Comments on Pro Libertate: An American Pugilist

I wouldn't want to argue with Mr. Hughes, not at ...

2008-01-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't want to argue with Mr. Hughes, not at all. But reading this reminds me of reading Blackhawk Down. Nobody denies the personal integrity or bravery of the soldiers involved, but in the bigger picture, enforcing UN sanctions overseas with US soldiers by invading Somalia is a little much. It's also a lesson in what an armed populace is capable of and I am sure if America were invaded we would see much of what goes on in Iraq or Afghanistan, barring only suicide bombing because this country has Protestant Christian roots.

Which is my point. Historic Protestant Christianity by and large has never considered that being a professional athlete or entertainer is a lawful calling or occupation for a Christian. Amateur/recreational sports is one thing. Making a living at it, another, if not the implications of the sixth commandment have something to say in this instance about laying hurt on somebody merely for sport or money. In the negative.

Note, I am not talking about the contemporary ‘evangelical’ anabaptist arminian revivalistic dispensational cotton candy variety of Christianity that like the frogs in Egypt infests and pollutes the pulpit and ministries of so many churches in the USA. That version sadly approves of just about anything and everything as long as one feels led to do it, similar to the charismatic burning in the bosom in mormonism, never mind the ‘legalistic’ or objective Word of God.

Which is why we see Christian athletes on the Lord's Day beating each other up for big bucks and Christian presidents ordering even Christian soldiers to invade and bomb Iraq. Or Serbia.

Neither is the last an argument for pacifism. The doctrine of the just war precedes not only the genesis of the Skull and Bones Club, the United States and Harvard, but even Islam itself, being first propounded by Augustine. But that is another story in itself.
Thanks.

Being very active in Iowa wrestling, Matt Hughes, ...

2008-01-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

Being very active in Iowa wrestling, Matt Hughes, is a favorite MMA master of my boys and myself. Until this article, I had no idea that Mr Grigg was a fan and former grappler (although I had my suspicions since someone who writes such a fine blog MUST have been involved or at least was a fan).

The McCain information-amazing. As Mr Grigg mentioned, most MMA matches end in submissions (or knockouts as in boxing). I think the matches are more about the endurance of pain, the fitness of the athlete, and as was pointed out the ability to mix 3 combat sports into one winning strategy.

Steve, I am a huge MMA fan, although I hope my cur...

2008-01-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

Steve, I am a huge MMA fan, although I hope my current workout regimen will reduce me to more reasonable dimensions.

It's been several years since I last competed in grappling: I was active in Judo and freestyle wrestling while I was working for the JBS in Appleton, but a family leaves little time for activities of that sort.

Your lament regarding the facile jingoism that permeates the MMA world is well taken. Randy Couture (I agree with Joe Rogan's assessment: "That man is my hero!") is an Army veteran, so I think his attachment to the military is entirely understandable.

Matt Hughes has his heart in the right place -- he probably sees the kids in Iraq as people quite a bit like himself, minus the opportunities he was given -- even if he hasn't examined the larger issues adequately.

And of course, the Pentagon is quietly spending a LOT of money to insinuate its recruiting efforts into sporting events of all kinds, including the UFC, I'm sure.

WNG:Didn't know you were an MMA fan? I watch all t...

2008-01-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

WNG:

Didn't know you were an MMA fan? I watch all the major events I can and even compete in submission grappling (gi and no - gi)....One thing I don't like is the shilling for the military at these events and the fighters dedicating their bouts to "those guys in Iraq, fighting for our freedoms here..." What BS....Matt Hughes (and unfortunately Randy Couture) are part of that.

Your book is taking its sweet time getting into Am...

2008-01-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Your book is taking its sweet time getting into Amazon and B&N. I ordered it off of e-Bay as soon as I heard about it (last week Friday), and USPS is taking a crazy long time in getting it to me.

*sigh* I suppose I've got no other choice but to wait.

Why is it people like Mcain have to sniff out free...

2008-01-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

Why is it people like Mcain have to sniff out freedom and devour it. What a little nannying busybody. If two men both wanted to duel to the death, I'm not sure I'd care.