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View Full Version : Lance Armstrong - Is he worth it?


Gr8Scott
07-21-2003, 03:06 PM
I remember something on AK-47.net around a year ago that listed Lance Armstrong's team sponsorship cost the Postal Service $25 million a year. Some complained (and rightly so) that the post office shouldn't be sponsoring anything when they are losing money hand over fist and it's coming out of the pockets of taxpayers. Lets keep that argument out of the thread and just discuss whether Lance and his team are worth the sponsorship regardless of who it comes from for now.

In case noone has been watching, the Tour de France has been great this year. I know that watching anything regarding France is more or less the same thing as treason nowadays, but I can't resist watching this Texan mop up. Today, some idiot spectator looped lance's handlebar with their handbag while he was leading the race and it sent him spilling to the ground. Jan Ulrich of Germany (Lance's only real competition) waited for Lance to get up and rejoin the race before continuing. Lance did the same thing three or so years ago for Ulrich when he crashed and Ulrich was a big enough man to return the favor when Lance needed it. I think there were 9 or so klicks left to ride and Lance sprung back up bleeding a little and proceeded to whip everyone on two wheels from that point on. When it looked like disaster struck, Lance took off and left everyone. He gained 40 seconds on Ulrich outright and gained a bonus of 12 seconds because of his coming in first. While some may balk at his sponsorship costing the taxpayers money, I for one and glad to fork over my tax dollars to see this. It's been a good race thus far and it's going to be very close this year as Lance is older and a little slower than before and Ulrich is in the best form that I've ever seen.

Wyon8ve
07-25-2003, 07:39 AM
Is the US Post Office paid for or supported with taxpayers dollars? Or do they have to make it entirely on what they collect in postage? I'm not sure, but increased operating costs is how they always justify a raise in postage rates.

BUT, if they receive taxpayer dollars from the govt' of any kind they should not be supporting any professional athletes.

That goes for any govt' entity (including the military)

Gr8Scott
07-25-2003, 12:13 PM
I agree with you in theory only. Normally, I would say you were 100% correct. I just love what the team has accomplished thus far though. While I wouldn't call Lance a hero really, he is a good if not great man. Read up on him a little bit and you will see what I'm talking about. I don't mind supporting him one bit. If you think about it, we probably send tons of money to truly disgusting people all over the world and this comes from the same kitty that the US Post Office draws from (our pockets). At least this is a positive thing...;)

Wyon8ve
07-25-2003, 12:48 PM
I agree that we send taxpayer money all over the world to less deserving people than an athlete that represents the US.

But, I think the govt' should stop sending those people money too. :D

Gr8Scott
07-27-2003, 10:38 PM
Did you see the video footage of Lance standing on the podium and getting a little emotional and thoroughly enjoying the national anthem being played in DOWNTOWN PARIS! He even mentioned how big of a kick it was to hear the US National Anthem being played there. It was a sight and sound to behold my friend...