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Joe T., always working hard…

By Joe Torosian

Kick it!

We’re going to talk about this because I didn’t have to be Nostradamus to figure out the response.

What’s the subject?

“Glorious conformity, the delight and ultimate pleasure of our unified society.”—TZ

Growing up with brothers who were seven and eight years older than me, I was exposed to a lot of stuff I shouldn’t have been.

One of those things was the Twilight Zone. Don’t get me wrong, the Twilight Zone was great, but it built into me one of my greatest fears—conformity.

I have patience and the ability to wait for something, but standing in line with hundreds of others waiting to be let in somewhere gives me anxiety. 

My thoughts are, who’s herding us? Where are they herding us to? And why are we standing here like sheep, letting it happen?

Wearing the same shirt, the same hat, the same kicks as everyone else shortens my breath. It’s not about standing out — it’s about fitting in, conforming, and giving up independence/identity.

Episodes like “I of The Beholder,” “The Obsolete Man,” and “Number 12, Looks Just Like You” have influenced my whole life.

I’ve been asked if I’m on the spectrum (True), and my answer is no, just too much Twilight Zone as a kid.

So this was already built into me before I came to faith in Christ. Christianity didn’t influence this core belief, but did reinforce it.

(Romans 12—”do not conform to the pattern of this world.” Colossians 2—”don’t be taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophy”…But I digress.)

So when Jaden Ivey shares his beliefs against a culture dominated by subservient sheep and cultural tyrants, I’m highly impressed.

And when the cultural tyrants and their lapdogs (See Jason McIntyre & Emmanuel Acho) respond by questioning Ivey’s mental health, the unseen oppression becomes clearly seen.

The Chicago Bulls released Ivey for his views on the LGBTQ movement and Pride Month. 

Should they have the right to do that? Does anyone see anything wrong with that?

“We must cut out all that is different, like a cancerous growth! It is essential in this society that we not only have a norm, but that we conform to that norm.”—TZ

Colin Cowherd addressed it from the top—give him credit for that—but he took the line that inside sources at Purdue and with the Bulls told him Ivey was difficult in the locker room and he needed to be removed.

Maybe he was, but I’m sure you can find others with a different story—but not if you want a certain narrative. And Cowherd works for a corporation that will always bend a knee. You can make your own call, but I have my doubts.

Maybe Ivey is a douchebag, but have you seen how bad the Bulls are this year? They have seven games left. This wasn’t about the locker room, their season is nearly over…this was about giving the Rainbow an easy scalp.

It’s naive to think that the Rainbow is not political. Workers all over America have been forced to conform or die (occupationally) if they don’t.

It got me thinking about Colin Kaepernick (douchebag). If Kaepernick is going to be excoriated and soft-booted for bringing his politics into the stadium. Why should a professional franchise have the right to force its political beliefs on an employee?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the primary federal law that protects employees from being forced to conform to their employers’ religious beliefs…However, it doesn’t address political beliefs.

So legally, it’s okay if they want to fire Ivey over politics. Ethically, however, it is revealing.

Again, this happens all over America. And I’m not declaring Ivey to be Captain America, but he was cut for his religious beliefs, to score cultural points for the corporation, and to send the message: Conform or die.

I don’t think China would allow it, but any NBA team that signs Ivey will immediately become America’s team — at least for a while.

The character test for Ivey is if he recants. Pressure comes, and most fold like a house of cards. If he does backpedal, he may get another shot. If he doesn’t, he’s toast.

Ivey’s release shines a bright light on the cowardice of others in professional sports who hold similar beliefs but won’t take a stand.

Because it’s all about glorious conformity.

And how evil is that?

***
Did anyone expect Austin Reaves to become this good? Did anyone see his game continuing to improve?

Guilty. I thought he was just a guy who had topped out. Good, but not much more than that…I was wrong, he’s become much more than anyone ever thought he could be.

They put the Super Bowl back in Las Vegas… It’s a good fit. Hotel prices will go up, but it’s still a good fit. Anything is better than New Orleans.

I am more convinced than ever that the Rams will trade back in this year’s draft.

The Dude abides…
1,260
Judges 21:25
jtbank1964@yahoo.com
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