Tennis Channel Cancels Dubai Event to Protest Exclusion of Israeli Player

Sports • Views: 4,819

Now here’s a truly (sadly) unusual story; a media company with guts and integrity: With Shahar Peer Barred, Tennis Channel Won’t Show Dubai Event.

The Tennis Channel will not televise the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships this week to protest the United Arab Emirates’ refusal to grant an entry visa to the Israeli player Shahar Peer. Peer was scheduled to play Anna Chakvetadze in the first round.

“This is an easy decision to come by, based on what is right and wrong,” Ken Solomon, the chairman and chief executive of the network, said Monday from Utah.

“Sports are about merit, absent of background, class, race, creed, color or religion. They are simply about talent. This is a classic case, not about what country did what to another country. If the state of Israel were barring a citizen of an Arab nation, we would have made the same decision.”

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230 comments
1 calcajun  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:53:11am

Finally--a media outlet with balls.

2 Bloodnok  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:53:16am

Good on the tennis Channel!

3 DistantThunder  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:53:17am

Backbone! How Refreshing!

4 astronmr20  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:53:34am

Very good news.

Lizards, we should call this network in support. As with children, the media needs positive reinforcement when they do the right thing.

5 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:53:49am

Bravo. Maybe I'll start watching, just to support em'

6 Sharmuta  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:54:09am
“Sports are about merit, absent of background, class, race, creed, color or religion. They are simply about talent. This is a classic case, not about what country did what to another country. If the state of Israel were barring a citizen of an Arab nation, we would have made the same decision.”

That's awesome. I hope it starts a positive trend.

7 Ringo the Gringo  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:54:22am

Good on 'em!

8 dhg4  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:54:49am

And President Obama thinks that he'll be able to change the agenda of Durban II.

9 Golem Akbar  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:54:52am

The Tennis Channel Inc. has a backbone. Sets an example for the other media to follow.

10 kansas  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:54:59am

What's going on? Tennis channel does the right thing, Cafferty is on to Reid and Pelosi, Time whacks KOS. This is a good day.

11 MrSilverDragon  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:55:53am

Today has been one of those days where the world has been turned upside down, and it's a good thing.

12 VegasRick  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:55:56am

Wow, the tennis channel has alotta balls!

13 Ringo the Gringo  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:56:05am

I wonder how young, leggy, short-skirted Russia tennis women are going to go over in the UAE?

14 GFinOaktown  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:56:07am

Unfortunately, it probably happened only because "Solomon" is in charge.

15 Jetpilot1101  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:56:29am

re: #10 kansas

What's going on? Tennis channel does the right thing, Cafferty is on to Reid and Pelosi, Time whacks KOS. This is a good day.

Maybe we're approaching the nexus of the universe. Either that or every so often a blind squirrel finds a nut. In this case, they all found them on the same day.

16 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:56:31am

My Up-Ding to this thread was for the Tennis Channel !

17 VegasRick  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:56:32am

Sorry OT, anybody else watching this maniac on FOX?

18 x-wing  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:56:39am

I think I just got thread whiplash. Things are moving fast and furious today.

I something major about to happen?

19 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:57:00am

re: #12 VegasRick

Wow, the tennis channel has alotta balls!

They don't buy into that racist racket Dubai runs

20 SasquatchOnSteroids  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:57:34am

Advantage - Tennis Channel.

21 Jetpilot1101  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:57:44am

I sense a great disturbance in the force as if at the same time, millions of tennis fans cried out in anguish and were then silenced.

22 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:57:47am

Yeah- love how people do not report that JEWS cannot enter Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and I think Yemen. . .as a matter of law, Jews are not allowed to travel there. . .Iirc. . .

23 n in wi  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:57:52am

re: #13 Ringo the Gringo

I wonder how young, leggy, short-skirted Russia tennis women are going to go over in the UAE?


I wonder how entertaining the matches will be with the women chasing the ball around the court in those full length berkas.

24 pat  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:58:01am

Keith Olberman was at a lost for words.

25 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:58:17am

re: #19 Creeping Eruption

They don't buy into that racist racket Dubai runs

Too early in the thread for puns.
You guys are courting disaster.

26 calcajun  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:58:56am

re: #25 pre-Boomer Marine brat

It's not my fault.

27 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:58:58am

re: #25 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Too early in the thread for puns.
You guys are courting disaster.

Awww, come on show some love. . .

28 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:58:59am

re: #25 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Too early in the thread for puns.
You guys are courting disaster.

Although early in the thread, I think it will be a net gain.

29 VegasRick  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:59:24am

re: #25 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Too early in the thread for puns.
You guys are courting disaster.

The net result of early thread punage.

30 ThinkRight  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:59:26am

Obama will over rule their decision and force them to show it
Start the fairness early

31 Bobblehead  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:59:28am

re: #25 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Too early in the thread for puns.
You guys are courting disaster.

Don't let that worry you.

32 Randall Gross  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:59:32am

Yay for some sanity from the media. Who owns the tennis channel?

33 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 8:59:38am

What did I miss with Reid?re: #28 Creeping Eruption

Although early in the thread, I think it will be a net gain.

only by default. . .

34 calcajun  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:00:00am

re: #31 Bobblehead

Don't let that worry you.

Ohh. An obscure tennis pun. How can we hope to match that?

35 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:00:23am

re: #33 DisturbedEma

What did I miss with Reid?

only by default. . .

Not true, you have to set the tone early.

36 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:00:25am

re: #34 calcajun

Ohh. An obscure tennis pun. How can we hope to match that?

good point. . .

37 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:00:44am

*sprawled on the floor ... head spinning*

38 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:00:52am

re: #35 Creeping Eruption

Not true, you have to set the tone early.

What's with Reid and Pelosi?

39 calcajun  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:00:58am

re: #36 DisturbedEma

good point. . .

Thanks. I'm here to serve.

40 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:01:07am

Props to the Tennis Channel, and a major down-ding to the wife-beating, goat-humping oil ticks.

41 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:01:08am

re: #37 pre-Boomer Marine brat

*sprawled on the floor ... head spinning*

:)

42 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:01:11am

re: #37 pre-Boomer Marine brat

*sprawled on the floor ... head spinning*

The volley of puns can be overwhelming sometimes.

43 Peacekeeper  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:01:11am

Rage and seething to start?

44 Ringo the Gringo  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:01:15am
Israeli player Shahar Peer. Peer was scheduled to play Anna Chakvetadze in the first round

Anna Chakvetadze should go over great on UAE television.

45 Jetpilot1101  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:01:20am

re: #38 DisturbedEma

What's with Reid and Pelosi?

They're morons. Any more questions?

46 n in wi  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:01:20am

re: #34 calcajun

Ohh. An obscure tennis pun. How can we hope to match that?

I LOVE puns

47 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:01:40am

re: #39 calcajun

Thanks. I'm here to serve.

Volley good. . .

48 Bumr50  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:01:48am

IMG owns the Tennis Channel.
They're the Strongest Man people.

49 jamie  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:01:52am

re: #1 calcajun

Finally--a media outlet with balls.

I like this double entendre.

50 calcajun  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:02:08am

re: #42 Creeping Eruption

The volley of puns can be overwhelming sometimes.

We're courting disaster with so many puns so early in the AM.

51 Rancher  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:02:11am

And what of Barclays? Do they have any comment on this?

52 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:02:16am

re: #45 Jetpilot1101

They're morons. Any more questions?


I heard someone was "on to them"? DO TELL:)

53 Bloodnok  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:02:19am

re: #25 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Too early in the thread for puns.
You guys are courting disaster.

Can you Lendl me a few puns? I'm all our. You can Courier them over to me.

54 Bloodnok  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:02:43am

re: #53 Bloodnok

out PIMF

55 [deleted]  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:02:50am
56 debutaunt  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:03:06am

re: #53 Bloodnok

Can you Lendl me a few puns? I'm all our. You can Courier them over to me.

Ouch. Double fault.

57 RedAce99  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:03:06am

Well Said !

58 Bumr50  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:03:12am

But can you Seles anything better?

59 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:03:15am

re: #53 Bloodnok

Can you Lendl me a few puns? I'm all our. You can Courier them over to me.

McEnroe and I will throw them over to ya

60 Oh no...Sand People!  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:03:23am

Advantage: Tennis Channel.

61 Erik The Red  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:03:25am

The WTA is also talking about pulling this event from the calender. Good on them. We will see what is more important now. Money or radical Islam.

62 MandyManners  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:03:30am

Maybe it's time to put pressure on Barclay's Bank and the smaller sponsors, one of which is Rolex.

63 VegasRick  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:03:49am

re: #57 RedAce99

Well Said !

You talk way too much.
/

64 calcajun  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:03:51am

re: #53 Bloodnok

Can you Lendl me a few puns? I'm all our. You can Courier them over to me.

We'll shoot them over on a Laver beam.

65 n in wi  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:03:55am

re: #53 Bloodnok

Can you Lendl me a few puns? I'm all our. You can Courier them over to me.

They are Joe KING with you,A bunch of CONNERS

66 Bloodnok  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:04:28am

re: #56 debutaunt

Ouch. Double fault.

Who are you, the Borg? :-p

67 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:04:33am

re: #25 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Too early in the thread for puns.
You guys are courting disaster.

We'll have to stop them. Get the net.

68 Bobblehead  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:04:34am

re: #46 n in wi

I LOVE puns

A sure sign of superior intelligence.

69 MandyManners  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:04:37am

re: #51 Rancher

And what of Barclays? Do they have any comment on this?

And, Rolex.

I'm gonna' dig to see who else is sponsoring it.

70 DistantThunder  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:04:42am

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian

A bust of the former prime minister once voted the greatest Briton in history, which was loaned to George W Bush from the Government's art collection after the September 11 attacks, has now been formally handed back.
The bronze by Sir Jacob Epstein, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds if it were ever sold on the open market, enjoyed pride of place in the Oval Office during President Bush's tenure.
But when British officials offered to let Mr Obama to hang onto the bust for a further four years, the White House said: "Thanks, but no thanks."

71 calcajun  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:22am

re: #66 Bloodnok

Who are you, the Borg? :-p

No, we were just Bjorn that way.

72 Silhouette  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:25am

Ball's in your court now, bigots.

73 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:29am

Good Morning Lizards! It's gray in the Very Far Western Suburbs of Chicagoland.

"Sports are about merit,"

WHAT A CONCEPT. Now only if we could import that idea to Washington D.C.

How are you-all?

74 Oh no...Sand People!  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:39am

re: #10 kansas

What's going on? Tennis channel does the right thing, Cafferty is on to Reid and Pelosi, Time whacks KOS. This is a good day.

Yeah...but at the end of the day, 'pen on paper' trumps 'words', though somewhere I heard that 'words matter' but the name somehow eludes me now...

/

75 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:43am

Posting that first pun up-thread was a Wimbleton an expectation of being able to come up with more.

/oughta learn something about the game before I try that again!

76 astronmr20  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:44am

re: #70 DistantThunder

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian

Seriously?

77 Bumr50  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:46am

re: #70 DistantThunder

We're not pals anymore?

78 FurryOldGuyJeans  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:48am

re: #10 kansas

What's going on? Tennis channel does the right thing, Cafferty is on to Reid and Pelosi, Time whacks KOS. This is a good day.

News outlets caught on to the discontent of Americans with Carter, dismal news was on the rise before the Republican takeover during Clinton. We can only hope this is a replay now that we have a Perfect Storm of Socialism about to inundate us.

79 Last Mohican  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:53am

Dubai is investing huge amounts of money in turning itself into a center of global culture and finance. The New York, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, and Paris of the Gulf, all rolled into one. Halliburton and numerous other companies have moved their headquarters there. They're hosting cultural and sporting events including this tennis tournament, golf tournaments, etc.

And yet Jews aren't welcome there, and racist hatred of Jews is officially encouraged. In fact, until very recently, human slavery was legal there.

Why is an obscure cable television channel the first group to see a problem with any of this?

80 Bloodnok  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:53am

re: #71 calcajun

No, we were just Bjorn that way.

HA!

81 bulwrk  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:58am

A channel that broadcast a sport known for its fuzzy balls shows it has some brass ones.

82 debutaunt  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:05:59am

re: #69 MandyManners

And, Rolex.

I'm gonna' dig to see who else is sponsoring it.

Are you spelling it correctly? I have a very inexpensive Rollex watch.

83 gegenkritik  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:06:09am
Israeli Ram waits on Dubai visa
The visa row which has overshadowed the Dubai women's tournament threatens to have an impact on the men's event, which begins on Monday.

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

84 Peacekeeper  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:06:14am

Another racket exposed.

85 MandyManners  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:06:22am

Barclay's site.

86 SasquatchOnSteroids  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:06:22am

re: #53 Bloodnok

SI cover years ago :

Pat Cashes the Czech.

87 ThinkRight  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:06:38am

re: #70 DistantThunder

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian


A smart conservative figure would constantly remind him what a failure he really is !
no sarc

88 Boolz  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:06:41am

re: #70 DistantThunder

Obama: "now, if you got a bust of Neville Chamberlain, we'll take that"

89 Silhouette  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:06:47am

I wish the Tennis Channel could see my standing ovation.

90 Bumr50  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:06:53am

re: #76 astronmr20

Can't be havin integrity lyin' around Washington! CHANGE!

91 Boondock St. Bender  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:06:59am

re: #70 DistantThunder
surprised he didn't tell them to take the desk back too.

92 MandyManners  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:04am

re: #82 debutaunt

Are you spelling it correctly? I have a very inexpensive Rollex watch.

Typing in a big hurry.

93 [deleted]  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:18am
94 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:18am

re: #44 Ringo the Gringo

Anna Chakvetadze should go over great on UAE television.

How will she look playing in a burkha?

95 FurryOldGuyJeans  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:25am

re: #70 DistantThunder

O is doing his level best to piss off the rest of the world by any and all means possible.

96 calcajun  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:27am

re: #70 DistantThunder

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian

I cannot blame him. Churchill stood for everything BHO disdains.

97 debutaunt  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:29am

re: #75 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Posting that first pun up-thread was a Wimbleton an expectation of being able to come up with more.

/oughta learn something about the game before I try that again!

Ooops - your spellcheck took a wiff.

98 DeafDog  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:30am

re: #70 DistantThunder

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian

To be replaced by a Neville Chamberlain statue?

99 Silhouette  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:30am
“This is an easy decision to come by, based on what is right and wrong,”

Exactly! If only everyone else could see that resisting evil is a no brainer.

100 notutopia  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:30am

I admire their convictions and integrity to cancel the showing of this championships in dissent. May many more media outlets follow their example.

101 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:45am

re: #79 Last Mohican

Dubai is investing huge amounts of money in turning itself into a center of global culture and finance. The New York, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, and Paris of the Gulf, all rolled into one. Halliburton and numerous other companies have moved their headquarters there. They're hosting cultural and sporting events including this tennis tournament, golf tournaments, etc.

And yet Jews aren't welcome there, and racist hatred of Jews is officially encouraged. In fact, until very recently, human slavery was legal there.

Why is an obscure cable television channel the first group to see a problem with any of this?

Dubai seems to be fucked: Dubai economy in the tank

102 Last Mohican  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:50am

re: #88 Boolz

Obama: "now, if you got a bust of Neville Chamberlain, we'll take that"

Maybe, but I have a feeling there's only one political figure whose bust is going to be adorning the White House for the next few years: Barack Obama.

103 Erik The Red  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:54am

re: #62 MandyManners

Maybe it's time to put pressure on Barclay's Bank and the smaller sponsors, one of which is Rolex.

Barclay's is already almost bankrupt. Maybe they can get out of this by saying its the global meltdown. They can't piss off their UK clients now can they//

104 Oh no...Sand People!  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:55am

re: #91 Boondock St. Bender

surprised he didn't tell them to take the desk back too.

Obama, "Really, we have a desk from him too?"

/

105 schlagerman  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:07:58am

If the state of Israel were barring a citizen of an Arab nation, we would have made the same decision.

This is a theoretical statement, of course. Israel wouldn't bar an Arab citizen from playing in a sporting event. Could you imagine the leftist uproar if they did?

106 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:08:07am

re: #61 Erik The Red

The WTA is also talking about pulling this event from the calender. Good on them. We will see what is more important now. Money or radical Islam.

They're talking about pulling out of it in the future. They should cancel it now, and distribute the sponsorship fees to all the players.
How long does it take to decide, really?

107 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:08:33am

re: #70 DistantThunder

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian

Don't worry; he's ordered one of Neville Chamberlain.

108 debutaunt  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:08:43am

re: #92 MandyManners

Typing in a big hurry.

/was kidding

109 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:08:52am

re: #105 schlagerman

If the state of Israel were barring a citizen of an Arab nation, we would have made the same decision.

This is a theoretical statement, of course. Israel wouldn't bar an Arab citizen from playing in a sporting event. Could you imagine the leftist uproar if they did?

/How could the left roar any louder regarding Israel?

110 Boondock St. Bender  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:08:57am

re: #79 Last Mohican

yeah,exept their luxury beachs'are covered in human waste....oh well inshallah!...heh,heh,heh

111 reggie  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:09:00am
“...If the state of Israel were barring a citizen of an Arab nation, we would have made the same decision.”


But Israel doesn't do that, do she? In fact, her parliament includes Arab representatives. Sorry, who's the bad guy, again?

112 Oh no...Sand People!  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:09:04am

re: #105 schlagerman

If the state of Israel were barring a citizen of an Arab nation, we would have made the same decision.

This is a theoretical statement, of course. Israel wouldn't bar an Arab citizen from playing in a sporting event. Could you imagine the leftist uproar if they did?

Sheehan, McKinney, and Pelosi would be the first to don the suicide vests...
/

113 astronmr20  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:09:08am

re: #79 Last Mohican

Dubai is investing huge amounts of money in turning itself into a center of global culture and finance. The New York, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, and Paris of the Gulf, all rolled into one. Halliburton and numerous other companies have moved their headquarters there. They're hosting cultural and sporting events including this tennis tournament, golf tournaments, etc.

And yet Jews aren't welcome there, and racist hatred of Jews is officially encouraged. In fact, until very recently, human slavery was legal there.

Why is an obscure cable television channel the first group to see a problem with any of this?

Exactly. I keep hearing about how so "cosmopolitan" Dubai is, and have to educate people that it's still backwards in it's way of thinking.

Hopefully people will learn, but of course we still see stories about British women marrying Emiratis and going there and losing all their rights. The truth must be told about such a place.

114 Bumr50  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:09:15am

How about sponsor Falak Holding 's motto "We Are A Part Of You"

115 Who Watches the Watchmen?  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:09:24am

What time is the Porkulus signing?

116 Cato  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:09:53am

There should be a flying pig.

117 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:09:56am

re: #97 debutaunt

Ooops - your spellcheck took a wiff.

wiff?
wiffTF !
Don't need no stinkin' spellcheck!

118 scottishbuzzsaw  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:10:15am

re: #82 debutaunt

Are you spelling it correctly? I have a very inexpensive Rollex watch.

Now that's funny. ;>)

119 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:10:17am

re: #70 DistantThunder

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian

To be replaced with a bust of this guy.

120 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:10:25am

re: #79 Last Mohican

Dubai is investing huge amounts of money in turning itself into a center of global culture and finance. The New York, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, and Paris of the Gulf, all rolled into one. Halliburton and numerous other companies have moved their headquarters there. They're hosting cultural and sporting events including this tennis tournament, golf tournaments, etc.

And yet Jews aren't welcome there, and racist hatred of Jews is officially encouraged. In fact, until very recently, human slavery was legal there.

Why is an obscure cable television channel the first group to see a problem with any of this?

Because the Tennis Channel isn't getting much money from it.

How many of those companies are now discriminating against Jews in employment, or at least advancement within the company?

121 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:10:27am

re: #79 Last Mohican

Dubai is investing huge amounts of money in turning itself into a center of global culture and finance. The New York, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, and Paris of the Gulf, all rolled into one. Halliburton and numerous other companies have moved their headquarters there. They're hosting cultural and sporting events including this tennis tournament, golf tournaments, etc.

And yet Jews aren't welcome there, and racist hatred of Jews is officially encouraged. In fact, until very recently, human slavery was legal there.

Why is an obscure cable television channel the first group to see a problem with any of this?

Slave labor built the tower. . .

122 FurryOldGuyJeans  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:10:46am

re: #92 MandyManners

Typing in a big hurry.

Methinks you got caught by a pun, Mandy.

123 bulwrk  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:11:01am

re: #70 DistantThunder

So its a bust returning a bust.

124 Vicious Babushka  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:11:02am

re: #79 Last Mohican

Dubai is investing huge amounts of money in turning itself into a center of global culture and finance. The New York, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, and Paris of the Gulf, all rolled into one. Halliburton and numerous other companies have moved their headquarters there. They're hosting cultural and sporting events including this tennis tournament, golf tournaments, etc.

And yet Jews aren't welcome there, and racist hatred of Jews is officially encouraged. In fact, until very recently, human slavery was legal there.

Why is an obscure cable television channel the first group to see a problem with any of this?

When I was at JFK airport waiting for my flight to Detroit, there was a UAE Airbus 380 connected to the jetway. They unhitched it and parked it next to a 747, it looms over the 747! Then they rolled our little tiny Embraer over to the jetway.

I completely jewed up their jetway.

125 Bumr50  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:11:03am

re: #116 Cato

Hey You White House - HA HA a charade you are.

126 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:11:16am

re: #93 Iron Fist

What happen? Did somebody finally rip out his tounge?

he swallowed it out of sheer spite. . .

127 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:11:18am

re: #79 Last Mohican

Dubai is investing huge amounts of money in turning itself into a center of global culture and finance. The New York, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, and Paris of the Gulf, all rolled into one. Halliburton and numerous other companies have moved their headquarters there. They're hosting cultural and sporting events including this tennis tournament, golf tournaments, etc.

And yet Jews aren't welcome there, and racist hatred of Jews is officially encouraged. In fact, until very recently, human slavery was legal there.

Why is an obscure cable television channel the first group to see a problem with any of this?

Money can't buy class.

129 gregg  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:11:45am

re: #70 DistantThunder

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian

As I mentioned yesterday, Obama has requested that it be replaced with a bust of Ward Churchill.

/

130 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:11:48am

re: #120 Kosh's Shadow

Because the Tennis Channel isn't getting much money from it.

How many of those companies are now discriminating against Jews in employment, or at least advancement within the company?

All of them. . .it is a matter of doing business. . .

131 MandyManners  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:11:57am

re: #82 debutaunt

Are you spelling it correctly? I have a very inexpensive Rollex watch.

ACK. You messed with my head.

132 schlagerman  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:12:00am

re: #109 Creeping Eruption

Good point.

133 Rancher  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:12:05am

Statement from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships

“The Tournament is a longstanding and loyal supporter of women’s tennis and the WTA Tour and respects the rules and regulations of the Tour.

The Tournament also respects Ms. Shahar Peer as a professional tennis player on the Tour and understands her disappointment.

There were several elements to be considered concerning her participation:

*Public sentiment remains high in the Middle East and it is believed that Ms. Peer’s presence would have antagonized our fans who have watched live television coverage of recent attacks in Gaza.

*Ms. Peer personally witnessed protests against her at another tournament in New Zealand only a few weeks ago.

*Concern was raised about her wellbeing and her presence triggering similar protests. Given public sentiment, the entire tournament could have been boycotted by protesters.

*We do not wish to politicize sports, but we have to be sensitive to recent events in the region and not alienate or put at risk the players and the many tennis fans of different nationalities that we have here in the UAE.”

Racists pussies.

134 unreconstructed rebel  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:12:09am

re: #70 DistantThunder

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian

After all, 9/11 was just a Bushian ruse to fool & subjugate the people

////////////////////////

stop throwing stuff

///////////////////////

135 aboo-Hoo-Hoo  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:12:12am

re: #18 x-wing

I(s) something major about to happen?

Yep, so it would seem.

re: #79 Last Mohican

Dubai is investing huge amounts of money in turning itself into a center of global culture and finance. The New York, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, and Paris of the Gulf, all rolled into one. Halliburton and numerous other companies have moved their headquarters there. They're hosting cultural and sporting events including this tennis tournament, golf tournaments, etc.

And yet Jews aren't welcome there, and racist hatred of Jews is officially encouraged. In fact, until very recently, human slavery was legal there.

Why is an obscure cable television channel the first group to see a problem with any of this?

Dubai also thought they were going to be insulated from the down-turn/recession/depression - it is not turning out as they envisioned, not even close.

136 Bumr50  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:12:13am

re: #129 gregg

Bean.

//

137 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:12:29am

re: #129 gregg

As I mentioned yesterday, Obama has requested that it be replaced with a bust of Ward Churchill.

/

Yeah, called "little eichmans". . .what a supreme fuck wad that ass is. . .

138 FurryOldGuyJeans  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:12:41am

re: #109 Creeping Eruption

/How could the left roar any louder regarding Israel?

Any louder and they would get laryngitis.

Please, please, please, please!

139 Last Mohican  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:12:53am

re: #62 MandyManners

Maybe it's time to put pressure on Barclay's Bank and the smaller sponsors, one of which is Rolex.

Good point! Although the Tennis Channel isn't showing it, the event is still going on, Judenrein, but otherwise on schedule.

Do you know of a place where there's a list of sponsors?

140 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:13:00am

re: #103 Erik The Red

Barclay's is already almost bankrupt. Maybe they can get out of this by saying its the global meltdown. They can't piss off their UK clients now can they//

And they are morally bankrupt.

See, no Jewish bankers, and the bank goes down the tubes.
/

141 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:13:11am

re: #133 Rancher

Statement from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships

Racists pussies.

Weenies.

142 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:13:16am

re: #133 Rancher

Statement from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships


Racists pussies.


Playground politics --the bullies are winning.

143 astronmr20  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:13:18am

re: #121 DisturbedEma

Slave labor built the tower. . .

Which tower?

144 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:13:22am

re: #138 FurryOldGuyJeans

Any louder and they would get laryngitis.

Please, please, please, please!

From your keyboard to Gods "ears"

145 FurryOldGuyJeans  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:13:37am

re: #119 Ward Cleaver

To be replaced with a bust of this guy.

No, O already has his bust with his Fist o' Power.

146 pegcity  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:13:37am

i cant wait till Dubai is buried in Sand only to be uncovered by future archaeologists who in unison go WTF?

147 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:13:48am

re: #133 Rancher


Oh, because you cannot, I mean, will not protect her. . .she cannot be allowed there. . .blame the victim much, you fuckers?

148 jorline  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:14:09am

There is a Rooster crowing in the middle east.

149 Bumr50  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:14:18am

re: #146 pegcity

Upon seeing many skulls with sunglasses?

150 gregg  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:14:35am

I think Dubai's glory days have been short lived:

Laid-Off Foreigners Flee as Dubai Spirals Down
[snip]
Now, like many of the foreign workers who make up 90 percent of the population here, she has been laid off and faces the prospect of being forced to leave this Persian Gulf city — or worse.

“I’m really scared of what could happen, because I bought property here,” said Sofia, who asked that her last name be withheld because she is still hunting for a new job. “If I can’t pay it off, I was told I could end up in debtors’ prison.”

With Dubai’s economy in free fall, newspapers have reported that more than 3,000 cars sit abandoned in the parking lot at the Dubai Airport, left by fleeing, debt-ridden foreigners (who could in fact be imprisoned if they failed to pay their bills). Some are said to have maxed-out credit cards inside and notes of apology taped to the windshield.

The government says the real number is much lower. But the stories contain at least a grain of truth: jobless people here lose their work visas and then must leave the country within a month. That in turn reduces spending, creates housing vacancies and lowers real estate prices, in a downward spiral that has left parts of Dubai — once hailed as the economic superpower of the Middle East — looking like a ghost town.


[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

151 Last Mohican  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:14:44am

re: #139 Last Mohican

Never mind, I found a list of the tournament sponsors, here.

I'm now working on putting together some links for contacting all the sponsors. I'll be back shortly.

152 onslow  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:14:53am

Who needs a bust of Churchill when you have the "Egg of Power"?

153 astronmr20  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:14:59am

You have to be fuckign kidding me:

Statement from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships

“The Tournament is a longstanding and loyal supporter of women’s tennis and the WTA Tour and respects the rules and regulations of the Tour.

The Tournament also respects Ms. Shahar Peer as a professional tennis player on the Tour and understands her disappointment.

There were several elements to be considered concerning her participation:

*Public sentiment remains high in the Middle East and it is believed that Ms. Peer’s presence would have antagonized our fans who have watched live television coverage of recent attacks in Gaza.

*Ms. Peer personally witnessed protests against her at another tournament in New Zealand only a few weeks ago.

*Concern was raised about her wellbeing and her presence triggering similar protests. Given public sentiment, the entire tournament could have been boycotted by protesters.

*We do not wish to politicize sports, but we have to be sensitive to recent events in the region and not alienate or put at risk the players and the many tennis fans of different nationalities that we have here in the UAE.”

154 Erik The Red  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:15:08am

I have been there twice. It is like Vegas.(So I have heard never been). Morally corrupt and and a free for all Muslims that travel there. Booze,drugs, and whores. The only Ninja suits worn are by the local women, not the Muslim visitors. Ninja suit when they get on the plane when they land in Dubai sexy short skirts.

155 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:15:13am

re: #143 astronmr20

Which tower?


The Dubai Tower hotel. . .conference center. . .mall, and gas station. . .condo place

156 unreconstructed rebel  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:15:24am

re: #150 gregg

I think Dubai's glory days have been short lived:


[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

Wow, talk about abandoned strip malls.

157 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:15:25am

re: #145 FurryOldGuyJeans

No, O already has his bust with his Fist o' Power.

OTOH, it saddens me that Churchill's bust will be going back to a country he wouldn't recognize today.

158 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:15:45am

re: #133 Rancher

Statement from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships

Racists pussies.

What in the HELL are they smoking? All I read was, "Blah blah blah, Palestinian victimization, blah blah, Muslims hate Jews and we don't want to piss off the Muslims."

159 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:16:06am

re: #153 astronmr20

You have to be fuckign kidding me:

Statement from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships

“The Tournament is a longstanding and loyal supporter of women’s tennis and the WTA Tour and respects the rules and regulations of the Tour.

The Tournament also respects Ms. Shahar Peer as a professional tennis player on the Tour and understands her disappointment.

There were several elements to be considered concerning her participation:

*Public sentiment remains high in the Middle East and it is believed that Ms. Peer’s presence would have antagonized our fans who have watched live television coverage of recent attacks in Gaza.

*Ms. Peer personally witnessed protests against her at another tournament in New Zealand only a few weeks ago.

*Concern was raised about her wellbeing and her presence triggering similar protests. Given public sentiment, the entire tournament could have been boycotted by protesters.

*We do not wish to politicize sports, but we have to be sensitive to recent events in the region and not alienate or put at risk the players and the many tennis fans of different nationalities that we have here in the UAE.”

Translated: We'd rather take their dirty money.

160 SasquatchOnSteroids  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:16:12am

re: #151 Last Mohican

Never mind, I found a list of the tournament sponsors, here.

I'm now working on putting together some links for contacting all the sponsors. I'll be back shortly.

Newsweek. go figure.

161 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:16:27am

re: #158 thedopefishlives

That about sums it up.

162 astronmr20  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:16:47am

re: #155 DisturbedEma

The Dubai Tower hotel. . .conference center. . .mall, and gas station. . .condo place

Link?

Can you explain?

163 Boondock St. Bender  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:17:31am

re: #152 onslow
of course chicken little isn't going to hatch from churchills head!
"the sky is falling!I inherited it from bush!"

164 sffilk  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:17:36am

Good!

165 [deleted]  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:17:40am
166 Cato  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:18:17am

re: #125 Bumr50

?

167 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:19:13am

re: #162 astronmr20

Link?

Can you explain?


[Link: www.devicedaily.com...]

This is the tower- and the labor conditions for those building this building were slave conditions. . .

[Link: www.boston.com...]

168 bulwrk  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:19:32am

re: #166 Cato

Pink Floyd, Animals.

169 astronmr20  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:19:51am

Thank-you.

I knew the working conditions were very bad there.

170 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:20:09am

re: #165 Iron Fist

God, you people are awful harsh on Neville Chamberlain. Geeze, he only appeased Hitler a little, before he realized it was futile. Obama wants to crank up the volume to Super Appeasement, everything set to 11, and chant "Nya, nya, nya I can't hear you!" when people point out to him that maybe, just maybe US interests aren't well-served by speaking of dead jihadis as the "Joyfully Martyred", or calling the 9-11 "terrorists" the "Magnificent 19".


You are right, even Neville would be horrified by dear leader. . .

Or going on "Jihad TV" to apologize for how awful and wicked the mean old United States has been treating the longsuffering, kind, well-meaning Jihadists who, after all, will just leave us alone if we'll leave them alone.

So they can tend to their Jew-killing in the Peace of Islam.

171 Rancher  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:20:40am

re: #150 gregg

Debtors’ prison? OMG

172 debutaunt  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:20:45am

re: #168 bulwrk

Pink Floyd, Animals.

*secret handshake* Code Pink, Shamwow.

173 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:20:57am

re: #169 astronmr20

Thank-you.

I knew the working conditions were very bad there.

Yeah, this is just the people we know about. . .cannot imagine we have the whole story. . .very sad. . .and unreported. . .

174 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:21:35am

re: #172 debutaunt

*secret handshake* Code Pink, Shamwow.

Well Snuggie do ta loo to you. . .:)

175 legalbgl  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:22:09am

We should see if we can get a list of their sponsors and thank them for sticking by the Tennis Channel's decision. If we protest sponsors when we do not agree with a decision, we should tell the sponsors we support them and the outlet they sponsor when we agree with a stance.

176 [deleted]  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:23:02am
177 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:23:39am

Well, time to go see if I am depresses. . .or only really tired:)

Why would I be? No job, 7 kids, including not quite 1 month old twins, and 2 sons in combat. . .all before the age of 40. . .what's not to love?:)

Later lizards:)

178 DisturbedEma  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:24:04am

re: #176 Iron Fist

By the time Obama's done with it, I'm afraid we may not recognize the United States.

We will, others will not. . .she will come back

179 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:24:36am

From the NY Times today:

In a telephone interview, Scott [Larry Scott, the chairman and chief executive of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour] said a response of canceling the tournament was immediately discussed, but Peer and her family called for caution. “They didn’t want all the players to be harmed because of one,” Scott said. “We talked to our players and told them that something terrible has happened here, but every single one would be punished if we were to cancel.”

Next year, Scott seemed to say, will be a different story.

“I made it clear to them that if Shahar were not allowed to play, they would run the risk of losing their tournament,” Scott said. “It would be a big blow to lose one of this prestige and money, but if it comes to the principles of fairness and openness, there can be no compromise.”

I won't hold my breath that they will not hold it in Dubai next year.

180 bulwrk  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:24:38am

re: #157 Ward Cleaver

OTOH, it saddens me that Churchill's bust will be going back to a country he wouldn't recognize today.

Sadly they wouldn't recognize him either.

181 pegcity  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:24:38am

re: #167 DisturbedEma

lol, yeah ok Duabi you build that.

its not gonna end up costing 10x what you think it will and take 5x as long to build.

182 jorline  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:24:56am

Earth calling President Obama and SoS Clinton.

Pakistani woman watches Taliban take over town she loves

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Gul Bibi and her three children fled the Taliban's bloody interpretation of Islamic law in Pakistan's Swat Valley, hoping one day to return.

But now that the Pakistani government has recognized Taliban rule in the region in exchange for a temporary cease-fire, she said those hopes have been dashed.

She warned that the government's deal with the Taliban will have worldwide implications.

Another slice of the pie is missing...soon to be replaced with yellow cake.

183 Rancher  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:25:02am

re: #158 thedopefishlives

What in the HELL are they smoking? All I read was, "Blah blah blah, Palestinian victimization, blah blah, Muslims hate Jews and we don't want to piss off the Muslims."

Remember Comedy Centrals refusal to show Mohamed on South Park? Violence and intimidation unfortunately work. Now how can we make the sponsors hurt? I'll see who is trying and throw my support their way.

184 legalbgl  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:25:54am

re: #175 legalbgl

We should see if we can get a list of their sponsors and thank them for sticking by the Tennis Channel's decision. If we protest sponsors when we do not agree with a decision, we should tell the sponsors we support them and the outlet they sponsor when we agree with a stance.

Just for clarification, I meant a list of the Tennis Channel's sponsors (i.e., their major advertisers.)

185 MandyManners  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:26:23am

re: #139 Last Mohican

Good point! Although the Tennis Channel isn't showing it, the event is still going on, Judenrein, but otherwise on schedule.

Do you know of a place where there's a list of sponsors?

My No. 128.

186 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:26:57am

re: #179 Creeping Eruption

From the NY Times today:

I won't hold my breath that they will not hold it in Dubai next year.

Dubai will promise to let in Jews and Israelis, and then won't; too late for them to cancel again.

187 MandyManners  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:27:20am

re: #175 legalbgl

We should see if we can get a list of their sponsors and thank them for sticking by the Tennis Channel's decision. If we protest sponsors when we do not agree with a decision, we should tell the sponsors we support them and the outlet they sponsor when we agree with a stance.

My No. 128.

188 MandyManners  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:27:42am

re: #184 legalbgl

Just for clarification, I meant a list of the Tennis Channel's sponsors (i.e., their major advertisers.)

Oops.

189 MandyManners  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:28:15am

re: #160 SasquatchOnSteroids

Newsweek. go figure.

WSJ, too.

190 Creeping Eruption  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:28:26am

re: #186 Kosh's Shadow

Probably, but by then, they wont even be playing on clay courts. . .it will all just be sand again.

191 bulwrk  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:28:57am

re: #187 MandyManners

I can boycott Rolex pretty easily.

192 Vicious Babushka  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:29:04am

re: #186 Kosh's Shadow

Dubai will promise to let in Jews and Israelis, and then won't; too late for them to cancel again.

My son was approached by some UAE sheikh who wanted him to open a Chabad House in Dubai. After the events in Mumbai, Chabad declined to give the Sheikh his very own "pet Jew cage."

193 truth stick  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:30:14am

re: #70 DistantThunder

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian

He asked if he could return the Churchill bust for one of Oswald Mosley

194 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:35:27am

re: #192 Alouette

My son was approached by some UAE sheikh who wanted him to open a Chabad House in Dubai. After the events in Mumbai, Chabad declined to give the Sheikh his very own "pet Jew cage."

Good choice. Chabad houses need Jews, either in the area or traveling, or both. Would there even be enough in Dubai to get a minyan? And if they don't let Jews in, they'd never get one. They'd just be trotted out to show the TV cameras that Dubai isn't so bad.

Besides, both of the Chabads I go to are strongly pro-Israel.

195 Jeff S.  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:35:28am

re: #34 calcajun

Ohh. An obscure tennis pun. How can we hope to match that?

With a backhanded compliment?

196 Cato  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:37:49am

re: #172 debutaunt

Ah. I'm more a Dark Side of the Moon guy.

197 SFGoth  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:38:06am

Emirates Air has ad posters all over the MUNI and BART stops here in S.F. I'd love to put up a big poster saying "Jews not welcome". ;->

198 Rancher  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:38:37am

Tell the WTA what you think of this here. It could help in their consideration of whether to dump Dubai. Hey, catchy slogan, Dump Dubai!

Dubai denies visa for Shahar Peer

The top official in women’s tennis reprimanded the United Arab Emirates on Sunday for blocking an Israeli player from a premier Dubai tournament, calling the decision to deny her a visa “regrettable.”

But the absence of Shahar Peer could extend beyond the matches under way. The WTA Tour is planning to review its future in Dubai, and the UAE—which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel—could face a possible blow to its ambitions of becoming an international hub for big-ticket sports.

199 SFGoth  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:38:52am

re: #196 Cato

Ah. I'm more a Dark Side of the Moon guy.

Meddle. Beautiful album.

200 wiffersnapper  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:41:32am

Religion of Peace huh?

201 winston06  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:42:13am

good job

202 debutaunt  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:43:08am

re: #191 bulwrk

I can boycott Rolex pretty easily.

hahahahahahahhahahaaa

203 Aloha Girl  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:47:06am

Would have been nice if some of the other players would have boycotted the tournament as well....

204 Pasketti  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:48:16am

I have a question and I hope someone does not mind answering. I have never called up "sponsors" of an event and complained. I would not know what to say, who to ask for, any of that. If you (I) wanted to call up the sponsors of this event, how would I do that? Do you just call customer relations and explain why you are calling? How can you be sure your complaint is heard by the people who need to hear it?

I have also never called any of my government officials because I really don't know how, or what to say, and I'd really REALLY like to start. Same problem.

Any thoughts or advice would be deeply appreciated. I am so furious about the "response" from the people behind this match that I am beside myself, but have no idea how to channel that into something constructive.

Thank you.

205 Kenneth  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:51:20am

Not news, but it may become significant soon:

"Saudi Arabian officials went to Pakistan and are negotiating the purchase of nuclear warheads for their land-based missiles," head of Israel Defense Forces' Military Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Aharon Ze'evi reportedly told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on 21 October 2003. Committee chairman MK Yuval Shteinitz said this was the first time he had heard a report about Saudi Arabia's nuclear plans. "There is an assumption that Saudi Arabia financed the Pakistan nuclear plant and that there is a tacit understanding between the two countries that, if Iran becomes nuclear, Saudi Arabia will be provided with some nuclear warheads from Pakistan," Shteinitz said.

206 Alberta Oil Peon  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:56:15am

re: #62 MandyManners

Maybe it's time to put pressure on Barclay's Bank and the smaller sponsors, one of which is Rolex.

Heh.

I'll boycott Rolex then.

(checks wrist, puts on reading glasses: "Timex")

Oh wait, I already am.

207 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 9:59:35am

re: #205 Kenneth

Not news, but it may become significant soon:

The Mideast Glass Plain, formerly desert. Israel just needs to defend itself while its neighbors kill each other.

To update Tom Lehrer's song, Who's Next:

First Iran got one,
and that was bad
Because they're Shi'ites
And wage Jihad

208 Walahi  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:00:55am

re: #113 astronmr20

Exactly. I keep hearing about how so "cosmopolitan" Dubai is, and have to educate people that it's still backwards in it's way of thinking.

Hopefully people will learn, but of course we still see stories about British women marrying Emiratis and going there and losing all their rights. The truth must be told about such a place.

As a victim of Dubai (lived there for a few years and have a whopper of story involving the courts, 'justice' and what the country really is) I can say that Dubai is the biggest con Wahhabists have pulled on the Western world. Let's remember, it was only the Saudis and the UAE that recognised Taliban controlled Afghanistan.

The locals hate, and I mean HATE the westerners that live there but need them since the Dubai Emirate has no notable oil reserve. I am getting so angry just remembering living there.

209 littlegreenbill  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:07:10am

Bravo!

210 Zeus66  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:07:27am

From the article:

"If the state of Israel were barring a citizen of an Arab nation, we would have made the same decision.”

But, of course, Israel would not bar a citizen of an Arab nation who was simply a tennis player. This nicely illustrates the crux of the matter. Namely, many Muslims hate Jews for being Jews. What they do or don't do is wholly irrelevant. Most Jews, on the other hand, are civilized and rational. We in the West (not us here at LGF, but many of our brethren) continue to make the same mistake over and over again when it comes to our dealings with Muslims: assuming they live and think in the same rational way as we do. Many of them (I believe most of them) simply do not. And when two groups are playing by fundamentally different rules, the outcome is predictably chaotic.

211 Dustyvet  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:09:12am

re: #206 Alberta Oil Peon

Heh.

I'll boycott Rolex then.

(checks wrist, puts on reading glasses: "Timex")

Oh wait, I already am.

Mine has Mickey's big hand on 12, and his little hand on 8...:)

212 gymmom  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:16:12am

re: #133 Rancher

That was a classy statement from the Israeli tennis player.

213 VioletTiger  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:27:49am

re: #106 Kosh's Shadow

They're talking about pulling out of it in the future. They should cancel it now, and distribute the sponsorship fees to all the players.
How long does it take to decide, really?


They should absolutely cancel it. It should be in the contract that all eligible players are allowed to participate, or no deal. Good for the Tennis channel for not airing it, but why is it happening to begin with?

214 taejohndo  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:29:52am

re: #75 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Yes, you have to be an Ace to pun on this list.

215 Wilderstad  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:31:44am

re: #204 Pasketti

First of all, writing is a better way to complain. If you take the time to write most organizations figure at least 10 (or more) other people feel the way you do, and you can copy your complaint all the way up the chain of command.

Second, most organizations have their customer relations and executive list publicly posted on the internet for their stock holders, or Libraries will have this information as well.
As for contacting your politicians, find out who your district rep is, then work your way up. State and Federal government websites have this information handily on line, along with personal profiles and contact numbers and addresses.

216 VioletTiger  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:32:54am

re: #204 Pasketti
Sponsors are listed in the literature advertizing an event, either in print on on the net.
Sponsors sponsor for the advert value, so it doesn't do any good to hide who they are in most cases.

217 dsch_tw  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:42:04am

Hooray for the tennis channel. It's a brave step being moral (imagine that). Now it's time for the players themselves to follow suit, and refuse to play in tournaments hosted by countries that pull this type of nonsense.

218 Twilight  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 10:51:16am

re: #203 Aloha Girl

Amelie Mouresmo canceled her appearance there. But the others have remained, at Shahar's request, mind you ("no need for all the players to be punished").

219 Amer-I-Can  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 11:09:21am

This was the right thing to do. I might even consider watching tennis now... and that is a HUGE step for this NASCAR fan!

220 Raven1  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 11:33:33am

I used to play tennis with Annette.

221 Achilles Tang  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 11:35:38am

Probably someone has posted this above, but would it have been really really hard to think that Anna Chakvetadze would have pulled out too, or does she need the money as much as all the other players?

222 jmaimarc  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 1:11:50pm

My letter to info@whirlpool.com and public.relations@bedbath.com:

It disappoints me to know that [Whirlpool %P% Bed Bath & Beyond] has chosen to be a corporate partner in the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in light of the actions taken by the government of UAE. Without an immediate reaction of condemnation, I can only assume that your corporation condones the actions of the UAE in choosing to refuse a player an entrance visa based on her nationality.

In the future I will consider your lack of action in this matter when purchasing or recommending home [appliances %P% furnishings]. I regret my decision to purchase your products in the past, when the name [Whirlpool %P% Bed Bath & Beyond] implied integrity. Perhaps you should have followed the example of The Tennis Channel, who immediately canceled their scheduled broadcast of the event in protest of the UAE's actions.

223 Code Red 21  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 1:26:10pm

How refreshing. We need more people to turn their back on the antisemites.

224 Code Red 21  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 1:35:25pm

re: #70 DistantThunder

In the meantime, Obama has returned the bronze bust of Churchill to Britian

BO probably couldn't stand looking at a true leader.

225 lowead  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 1:57:02pm

hello to everyone

e-mail ericsson now and let them know what u think about thier sponsorship of the dubai tennis tournament...

e-mail them here: press.global@SonyEricsson.com

226 KGB  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 3:18:46pm

In polling at The Tennis Channel's website 83% of respondents support the channel's decision to forgo broadcasting The Dubai Classic.

227 [deleted]  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 3:49:37pm
228 MrSoCal  Tue, Feb 17, 2009 4:13:28pm

Wall St. Journal Drops Dubai Sponsorship After Peer Visa Denied

By Danielle Rossingh

Feb. 17 (Bloomberg) -- The Wall Street Journal Europe dropped its sponsorship of the current Dubai tennis tournament after the United Arab Emirates refused to issue a visa to Israel’s Shahar Peer.

“The Wall Street Journal’s editorial philosophy is free markets and free people, and this action runs counter to the Journal’s editorial direction,” the Wall Street Journal Europe, which is owned by Dow Jones & Co., said in an e-mailed statement today.

Last Updated: February 17, 2009 12:59 EST

Source: [Link: www.bloomberg.com...]

229 MrSoCal  Thu, Feb 19, 2009 10:41:58am

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will allow Israel's Andy Ram to play in the men's Dubai Championships next week, the state news agency WAM said on Thursday.

A UAE foreign ministry official was quoted as saying the doubles specialist would be given "special permission" to take part.

"This ... does not politically imply any form of normalisation with countries with which the UAE has no diplomatic relations," the official told WAM.

230 sffilk  Fri, Feb 20, 2009 12:28:42pm

re: #229 MrSoCal

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will allow Israel's Andy Ram to play in the men's Dubai Championships next week, the state news agency WAM said on Thursday.

A UAE foreign ministry official was quoted as saying the doubles specialist would be given "special permission" to take part.

"This ... does not politically imply any form of normalisation with countries with which the UAE has no diplomatic relations," the official told WAM.

Am I missing something in this message? Why would these "people" let Andy Ram in but not Shahar Peer?


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