “fan”." Think about what you are saying here, What was kyles response to Jr. fans? he called them crazy. So what is the differnence of someone saying that you and other fans that defend his outrageous actions are enablers. Because you are, I mean to accept bad behavior is to enable. We the fans have to be the biggest critics of the drivers, because if we aren't who will? NASCAR? Joe Gibbs? The Sponsors? Think about it what is nascar trying to do right now? draw fans to replace the ones they have lost or are losing, so even if they feel it is wrong they will aire on the side of business and turn a blind eye as long as it goes unnoticed or uncriticized. Joe Gibbs, as long as kyle is winning and money is going in his pocket and the sponsors are not leaving he doesn't care. And the sponsors are not leaving because right now the times are tough and all three of these major players dont want to cause waves because it will lose that much needed money for them. Another quote from your response was this "We got it – you don’t care for Kyle." I rebutt that with this quote from the main blogg "I also want to be very clear. I don’t hate Kyle Busch. He’s a great driver, reckless at times, but what I don’t like is his behavior. It’s like loving the sinner but hating the sin. What I like about NASCAR is how the drivers are heads above athletes in other sports in terms of integrity, professionalism, sincerity, and values."

      "Suzi_24JG
      Jun 19 2009 11:30
      Here's my Take

      First I’m not a Kyle fan or Kyle hater. It’s not about a single or occasional action or behavior, it is about Kyle overstepping the boundaries on a regular basis and doing things that are among the most “out there” I’ve ever

    • Added by
      Suzi_24JG
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 11:05 PM EST

      It's not about being perfect or not sticking with a driver who has faults, and makes repeated mistakes. Heaven knows if that was the case I still wouldn't be a Jeff Gordon fan. ;) It's not about being quick to judge or withdrawing support through the tough or difficult times. It IS knowing when at the time of a specific incident or ongoing frequency or level of actions and behaviors that making a judgment or saying something is the appropriate choice. In those situations not making a judgment or not saying something speaks louder!

    • Added by
      RowdyPenny
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 10:27 PM EST

      only if you feel those actions are inappropriate and want to be in judgement of other's actions...... its one thing if anyone that you chose to root for commits a crime or something like that - its another thing if they just have "faults" like all the rest of us human beings (who are not perfect in any way).

      Take this in a different light, I don't abandon my friends and loved ones that makes mistakes - even repeat mistakes. And they mean a lot more to me than any driver would.... I am kinda glad that some of the people that are so quick to judge out here are not my friends and family as I better be picture perfect and have no blemishes or faults for that type of personality...

    • Added by
      Suzi_24JG
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 09:12 PM EST

      for the opinion of a member or the actions/behavior of a driver comes when there is balance in the statements made and acknowledgement of wrong when it occurs. To continually defend or ignore most bad or questionable things that occur, is not balanced. We all have our bias and opinions but it is possible to really listen, think, be balanced in our own statements, be open-minded, and acknowledge shortcomings and strengths. As actions/behaviors improve, we should acknowledge that and change how we view the driver.

      *Every now and then emotions will get the best of everyone. It may not be the best thing to happen, but it matters what happens afterward. Do they apologize, try to do better, or is it something that repeats itself over and over with varying degree. It is the ongoing frequency or level of actions and behaviors that set Kyle apart to a whole different/higher level.*

    • Added by
      11sAngels
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 07:39 PM EST

      Thanks - As always - YOU have Said it best.

      Realist - dont get me wrong. I am first and foremost a Hamlin fan but do like Kyle. If you can find some of the people that were around when Dale E was just starting out - they will share some stories of the antics that he pulled - and just like they do to Kyle today - people talked. Albeit not the way that we do today because of Technology.

      I thought that I was discussing Nascar - sorry if I was wrong.

    • Added by
      Smokefan14TS
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 06:11 PM EST

      I respect Kyle's abilitu behind teh wheel he is a great driver.

      But he is getting all this attention for the WRONG reasons. People are thinking he is ingnorant, arrogant, and stupid.

      Hi fans think he is GOD and can do now wrong.

      No driver is like that no driver has not made a mistake here or there.

      It is super clear that he has some sort of beef with Dale Jr and his fans he is mad at the fact that Rick fired him for Jr.

      If he wouldn't blast his mouth he might still be one of my favorite drivers.

      His brother Kurt I use to hate so much but has matured for sure. I still don't like him but he isn't the punk he once was is is actually kind of cool.

      Perhaps Kyle should take after Kurt now.

    • Added by
      realist1961
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 05:58 PM EST

      very well stated. every now and then emotions will get the best of everyone. it may not be the best thing to happen, but it matters what happens afterward. do they apologize, try to do better, or is it something that repeats itself over and over with varying degree. after awhile, boorish behavior just gets old. take T.O. in the NFL. not only do teams shy away from him, now potential neighbors, given the option, don't need that sort of distraction.

    • Added by
      Suzi_24JG
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 04:30 PM EST

      First I'm not a Kyle fan or Kyle hater. It's not about a single or occasional action or behavior, it is about Kyle overstepping the boundaries on a regular basis and doing things that are among the most "out there" I've ever seen in comparison with many other drivers through the years. Many drivers have had years where they had occasional actions or behaviors that they should not have done or handled better or they were immature. Kyle has reached a new level on a repeated basis. Few drivers are perfect and we acknowledge but overlook many incidences. But again it is the frequency or level of actions and behaviors that set Kyle apart to a whole different/higher level.

    • Added by
      realist1961
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 03:10 PM EST

      as i said, kyle has a number of fans. some agreed with his actions and some did not. it's very similar to other drivers. for instance, i was not supportive of tony stewart when he threw hamlin under the "bus" last year. drivers do make mistakes, but professionals stand up to the scrutiny and apologize. many times drivers do this between themselves in private. it does show a human side and i appreciate and respect that. kurt busch was apologetic when he had a few mishaps and he has gained my respect, although i can't say i'm a big fan of his... not yet at least. kyle's response was "Jr fans are crazy". nascar insiders generally say kyle's action were misguided. hopefully kyle sees this and makes changes similar to his brother.

    • Added by
      RowdyPenny
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 02:57 PM EST

      to dispute some of the "issues" - it was not ALL that was "ashamed" as there was a lot of people that was just fine with it - and no - not just his "3" fans.. no wait, I think one number thrown out recently was also "67" fans - oh wait again, we're not fans, we are a "handful of apologists and enablers" because we can't be fans... so a handful is no more than 12, right?

      I don't expect anyone to have the same opinion as mine - I respect that they won't - I also don't judge a whole fan base on what "I" think should be the "perfect" way to act or who the "perfect" driver is in Nascar. We all like drivers for our own reasons; makes this sport great!

    • Added by
      ghost_racer
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 02:54 PM EST

      If it was the Daytona 500 trophy he smashed, Nascar would have suspended him. To me a trophy is a trophy, be it a Bass, boots or a guitar. He is a disgrace to nascar!

    • Added by
      nascarmama9
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 02:41 PM EST

      I wonder what Joe Gibbs thought about it??? :( A real guitar maybe....But a $25,000.00 trophy...come on people. How embarrassing for Joe Gibbs racing. Not to mention the pit crew and all they did to help Kyle get that trophy. Kyle should be as ashamed of himself, as we are of him for doing it.

    • Added by
      realist1961
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 02:31 PM EST

      i agree there are more pressing things to worry about in the world, the US, with our economy, jobs, hunger, poverty, etc. there are a number of websites available to discuss these things.

      as a fan of nascar, and sports in general, i like to debate issues related to the sport. it's my prerogative as is yours for not wanting to. this blog is for those who want to debate/discuss. there are any number of other blogs where folks can chit chat and pass the day.

    • Added by
      MDKen24I48
    • Jun 19, 2009 at 02:30 PM EST

      Angel.. Why do we keep topic's going and going and going.. Don't the batteries in the Energizer Bunny ever die? Ok, Kyle smashed up a beautiful guitar and perhaps it was not a cool thing to do to the mass majority.. Bad Kyle, bad boyeeee. Now go sit in the time out chair for 30 minutes... Oh wait.. Perhaps the firing squad might appease this issue.. I doubt it.. But what is it going to take to move forward? Nothing, cause no matter what that kid does it isn't going to be exceptable. So those who don't like/hate'em will continue to do so and those of us who like the kid.. will continue. Next issue in line please.. we are now serving issue 99

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