This is where I'll likely surprise many who believe as a Liberty fan I drink the Tea Party kool-aid. As a liberal and progressive, it's hard for most fans to understand how a liberal person can support Liberty athletics. But that's the answer. I support the athletics. Let me set the table, I'm an eco friendly, Obama voting, non fracking, recycling, progressive, gay rights, equal pay, handgun legislative supporter, MSNBC non Fox watching, alternative energy, complimentary medicine, meditating, spiritual vs. religious person, who happens to be a LU fan.

And when I read in USA Today that Ted Cruz comes to Lynchburg today to use the high visibility of Liberty to announce his presidential quest, well that's a big deal. It's not my ideal but his deal. Personally I detest Cruz. His purely selfish, stupid justification to attempt to shut down the government was political abuse at its worst. His immigration stance and gun rights outcry and Obama attacks make me turn my head. I dislike his arrogance and find him offensive.

But as colleges need to push the envelopes, Cruz, Trump, Palin, Hannity and the other extremists who have spoken at LU have ever right to express their views as Abbie Hoffman, Timothy Leary and left leaning advocates have theirs. Yes, it's tough at times being a LU fan and the labeling we get. But knowing the university and the many good things it has done and continues to do I'm gonna stand by them. As long as the school is a positive influence in the community and the lives of the students that's the higher purpose. The school had every right to be a conservative voice as traditionally public schools have the right to be liberal.

Oh, and they had better keep winning too. Everybody loves a winner.

I think this thread is has a dangerously thin line that we shouldn't cross so for future posts please keep this within the context of Liberty and not about politics.

To keep this about Liberty, I like that Liberty has clout that makes political candidates want to campaign. I think that makes for a unique experience. I think it would be better for the students to get a view of all sides of the political spectrum but I understand why almost only Republican party members show up.

New times, it's fascinating to me that you're a Liberty fan. I'm on the other side of the spectrum. I consider myself fairly conservative, but work in a highly liberal field. I would estimate that 90% of my coworkers are far left leaning. Interacting with them on a daily basis has been nothing but positive for me. It's been interesting to learn others perspectives and to see that they're good people, but have a different world view than I do.

In regards to Cruz, I'm not a big fan of Liberty getting involved in any political statements. It appears Cruz called Jr and asked if he could speak today.

Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

(03-23-2015 08:05 AM)Libertygrad01 Wrote:  New times, it's fascinating to me that you're a Liberty fan. I'm on the other side of the spectrum. I consider myself fairly conservative, but work in a highly liberal field. I would estimate that 90% of my coworkers are far left leaning. Interacting with them on a daily basis has been nothing but positive for me. It's been interesting to learn others perspectives and to see that they're good people, but have a different world view than I do.

In regards to Cruz, I'm not a big fan of Liberty getting involved in any political statements. It appears Cruz called Jr and asked if he could speak today.

Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

Being a liberal and progressive person, I have found being a Liberty fan is at times like being in a family. It's like having the uncle that would do anything in the world to help his friends and family, but says things to others outside of his world view that one can only question and wonder why. But the conservative uncle is a good person, like LU is a good institution. There are some SBC posters who are expressing their crazy uncle personalities in a thread bashing LU, myself and anyone else who does not share their perspective. Little do they know about the fans of LU and the benefits of the school. Sort like my crazy uncle.

(03-23-2015 08:03 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  I think this thread is has a dangerously thin line that we shouldn't cross so for future posts please keep this within the context of Liberty and not about politics.

To keep this about Liberty, I like that Liberty has clout that makes political candidates want to campaign. I think that makes for a unique experience. I think it would be better for the students to get a view of all sides of the political spectrum but I understand why almost only Republican party members show up.

It is a very big national event happening at LU today when Cruz announces his presidential candidacy. Every national and local news organization will pick it up. Every newspaper will report it. It will be international news. Cruz is using Liberty as his spearhead to announce his candidacy. Rather than pick his home state of Texas to do this, he is choosing Lynchburg and Liberty.

This is only a touchy topic if we make it one. Seems feasible that if there is an action at the school we support, or don't support we can express our agreement or disagreement. It's open dialogue for all to judge on their own.

(03-23-2015 08:25 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-23-2015 08:03 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  I think this thread is has a dangerously thin line that we shouldn't cross so for future posts please keep this within the context of Liberty and not about politics.

To keep this about Liberty, I like that Liberty has clout that makes political candidates want to campaign. I think that makes for a unique experience. I think it would be better for the students to get a view of all sides of the political spectrum but I understand why almost only Republican party members show up.

It is a very big national event happening at LU today when Cruz announces his presidential candidacy. Every national and local news organization will pick it up. Every newspaper will report it. It will be international news. Cruz is using Liberty as his spearhead to announce his candidacy. Rather than pick his home state of Texas to do this, he is choosing Lynchburg and Liberty.

This is only a touchy topic if we make it one. Seems feasible that if there is an action at the school we support, or don't support we can express our agreement or disagreement. It's open dialogue for all to judge on their own.

If you want to talk about Liberty then this thread is fine but if you make this about politics then this belongs in the Spin Room. Be careful.

(03-23-2015 08:31 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  

(03-23-2015 08:25 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-23-2015 08:03 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  I think this thread is has a dangerously thin line that we shouldn't cross so for future posts please keep this within the context of Liberty and not about politics.

To keep this about Liberty, I like that Liberty has clout that makes political candidates want to campaign. I think that makes for a unique experience. I think it would be better for the students to get a view of all sides of the political spectrum but I understand why almost only Republican party members show up.

It is a very big national event happening at LU today when Cruz announces his presidential candidacy. Every national and local news organization will pick it up. Every newspaper will report it. It will be international news. Cruz is using Liberty as his spearhead to announce his candidacy. Rather than pick his home state of Texas to do this, he is choosing Lynchburg and Liberty.

This is only a touchy topic if we make it one. Seems feasible that if there is an action at the school we support, or don't support we can express our agreement or disagreement. It's open dialogue for all to judge on their own.

If you want to talk about Liberty then this thread is fine but if you make this about politics then this belongs in the Spin Room. Be careful.

The intent of the post is to show the diversity of Liberty fans. The notation about Cruz and what is happening today will be world wide news. We cannot control that. Within the post is a justification for Cruz and those of his ilk, and those that of the far left the right to express their views. Let's allow that free expression to co-exists rather than attempt to suppress it, especially in a forum where the intent is to show the diversity of LU fans.

(03-23-2015 08:44 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-23-2015 08:31 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  

(03-23-2015 08:25 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-23-2015 08:03 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  I think this thread is has a dangerously thin line that we shouldn't cross so for future posts please keep this within the context of Liberty and not about politics.

To keep this about Liberty, I like that Liberty has clout that makes political candidates want to campaign. I think that makes for a unique experience. I think it would be better for the students to get a view of all sides of the political spectrum but I understand why almost only Republican party members show up.

It is a very big national event happening at LU today when Cruz announces his presidential candidacy. Every national and local news organization will pick it up. Every newspaper will report it. It will be international news. Cruz is using Liberty as his spearhead to announce his candidacy. Rather than pick his home state of Texas to do this, he is choosing Lynchburg and Liberty.

This is only a touchy topic if we make it one. Seems feasible that if there is an action at the school we support, or don't support we can express our agreement or disagreement. It's open dialogue for all to judge on their own.

If you want to talk about Liberty then this thread is fine but if you make this about politics then this belongs in the Spin Room. Be careful.

The intent of the post is to show the diversity of Liberty fans. The notation about Cruz and what is happening today will be world wide news. We cannot control that. Within the post is a justification for Cruz and those of his ilk, and those that of the far left the right to express their views. Let's allow that free expression to co-exists rather than attempt to suppress it, especially in a forum where the intent is to show the diversity of LU fans.

I am not picking a side or trying to suppress any one view. I am saying this is a message board about Liberty sports. There is a specific board for political discussions if that is what you want to talk about. I am telling you to make this about Liberty and not about politics.

(03-23-2015 08:51 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  

(03-23-2015 08:44 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-23-2015 08:31 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  

(03-23-2015 08:25 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-23-2015 08:03 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  I think this thread is has a dangerously thin line that we shouldn't cross so for future posts please keep this within the context of Liberty and not about politics.

To keep this about Liberty, I like that Liberty has clout that makes political candidates want to campaign. I think that makes for a unique experience. I think it would be better for the students to get a view of all sides of the political spectrum but I understand why almost only Republican party members show up.

It is a very big national event happening at LU today when Cruz announces his presidential candidacy. Every national and local news organization will pick it up. Every newspaper will report it. It will be international news. Cruz is using Liberty as his spearhead to announce his candidacy. Rather than pick his home state of Texas to do this, he is choosing Lynchburg and Liberty.

This is only a touchy topic if we make it one. Seems feasible that if there is an action at the school we support, or don't support we can express our agreement or disagreement. It's open dialogue for all to judge on their own.

If you want to talk about Liberty then this thread is fine but if you make this about politics then this belongs in the Spin Room. Be careful.

The intent of the post is to show the diversity of Liberty fans. The notation about Cruz and what is happening today will be world wide news. We cannot control that. Within the post is a justification for Cruz and those of his ilk, and those that of the far left the right to express their views. Let's allow that free expression to co-exists rather than attempt to suppress it, especially in a forum where the intent is to show the diversity of LU fans.

I am not picking a side or trying to suppress any one view. I am saying this is a message board about Liberty sports. There is a specific board for political discussions if that is what you want to talk about. I am telling you to make this about Liberty and not about politics.

Let's put this in perspective. A candidate who is considering running for President of the United States is coming to Liberty today to announce that. That is very big news. It's international, world wide news. Let's be open minded and progressive enough to realize that. Liberty today will be on the world wide stage, for better or worse depending on one's perspective. Some will cherish it, others will loath it.

As I write this Cruz is speaking to make his announcement. This is international news. It will have a lasting impact on the school. Some will be stimulated, others will be offended. It's about what the college experience is about. Gaining greater perspectives about the world.

It is possible to support a university and not agree with all it's policies? It is easy for me to support LU, as a liberal, open-minded person because I know the school. My family was one of the original founding members. I have personal experiences how my aunt was one of those founding people. My experiences span the whole spectrum of the school.

Is LU a conservative institution? It's safe to say one of the most conservative. But that does not mean that others with a different perspective cannot support the school even if they disagree with some of their views.

I support the school as a non-graduate. I support them with a modest annual donation as I see benefit with what they do. I defend LU when critics who know little about the school make blanket statements that are false. I likely am the most ardent defender of the school on this board.

LU is in the world wide news today. It's okay and healthy to have varied views. It's part of the education and the world wide experience.

You clearly are not understanding me. It is okay to talk about Liberty and how we feel about them hosting political individuals. We can debate the points why it is good, bad, or indifferent that Liberty involves itself in these things. It is not appropriate for us to talk about Republicans, Democrats, other parties, policies, etc. Does that make sense?

I understand both of your points of view. Cruz announcing his candidacy at LU is huge news, and I understand the desire to keep the sports board a sports board. However, this is still big news for Liberty, even if it will be short-lived (I don't believe Cruz will get anywhere near the nomination in 2016). There's nothing wrong with proudly discussing a big news-worthy event at your school.

I do commend NewTimes for ardently supporting Liberty while having differing political views from the school. That's great and what our country is all about- friendships and alliances shouldn't stop where our politics begin. There's more to life than that.

All of that said, Cruz's visit neither helps or hurts our ability to make it to 1-A football. The conferences we hope to join already know what our political and Christian beliefs are. Frankly, I don't think they care as much as the SBC board posters thinks they do. We're not there yet because we're a private school with a lot of money and huge potential in a medium sized media market. We'll get an invite eventually. It's inevitable just because of the economic market that is college football. In the meantime, we must not water down who we are for football, and I don't believe JF Jr. will do that or allow it to happen.

He had to pick somewhere to announce it and LU just happened to be the place. I don't view these types of things good or bad. It's a strategic move to get the Southern States attention. Chances are he has the TX votes anyway so why waste a the PR announcing in TX.

This thread should be moved off this board in my opinion. It is about personal political views of individual fans and does not represent Liberty athletics nor the schools very clear mission.

I like the discussion, and encourage it, but not on this forum.

And, yes it speaks of an important national issue, but needs to be discussed in a non sports focused forum.

(03-23-2015 11:04 AM)Curtisc83 Wrote:  He had to pick somewhere to announce it and LU just happened to be the place. I don't view these types of things good or bad. It's a strategic move to get the Southern States attention. Chances are he has the TX votes anyway so why waste a the PR announcing in TX.

This is a true statement. It was almost as much about it being in a swing state as it was about being at Liberty.

(03-23-2015 06:21 PM)army56mike Wrote:  This thread should be moved off this board in my opinion. It is about personal political views of individual fans and does not represent Liberty athletics nor the schools very clear mission.

I like the discussion, and encourage it, but not on this forum.

And, yes it speaks of an important national issue, but needs to be discussed in a non sports focused forum.

The way it relates to athletics and more importantly to you, is how it is perceived among the people who will vote you into a conference. I do not believe many people care that Cruz's announcement was made at Liberty, but rather some of the other facts start to come out because of it, and people scratch their head.

For example: right or wrong, I don't really care, but some people are going to scratch there head at the way its mandatory for students to attend such an event. I realize that it could have been "Pete Rose" coming to speak rather than a political personality and it would have still been mandatory. Most people are not accepting of the mandatory part, not so much the political or religious part. Most don't understand why a student would choose a school who makes it mandatory to go three times a week to your Convocation meetings.

I'm not saying its illegal or immoral, but the question is asked by others why do people pay money to have this forced upon them. Even in Marine Corps Boot Camp its not mandatory to attend church on Sunday mornings. A service is provide for the Christians and one for the Jews, any other, sorry. No one has to attend. I did because it got me away from the Drill Instructors for an hour. My point being, there is no closer affiliation to a dictatorship than the time a young person might spend at Marine Corps Boot Camp, but Liberty seems mighty close with some of the rules.

Im only a fan, not a student, but I would love to have the privilege of attending these.

Liberty released a statement about convo and how it works.

“Convocation is not a worship service. Convocation is Liberty’s educational forum for students to hear from speakers with a wide diversity of viewpoints from all walks of life — entertainment, business, politics, ministry, and more — many of whom are globally respected as experts in their areas. It is no secret that Convocation is held three times a week and attendance is required, just like class is required for students. No one is expected to agree with every speaker on every point. In fact, Convocation speakers do not all line up with traditional Evangelical Christian viewpoints or even Liberty University’s doctrinal statement."

Being a big sports fan I would love to have been at this one.

Falwell had Cruz making calls trying to get yall an SBC invite.

Wow.

(03-24-2015 07:01 PM)JMU2004 Wrote:  Falwell had Cruz making calls trying to get yall an SBC invite.

Wow.

Don't forget the Louisiana governor too. We are trying to reach FBS whether it is the Sun Belt or another conference. We aren't picky.

(03-24-2015 07:08 PM)GE and MTS Wrote:  

(03-24-2015 07:01 PM)JMU2004 Wrote:  Falwell had Cruz making calls trying to get yall an SBC invite.

Wow.

Don't forget the Louisiana governor too. We are trying to reach FBS whether it is the Sun Belt or another conference. We aren't picky.

I would argue that using those 2 to lobby for Liberty is a mistake given the image that Liberty has.

(03-24-2015 07:17 PM)JMU2004 Wrote:  

(03-24-2015 07:08 PM)GE and MTS Wrote:  

(03-24-2015 07:01 PM)JMU2004 Wrote:  Falwell had Cruz making calls trying to get yall an SBC invite.

Wow.

Don't forget the Louisiana governor too. We are trying to reach FBS whether it is the Sun Belt or another conference. We aren't picky.

I would argue that using those 2 to lobby for Liberty is a mistake given the image that Liberty has.

You could argue that way. Or you could see that Liberty needs to get the votes of the western Sun Belt schools and could have two political leaders potentially influence four schools to get the nine necessary yes votes. Liberty had what to lose?