Why does God hate Lee Watkinson?

[drewjax]

As a Christian, at least someone who honestly tries to be, this was truly unsettling. It must put non-believers off, to no end. And that is the absolute LAST thing a Christian should want. I think they come off as yahoos, and thats not a good thing. When Christians act like that, or when they scream legalism at the top of their lungs in public (repent, or you will burn in hell......etc), it makes me cringe.

To each his own, but there are much better ways to witness to people about your faith; whatever it may be.

Still better to see Jerry Yang, his family, and some good charities get $, instead of Jamie f'n Gold.

And yes, some of the plays, with $8M on the line....were just...

[Kurn]

Still better to see Jerry Yang, his family, and some good charities get $, instead of Jamie f'n Gold.

No its not. What the winner does with the money is completely irrelevant.

[Reel Deal]

I don't really agree with that when there is an effort out there to ban internet gambling/poker. If someone who wins a major poker tournament gets good press (ie, Yang and his charitible contributions) as opposed to bad press (ie, Gold and his legal battles), I think that helps the cause. Might not help it a lot but I wouldn't call it completely irrelevant.

[Kurn]

I don't think how much the winner of a B&M poker tournament gives to charity will effect legislation on internet gambling (which is more about sports betting to most people) one bit, but I guess every little bit helps.

Being realistic, though, how many Frist/Goodlatte supporting social conservatives even watch the WSOP? And even if they did would they be more likely to soften on poker because of Jerry Yang, or be more likely to criticize Jerry Yang because of poker?

That being said. I meant my comment to mean it is irrelevant to me as a spectator what the winner will do with his money? I mean, this whole judgmental "do good with the money" mentality reinforces the flawed "the collective is its brother's keeper" mentality that leads to Frist/Goodlatte/Frank (yes- HE wants to tell you how to live, too) mentality.

-rant off.

[drewjax]

Ummmm, ok.

Its not better for some worth charities to get some money, as opposed to that tool (originally from f'n Jersey, hmmm)

riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight

[Kurn]

Uh, I believe Gold gave a sizable sum to some cancer charities. But that's not the issue. Whoever wins, its his money. What he does with it is none of my business.

BTW, I'm from NJ.

[Talking Poker]

Can't say I really get Kurn's stance on this. I mean, being indifferent is one thing, but who in their right mind wouldn't rather see ANY money (whether it be from poker, Bill Gates' back pocket, or whatever) go to good causes rather than to _______?

For the stories they showed on ESPN, I would have rather seen Tuan Lam win, since I think he would have put the money to better use (building a temple in Viet Nam and feeding hungry people) than Yang will. But Yang's "plans" for the money are certainly much better than someone who wouldn't give any of it to charity.

[Kurn]

But indifferent is exactly what I am to what the winner does with the money. Remember, my original statement was that what he does with the money is irrelevant. That offers no value judgment one way or the other.

*Good causes* is the tough part. Maybe what person x thinks is a good cause, person y thinks is terrible.

It's also not a bad thing to use the money to make yourself and your family happy and not give to charity. I would never assume to say someone who took that route was a bad person, nor would I root against a guy just because he didn't have altruistic plans for his winnings. It's very tough for me to be swayed one way or the other, especially when the only information I have comes from TV sound bites.

So, no. I don't care one iota what he does with it. In fact, I'd find it refreshingly honest if some guy at the final table was asked what he'd do with his winnings would simply answer "hookers and blow, baby."

[melioris]

ok, everyone stop for a minute, take a deep breathe and clear your mind. Kurn has said something really interesting and each of us has to take a minute to appreciate it in our own terms.


You can imagine the 'hookers and coke' bender that a WSOP paycheck could support?

Got that image in your mind? Good. That is why Ungar was so great, 'cause he did it.

[drewjax]

I respectuly disagree with you here Kurn. Its just differing opinions. But your last post made me actually LOL.

[Invigilator]

I go looking for my sign that reads "I am not with him".

As someone who has actually formally studied Christian theology, the idea that God reaches into the minutia of your life to give you that Ace or help you find your car keys because you are a good person and go to church is silly. The core teneants of Christianity theology just don't support this.

As with any group of people, the beliefs of the group as a whole don't always match the beliefs and practices of individuals. That's true about religion, politics, poker or anything else.

As a poker fan, I don't care what he does with the money (unless it hes losing it to me)
As a fan of humanity, I pleased that it won't all go into Jack D and G-strings. (but again, to each their own )

[drewjax]

My only real point here is that.............

Jamie Gold is a major league tool.

Yang looked kinda silly, and I really wish he wouldnt have been outwardly 'praying' or whatever.

But its only been a year. Do we already forget what a schmuck Gold is.


that is all

[Invigilator]

I am not a big Gold fan, but I have to admit that he is growing on me during this season of HSP. Still Schmucky, but a little more likable. Playing better than last season at least.

[drewjax]

I would tend to agree with this. He had nowhere to go but up though.

I would have liked to have seen the older South African guy win it all.
Tuan Lam and/or Lee Watkinson as well. I am like Tony Soprano. Whatever happened to the strong silent hero, ala Gary Cooper. But I am most thankful that Khan didnt win it. zomg
Could you imagine what the next year would be like if he did? Its bad enough as it is. Now that I think of it, Gold is a breath of fresh air compared to that _____________ (insert whatever derogatory term you think appropriate)!!

[Reel Deal]

But Khan's a good dancer.

[Invigilator]

I am not changing my stance on the God talk at the final table, but I think I understand the 'why' a little better now.

I just got the "all-in" mag for this month and they have big article on Jerry Yang. The fact that he is alive, has food and clothing, and actually made it out of a communist country and a foreign refugee camp is a major faith builder for the guy.

If I had had his life, I'd be mighty thankfull too. I might not pray outloud over bricks of cash on TV, but I doubt he would have fealt as "unlucky" as the average person had he lost.