You Have Been Asking For It

Tags

no means no, personhood, rape, rape culture, responsibility, woman, women

We all have heard the statements, the comments, the insults, the flat out ignorance of people You may or may not know someone who has been the target of these, or you yourself may have  been the target. However, there is no two ways to cut it when it comes down to it, these are wrong. The very foundation that these statements are built upon are faulty to the core in every sense imaginable. No woman is asking to be raped, and those guilty, I fully believe,  deserve the same punishments as someone committing murder. To defend these statements is just nonsensical, for various reasons, none of which are any good.

 

..she’s asking for it.. Absurd..

Someone in the recent past was recently discussing about how he had seen this girl at a concert wearing an extremely short tutu, and he remarked that she was begging to get raped and no one should get blamed. Another chimed in, that if he knew enough to stay out of there than she should too. This exchange was full of so many things that upset, especially because I frequent mosh pits, a double whammy to me. More to the point though is the girl should not have gone into a mosh pit wearing that, and that wearing that should give a free pass to anyone who raped her. Why? Because she dressed in a manner that could be found sexual? When did that come with taking away a woman’s choice of who she can have sex with? If anything, I thought this thought ended thousands of years ago, as soon as we became more advanced than animals. To say that no one is to be blamed is to say that we (men) are not in control of our instinct. No better than a dog who chases a ball, or a pig who goes to food. What an insult to the entirety of the males on this planet, or maybe a compliment if you are high on animals I suppose, to the point that are better than humans.

 

Another point on that story, is the one who says they know better than to go in there. Forcing their fear on others. First of all, I am sure this person is not afraid of having a man having sex with him against his will. Second, when did we start forcing our fears on others. Merely because on is afraid of bodily injury from a mosh pit, it means a girl should be afraid to enter the pit? This is such a robbery or people being able to choose their own lives, and to hold other people accountable for their actions, it is so cowardly and such an easy way to rub our hands of the problem that I cannot fathom how it is said.

 

… She deserved it.. Not even once..

 

Then there are arguments about if a girl really means no. First of all, is it not safer to always assume she does, imagine how many arguments could be avoided if it were just accepted as so. No debate, nothing about this will ever be ok. It all comes back though to men, no boys, being unable to control themselves. The same people who have jobs, have friends, and do things otherwise that are not questionable. Why? Because they know other wise it is wrong. However we have allowed this to become a point of contention in so many cases, and thus it keeps going on. Rather if we teach our sons that this no must be taken seriously, we can do better. That comes with eliminating these other excuses too though. A woman is never* asking for it. The asking for it is the very opposite of rape. Its a choice the person makes, and decides. I do not care how drunk, scantily clothed, or into you she is, no means no. End of discussion.

…Be accountable.. Always..

A recent article I read found that 70% of cops automatically think a rape call is false. Seventy percent. That’s absurd, and its absurd that our men are being put in this position. The answer lies with us though to solve this. We have to teach them that it is never okay, and that there are dangers associated with it. Make them responsible to not let this happen, true or not. Far too many rapes are not being taken seriously, far too many are being blown off as false, and far too many can be stopped years before they happen. Obviously it takes a lot more than what is written here. Sex has its place in society, rape does not.

 

This brings me to why I feel rape should be punished as we punish murder, and the answer is simple: they both do the same thing. They both confound our personhood. Our ability to choose what happens in our life. Murder obviously on a more permanent scale, but rape too can have lasting effects (affects?) on people, which in some cases in worse than death. If you feel the need to confound someone’s personhood and own journey, you deserve the same to happen to you. To take away a person’s choice on something that personal is inexcusable. So to sum it up, no means no, don’t take advantage of a girl, teach boys how to be men, and guys don’t put yourself in that position. Be above being an animal. And woman, for the love of god, raise hell if it happens to you.

 

E

 

*Obviously some couples roleplay, this is obviously different.

 

 

 

Paying your debt to society forever

Tags

equality, felons, felony, poverty, rights, unemployment, voting, voting rights

One of the biggest stigmas a person in our country can carry with them is being a convicted felon. It is something that carries with it far reaching consequences that may not even be known to the average citizen, even after they serve a sentence. That is to say, that after they have repaid their debt to society they will still be paying, and likely for a very long time. This is a travesty, but before I go on let me clarify some things. I am not advocating for all felonies in this article. Usually though the ones that should not be advocated for carry with them life long sentences in prison, or even a death sentence in some states. This advocating is for those who have one mistake on their record, something minor, or something that allows for you recover from. If we are to say the prison system is to rehabilitate people, or that everyone deserves a second chance, we cannot dish the death sentence that is a felony to so many.

 

Surely everyone who has applied for a job knows of the the box to be checked about being a felon. This is an instant red flag for any company, regardless of what they say. If you get an interview at this point, they will almost surely ask you about it. From here it is their choice, and if they do choose to not hire you based on that, you have no way to prove it or stop it. This brings up one of the most immediate problems with being an ex felon, jobless rates. It is estimated that the unemployment rate among felons raises the rate almost two percent among males and another percent for females. This is a crazy number when you crunch it with the real numbers, it comes out to over two and a half million unemployed felons. These are people who have served their jail time, some of which have completed their parole, and others who have completed treatment or various classes that pertain to their sentence. Real people who are looking for their second chance. Yet, when they check one box on an application, will too often not even be looked at beyond that. I can say this, because I know multiple people in the hiring world, and it is an awful reality.

 

Then the restriction to programs that are allowed to others, that help people and keep them afloat. If we are to restrict these from people who have paid there debt to society and tell them to succeed just as ably as everyone else, we are asking an awful lot with the red A that comes with it to begin with. Felons, in all but 2 states are subject to vote disenfranchisement laws. These are laws that prevent you from voting. How are felons to have their voices heard, 20 million (2.5 million only accounted for those adding to the unemployment rate, which running now means unemployment runs to over ten percent for felons. However, account for the 2.5 million in prison too brings the unemployment rate among felons to almost 17%!). This prevents that many people from having any say in the process, the only people who have had an impact by these laws and rules. Now, a number of states do allow a restatement of your voting rights after you finish your sentence, but for some states you have to jump through the figurative bureaucratic loops. Now with an unemployment rate at about 17% (known), they can also denied access to low income housing! You would think this prevents them from getting unemployment or welfare, however that is not prevented.

 

This means, that we are preventing them from getting jobs, getting affordable housing due to lack of jobs which is a perfectly acceptable reason, and then giving them money because they are unable to find a job through imposed factors that we have put into place for the felons. We want to talk about the number of people on welfare and how it breaks down statistically, perhaps this will open our eyes to the reasons for that. We have to change the system. We cannot say it is a system to rehabilitate people only to burden them on the back end with the specter of nothing to hope for. We can further say this feeds into the recidivism or felons, but what are we doing to help it. The American dream as we knows it ends far too early and far too often for felonies. As I stated earlier though, this is not for all felons. However I encourage us all to be honest with each other. How many of us have done something stupid once we became 17 or 18 (the age you are a legal adult in varying states, hence a felony goes on the record) that did not become known or we got away with. I know I have. Maybe you do not know it thought. One that surprises me is messing with someone else’s facebook, that is apparently a felony. Think about that. I know felonies are not all that stupid, but I believe that people deserve a second chance and that after they have repaid their debt to society they deserve a second chance. It is fair. We cannot have 6% of the population immediately thrown away and left to fend for themselves. Correcting this system can help so many other issues, the unemployment rate, spending on welfare, spending on food stamps. All of this can be lowered, by finding a fix in the system. This is something that must happen if we are truly to grow as a nation. I know some would have you believe that we are better off fending for ourselves, but when the weakest and worst off of us has the same opportunities to succeed as the best off, we are stronger because of it.

Words and thanks.

Tags

action, actions, beliefs, stand up, words

Words are easy. Words are all around us. On Facebook we see it all time. People posting inspirational messages. Religious messages. All they are doing is moving scribbles and noises around words alone are nothing. If I write in Chinese and you have no idea, it means nothing. If I shout in Chinese, or any jibber jabber that i have at work, you think nothing of it rather than I am crazy. Here I am though, using them and granting them power. What power though? That is coming. What else is there though?

Actions, actions are real they are measurable. They are not an abstract item like a noise or a scribble. An action is a result of a thought and a desire. An action is what defines people. Actions are why I do what I do every day. Why I argue with a boss. Argue with a co worker. Argue with a friend. It is not the words, but the act of defiance that sets it apart. People mumble under their breaths all the time, and don’t repeat it when it is called out. Stand up for what you see as wrong. Because i know that words alone do nothing and in the end words leave you and can be misconstrued through history, be it a day or a year. These thoughts alone completely undermined my post and anything i say without a follow up action. Stand up. Now use these words and call it a great  hypocrisy, for it does appear to be so. The difference is I will stand up and fight. I do not back down because I think it is pointless. I will stand, will you stand with me. Do not allow others to stay down or their low standards dictate what you will become.

When you see someone struggling, help them up. A lot of people will deny help, and you may blame it on pride, but it is rather the opposite emotion in my true estimation, that is shame. Shame that they are struggling or would need help, it is a by product of the pride they would hope to have or lose. Do not let that stop you, let it slow you or make you rethink your approach, but never let something like that stop you. Make it known you will help them privately if that would help, and then respect them and make them feel better for it.

I say this out of experience. Of shame. Of pride. Of struggles. Of successes. Very recently (and times before) I was down, and it was awful. A lot words I came across. Quotes. Wisdom. A lot fell flat. But then people actually took actions. And it changed a lot. I took actions following this. And it was a very short down time for me. Without my friends who came out and showed themselves and made themselves available beyond words, it would be awful. Even just friends who listened. Who showed their appreciation for the little things I have done or do. It made a world of difference. Most  know who you are. I will never turn you away should you ever need a returned favor. To the others, I will make every attempt should I see you need anything.

How did this start with a statement about words. I say this, words are tools. A means, only given power by what we put in them. If you are a sincere person, these tools are much more powerful. If you are superficial your tools are weak and break under scrutiny. The tools of a foundation of friendship. Relationships. Companionship. With no actions these words are nothing. With the right follow through and design though, the words are ever living and will strengthen everything they touch. Do not doubt this. People may notice more when you lie, but they feel the action behind the lie more than anything the words could possibly do. I notice.

E

Preseason picks!

Tags

49ers, afc, championship, new englad patriots, nfc, nfl, playoffs, superbow

Well.. five months ago, I predicted the Patriots and 49ers.. and here we are less than 24 hours away from this becoming a possibility! So these are my obvious picks, because when they get this far, you ride your picks. That being said, I am awfully uncomfortable with the patriots having a 9 point spread, at all.. these games are far too close far too often.. The 49ers I can see blowing away to falcons, and truly expect them to control that game. Last week showed the falcons are not to be trusted. 49ers by 8, easily. Other than that, seems like not much else right now with sports. After the Superbowl, I will return to politics. There is a lot in that forum.

BCS and final NFL wildcard thoughts

Tags

alabama, bcs, nfl, notre dame, playoffs, wildcard

I meant to get to this earlier.. but I beleive Bama wins this.. easily.. thinking more.. they are definitely more poised to not have a let down from experience.. and ND really has not faced an exceptional team.. So bama by 10 and SEC continues dominance..

the texans won, but they did not look good.. they looked real out of sync and vulnerable if the Bengals had any sense of unity on the offensive side.. Up until the end cincy had a chance for the win, and with how bad they were playing, should never have happened.. I see the texans in mighty trouble next week..

The packers won big, no surprise once Webb was put in.. But the offense still looked good against the full vikings defense.. However, the 49ers are a far better team.. and i think with them at home, will get a win..

Anyone else not angry with shanahan or RG3? They did what they should have.. being in chicago, i have heard when a QB sits down.. trust me.. it was the right call.. And now seattle goes against the worse 1 seed i can remember.. at least outwardly.. I have never been a believer in atlanta, and now they will have what appears to be a test.. but can Seattle play with that energy two weeks in a row.. IDK yet..

And my personal most intriguing game of the week.. denver against baltimore.. Yikes.. Manning has horrible playoff record.. especially in outdoor games.. it is nuts.. It makes me nervous to even think about picking him.. and yes, the ravens played spectacular last week.. flacco had twelve completions for 280 yards? That is impressive.. again, not leaning anyway in this game yet..

Final thoughts on the departures..
Vikes- how unfortunate they will not have a high draft pick to really get a great player.. need to make sure AP isnt having his prime wasted.. And I am not sold on Ponder, although he showed his worth the with webb playing..

Cincy did more than most expected.. but couldnt come through when it mattered.. one more completion, one less penalty, one more anything could have won that game for them.. but it all adds up to many things short.. Lewis showed he earned to keep his job this year and next..

Colts- a rookie QB is a rookie.. and a ravens defense has had the history to show that.. What many ignore though is Luck is on a horrible luck streak with turnovers.. Worth keeping an eye on.. what an end to a miraculous season though..

redskins- wow.. speaking of a miraculous season.. these were even less likely to go on a run and get to the playoffs.. RG3 if he can stay healthy is a better vick, and a more likeable and talented newton..

NFL playoffs, the best playoffs really..

Tags

bcs, nfl, nfl playoffs, predictions, superbowl

Well.. here we are, 17 weeks later and on the verge of the playoffs… I was 5 for 8 on division winners wrong on the worst records, and right about one of the best records.. But lets be honest, who really saw the falcons or minnesota going off like that? and with San Fran and the Patriots really looking good, i feel confident in those SB picks too..  So lets look at this weekends games and my thoughts.

Colts at Baltimore- This to me seems like a real easy choice, and that concerns me. I like the ravens a lot, and while not by many points, handedly none the less. The return and impending retirement of Ray Lewis strengthens my belief that they will not lose in round 1 of the playoffs, against a rookie QB at that. However, Indy is a good team and if they manage to take a lead, I am concerned about Baltimore’s ability to play from behind. Baltimore though, 17-14

Cincinnati at Houston- Houston is reeling right now on every front of the game. Cincy has won 7 of their last 8, and that one loss was only by one point and all but five have been by more than 7 points. They played the texans last year on the same day and time and location so the feeling of the first time for Dalton or Greene should be gone this time.. However Matt Schaub is playing this time.. Houston is favored by 4.5.. if nothing else I expect cincy to keep it closer than that.. And I would not be surprised with a cincy win to end the total free fall of the texans.. If the texans show up on defense though, anything can happen.. Final call? Cincy 23-17

 

Viking at Packers.. I fear a big let down for the vikes after sunday’s emotional charge.. This has been a crazy great season for them and they have shocked everyone. AP going for the record, Ponder actually showing he can play at times, the defense having a resurgance.. The viking are a very solid team, but unfortunately I just feel Green Bay is the better team and with home field advantage, it will be too much to overcome. I think the vikings will face an unfortunate drop off from this week and the pack will win, 28-20..

Seattle at Washington- Two rookie QBs… both with double digit wins.. both like to run.. neither expected to be here.. Seattle is too good on defense though.. and my rookie of the year, Russel Wilson, i feel is just enough better than RG3 to make the difference if it stays close. Seahawks 23-17

 

and how about ND and Bama?.. I felt 4 weeks ago Bama would run away with this.. But now, thinking about it more I am not so sure.. i feel like this is becoming the patriots giants first superbowl.. with the way everyone is speaking of it and the way Bama should win.. or at least were talking about it.. ND hasn’t been given a chance all year, and they just continued to win..Brian Kelly is getting an exceptional amount from his players..  Bama, played some real tough games in the SEC, some closer than they should have been.. Right now I am leaning towards a real close game.. With ND squeaking it out.. for now..

The hypocrisy of a platform

Tags

abortion, rape, social justice

This is one of biggest concerns going forward. Why this election is important, the supreme court justices that may have Roe v. Wade in their sights. The pro life pro choice argument. This is a very loaded question and issue. One I do not believe should be regulated, limited or even worse banned. Does this mean I support abortion? Personally? That is not what it means. However, I am able to step back and see the fields that are being planted by the party that supports this and it is a disastrous combination of policies.

Let us look at the reasons for abortions as we go forward, first with the one seeing the most press, rape. This is such a heinous crime, and so horrible in the after effects it can leave on people without pregnancy becoming an issue, that I can assure you those that have not experienced it have no idea what it carries. To further more say that this is God’s choice, God’s choice to have some poor woman have her control, being, personhood, taken away and objectified by some monster, is so.. I cannot find a word to adequately describe my feelings of it and I cannot see a God, any god, condoning this.. Then for these poor women to have even more choice taken from then with being forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy, a daily reminder of the event, a constant reminder, is inhumane. To not understand this, is horrible. An MSNBC reporter, Melissa Harris-Perry, recently wrote an open letter about this, and it was one of the most powerful I have ever read on the subject. It breaks it down very simply and bluntly. She can cover this better than I ever can.

On the issue of the life of the mother, I can imagine few choices to be harder for all parties involved than this. To put the life of one over another, is such a choice it cannot be made in blanket terms ever. Be it war, prison or abortion. Too many variables can come to play that can have long term consequences that have to be weighed. The mental anguish on all parties, the mother, the father, the grandparents, the sisters, the brothers. Everyone will lose someone in a choice like this, a choice no government should force on its people.

Those surely are some of the bigger ones. Now what about the stroke of luck against those who take every precaution. That are on birth control, multiple types, watch their cycle and do all else. What about them, who are not ready for a child, emotionally, professionally, personally? Have you ever done everything right, and had the rug pulled out from underneath you with things beyond your control? This is no different. But of the Church you say? Freedom of religion means not enforcing your beliefs on others, it is that simple in my eyes. It is the reason the pilgrims left England. You say that they should pay for their sins? Again, a force of religion on others. What people do in their bedrooms is their choice. However, forcing them to have the birth could mark them as outcast within their church, why put this on someone  who took precaution, or strain them financially, should not have done it right? Again, that is a church view that everyone has their own choice to make.

And not finally what of the reckless types, those that are accidents with little to no precaution I am sure has crossed your mind. This is where the platform for the party begins to screw everyone. People who choose for abortions due to mistakes are usually those that are not secure in their life and do not have many options with going forward with a child due to support in one from or another. You want to force these people to have a child they know they are not ready for, for the sanctity of life. Fine, but you cannot, correction, it is wrong then to cut these people and their safety net. To force someone to have a child, to bear that expense, that life long commitment they where not prepared for, but then to take away any help they can receive be it WIC, Public Aid, Medicare, Medicaid, is doing nothing but setting up so many for failure, and yes including this child you cared so much for until it came to asking you for help. You want to force this choice as long as it does not effect you. That is wrong. Not everyone has the same circumstances or chances in life to go forward. To force them your point of view, one that is not adequately reflective of all people is wrong.

If you want to outlaw abortion you need to take of not only the child as well, but the entire family that will be stressed from the choices you are making for them. Instead though, the party that wants to outlaw it also wants to take away their right to any other choices. You say you do it for the Bible, make sure the follow through then is also reflective of this. Until the day comes where we are taking care of the poor we have now, the sick children, the families having to choose between medicine and food, I will not force another child into that situation.

Football..

Tags

abysmal season, nfc north, nfl, sports

So this NFL season has been crazy, and some of my picks are looking to be in quite the danger.. But some things that should be noted..

The viking are a good team.. that’s it.. “but they are 5-2” you say.. they have also played one of the easiest schedules in the league thus far.. They can run the ball, and have a pretty decent defense.. I give them that.. They are doing it the old fashioned way, just like the era their coach came up in..  They are good and if they get some lucky breaks the next 10 weeks, then they could end up with a wildcard which it looks like will be achieved with a 9-7 record.. however..I can see them easily going 3-6 (ending at 8-8) the rest of the way, and that is with a victory over the Lions, who have been under-performing drastically and should at some point wake up.. Right?

Which is the next point, what has happened with the lions? Such huge strides last year and this year, an abysmal season so far, and their season does not get any easier. I have given up on them making the playoffs with games against the falcons, texans, 2 against the packers, the bears, the vikings.. at least 5 losses out of that bunch, putting them at best at 7-9.. The thing is though, I cannot see what has changed. Clearly the offense has been failing, but why? Megatron and stafford have not suffered anything major, and time usually helps a duo. Put a fork in them..

Staying in the NFC north, another underwhelming team this year is the packers.. At least until last week against the texans.. i am unsure of what type of team this is, I recently asked at what point do we think they are just over rated a la the cowboys.. Then they come off and win 2 games very decisively.. One against one of the better teams (record wise) in the league.. Without Woodson though, it becomes a little more harrowing although Clay Matthews is a reasonable leader to replace him.. I am not writing them off though of the playoffs or the division even, they have a real easy schedule going forward, with a legitimate shot at going 8-1 the rest of the way and at worst, 6-3, leaving them with 10 wins.. For those with poor memory, the packers won the title after going 9-7 just a couple of years ago.. Be aware, especially if they catch heat the end of the season as they will play Minnesota and Chicago in 2 of the last three weeks when the playoffs are on the line..
And now chicago.. the bears.. this is a team doing what it should be doing.. they are beating the inferior teams, and beating them very clearly.. giving up only 6 TDs in the last 6 weeks.. That is a good recipe for success.. Cutler has learned to not rely on Marshall on every play, and they are better for it all around on the offense. If I see one problem with this team right now, it is coaching.. Lovie Smith has had good teams before and great positions, and has come up short.. Be it in the playoffs or even the regular season his history is to be criminally under prepared when the big game comes up.. they are head of the division and have a decently difficult back end schedule.. In the beginning of the year I thought they could win 10 or 11 and I think they still will and end up with the wild card unless Lovie shows up in some of the bigger games, especially game 14 against the Packers, which seems like it will have huge implications for the play offs and the division..

Lines this weeks: Take San Diego @ Cleveland +1, no doubt San Diego wins by more… even line at KC hosting Oakland, take the raiders.. KC is a mess.. Minnesota at -6.5, I like the Bucs to keep it close..

 

Disgusting..

Today I came home and this show was on HGTV.. at least I think that was the station.. Regardless, I in general have a problem with shows that highlight people and their excess and the nature that comes with it, the complete disdain with out each and every wish and unrealistic expectations. I digress though.. I leave it on as I am getting my homework out, and what happens after floors me even further. This girl is hired to help them remodel, and she tells them what she can do for the budget they have. A very specific budget and very specific expectations and agreements between her and the couple. Low and behold though, she comes to them and tells them she cannot do the number one item on the list with out more money. They have to deny. Then she goes off and build on the back of the house with out addressing them to try and makeup for this problem, only another problem arises. The number two thing they wanted, an expanded office, she cannot do because the addition took too much money, so if they want that, again she needs more money. Seriously, how can one person watch this. This is horrible, and the designer, says well I cannot work miracles. Really? That is your response? You tell these people what you can do, they designate the top two items they want and you fail on both, and you have the audacity to get defensive.

 

That is not all though! Within four years of the biggest melt down in our country, people taking loans they cannot support, going beyond their budget, this show seems to not even know that. This same couple, is also given the choice of buying a house instead of keeping their own, the one being remodeled. So they set a budget and give it to the agent. What does he do though? Shows them house after house over the budget and encourages them to compromise on their budget for the houses. Seriously, what type of person wants to make someone uncomfortable with what they can afford? A bad person, and this guy is getting paid to try and coax people into this. This is part of the problem, it is systemic of the problem. People still do not learn. Do not adapt. Do not observe. Do not change. At least not often enough. This is so disgusting and infuriating. End this stuff. Quite watching this stuff. This does nothing, but drive the system that caused problems. We are feeding the pig, and with no concern. Shows like that upset me so much, and make me so disgusted.

Week 1 of the NFL

I know that this is a few days after the first technical week, and I will address that game in just a bit. First though, some thoughts. Lets start with the most obvious of week 1, that San Francisco is legit. I feel a lot of people still have been sleeping on this team, but Alex Smith showed some poise and with his much improved receiving core, finally are more than a one dimensional offense. Despite the fact that they had a non call on a return, they still handedly won the game. It was a bad start for the team that has now lost almost three straight against good opponents at home (Detroit being the third) Interesting fact about that game, it now shows no name for the quarterback on Green Bay’s website.

The next shocker for me was how bad the offense of Philadelphia looked. Not just bad, but abysmal against a team that is not known for their defense. They could not finish anything, and still came very close to losing if not for a final drive. The defense though, showed up big, which was the biggest problem last year en route to an 8-8 record, and also highly responsible for the finish that they had.  Between these two games, with arguably the three best teams, or so it was thought, heading into the season, San Fran is the long ahead favorite. Let us see what Reid has with his job finally on the line.

NFC had one other big game, the Saints game. Watching this game you got the feeling that the Saints had been completely unprepared and that perhaps bounty-gate has taken its toll on them. The defense seemed completely caught off guard and the offense seemed to be out of step on most plays. Good teams and leaders fix these ‘stupid’ mistakes before they become a problem. With the 3rd rate coach, the Saints need to fix this or this season will be lost quickly.

The only shock from the AFC was the Ravens. In short, if they can perform offensively like this consistently then they will win the AFC. People may want to jump on the Texans, but they played the dolphins. A lot of people’s choice for worst team, and they looked like it.

Rookie quarterbacks really had no middle ground this week. From the stellar, RG3, to the abysmal,  everyone else. RG3 seemed to be the most prepared for the speed of the game is what it looked like both physically and mentally. As stated though, the defense seemed under-prepared. This could be to a complete under estimating of him, but it showed. RG3 had been believed to be the second best long term, and that appears to be a worst case scenario. Andrew Luck played against what was being called a really good defense, however the Colts have a lot more issues at hand. Last year they only won two games, and the does not just happen because of quarterback, even the Bears with poor quarterbacks have won more than 2 games regularly. No, this team is horrendous in most every aspect of the game and the rebuilding process will not be quick, the Texans are good and while Luck may end up living to his potential, if the team does not correct the other issues, Luck will never live up to his potential. The same can be said of the other Quarterbacks in Seattle, Cleveland, and Miami. Of those, Seattle looks to be the best prepared in other aspects of the game. They have a running back, they have some veterans that can actually be named. The other two, much like the Colts, need to shore up a lot of other areas.

Now the most pressing matter for many of those who may read this, the Bears. Lets preface this by looking at what gave such high hopes, and why I told my Bears fan’s friends who listened to be cautious. First, Urlacher, the guy is just coming off another surgery and barely practiced the entire preseason. You start the season with the worst team in the league from last year and have a game four days later. No practice, worst team, second game days later. Why on earth did Urlacher start, or at the very least play as much as he did in the game? No doubt some residual affects would be felt FOUR days later against a very good offense in Green Bay. The next issue was the way that Cutler fell in love with Marshall from the very beginning. Time after time Sunday Cutler made bad throws, forced throws, and just wholly inappropriate throws his way and got away with it, why? The Colts defense can be thanked for that. They let him off the hook and as I was texting telling people that day, a better defense will make him pay. The bears beatdown a far inferior opponent as they should have. They became cocky and confident, talking about feeling sorry for the secondary if they thought they could stop the connection. Enter Thursday night.

Green Bay, coming off a beating of its own, at home, loaded with talent and staring down an 0-2 barrel and down 2 games in its division getting ready to face an opponent they had beat 5 straight times. Marshall got shut down. Defense got smoked, Urlacher included. Offense did nothing to try and atone for the problems it faced. If you are getting killed on the pass rush, either run the ball or set up screen plays. None of this happened. Cutler held onto the ball too long, like I said, good defenses are going to kill them if Cutler cannot fall out of love with Marshall. When you only have one number one receiver, good defenses should be able to solve this. Then, you stack the box to block a field goal, down only three in the first half on the road? The packers saw it and audibled out, the correct call when you see what the opponent wants. Then, down only ten, you do nothing to change the plan of offense in the second half, while the Green Bay offense made the changes it needed. The big thing about last night, Green Bay showed it should be kept in the NFC conversation last night against an inferior opponent. Unfortunately for them, San Fran had done that 4 days earlier.