NBA Thread

[Irishize]

It's crazy because the NBA towed the line as best as possible... to the point of pissing off Americans with how they were tolerating China's bullshit... and China literally said this:


And then refused to broadcast the games being played over there.

China is effectively Nazi Germany 2.0 complete with concentration camps and everything else you expect from an authoritarian, racial supremacist regime. The crazy thing is that every corporation is so blinded by greed for Chinese $$ that no one is willing to stand up to them PLUS they have already integrated themselves into Western capitalists societies/corporations PLUS they have nukes and a billion+ people.

Steve Kerr -- Mr. Woke himself who tweets non-stop political hot takes -- gave the most cowardly answer I've ever seen when asked for his opinion on the Morey and the NBA response. Absolute clown show.

Kerr, Lebron, Popovich wrapped themselves in the flag of progressive politics and now it’s crickets. They take the least path of resistance to make themselves feel better. There’s no backlash for calling trump a racist but now they look like passive p*****s by not speaking out against true oppression.

 

[greyhammer90]

Is it just me, but I've actually been pretty impressed with the NBA's response on this. They did the immediate apology which was knee jerk, but since then, while being as polite as possible, have essentially said "Listen, we have employees who will occasionally use their freedom of expression, and we're planning to constantly police that for your government agenda."

And tbh, I'm not sure what else the NBA was supposed to do here. It's a lot of money we're talking about, but if China is willing to blow up the entire thing over something that one employee says, I think it shows that a line in the sand needs to be drawn somewhere. There will always be a "next time", people will occasionally use their twitter accounts to say thing that don't toe the party line, and the NBA can't constantly be ready to jump on demand.

As to the individuals... meh. Would it be better if they spoke out? Yes, in an ideal world they would. Do I expect them to understand or pay attention to international politics as much as domestic ones? No. Do I expect African American BB players to care as much about China's politics as they do domestic gang violence or police brutality? No. Does them not speaking out on China make their other stances wrong? No. (Doesn't make them right either.) Is every single person on planet earth occassionally hypocritical in their politic beliefs? Yes.

 

[IrishLax]

Is it just me, but I've actually been pretty impressed with the NBA's response on this. They did the immediate apology which was knee jerk, but since then, while being as polite as possible, have essentially said "Listen, we have employees who will occasionally use their freedom of expression, and we're planning to constantly police that for your government agenda."

And tbh, I'm not sure what else the NBA was supposed to do here. It's a lot of money we're talking about, but if China is willing to blow up the entire thing over something that one employee says, I think it shows that a line in the sand needs to be drawn somewhere. There will always be a "next time", people will occasionally use their twitter accounts to say thing that don't toe the party line, and the NBA can't constantly be ready to jump on demand.

As to the individuals... meh. Would it be better if they spoke out? Yes, in an ideal world they would. Do I expect them to understand or pay attention to international politics as much as domestic ones? No. Do I expect African American BB players to care as much about China's politics as they do domestic gang violence or police brutality? No. Does them not speaking out on China make their other stances wrong? No. (Doesn't make them right either.) Is every single person on planet earth occassionally hypocritical in their politic beliefs? Yes.

Man, that's generous. Steve Kerr spends every single day tweeting about political issues and grandstanding about how morally enlightened he is... and we're supposed to believe he doesn't know what is going in Hong Kong? The biggest geopolitical story of the past few months? You're either for human rights everywhere, or you're not. If Kerr actually didn't know what is going on then his response is fine, but that is not plausible. Meanwhile, Joe Tsai is out there openly shilling for China and filling social media with propaganda.

 

[Wild Bill]

"We believe that any remarks that challenge national sovereignty and social stability are not within the scope of freedom of speech."

So we can tell woke capitalism to get bent. That's good to know.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Man, that's generous. Steve Kerr spends every single day tweeting about political issues and grandstanding about how morally enlightened he is... and we're supposed to believe he doesn't know what is going in Hong Kong? The biggest geopolitical story of the past few months? You're either for human rights everywhere, or you're not. If Kerr actually didn't know what is going on then his response is fine, but that is not plausible. Meanwhile, Joe Tsai is out there openly shilling for China and filling social media with propaganda.

Kerr who claims his BIL is Chinese and will now educate him about the topic? Yeah, I'm not so sure that he's as ignorant about the topic as he lets on.

 

[greyhammer90]

You're either for human rights everywhere, or you're not.

I'm fine with Kerr (or any NBA player) being called a douche bag, its no skin off my back. I'm just saying if you apply the above standard to every company or individual in the public sphere, you're going to find it hard to find anyone who's not a douchebag.

In general I'm trying to get away from the internet thing of calling out hypocrisy of individuals on issues like this. I think the fear to be caught in a contradiction from prior statements or positions has a chilling effect on people trying to express their ideas. (Ironically the only people who won't be afraid of being called out as hypocrites are genuine trolls who don't care, which just means they get more of the market share on takes being spewed.)

BTW you're already seeing something similar with the Chinese nationalist tweeting about the NBA. "Oh, so when a GM says something bad about China's government and country it's free speech and needs to be protected, but Donald Sterling says that he doesn't like black culture and he needs to be banned for life." It's hilarious how this mindset is being weaponized.

 

[greyhammer90]

I'm fine with Kerr (or any NBA player) being called a douche bag, its no skin off my back. I'm just saying if you apply the above standard to every company or individual in the public sphere, you're going to find it hard to find anyone who's not a douchebag.

In general I'm trying to get away from the internet thing of calling out hypocrisy of individuals on issues like this. I think the fear to be caught in a contradiction from prior statements or positions has a chilling effect on people trying to express their ideas. (Ironically the only people who won't be afraid of being called out as hypocrites are genuine trolls who don't care, which just means they get more of the market share on takes being spewed.)

BTW you're already seeing something similar with the Chinese nationalist tweeting about the NBA. "Oh, so when a GM says something bad about China's government and country it's free speech and needs to be protected, but Donald Sterling says that he doesn't like black culture and he needs to be banned for life." It's hilarious how this mindset is being weaponized.

Also note that I said I'm willing to give "individuals" a pass on this stuff. Not so much corporations.

A lib/conservative trying to muddle through how they feel about topics by expressing themselves and occasionally contradicting themselves or being cowardly in a particular setting = Usually good. Everyone does this.

Nike/Disney trying to commoditize human rights = Satan

 

[Irishize]

I'm fine with Kerr (or any NBA player) being called a douche bag, its no skin off my back. I'm just saying if you apply the above standard to every company or individual in the public sphere, you're going to find it hard to find anyone who's not a douchebag.

In general I'm trying to get away from the internet thing of calling out hypocrisy of individuals on issues like this. I think the fear to be caught in a contradiction from prior statements or positions has a chilling effect on people trying to express their ideas. (Ironically the only people who won't be afraid of being called out as hypocrites are genuine trolls who don't care, which just means they get more of the market share on takes being spewed.)

BTW you're already seeing something similar with the Chinese nationalist tweeting about the NBA. "Oh, so when a GM says something bad about China's government and country it's free speech and needs to be protected, but Donald Sterling says that he doesn't like black culture and he needs to be banned for life." It's hilarious how this mindset is being weaponized.

I think the point w/ Kerr is that he goes out of his way in a very proud manner to rant about gun control, Trump is racist, etc. That’s fine & is his right but don’t insult the public’s intelligence by playing dumb about China. There may not be consensus in America about gun control or Trump but I bet you can get a large majority of Americans to agree that China is a consistent violator of human rights for generations and there’s little hope that will change.

Is everyone a hypocrite at some point? Sure. But not everyone gets on national television to use their platform to go off subject about something they want to weigh in on. It’s one thing to grab the “trump is racist” low hanging fruit...but he looks like a coward now when he goes all Helen Keller when asked about an obvious topic that he knew would be coming.

As far as the players...meh...they’ll all pretty predictable when it comes to social issues so I’m not surprised on their silence. But Kerr & Popovich come off as bitches.

Jemele Hill had a good take on this topic IMO on Jake Tapper’s show last night. I’m not tech savvy enough to post the video but it’s out there for all to see. She agrees it’s a fair point to point to all the American companies doing the same thing...but again, they're not shooting their mouth off on “feel good” topics that are still devisive so the issue w/ the NBA is more nuanced.

 

[calvegas04]

Two fans holding Free Hong Kong signs were kicked out of the 76ers game IN PHILLY

 

[IrishLax]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Free Hong Kong”, that’s what a couple chanted during tonight’s <a href="https://twitter.com/sixers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sixers</a> exhibition game, and it got them kicked out. This as the NBA and China are embroiled in controversy after Houston Rocket’s GM’s tweet. <a href="https://twitter.com/6abc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@6abc</a>➡️ <a href="https://t.co/o4kALa5VSI">https://t.co/o4kALa5VSI</a> <a href="https://t.co/C4P3q46Krp">pic.twitter.com/C4P3q46Krp</a></p>— Christie Ileto (@Christie_Ileto) <a href="https://twitter.com/Christie_Ileto/status/1181774210382872576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/sixers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sixers</a> tipped off against Chinese squad Loong-Lions, despite NBA- China controversy. Most fans did not let the eclipse the preseason game, though some made some silent sideline statements <a href="https://twitter.com/6abc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@6abc</a> <a href="https://t.co/NFMYeNHzA6">pic.twitter.com/NFMYeNHzA6</a></p>— Christie Ileto (@Christie_Ileto) <a href="https://twitter.com/Christie_Ileto/status/1181738994033401858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[ulukinatme]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Free Hong Kong”, that’s what a couple chanted during tonight’s <a href="https://twitter.com/sixers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sixers</a> exhibition game, and it got them kicked out. This as the NBA and China are embroiled in controversy after Houston Rocket’s GM’s tweet. <a href="https://twitter.com/6abc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@6abc</a>➡️ <a href="https://t.co/o4kALa5VSI">https://t.co/o4kALa5VSI</a> <a href="https://t.co/C4P3q46Krp">pic.twitter.com/C4P3q46Krp</a></p>— Christie Ileto (@Christie_Ileto) <a href="https://twitter.com/Christie_Ileto/status/1181774210382872576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/sixers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sixers</a> tipped off against Chinese squad Loong-Lions, despite NBA- China controversy. Most fans did not let the eclipse the preseason game, though some made some silent sideline statements <a href="https://twitter.com/6abc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@6abc</a> <a href="https://t.co/NFMYeNHzA6">pic.twitter.com/NFMYeNHzA6</a></p>— Christie Ileto (@Christie_Ileto) <a href="https://twitter.com/Christie_Ileto/status/1181738994033401858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Time to start an NBA boycott. Remember when we used to stand for freedom in this country?

 

[Irish#1]

The NBA dipped their toe into politics when they had the fiasco over the All Star game and Carolina with the LGBT protests and now they want to tip toe.

We all know it's about the money. The NBA has an opportunity here to place themselves above all other pro sports and take a stand on humanitarian rights, but they won't. Can you imagine the great publicity they would get? How much is that worth? Imagine the public pressure China would feel from the rest of the world. The NBA needs to pull out of China and let them squirm.

LeBron, Kerr, Popovich, how come you're being quiet?

 

[IrishSteelhead]

LeBron, Kerr, Popovich, how come you're being quiet?

Pop KIND OF lauded Silver for backing Morey, but turned it into an opportunity to bash Trump instead lol:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Irish#1]

Avoid answering by misdirection.

After the game today, a reporter tried to ask Harden a question about China and an NBA rep interfered and wouldn't allow the question.

 

[IrishLax]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">uhhhhhh... <a href="https://t.co/NnPuPPfCNh">pic.twitter.com/NnPuPPfCNh</a></p>— Old Row Sports (@OldRowSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/OldRowSports/status/1182314523753103368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I mean.... wow. Censoring the press, censoring fans, and censoring players all to protect their $$. Silver can say whatever he wants publicly, it's expressly clear that the memo has gone out to everyone not to talk about Hong Kong.

 

[ulukinatme]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">uhhhhhh... <a href="https://t.co/NnPuPPfCNh">pic.twitter.com/NnPuPPfCNh</a></p>— Old Row Sports (@OldRowSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/OldRowSports/status/1182314523753103368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I mean.... wow. Censoring the press, censoring fans, and censoring players all to protect their $$. Silver can say whatever he wants publicly, it's expressly clear that the memo has gone out to everyone not to talk about Hong Kong.

This is blowing up in their face, I think it's getting worse the more they try to squelch it.
So it's fine to say whatever you want about our own government and make threats, but talk about the oppressive situation with China and Hong Kong and....nope, not allowed.

 

[TP81989]

This is blowing up in their face, I think it's getting worse the more they try to squelch it.
So it's fine to say whatever you want about our own government and make threats, but talk about the oppressive situation with China and Hong Kong and....nope, not allowed.

What threats has anyone in the NBA made?

It's funny how people like you feel they're obligated to speak on this just because you disagree with their stance on issues in their own country.

 

[Irish#1]

What threats has anyone in the NBA made?

It's funny how people like you feel they're obligated to speak on this just because you disagree with their stance on issues in their own country.

That's not his point. Feel free to skip the WH invitation and bang on the president because you don't like him. But here they are with a chance to help sway world opinion about the lack of civil rights and mistreatment of other humans and you go silent? Not visiting the WH isn't going to affect your pocketbook, but severing basketball ties with China is going to cut out hundreds of millions of dollars. The silence from anyone associated with the NBA is deafening. It's obvious where their priorities are.

BTW......Steve Kerr was asked about China/Hong Kong and was asked his opinion. He said he couldn't comment on something that's too complex and he's not familiar with. The problem here is Kerr has already sent out tweets on China/Hong Kong.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1181406252028424192

 

[ulukinatme]

What threats has anyone in the NBA made?

It's funny how people like you feel they're obligated to speak on this just because you disagree with their stance on issues in their own country.

It's funny...that's how free speech works...a freedom that people in Hong Kong are not allowed to exercise and a freedom that the NBA is currently trying to revoke because they're in bed with China.

Enjoy another neg.

 

[Irishize]

Kerr threw gas on the fire w/ his comments yesterday. He used Whataboutism to equate human rights abuse in China by the Communist gov’t on their citizen to whackos breaking the law in the US by “mowing people down in malls w/ AR 15”

 

[TP81989]

It's funny...that's how free speech works...a freedom that people in Hong Kong are not allowed to exercise and a freedom that the NBA is currently trying to revoke because they're in bed with China.

Enjoy another neg.

You should just admit you only have a problem with the NBA's handling of this because of the political views of people in that league. There's no need to show fake concern about the people in Hong Kong because of that. Before Morey's tweet I'm sure you and many others criticizing the NBA didn't care about the issues in China/Hong Kong.

Enjoy your neg.

 

[ACamp1900]

I sit to watch a NBA game and every time it’s unwatchable,... like I’d rather watch Home Shopping Network bad,... then I hear about all this stupid drama and diva behavior and I’m like, “How y’all even do it!?”

 

[ulukinatme]

You should just admit you only have a problem with the NBA's handling of this because of the political views of people in that league. There's no need to show fake concern about the people in Hong Kong because of that. Before Morey's tweet I'm sure you and many others criticizing the NBA didn't care about the issues in China/Hong Kong.

Enjoy your neg.

What's your problem? I've been aware of the situation between China and Hong Kong for awhile now. I can remember Trump ruffling feathers with China even before he took the Presidency. There were stories before he was sworn in where Trump was recognizing Hong Kong and making overtures to their representatives which pissed off China. At that time I read up a bit on the history of the handover of Hong Kong back in '97. How China has failed to recognize universal suffrage as promised in the Basic Law. There's the demonstrations in 2014, and the protests currently going on as Hong Kong tries to fight the extradition law. I've read about the oppressed Uighur Muslims that China is "re-educating" in concentration camps. I've been extremely concerned with the way China completely disregards the sanctity of life as people die in the streets and no one will lend a hand, much like the story of Wang Yue several years ago. Seeing that video back in 2011 scarred me for a long time.

Needless to say, I'm interested in what's going on there and have been for some time, even before Trump took office. Am I up on all the current issues going on with the other side of the world? No, but that doesn't mean I'm feigning interest or I don't genuinely care. Maybe you should sit this one out before you start throwing out baseless accusations, because you couldn't be further from the truth.

Finally, I'd like to enjoy your neg, but I'm still waiting for it. I don't feel this grey blip. Maybe if you weren't such a troll you'd actually have some rep to hit me with:

 

[Irish YJ]

Kerr threw gas on the fire w/ his comments yesterday. He used Whataboutism to equate human rights abuse in China by the Communist gov’t on their citizen to whackos breaking the law in the US by “mowing people down in malls w/ AR 15”

I wonder if they air the NBA in those Muslim concentration camps. That's easily a million plus viewers with nothing to do but get re-educated and watch woke ballers.

 

[Irish#1]

LeBron James just needs to shut up and play basketball.

"My team and this league just went through a difficult week," James wrote. lol


LeBron James' criticism of Hong Kong tweet from Daryl Morey receives backlash on social media
NBA superstar LeBron James was skewered Monday night after he criticized as "misinformed" a general manager's tweet supporting Hong Kong's ongoing pro-democracy protests -- and then doubled-down in a damage-control tweet, saying the online show of support for the embattled demonstrators "could have waited a week."

James, who's considered one of the more outspoken athletes on social justice issues in a league that prides itself on being one of the most progressive in sports, was uncharacteristically deferential to NBA and Chinese leadership in his remarks about Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey's tweet of a slogan -- "Fight for freedom. Stand with Hong Kong" -- expressing support for those marching in Hong Kong. The single tweet from Morey's personal account was soon deleted, but not before spurring a rebuke from some within the NBA and inciting a backlash in China. Authorities in the communist country last week canceled publicity events and news conferences and banned the broadcast last week of an exhibition game between the Brooklyn Nets and James' Los Angeles Lakers.

“I’m not here to judge how the league handled the situation," the perennial All-Star told reporters in Los Angeles on Monday night. "I just think that, when you’re misinformed or you’re not educated about something – and I’m just talking about the tweet itself – you never know the ramifications that can happen. We all see what that did, not only did for our league but for all of us in America, for people in China as well. Sometimes you have to think through the things that you say that may cause harm not only for yourself but for the majority of people. I think that’s just a prime example of that.”

James' take was swiftly denounced across the board on social media, prompting him to take to Twitter in a bid to stem the mounting criticism. He stressed that his assessment had nothing to do with the "substance" of Morey's tweet and solely focused on the timing of the post.

"My team and this league just went through a difficult week," James wrote. "I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it."

My team and this league just went through a difficult week. I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it.

But his attempt to mitigate any negative reaction was also met with disapproval, with some critics lambasting his description of "a difficult week" by noting the hardships protesters are confronting in their fight to keep autonomous Hong Kong free from Beijing's grip.

"Having just been in Hong Kong - on the streets & with the protestors - this kind of garbage is hard to take," Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Ms., tweeted. "LeBron, are YOU educated on 'the situation'? Why don’t you go to Hong Kong? Why don’t you meet the people there risking their lives for their most basic liberties."

Hawley added: "This statement is unbelievable. 'So many people could have been harmed'? By Daryl Morey daring to express sympathy for democracy? News flash: people ARE being harmed - shot, beaten, gassed - right now in Hong Kong. By China. By the Communist Party the NBA is so eager to appease."

Dan Wolken, a writer for USA Today, wrote a column calling the episode the most “disgraceful moment" of James' career.

“If only Morey had done what you did Monday, LeBron, and tacitly admit that the only thing that really matters is your ability to sell shoes and market 'Space Jam 2' in a country of 1.4 billion, we could have had an intellectually honest discussion about doing business in China and the cost of free speech in a country where only propaganda is tolerated,” he wrote.

Other social media users posted videos of the violent protests in the city and called out the superstar for what they saw as James' self-interested attempt to not offend the lucrative Chinese market.

"No more King James, Chairman James from now on," one user wrote.

 

[ulukinatme]

Very disappointing comments from James. As a Cleveland fan I always thought "The Decision" would be his low point, but I have to agree with Dan Wolken that this is his most disgraceful moment.

 

[ACamp1900]

Very disappointing comments from James. As a Cleveland fan I always thought "The Decision" would be his low point, but I have to agree with Dan Wolken that this is his most disgraceful moment.

If he could simply stop saying, "They're just not educated"... about everyone he disagrees with on any random topic that would be a great start for me. I can't think of a person with a louder voice and less self awareness..

 

[IrishLax]

If he could simply stop saying, "They're just not educated"... about everyone he disagrees with on any random topic that would be a great start for me. I can't think of a person with a louder voice and less self awareness..

The funny part is that there is no evidence whatsoever that LeBron James is "smarter" or "more educated" than anyone. No higher education, has never written a scholarly article on anything, is not a policy expert on anything, etc. He has exactly as much as expertise as John Q citizen.

It's sad, but it's quite clear the directive the NBA gave people was to have no comment and feign ignorance and "needing more education" on the topic. That's why everyone has parroted those same lines. But LeBron -- either intentionally because he & Nike are mad about China criticism, or unintentionally because he is too stupid to realize that criticizing Morey is akin to giving tacit approval to China -- didn't toe the line close enough.

What's clear is that every single one of these frauds cares more about their money than concentration camps and human rights abuse. The NBA did this to themselves by going full politics a couple years ago.

 

[ACamp1900]

The funny part is that there is no evidence whatsoever that LeBron James is "smarter" or "more educated" than anyone. No higher education, has never written a scholarly article on anything, is not a policy expert on anything, etc. He has exactly as much as expertise as John Q citizen.

It's sad, but it's quite clear the directive the NBA gave people was to have no comment and feign ignorance and "needing more education" on the topic. That's why everyone has parroted those same lines. But LeBron -- either intentionally because he & Nike are mad about China criticism, or unintentionally because he is too stupid to realize that criticizing Morey is akin to giving tacit approval to China -- didn't toe the line close enough.

What's clear is that every single one of these frauds cares more about their money than concentration camps and human rights abuse. The NBA did this to themselves by going full politics a couple years ago.

And to be clear I'm not attacking him for not getting an education beyond high school. That's all well and fine and I've met some brilliant minds with less formal education than that. All of those have had tons of real life experience he seems to lack though. I will say that higher education can at times at least provide much needed perspective on things. James clearly lacks that and as best I can tell he is insulated with bubble and that bubble provides him with a group think echo chamber. This dynamic seems to put him in a spot where he's comfortable spouting off total ignorance while calling everyone else ignorant... and of course the media etc protect him from any meaningful criticism because he's 'woke' or whatever... it's tiresome.

 

[IrishLax]

And to be clear I'm not attacking him for not getting an education beyond high school. That's all well and fine and I've met some brilliant minds with less formal education than that. All of those have had tons of real life experience he seems to lack though. I will say that higher education can at times at least provide much needed perspective on things. James clearly lacks that and as best I can tell he is insulated with bubble and that bubble provides him with a group think echo chamber. This dynamic seems to put him in a spot where he's comfortable spouting off total ignorance whiling calling everyone else ignorant... and of course the media etc protect him from any meaningful criticism because he's 'woke' or whatever... it's tiresome.

The bottom line is that he wants to be able to sell tickets to Space Jam 2 in China, and Nike wants to keep making cheap sneakers they sell at a massive markup. Money talks.