After watching OTL's "objective report" on Nike and it's relationship with Oregon,I got to thinking...Nike is an example of what this country is all about.;>
Am I way off base here?Let me know what you think.

I have recently been reminded how much resentment and jealousy there is toward the Oregon Ducks and the Pac-10 for its fortunate relationship with our good Uncle Phil. I can't get my mind around their logic. Universities are businesses designed to make a profit. Academics or athletics, its all the same. The more money you have, the better faculty you can get. Better faculty, better grades, better grades, more grants, more grants, better facilities. And it goes on and on. If you have the fortune of producing a graduate such as Phil Knight, as did Stanford, and that graduate makes a choice to donate 105 million to the business school, as did Mr.Knight, then good for you! How much money did DOW Chemical give Michigan last year? I don't care! It didn't help them on the field did it? Oklahoma States $165 million gift isn't raising any eyebrows so why does Phil's? Phil's money couldn't keep Dixion's knee from going,(sorry,sore subject I know) but its gone a long way to help rehab it. Our facilitys are among the best in the world, but they don't bring win's.
Nike by it's self is nothing to hate on. It is an All American company if ever there was one. From it's small grass roots beginnings at the University of Oregon where it spawned a revolution in its industry, to its ever growing reach into new markets like skateboarding and... something to do with parachutes. They exploit weaker companies and labor markets to serve their own corporate interests, while at the same time maintaining a glossy public image and irresistible brand appeal. Thats totaly American! The "hippies" claim human rights violations but since that issue was first brought to light the company has taken measures to remedy that situation in its sub-contracted labor facilities and is now the standard bearer for factory labor conditions(GitMo is still open). What's so wrong about that? Isn't that what we're supposed to do as Americans and capitalists? In convesations with others on this topic I was told "Dude most people dont complain about the money, they complain that because of the money this Phil charecter can make personel decisions in regards to coaching staff and so on. Boosters shouldnt be able to snap thier fingers and have coaches fired end of story". Here again I have to say that this is perfectly acceptable behavior in American society, be it in national or university politics. One interest, well represented by the power of cash flow exerts its influence to produce a desired result. It happens every day in Washington and state capitals across the land. However, as I said, money doesn't buy wins. Only through the heart of individual student athletes,coaches and trainers,working together as one team,will there be conference championships and national titles.

As for coaches, I wish he'd make a call, and I suspect he has, to get rid of Coach Kent.(just my opinion) Guess what? Kent's still here.

So folks may want to stop whining about, and drooling over our stunning uniforms and all the amazing combinations and pay attention to Patrick Chung, Jeremiah Johnson, Max Unger and Fenuki Tupou because their about to make them, and their team look stupid. GO DUCKS!!!!