Rest tomorrow, ready for the next!

I missed todays workout so I'll make up for it tomarrow. Something hard. Any ideas?

#2 Todays is hard, do it tomorrow.

My congratulations to you Coach, continuing to make "friends" all over the world for having an opinion and, dare I say, expressing it. This "terrorist hunter" is glad that people like you are still out there.

CrossFit Torii Beach

Having an opinion is natural, providing an avenue for debate is American and admirable.

I understand that quote from wikipedia to be true to some extent, but it's wikipedia. Due to the fact that it is an online encyclopdia that can be added to by anyone, doesn't that take away its reputation as a reputable source?

Great work coach. Love the regime here. #2, todays is one of the hardest workouts that i have hit in my short stint with crossfit.

That site does a great job of giving articles on current issues that are affecting the people that visit this site. While I am not a member of the United States Armed Forces or a member of any police force in the states, I do not take offense to anybody giving their opinions on this board. Thats what they are, opinions. Many of the hardest working American's visit this website religiously, and are out on the front lines fighting so that people on the opposition can say whatever they want. We should look at the wikipedia article with great honor, because we are allowed to speak our mind and so are they...

Rest much needed today. Volleyball for 5 hours straight on Sunday finally caught up to me today during this tri workout.

That's the way it is and I'm proud of it. Any press is good press. Keep up the good work Coach

I would not say that the items for discusion are anti-Islamic.. They are put there for discusion. How does that make CrossFit Right Wing?, conservative etc? Everyone reads the items for discusion and then are free to comment. This is what this country has come to, when you express views contrary to one party you are un-American and liberal, when you disagree with the other you are Right Wing and conservative. let's quit with the labels.

The King and his Jester, aka Coach and Lynne, too often exhibit a bullying attitude towards dissenters for this site to be the great community it could be.

The fitness information here is extremely good but the website will be throttled from its own potential by the anger of its owner and his minions.

Thank you Crossfit for Glorifing our American Soldiers.

"They frequently glorify American soldiers, calling them "terrorist hunters"...

Well, doh! They say it like it's a bad thing. So let's continue to glorify American soldiers.

Loved the WOD today, My arms are limp from the shoulders down.

Seth, I couldn't have said it better myself.

Learning to tolerate people you disagree with is an important skill. If you choose not to follow an excellent fitness program for political reasons, then fitness must not matter very much to you. As we have seen, the people whose lives depend on their fitness level love this stuff because it is brutally effective. Those who care more about being comfortable, either physically or mentally, than about their performance, don't last very long.

As a proud Canadian I have no problem with people showing respect for your soldiers fighting in Iraq, also I myself have respect for all the soldiers on our side from the Iraq war to WWI

Long live free speech!

#10 (aka "fish")- Your intolerance for a contrary opinion is holding you and this community back. I fear your own anger and disdain for others (evidenced by your post) is keeping you from achieving happiness. Please contribute and let us all benefit.

I wouldn't exactly call "terrorist hunter" a glorification of my job, more like a statement of reality given the mission our democratically elected gvn't has tasked us with accomplishing.

While I have been surprised to find political views expressed here, I have also at points been overwhelmed with the incredible support this community provides to soldiers and law enforcement agencies.

I've only been at this for about a month now, but can say this website will help me in a very real way to ensure my platoon is as prepared as possible for whatever is ahead.

The best way I know to say thank you is to do my job, and do it well...So here's a big "Thank You" - thank you to both Coach and everyone else here at Crossfit.

Sincerely,

In this day the Politically Correct thing for people to do is tollerate everything and everyone. One might even go so far as saying you are to accept them. Well, I can not accept and I will not tollerate "left wing lerberals" who criticise and condemn the military or its efforts in various conflicts and countries. I can't say that I always support the Governments reasons for the decisions they make, but I do support my fellow military brother's and sister's. Are we not all entitled to our own opinions? Who among us can be a Righteous Judge? Who can say without fault, which government is right, what opinion is right, or what action is the right action to be taken?
Who can judge me for doing my job? Why should our American soldiers not be glorifed? I assure you that there are bad apples on every tree. There have been mistakes made by members of the armed forces, but not everyone at "wikipedia" nor are all peoples of this world innocent. Look carefully at every government/military ever known in history & at each religion & peoples, has there not been injustice, death, violence, or calamity of all kinds and degrees in each?
Don't dare criticise the spec of dust in my eyes while you ignore the plank in your own.
I support the American Armed Forces & I'm thankful for all they have done to secure my freedom in this hostile world.

# 10, If you are going to post here and toss around insults, don't hide behind your screen name and fake e-mail. Sack up or get out.

"If you choose not to follow an excellent fitness program for political reasons, then fitness must not matter very much to you."

Very well said Russ!

Thanks again to Coach and his "minions" for the outstanding fitness and education/ entertainment on off days.

I thank God every day because I live in America, where if I don't like what's on TV, I can change the channel.

Anyone know any groups or songs I could download to listen to during Xfit workout to make me wanna go nuts?

me and my buddy mike have decided today was a rough day to start-- wod was a smoker. Keep it coming coach.

two terrorist hunters from fort lewis

Wikipedia states that description of Crossfit almost like its a bad thing. Guess its all in the perspective because it all sounds like high praise to me.

I would take issue with the term "terrorist-hunter" though. I much prefer "terrorist-killer".

First off, I'm not military. I've been a firefighter for four years and have no partisan political agenda. I find it inspiring, and is something I brag about regularly, that military personnel perscribe to this program. I believe it gives the fitness program validity.

Secondly I don't ever remember reading anything specifically anti-islamic. For this article to say that because crossfit describes american soldiers as "terrorist hunters", it makes it anti-islamic is in itself extremely racist. Terrorism is the IRA, KKK, drug trafficing elements, as well as RADICAL islamic groups.

Third I am proud to be included in a program that not only welcomes discussion and opinion, it promotes and embraces it.
That's not right or left wing, it is american to the core.

Keep it up.

If you feel that Wikipedia is wrong, edit it! Don't just sit there. (Try and make a good, quality edit though.)

I have never seen Coach write an essay dictating how we are to think on a given day. He sets the table and invites discussion. When he participates he does so with passion. So do many others.

Under the Criticism section the last words are "painfully honest". I thought this was a section for criticism of the site. Further, if I can be grouped with the "they" as in "they frequently glorify American troops" well, that's ok too. Good job guys. It sucks that there are bad people out there. Do your job, be safe and come home soon.

Right wing or left is a game I'm tired of playing. I'm an American. I have an opinion and a right to my opinion...even if it's wrong. One day in four you have a right to attempt to show me the error in my ways. The other 3 days I sweat gleefully. In my mind CrossFit is the 3 days. The fourth day is food for thought.

#21, Billy talent is a cool group, check out the song called "in the river below"

As for the politics and crossfit, I myself am not a big fan of politics mixing with my workouts, so i just choose not to participate in those conversations. But to give up crossfit due to this minor thing is just plain stupid.

Todays wod was super hard the hspu really slowed me down today.

"The chair is against the wall", "John has a long mustache".... Jim nice picture, email.

Hey GregOhio check out the band "Disturbed." Thats was I listen to to get motivated.

i'm curious to see the forum's views on the recent massacre of innocent civilians -- men, women and children -- by those crazed marines in iraq.

it's pretty easy to see why it happened. their convoy was attacked and one of their men killed. seeing their buddy turned into a pile of goo obviously triggered the rampage.

but this is no excuse for their inhumane slaughtering of innocents. if it were, then some insurgents could use the same justification for their murderous ways.

this whole thing is just sad, especially because the war was entirely unnecessary, as most thinking people now agree. let's bring the boys home now.

MWU Comment#30

How do you come by your information? Were you there?

From the wiki: ". . .painfully honest"

Heh, you damn well better believe it!

"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is. " - Winston Churchill

thanks crossfit for making our soldiers stronger to be ELITE TERROIST HUNTERS

#31 -- various accounts on slate.com, washington post, new york times, and mcneil-lehrer. you should try keeping up with the news.

Could it be simple minded to think that the articles that are posted actually represent the opinions of the poster? Perhaps these articles are just a way to stir things up, get people thinking, reflecting, sharing...etc...

Ultimately what it is proving is that we, as a society, are unable to disagree amicably (as evidence by the posts here) and become bitter and aggressive instead when faced with someone who feels or thinks differently than we do. Thus, war.

Perhaps it behooves my own Crossfit sentiments to believe that "a right wing conservatism agenda" is not the drive behind the posting of these articles. Peace and love, my friends.

See? We all believe what we want to believe.

Sigh. Well, I too was surprised that the discussions mix a lot of politics in with the fitness, and I'd personally prefer to just have it be about fitness, but this site is a truly incredible resource, and it's provided free of charge, so I'm certainly not going to complain. The site could also have a bunch of annoying "smack the monkey" banner adds or something...that would be worse.

I haven't found any of the site's politics offensive even when I disagree with them. I don't really think the site postings are particularly anti-anything. Anti-terrorist and pro-military perhaps. Personally, I don't like the way our country throws its military weight around, but I think that anyone who joins up and puts their butt in the line of fire for the country is to be admired and respected, and I've never understood people who blame soldiers for the decisions of their *elected* masters.

I think the Wikipedia article is oversimplified but basically correct, and that's all right with me, even though I usually stay out of the political discussions.

To me the crux of the matter is that the information is terrific and free, so all I have to say is, "Thanks!"

#30 before you hand out your baseless criminalizations, you should stop and remember something. those men fight for the things this country was founded on, namely the idea that one is innocent until proven guilty. they havent even been charged yet. but you have already condemned them, based on the little knowledge you have of what actually happened.

#37 -- my comments are hardly baseless. there's enough information out there to form an opinion without a jury trial.

by analoy, zarqawi never had a trial, but i think there's enough info out there to conclude that he was responsible for many deaths. the same goes for the U.S. soldiers who murdered those women and children.

i may have to catch up on the news a bit, but im pretty sure none of those marines said "yeah that was me". unlike that sorry sob zarqawi.

Ha! If they think the politics are painfully honest, wait 'til they try the workouts!

Yeah, That pretty much sums it all up... And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Oh, and isn't it terrorist season year round? Better be sure to get my tags soon. It's been awhile since I stalked my fridge.

The short revision history for this article is interesting:

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Crossfit&action=history

The second revision posted from 83.70.44.162 (an IP address in Dublin, Ireland) added the following criticisms:

===Ineffective strength training===
+ Crossfit's workouts involve performing exercises one after another as quickly as possible. It has been pointed out that this will inevitably result in performing exercises when fatigued, which is far less effective at developing strength than exercises performed while fresh.

+ Crossfit's emphasis on variety means that neurological strength gains will not be developed. To become strong in a particular movement, one must practise that movement regularly, allowing neural pathways to conduct more force to the muscles. By constantly changing the exercise, as Crossfit advocates, one will not gain significant strength, except through physical changes to the muscles.

+ ===Failure to personalise===
+ Crossfit claims that a single workout will meet the needs of all people seeking a general fitness, regardless of their current fitness level, age or other considerations. One is expected to scale the intensity to a personal level, but make no qualitative changes. Critics say that a program tailor-made to individual requirements will be more effective.

+ ===Neglect of basic principles of program design===
+ The Crossfit program does not entail continual progression, save that of completing the workouts faster and faster. There is no increase in loads used, no progression to more difficult exercises and no increase in the number of repitions performed.

+ Crossfit does not utilise any type of periodisation, but rather prescribes the same type of workouts be done constantly. There is much evidence to show that devoting seperate phases to endurance, strength, speed etc. will give better results than attempting to develop them all simultaneously.

+ ===Politics===
+ Crossfit espouses a right wing conservative political ideology. On their website, they have posted links to essays on such topics as the Iraq war, the threat Islam poses to the West and free trade. They frequently glorify American soldiers, calling them "terrorist hunters". Critics say that such discussions have no place in the context of physical training. Crossfit's outspoken views on Islam, in particular, have often been seen as offensive.

A subsequent edit by "Cylon" removed the program criticisms for being "...opinions with no citations whatsoever". The political criticisms, however, were left untouched. So there you have it. CrossFit is junk fitness (just need some citations) conflated with offensive politics (no citations required).

As Victor (#25) pointed out, this is the Wikipedia. If you find an article to be incorrect or incomplete, get busy making it better. Here's the tutorial on how to get started:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Tutorial

Two interesting articles on Wikipedia are:

"The Death of Wikipedia" at http://www.roughtype.com/archives/2006/05/the_death_of_wi.php

"Digital Maoism" at http://www.edge.org/documents/archive/edge183.html

#38

I am sure Zarqawi would have got a trial if he would have turned himself in.

What would happen to any westerner putting themselves at the mercy of people like Zarqawi? . . . oh wait, that's right, they get beheaded before they even do anything wrong.

Comment #37 - "those men fight for the things this country was founded on, namely the idea that one is innocent until proven guilty."

That's a restriction placed on the government before it can punish a citizen, not on the citizen's ability to express their opinions.

There's nothing wrong with someone expressing their opinion before charges have been filed.

So far as Crossfit espousing a "right wing political ideology", public universities like UC Santa Cruz and UC Berkeley have no problem using our tax dollars to promote a radical left wing ideology. Why do people care about a privately run site supporting the military and conservative economic policies? Bottom line is that people don't want to hear an opinion they disagree with.

Politics aside, I think it's a fair Wikipedia entry on CF: mostly positive with a brief negative paragraph clearly under Criticisms (which actually is an effective advertisement for CF's intended target market). But hey what do you want from a free reference? (Thanks CF!)

In general, the brilliance of Wikipedia is at once its Achilles' heel. Allowing an encyclopedia to be edited by anyone with internet access is not only exciting, it's terrifying. The problem of misinformation is a huge one, but I can certainly appreciate the power of Wikipedia to retain its dynamic democratic status while at the same time keeping its information relatively accurate.

[And I read it on teh internets, it must be true.]

Greg #21
check out Rage Against the Machine, Alice in Chains, Audioslave, all good bands to motivate.
hope it helps

Get some Go again

#38: i'm guessing you're very young and therefore unschooled, but will address your comments anyway -- what zarqawi would do to a westerner has absolutely no relevance to the discussion. we are talking about u.s. marines who went on a killing spree.

to extend the discussion, every time an innocent is killed in iraq (whether a u.s. soldier, an iraqi civilian, a member of the press, etc), i remember that we were duped into this war on false pretenses by a few zealots in the white house.

even worse, the administration was totally unprepared to handle the aftermath. for christ sake, a two-bit dictator with a 4th grade education (saddam) ran that country better than we do.

isn't ANYONE sickened by this mess?

I think what they meant to say is:

CrossFit has great Patriotism!!!

I love the Crossfit system, have found it very easy to scale and modify for people of different levels of fitness. The ideology (Functional Motion, Use of Energy) is all you need to tailor a personal system.

I personally feel that politics have no place in fitness.

Comment #13 by Russ Greene;
"Learning to tolerate people you disagree with is an important skill."

Very wise statement.

-Dan T.

A lot of people just seem to forget what the USA has done for the world and what it is still doing... I love America!

Bart ( Belgium )

MWU #30 & 31

This incident is indeed tragic, but how many more atrocities have there been amongst the various terrorist and militant groups of any nation? It just so happens that this one was ours. There are countless atrocities commited each day, it's just that most go unnoticed because we are too busy looking at what's gone wrong with our military (instead of what's gone right past&present).

Often times I feel we have a much too narrow view of world happenings. Our world happenings are always focused on what the media wants us to focus on. If someone was filming in Darfur, Sudan (Africa) where the situation (killings, rapes, & periodic attacks on aid agencies) has not improved in the last 3 years despite the UN's push for a change in peace keeping operations... it may make other situations seem a bit smaller, no less tragic, but sometimes you have to look at things from the world scale.

Thanks for the link to change the Wikipedia article Brian. It would be interesting to check back in a month or two and if it changes.

#52- your comments are frigtening in so many ways.

basically, your reaction boils down to: our guys murdered innocent women and children, but hey, lots of atrocities are committed everyday around the world.

i doubt you would apply this logic to one of the insurgents' numerous atrocities. after they beheaded nicohlas berg, were you saying "hey, lots of atrocities are committed everyday around the world." i doubt it. you were probably horrified, as i was. you should be similarly horrified by the marines' massacre of those innocent civilians. morally, it's very important to be consistent here.

as for the other atrocities committed around the world, i agree that they're tragic. but the people committing it weren't wearing u.s. uniforms paid for with u.s. taxpayer $$.

The politics on this site are, for the most part, dreadful, wrongheaded, and unnecessary..and actually it wasn't always like that. I was perusing the archives and noticed that in the first few years Crossfit mainly posted fitness-related articles and not the strident head-in-the-sand crap that they tend to post now.

The politics make me ashamed to recommend the system to others, but it works so well, I do so anyway. Crossfit is that good.

#38 MWU "there's enough information out there to form an opinion without a jury trial."

MWU-You are a jackass! Do you believe everything you read and see on TV, as reported by people who weren't there? Have you ever served? Is your life ever in jeapordy? I doubt it, because if you had you'd understand that "innocent until proven guilty" extends even to those people in this great land who secure those rights for the rest of us.
And no, I'm not "sickened by this mess." I'm actually incredibly proud of the USA. No, were not perfect but we are the best thing going.

mwu: You are up to your fifth off topic post. Good chance you'll have an opportunity to pontificate on events in Haditha on a future rest day. Please stick with the current topic for the time being.

MWU

I think you are too quick to judge someone's moral character or how they did or did not react to past situations. I do not support or commend the actions of some Marines which resulted in the deaths of women & children. I think that they should be tried & if found guilty, punished to the full extent of the law. What I was aiming to get at, would be that one should not judge our entire military or even a specific service based on the actions of a few of its members.

I don't mean to frighten you nor is it my desire that you should feel your tax dollars are being wasted. What happened with those Marines was terrible, I am certainly not denying that. I just think there are a whole lot of terrible things going on in this world & I joined the military to stop what I could.

Do I think we should have gone to Iraq in the first place? No. But it doesn't much matter now. We are there & until we come home, I support the uniformed members of the service who are there.

I think we need to revert our thoughts back to what we all came here for in the first place... first rate fitness

#38 - there is not one item of substance in your posting. and remember that sometimes the most patriotic thing you can do is disagree with the powers that be. for this reason, i think it's a high act or patriotism to hold the imbeciles in the administration responsible for the utter disaster that is iraq.

#39 - i'm not sure what you mean by stick with the current topic. maybe fitness? okay, here's a question -- what is the best test for ketosis and where can it be purchased?

This has been said many times, but Coach, continue to do what you do. There are many of us that are very thankful to have someone like you and the rest of the community here to guide us.

MWU: You cannot judge those who risk their lives everyday. I wish you could walk in their shoes for one day. And if by chance you have served before, then you should know this first hand. If you have not served, then you will never know what it is like. You were not there, so don't judge them.

Ryan N., formerly of Crossfit Baghdad

I don't post much anymore because I'm like 2 months behind and don't like skipping, but I wanted to chime in.

Re: the wikipedia referencing (or lack of), I'm of Middle Eastern descent with a parent and grandparents who either practice or practiced Islam, and have never once been offended by something posted by Coach or Lauren on this site.

It's important to remember that, from what I understand, this program was started to aid the training of the brave individuals who will selflessly put their lives on the line on a moment's notice for their community; whether they're members of law enforcement, fire fighters, ski patrollers, or members of the armed forces. These services are extended to the greater community free of charge. Therefore, logging on and seeing images or dedications to the group(s) Crossfit was designed to cater towards should be neither surprising nor offensive.

I like to think of myself as a infidel crusader in the cradle of civilization.
If I was a "Terrorist hunter" I would need a lisence right? Any game wardens out there?

CrossFit Ft. Collins (Baghdad Annex)

Not a bad definition in Wikipedia. I can't see where anyone could have a real criticism of Coach or his website. I mean it is his website and free for everyone. If someone knows that every fourth day is devoted to political "banter" then either go into it with and open mind or don't log in at all. Keep up the good work Coach, I'll keep coming back for more.

#61 - are you saying that i can't judge the soldiers simply because i'm not one myself? that's an insane proposition. by your logic, i can't judge the insurgents because i'm not one myself. do you see the problem with your reasoning? i certainly hope so.

even more frigthening, your posting appears to indicate that you believe the soldiers' actions should somehow be excused because of the stress they undoubtedly face on a daily basis. again, this is totally inconsistent with all notions of a civilized society and, if applied broadly, could be used to excuse almost any behavior.

Let's all go look at the wikipedia entry again and see if it has a little less negative spin on it...shall we?

ah...with a few simple keystrokes the offending passage is less confrontational...it looks like somoeone moved the "post area" over to the wikipedia criticism area, haha

Rest day?! Bah!

Updated the Wikipedia in an attempt to bring balance to the force.

Ketosis is the natural byproduct of fatty acid metabolism. The single best test of ketosis is a regular bowel movement and a slightly acrid odor in the urine.

Ketoacidosis is the lowering of blood pH caused by an abnormally elevated level of ketone bodies. It is dramatic in effect and rarely experienced.

The two are often confused by the ill informed and worse, by those who enjoy using scare tactics in regard to nutrition.

# 10 , call me pedantic but it's "so long and thanks for all the fish". Not his best book, but hey at least your giving Douglas his propers.

Now then, as for the site, it is a simple fact that someone out there will be offended by everything. This is just the way of the world.

The Freedom of Speech that allows us to discuss whatever we want allows others to disagree with that discussion, or find fault with the originators ( in this case, the Crossfit site as a vehicle and the Glassmans in particular ).

As such, there is really no need to get worked up about anything...just enjoy rest day!!

Perfect image to go along w/the "Whackapedia" definition, some excellent terrorist hunters there at the Beach perfecting their craft. Get some.

I'm with #55 Tristram.

I do recommend Crossfit because I like the fitness program.

But I always add "just pretend you don't notice the pro-military patriotic junk, these folks have a military background with a military agenda".

I found it amusing at first, now I'm really tired of this "America rules the world and our heroes free the world of bad people" brainwashed nonsense.

It gets on my nerves that such clever folks, with an open mind regarding fitness, have such narrow and single-minded views of the outside world.

'i remember that we were duped into this war on false pretenses by a few zealots in the white house.'

We were? I don't recall being consulted, asked about, or 'duped into' this war. A warning was given: 'If you harbor terrorists, you will pay a very high price.' It went unheeded. The decision was made by Presidential authority granted by the constitution. I thank God for the 'few zealots' who for once had the balls to make a decision that was far too long in coming.

I also thank God for all the terrorist hunters out there. The very real, and unpopular truth is that the threat of a major terrorist attack, ie; the WTC attacks, has been greatly diminished by the methodical dismantling of the global terrorist infrastructure by this war, and the ancillary supporting efforts around the globe.

Brian, that's only one, do I have another four freebies? ;-)

Dear Crossfit

My training partner and I work out in a gym frequented by hardcore bodybuilders. Yesterday one of the really big boys complained that just watching us train was making him feel tired. I am worried about the effect watching us do our Crossfit WOD's might have on their training. What should I do?

Yours wracked with guilt

Neil

In my case, I can't disagree with what is written on wiki, but then again: even if I'm not pro-military/pro-war in Iraq, I do have the ability to – if not respect – at least understand that some americans are being overwhelmed with patriotism and pride in your situation.

BUT this whole discussion strands if we do not take into consideration the political administration that – through their lack of fundamental smartness and intelligence – created a situation in the middleeast that feeds patriotism/fundamentalism in both camps. YOU can be proud of your soldiers and THEY can be proud of their freedomfighters/terrorists (what ever you choose to call them), and it's all completely understandable and humane. None the less it's all a result of a bigger political game that many of you seem to lack a basic understanding of. Your patriotic feelings are strings that are being played by political forces to what ever means they may have, as well as the feelings of all other people –e.g. iraqis – involved in this situation is.

So ask your self: Can I truly call myself or 'my' soldiers defenders of freedom, being pawns in a game of power?

Just got back from doing my extremely modified WOD at the gym, posted on yesterday's comments page.

I'm loving the Wikipedia rewrite! I fixed a few typos, so I can say I contributed. :)

Those of you with questions/presumptions/unfounded accusations on Haditha should look at the excellent article and comments from the last rest day.

I agree with what several people wrote then about our troops deserving better than trial by media, and until I find out otherwise I will assume the best, not the worst.

People talking about us being pawns in a political game (yeah actually, I am patriotic in SPITE of the media, not because of it) and somehow don't acknowledge the fact that some Iraqis going to the media might also have scores to settle. And where is the outrage for the atrocities committed by terrorists, who hate ALL of us (liberals AND conservatives--we are just Americans to them).

Anyways, I am possibly preachin' to the choir.

Neil #74, I had too much caffeine today so I need to see your video so I can get some sleep afterwards. (Okay, sorry, I'll stop now.)

P.S.

I AM concerned about this news story however:
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-1851659.php

I'm so grateful for day off. Thankfully, it has coincided with no TKD or other martial arts class either, or having to take my daughter's horses out for a walk, or having to scythe the paddock/veg patch...........

And no patients have turned up this morning.

............Goodness I'm bored.

After yesterdays workout what a relief to see "rest day". Whewwww, still sore. >:-)

By the way from "Over Here". Thank you all so very much for your support. http://www.americasupportsyou.mil if you want to help us over here.

I serve with an overwelming sence of pride and patriotism every day. It's not everyday you get to say, "I defend the nation and the constitution against all enemies, foreign and demostic, and I fight for the American way of life.", but I do.

Next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, think about every word in it.

I am not a Democrat or a Republican, I am a Libertarian. Liberty and Justice for all.

I am a Soldier.

I do Crossfit for my PT. I "smoke" my self far more than any Drill Seargent ever did, every workout.

#10 - Wow! I guess you're part of the 80% who can't handle CrossFit and end up quiting. Usually it's because of the workouts, but I guess the intellectual stimulation every fourth day really got to you.

#30 - The press is really putting the screws to the Marines and their actions at Haditha; however, realize that there are two investigations going on to determine exactly what happened. As a Marine myself, I can guarantee you that whatever the outcome of those investigations, any and all wrongdoing will be dealt with severely. You see, part of being a Marine is to keep our honor clean. In the heat of battle, it would be easy to forget that and do something one wouldn't normally do in a normal situation. Killing innocent civilians is never acceptable and 99.9% of the Marines who've served in combat control the urge to seek revenge and demonstrate remarkable courage in the face of the enemy and, at the same time, compassion for both civilians and wounded enemy fighters. If the allegations prove true, the fault will lie not only with the actors, but with their leadership as well. You can bet that my Corps will deal with the leadership failures - we always do.

Coach and Lauren, keep up the excellent work. CrossFit has changed my life!

Semper Fi!
Steve

God bless America and our troops that selflessly sacrifice every day and CrossFit for kicking me into shape thanks

Some thoughts from Fallujah....

Until this point, I've stayed out of any of the "political" discussions on rest days. I prefer to read the articles, digest them, examine the discussion, and come to my own conclusion. Then I get back to work and look forward to the WOD. Sometimes I agree, sometimes I disagree, but there is always civilized disagreement that provokes a lot of thought. There aren't too many forums, even on the WWW, that contain this much disagreement with such a relatively low "troll" ratio.

If the Marines in Haditha are found guilty, they will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. The entire process will be aggresively covered by the press, and the Marine Corps will give regular updates in a public forum. If the Marines and Corpsmen are found guilty, the Corps will be the first to announce it and show in the most open manner possible that mistakes were made and we're correcting them. Regardless of the outcome of any trials resulting from this tragedy, the Marine Corps will take steps to reinforce the "core values" that make our Corps and this country great, and work to ensure this never happens again.

Find me an example of this level of openness in Iraq before we got here. Find me a time when Saddam's troops massacred civilians and then announced to the press that those troops are in pre-trial confinement while an investigation is conducted, and the soldiers will be punished to the fullest extent of the law if found guilty. I think you'll be scouring through references and old news stories for a very long time indeed.

MWU - Your posts, whether I agree with them or not, tell me we're winning. They tell me you live in the greatest, most open nation in the world, where you're free to openly and publicly question the government, the head of state, and the actions of the military without fear of repercussion, and that I'm a part of protecting that. I appreciate the postive reinforcement. Enjoy the freedoms so many have died to provide you, and so many more are putting their lives on the line for every day here and elsewhere. Keep posting, I'm loving every deliberately inflammatory word you type. It means we're doing a good job.

Semper Fi.

MWU

Find a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman and thank him/her. Because of them you can speak your mind like you have and sleep well at night w/ the assurance that the "secret police" won't come kick your door in and drag you off to prison. I absolutely disagree with your views but as Gunner (#82) said, it let's me know we're doing our job. Coach, love the site, keep the WODs coming.

Airpower!!

American troops don't need to be "glorified" on this or any other website -- their brave actions do that every day. Thanks to all of them. (Or, to you!)

The negative Wiki-editing reminds me of the unknown local leftist who went to the trouble of scraping the Bush sticker off the back window of my truck the other day. No doubt he's one of those concerned about the administration "suppressing dissent."

Purely my personal opinion.

MWU, I'd rather have people shocked that such things occur with Americans than that such is the way things are. That is what is so great about our country, most here have high ideals and we as Americans expect the best from our representatives.

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program built on constantly varied, if not randomized, functional movements executed at high intensity.

Let's reduce the left-right-center clutter, and keep Crossfit pure.

Crossfit is about fitness, and fitness yearns to be free.

Crossfit is about civility.

Thanks Coach, for enabling human endeavor.

Hi everyone,

I'm on my first week now, so the workouts- and discussions!- are quite new to me. With regards to the workouts, they're super fun, and I'm looking forward to the results. I am, I must confess, somewhat trepidatious as to the potential bulk increase. I'm all about practical and efficient muscle, and don't fancy a bulky body. I do a lot of running, so figure my aerobics/oxidative pathway will keep me more streamlined, but any affidavits for/against would be much appreciated.

I must also say that I am deeply impressed with the performance postings of many of the athletes on this page. I used to compete on a national level in the sport of rowing, and still fancy myself in good physical shape, and "fit". Granted I've been out of form for a couple of years now, but damn! you guys and girls are giving me a complex! Kudos on a job well done!

With regards to the political discussion, a healthy forum is always good for sharing thoughts and criticisms. Ignorance is the biggest of modern day evils, and any venue to dismiss these falsities should be applauded- all the better if the forum reaches a diverse crowd! Of course it's important to not take things too personally and have an aneurysm while staring at the computer screen- aka remaining level-headed and rational.

The comedian Mitch Hedgeberg put it nicely once when saying, "You can't please all the people all the time, and last night they were all at my show." Today's postings are a prime example of two groups disagreeing on disagreeing. What begun as a show-case of a Wikipedia article has now turned into an eye-for-an-eye argument over the "War on Terror," skewered on the side of the "for the troops" and "for America"- two very different musings. For the former, people are expressing their support for the common soldier, the honourability of the profession, and the need to "get the job done" (albeit in a professional manner). Great!

The latter, support for "America", seems more tied up in a 100% ‘green-lights-go!’ for the current USA Administration- as though having faith in the current 'boss' is synonymous with believing in the 'American Ideals' of peace, justice, democracy, and freedom (…etc.). Some authors, e.g. Robert Jensen, include devout Nationalism as a threat to democracy on par with religious fundamentalism (be it Muslim, Christian, Buddhism or whatever). Love is blind, and national patriotism is dangerously so, as it gives authorities in power the political might to act as they please. Such being the case, one must feel comfortable with the notion that questioning the political power is not treasonous or even naughty, but an important aspect of a “fit” democracy.

At the end of the day, people have to make their own decisions and should be respected for such. As a democratic citizen though, you owe it to your country to make the best decisions for its current and future citizens, which means keeping informed on politics. And by informed, I mean conversant with the left-wing AND right-wing arguments. At that stage, we can throw all the BS on the table, sift through it, and beat out the truth. That is how you fight ignorance.

Accordingly, if the crossfit forum users are bent on keeping ‘day 4’ as a political chat day, why not include some useful reading materials for people on the opposite spectrum to convince them they’re wrong. In such a context, I would urge all of the political pundits out there to view the film “Loose Change2”, which can be viewed for free online: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5137581991288263801&q=loose+change+2nd+edition&pl=true
As a student of science, I found this film quite shocking and revealing- rooted, as it is, in simple scientific facts, official US Government documentation, and eyewitness accounts from active servicemen on September 11, 2001. This film ought to be of particular interest to firefighters and service men.

The Robert Jensen article, mentioned above, can be found at http://www.zmag.org/Sustainers/Content/2006-06/08jensen.cfm

The music group “Dispatch” also has a cool song, called “The General” (but not good for a wod).

Ok, sorry for the long ramble. Enjoy your rest day, all the best, and keep up the good work.

-Ruari

Everyone has their war to fight, whether at home, in their heart, or in a different country. I respect our soldier, and may he or she serve with honor and respect the duty they have enlisted for, but most of all, come home after fulfilling service to their country and its citizens.

Politics, well, it's just that; politics. I've seen dogs negotiating a bone better than the men and women chosen to be our 'leaders.'

Crossfit; what can I say other than I absolutely love the concept. Even if you can't do what is req'd, the open forum allows for substitutes, plus the wholistic approach forces participants to be in tune with their bodies limitations and not mindlessly moving through a set of bloating-based excercises. AND, last but not least, I really like the idea of getting my heart rate up so high by throwing iron. It's harder than running a 5k by far, and in 20 minutes or so.

You guys are based out of California and "espouse a right wing conservative political ideology". There is still hope for the left coast. Supporting our troops and wanting to kill radical Islamic terrorists before they make it to our shores is wrong because....why? Guess we need to "understand" the reasons why they hate us and its all our fault anyway due to our murderous imperialistic ways. Right me Kerry.

This bleeding heart, blue state, party unaffiliated liberal is just happy we have a rest day!!

Okay, who needs a hug?!

wax the mofos..........any questions

Crossfit is great, but when I see those articles on the front page it just screams to me "American!!".

I'm not American, and most of my time on the web does not feel American, even though most content comes from the US. I like the way this feels, it makes me feel like a citizen of the world if you like.

When I come across a website which has an American flag, or some content which is written in such a way as to assume that everyone viewing it knows certain small American cultural details, then it does seem wrong and not like the 'net should be.

However, I have read at least some of every article that crossfit has posted and it's not all extreme right wing, in fact I think Americans describe what I think of as extreme right wing and regular right wing as right wing and left wing. Pretty much you guys don't have much of a left wing at all, from where I'm looking.

Anyway, cool website.

Crossfit: "Making Terrorist Hunters All They Can Be"
Thank you Coach and Thanks to all you Terrorist Hunters.

If you do the same workout all the time, you will become proficient in that workout and become imbalanced in a fitness sense. Crossfit's variety prevents imbalance by offerring a wide range of exercises. If you read the same stuff all the time, your thinking will similarly become imbalanced. Crossfit's rest day articles have exposed me to a wide range of thought provoking topics for which I also thank the Glassmans. But let's be clear about a few things: I thank and honor the men and women who serve our country abroad and at home; and yes, Islamic jihadists are a threat to the West. They killed friends of mine on 9/11. Get some (terrorists) and get some more (terrorists).

JefM (72)
I'm not sure the characterization of pro military patriotic junk is fair or accurate, I believe you can be patriotic and anti war, I believe you can not be a supporter of an administration's policies and I'm committed to service to protect your right to those things. Sleep soundly knowing that rough men stand ready to do violence on your behalf

In reference to Haditha, here's a link to an article in this past Sunday's Washington Post - lead story, page A1 (so much for liberal media bias) - describing the events from the Platoon Sergeant's perspective. Interesting stuff, particularly the differing opinions on the rules of engagement - you'd think that would be clear cut by now. Plus, it's hard to figure how the Public Affairs folks reported the civilian deaths as being from a bomb blast, given what the Platoon Sergeant reported. Anyway, the article's worth the read. You may have to log in to access the article.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/10/AR2006061001129.html?sub=AR

MWU
Those "crazed Marines" are being investigated and may or may not be guilty. Once again, armchair quarterbacks feel free to judge things they can't know and criticize things they can't do themselves. Who is investigating the multiple beheadings in reaction to Zarqawi's death? Who is raising a stink about all of the hostages that are being shot in the head and dumped around Iraq against those trying to establish a representative government? I think everyone needs to step back and think with some perspective.

Why is the quote from wikipedia on here anyway? Is there some wikipeida article on crossfit that talks about political ideologies instead of the actual fitness programs?

#28--"WOLVERINES!!!!" nice, and appropriately obscure reference, made my morning.

There are many naysayers today, funny how rest days work. I find it is a very typically American response to enjoy the privelege and freedom provided for you by bashing it and/or how it is provided to you. Free workouts, free exercise philosophy, free personal training, free motivational articles, free video demonstrations. Wait, what's this link, I can't stop myself, oh an article about the decline of Western Civilization, OH! its calling me! I can't stop reading--but its RIGHT WING! my eyes! they're burning! damn you CrossFit!
AAAAHHHHRRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!

Anyone who's seen 1 iteration of the WOD cycle, three days on, one rest day (replete with an article about whatever) has seen this debate before. Wikipedia, another free online resource, is not something I think I'll keep up on. CrossFit, however, is a fantastic resource for fitness which has relevant, and stimulating articles once every four days. The WINNER, hands down--CrossFit.

I'm glad it's a rest day--I just blew my WOD time, reading and rereading the postings. Great stuff! Being politically a little to the right of Atilla the Hun (that's a use of irony , MWU) I find the political discussions interesting and amusing. So many of us have opinions based only on opinion.

Thanks for the WOD's and what they do for us, our bodies and our attitudes. Keep it comin' Coach!

The gratitude of this nation rests with those who bear the sword to exact violence upon the murderer. It's not the critic who counts... Never will be! Thank you’s again to those terrorist hunters! God's speed to all of you on watch.
Thank you Coach Glassman for your example of excellence. Keep after the prize sir, I’m proud to be on your team.

Good Hunting!
ironmike out.

The opinions here don't agree with mine. This site should be banned.

That was sarcasm since in case it was missed by anyone.

I'm an idiot so entertain me.
Could someone please tell me what the "Military Agenda" is? I hear this thrown around alot and I'm curious what it is. I always thought the militay didn't have an agenda, the government did.

At what point did being Patriotic become a bad thing and is there such a thing as too Patriotic?

-Jeremy

"Crossfit espouses a right wing conservative political ideology. On their website, they have posted links to essays on such topics as the Iraq war, the threat Islam poses to the West and free trade. They frequently glorify American soldiers, calling them 'terrorist hunters'..."

I still don't understand wny this is classified as a "criticism." I see it as a huge bonus. I hope it continues unabated.

--Rob Carty (USAF JAG 1994-98)

Re: "Secondly I don't ever remember reading anything specifically anti-islamic."

Unfortunately I specifically remember a viewer email that was reposted on the left pane of the site that referred to the middle east as "the asshole of the earth" (I believe I got the quotation completely accurate, please correct me if I'm wrong). Since I have friends that are Arabs and Muslims (not always both), it made me sad to see that posted. Also, I can't see how statements like that will ever do anything to help make the world better. While the quote was not directly offensive to Muslims in a formal logical way, I think we can all agree it's insulting.

However, I really do enjoy the workouts, and this is America and you can say just about anything you want, and have any opinion you want. And it's precisely this that makes it a great place to live. When we are intolerant of other ideas is
exactly when we start to go backwards as a country, so keep on with the comments and discussions (no matter how much I agree or disagree with them).

True to the spirit of the internet and statements being taken out of context and misinterpreted, I fully expect to be shredded for my comments :)

-Tyson

Did anybody actually read the rest of the Wiki article? No? I think you'll find there's some back-tracking that's been done

The version that I read 5 minutes ago (9am EST)
>>>

Another View

The above statements validity in regard to Crossfit's political agenda, while being factually accurate in some regard, is up for debate and should be examined with care. Many who follow the Crossfit system do not prescribe to the politics. The comment section is used for both debate and to record a member's daily progress.

Crossfit posted a link to their Wikipedia reference on June 13, 2006. Debate among its members over the validity of the Wikepedia entry began shortly after.
[edit]

Fitness, Politics and Free Speech

There is something of a deception inherent in the descriptions given above. Anyone visiting the Crossfit web resource will find a daily article posted, ordinarily sourced from an independent third party such as a newspaper, with an attached comments board for discussion by the Crossfit community (and presumably anybody else who may be interested in posting their views). Whilst it seems likely that the owner and moderator of the site has strong political leanings, these are neither forcibly advocated through the Crossfit resource, nor required to be shared by anyone following the Crossfit model of fitness training.

It has been suggested by several Crossfit practitioners, through the daily posting of comments, that the ability to discuss such political and other matters freely, rather than the political preference of the participants, is the important aspect of this process.

<<<

Paints a slightly better picture wouldn't you say?

As for the effectiveness of the WOD etc...experienced body builders switching and swearing by the program is a pretty strong endorsement if you ask me.

Not to mention military, fire, police, people where fitness and performance could mean life or death, follow it. If these people say it works then it works

- Tim

oh, and Tyson, yeah I saw that bit too. Probably should be edited out of a front page endorsement

Sorry Tyson, but I have heard many places...more places in the US than anywhere else...referred to as "asshole of the Earth", "armpit of the planet", etc.

You might also consider this: in the specefic example you brought up, a GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION was referred to as "the asshole of the Earth". Not a particular religion. Perhaps you don't realize this, but the Middle East also happens to be home to Christians, Jews, Buddhists, etc. It is where Christianity originated. Referring to the Middle East as "the asshole of the Earth" in no way singles out or condemns any particular religion. Does it.

"Beware when all men speak well of you."
This quote has guided me well over the years.
If it is what you really believe, stand by it.
Someone will almost always be offended anyway, regardless of the content of your belief.

I just read some "good press" on Crossfit. There is a brief article in the bi-monthly newspaper for the Canadian Forces (called the Maple Leaf) about Crossfit, and how we are going to include the basic principles into the Army Fitness Manual.

Kudos to you coach.

Re: "You might also consider this: in the specefic example you brought up, a GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION ... no way singles out or condemns any particular religion. Does it."

I thought I addressed this when I wrote "While the quote was not directly offensive to Muslims in a formal logical way...". You are correct, in a formal, logical way there was no insult to Islam, however I thought it was not a far leap to make since the middle east is probably (guessing here) 90-95% Muslim. Let's not beat that to death though, I'll yield that no direct offense was made to Islam (fwiw I'm a devout agnostic "infidel" ;)

More in the spirit of what I was saying: don't we have better, intelligent, more constructive things to say? Considering all the education, resources and advantages we have to take advantage of in the United States, can't we as Americans come up with better than that (and expect more out of our peers)? ( that = the quotation I made in my first post ). Of course the email I'm referring to doesn't speak for the country, I'm just trying to encourage the emails author to try to act more like we want the world to see us.

Tyson

.

Been lurking for 3 weeks, time to chime in:
Rest day as RXed.

#10 fish, I too have felt the anger and been intimidated by the evil Coach (but mostly on those 3 days that weren't rest days).

#30 etc. etc. Mr. MWU, betcha $1 it didn't go down like you think Mr. Murhta told you.

If lovin crossfit is wrong, I don't want to be right

when did we as a people become so soft? is political correctness really a by product of corporate america trying to market its goods to the masses? our original congressman had fist fights in the street over their respective political views. maybe my view of america is skewed a little because of my primary education but why did we on the right become so apathetic to the world around us. We grow quieter as the left side gets louder and louder. forget the middle east for a minute, how can our elected leadership allow another government to insist on how we run our borders. the government has a few skeletons in its closet but last i checked we never overthrew mexico's government.

as far as the middle east being the "asshole of the earth" how do you think the people feel that live in the armpit of florida. how do you think londoners feel when they go to wales and see signs that say "please flush england needs the water".

The military, the fire department, law enforcement are admirable professions. the personal sacrifice of time and family required to perform their respective jobs properly is immense. oh yeah and they could die doing thier job. hmmm...

America is a wonderful place i just vented and made no logical order or sense to any of my statements and no one is coming to behead me or arrest me or take my family. we live in such a wretched place.

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I was a radical left-wing pacifist anti-nuclear environmental activist. I read Mother Jones, sympathized with EarthFirst, and stood outside Air Force conferences with placards about nuclear weapons. I thought I was defending truth, justice, and freedom of speech against the forces of conservatism that any moment would shut down our democratic society.

I still believe some of the things I believed then. I'm still an environmentalist, and I still have questions about the efficacy of nuclear weapons as a mechanism for maintaining political stability.

But the most important point I used to believe -- that left-wing politics and political groups are the only force fighting for free speech, truth, justice, and human rights -- I have repudiated. I have seen too many people, self-identified as "left-wing", attempt to close off debate and condemn the expression of certain points of view solely on the basis of those points of view being "conservative" or "right-wing" -- as if that were evidence enough of their inadmissability. That's not to say everyone on the left is wrong, just as it's not to say everyone on the right is wrong. There are a lot of people on both sides trying to find the right answers to difficult questions and protect what we think is important about our society.

What happened to "liberal" politics being about protection of our individual freedoms? What happened to our society being about the protection of our right to free and open debate about fundamental questions?

I've been following Crossfit for a couple of months now, and I've been very pleased to find that debate on this website. Crossfit is remarkable both for the diversity of opinion visible and for the relative calm with which those opinions are expressed. Sure, if I had to pick a slant, I'd say it tilts to the right. But for fair and open-minded people that shouldn't be a problem whatever your political orientation.

I'm confident that if I express an opinion on here reasonably and supported by evidence, I'll get treated respectfully even by people who disagree with me. I don't think you can ask for more than that.

PS: I mentioned I had been a pacifist -- if I could go back and do it over, I'd join the Navy and try for the SEALs.

Wow, I'm glad I didn't read this last night or I may have been up for a while. I don't think that I have known about CrossFit long enough to make an informed opinion about any political views, but my unit worked with the Marines in Al-Anbar province just south of Hadithah. We left about a month before the incident happened, but I was able to observe the Marines in action on several occasions. Whether on the ground or in the air, I was unimpressed by what I saw. That aside, I can see how a "massacre" could happen. I don't think it is right (if true), and I think it is a tremendous failure on the part of all officers and nco's involved (again, if true). But after you watch one of your soldiers, or friends, get shot or blown up it takes a lot of discipline and leadership to not let berserker get the best of you

Honesty and conviction are what I find to be the driving forces behind the CrossFit community. With character such as this no wonder CrossFit does not fit the bill with so many, when so many have neither conviction toward anything, or honest opinions to share.

I am "young and uneducated", I was also "fat and unhealthy", thankfully I live in a Country that has allowed me the opportunity to change this fact come this next school year, and thanks to CrossFit for making me strong, fast, and lean.

Maybe we all should band together and start the "Crossfit" Party. I don't know about y'all but it would be nice to have a political candidate to vote for who actually represented the bulk of the people. Not just the 10% to the far right and 10% to the far left.
I's about time real people took back politics from rich white men who only care about rich white men no matter what "party" they represent.

By the way Thank You to all the "terrorist hunters" who make me feel good about my son's future.

I have one question about the "Loose Change" video. If there wasn't a plane crash in PA, then where did all the people go who got off the plane in Cleveland? I guess here in America we found a way for 200 people to not talk to the press or go home to their loved ones?
That video has more holes than a screen door.

Well, I only come to this site for the WOD and the fitness discussions and was surprised to see this discussion today!

I am a big supporter of the troops, but an avid believer that the war in Iraq has done more to harm the world than help it. That is in NO way the fault of the men and women in uniform, but more on the diplomatic impotence of the current admin in Washington.

Hey, we're all entitled to our own opinions.

I just hope every soldier out there gets home safe and soon.

Thanks so much for this website, it truly has changed the way I look at fitness.

Republicans and Democrats are the same thing anymore.

Here's the bottom line, and I don't give a damn about what either side has to say, because this is the REALITY of the situation.

We started this "war on terror" to find Osama Bin Laden and the terrorists responsible for the September 11th attacks (lest we forget). We successfully invaded and forced out the ruling, terrorist-friendly government in Afghanistan.

Because we could not find the aforementioned terrorists, we moved on to Iraq. The reasons for invading that country were as numerous as they were ambiguous, and changed quite often.

So, regardless of what any bleeding heart liberal or right wing chicken hawk has to say, we've invaded two countries and destroyed whatever political system was there. We MUST see this through now.

If we pull out, we'll have another Iran on our hands, with even more bloodlust for westerners.

If we invade another country, it could destabilize the entire Middle East.

I cant say enough about crossfit. Its opened up so many doors for me since I began training with you guys. I have had incredible strength and power gains in a couple months comparable to moderate gains after 6 months of hard weightlifting out here in Iraq. Im glad I found crossfit. One of the pillars of crossfit is the community. You guys are 100% supportive of everyone from lowley beginner (me) to the expert. I appreciate the EXCELLENT coaching and you never fail to answer my questions.
People fear what is different and what works. Those who see a problem with crossfit are the ones with problems themselves. We are simply a bunch of people with certain views about our country and our people that one might call "oldschool". I prefer patriotic. America's youth (im 23) has forgotten what it means to be a citizen. I even know buddies in the military who dont undertand the meaning of serving their country. Its good to know there is a strong majority of us. I thank you all take care! - Ian Harte
PFC US ARMY
19Delta Cavalry Scout
"if you aint cav..."

Under the complaints section: "....They frequently glorify American soldiers, praising them for the sacrifices that they make." What, nothing about renal failure, Pukie, or "the Girls"? I'll have to wear my CrossFit "Infidel" T-shirt with pride.

Time for a much needed rest. Swam across the Chesapeake Bay (4.4+ miles in 2hr 37min) on Sunday. I am looking forward to easing back into the WOD's.

Congratulations Coach for making Wikipedia. Onward to Encylopedia Britannica and the OED!

The Wiki poster from Dublin called CF "right wing." Ever notice how the mainstream media uses the terms "right wing" and "left wing"? The term "left wing" almost never comes up, "right wing" does all the time, always pejoratively, and no doubt the Wiki posting was meant to be insulting. Where do libertarians fit into this classification scheme? I ask because the politics of rest day postings seem to me more libertarian than anything else. Radical Islamists fit my definition of "right wing," as does the Baath party in Syria and Iraq, but CrossFit rest day postings do not.

mwu, everyone is entitled to form opinions about guilt or innocence based on whatever sources they deem credible. For example, I'm convinced that OJ was guilty. But having been in the arena for a fair number of murder trials I can tell you that there are many good reasons that jurors are not allowed to form their opinions based on what is printed in the NY Times or any other media source.

Today I learned that I'm a "right wing conservative." Who would have thought... from another snake eater/terrorist hunter

The author of this site has a revolutionary and extrodarinarily effective fitness program. This program appeals to me and I'm sure others for love the challenge of the daily workout.

Unfortunately someone lacks the self control to present only a fitness program, but like a true religious zealot, cannot help from proselytizing inappropriately. To force exposure to religious or political values gratuitously is a sign of weakness and insecurity, not strength.

Compare this attitude to that of the empire of the United States with its thrust for militarism and imperialism. Ours is not a show of strenth but fear and anxiety that continually justifies our preemptive invasion of other countries to force our values upon them or to protect our corporate interests or to boost our politicians clout.

It's one thing to be fit and ready to defend yourself. It's quite another to beligerently insist all must follow you.

I find the political discussions here to be tragically uninformed, not by the readers but by the authors of this website. Political discussion is a good thing but it has to have a certain basis in reality that I just have not seen presented here. It is too bad that there is so much time wasted on the political red herring we disagree on, when we all agree on the much more important things.

I will say that, however, I think that the tolerance level here is rather high.

Let me just add this to the discussion. It’s simple math.

It's estimated that Saddam, while in power, could have killed up to 2 million people. That's on average 228+ people per day of his reign. I not including the number of tortured or terrorized to keep it objective.

The current list of civilian casualties (not just from OUR military actions but from insurgents as well) is 36 per day. Still high, too high, but a lot lower and is an improvement, no?

That's 191 people saved per day or a "total life savings" of 22,000+ iraq civilian lives since we've entered Iraq. I can't help but see that as a good thing, why are so many of you making saving lives a bad thing?

That said, Yes, I agree that a few bad apples with guns is too many, just as 1 airplane crash due to human error is too many.

I wish that the situation in Iraq didn't call for the soldiers to in the situation they are in but War isn't easy. Yes, the face and way of war has changed, but that isn't the doing of the US, but of our opponents.

Yes, Bush might have screwed up by going into Iraq like he did, but we can't change the past. So liberals ask yourselves, what would you have us do over there STARTING NOW with the situation as it is today? No rewriting history only moving forward.

Bill (126)
If the US is the Empire, does that make me a Stormtrooper? Damn, that just ruined any chance I had of hooking up with Leia, or even better Padme (i know dorky references, what do you want from a knuckle dragging mouth breather?)

Henry could not have stated it any better. Any one of us knuckleheads can go into wikipedia and edit it to our own personal liking. Wikipedia= fact...Hardly.

As for the comments by mwu, I am probably echoing comments of those before me, or not, too lazy to read everything right now. Either way, as stated by another post, unless you were there( and I doubt you were) and/or you are part of the IG(Inspector General) investigation, you do not know what occurred. There has recently been many articles about the journalist who broke the story, an Iraqi once jailed by the Coalition Forces and is still bitter. Is it possible he is not breaking the entire story? Lying? None of us know yet, people will say what they want to believe and bring people to their side of the debate.
Here is an example of people in Iraq for you: The present Speaker of the Council of Representatives in Iraq, they are a unicameral legislation, was also once jailed by the Coalition Forces and a staunch opponent to the United States and other forces in his country. And he is a Sunni who thought that we were all there to make sure the Shia and the Kurds were empowered and the Sunni's held down. Currently, he is a large proponent and does not want us to leave. MWU, bet you did not know that.
Again, many facts out there that we do not know about.
Now, I am in the military, if this action did take place, the Military Justice system will punish them according to letter of the law. Until then, be mindful of your comments and let the facts come out.
Ignorance is never an excuse or a luxury.

Again, I am in the military and have worked on the hill representing the military in between tours....I prefer the workouts to the political jargain here, but debate is good as long as everyone keeps there senses about them and realizes there is nothing wrong with having an opposing opinion.
STAY SAFE OVER THERE BROTHERS!!!

Coach and your so called minions: Keep bringing the pain.
I think that if people have problems with Coach and his staff, I am sure he is not hiding in a hole and would be more than willing to address the issues face to face. I think there are plenty on this site who have drank the Koolaid and are willing to provide support.

The increasingly irritating political content of Crossfit completely undermines its main content of promoting an interesting and challenging fitness program. I have been working up to the WOD for some time but am beginning to lose interest as a result of the screeching.

Crossfit should grow up and stop promoting partisan points of view, particularly support for America's unilateral military aggression and interventionism. Crossfit's interest group is not confined to the minority of people who support the current crop of elected idiots in America.

But since the site apparently supports posting rambling ill-informed political screeds, I'll go one better and give my informed opinion: For launching an aggressive and illegal war, the "supreme crime" as determined at the Nuremberg Trials, the leaders of the US and UK are war criminals meriting execution. Our national interests were far better served with Saddam in charge. All deaths of soldiers and civilians are a tragedy but our nations deserve to get their asses kicked out of Iraq.

I support the troops precisely the same way a German with a conscience would have supported the Wehrmacht: I support them stopping killing foreigners and coming home.

Rant off...

Bill (#126), you said:
"Unfortunately someone lacks the self control to present only a fitness program..."

Just out of curiosity, why do you feel that Coach/CF should present only a fitness program?

This is a free site. No one is being charged anything to come here and get the WOD. In fact...I think you might want to take into consideration the costs involved in running a site (bandwidth, server space, etc.). Shouldn't Coach or anyone else running their own site that charges nothing for access be allowed to publish whatever they'd like?

It's worth noting that the one fairly common thing I can think of that some people pay for...the CF Journal...has no political content at all. At least not in the 3 years I've been a subscriber. And having attended multiple seminars, I don't recall any instances where paying attendees were subjected to any kind of political opinion/discussion.

It is staggering to me that anyone taking advantage of a free site would complain about what amounts to far less than 25% of the site content. There is no one holding a gun to your head, forcing you to come here for a FREE fiteness program, nor is anyone compelling you to read the less fitness-oriented discussions that take place every 4th day.

Bill (126) said: "To force exposure to religious or political values gratuitously is a sign of weakness and insecurity, not strength."

Please articulate how anything on this site has been "forced" on you.

I suspect that the range of political opinion of Crossfitters is pretty wide. I don't think conservatism correlates with fitness levels. I certainly have never felt compelled to take a right wing view.

As for our soldiers, they are true professionals and should be recognized for it, particularly as they are dying and being maimed in the line of duty. Whether the politicians are equally competent and well-intentioned in how they employ our military forces is a debate that I will leave to another time and place.

Is it possible to accurately state how little respect I have for people that don't post with an actual name and valid email address? I'm not sure it can be done (describe my level of disrespect).

If you're not willing to own it, you don't deserve to be heard/read.

Wow, so many things came to me reading this its overwhelming. First of all, Wikpedia seems worthless to me. The last thing I want to read is anyone with an agenda trying to pass that off as an absolute fact with no expanation/references. Here, comments are opinions, but taking some bozos posting on a page as a resource seems pretty shortsighted.

By the way did I mention that I am far from the conservative side? I spoke up a few rest days ago, mentioning that I felt able to express my difference of opinion here openly. So, I feel a need to metion a few things:

While no side of a debate is expressly promoted, I think that there is a bit of bias about what is said. #57 Brian, You are a Mod here am I right? While feel MWU was being a bit inflamatory, I think their point was in the context of the overall discussion. As long as their posts are civil, why would they be limited? On that issue, just as we cant presume guilt, I was happy to see some military people here who did not conditionalize the morality of what MAY have happened.

On a much less serious note, I didnt notice any spelling corrections for "lerberal", but someone was jumped on last time for spelling (when there agenda wasnt welcomed) I could be sesitive here, as each post opens me as a target on that issue.

Finally, I would love to see some rest day reading come up that opens up discussion on some other realms:
Ann Coulter (any of our proud consevatives want to defend that?)
gay marriage
medical marijuana
Center for Comsumer freedom (aka junkfood indusrty)
Burma

Oh, and of course some reading on fitness stuff. I am sure we can all agree when we get together to deride most of whats being passed of
out there.

Matt G my name is Jim, jimmiepop is a pet name from some one special. I hope I have your everlasting respect now. Bill (126) don't like the political talk don't read it I rarely do. Today was a make up day for missing Saturday. So, my numbers 70, 80, 85, 90, 100, 105, 110, 115, failed at 120 so finished up with 2 more sets of 115

i find politics just as offensive as religion. anyone who aligns themself with one religion, believing every other one is wrong, is offensive to all other parties. in the same way, i think anyone who associates themself with one political party is shortchanging the whole process. the most important aspect of any sporting event is sportmanship, hands down. with politics, you have bickering from all sides, just like little babies. no sportsmanship. no respect for one another. anyone who follows politics seems so willing to spit in the other guy's face, just like bill romanowski, and have no remorse for having done so. the saying "may the best man win" has been thrown out the window. if politics and religion were not a part of this world, steven hawking would not be suggesting that we need to venture out into the universe. yes, politics is one of the evils of this world.

i find politics just as offensive as religion. anyone who aligns themself with one religion, believing every other one is wrong, is offensive to all other parties. in the same way, i think anyone who associates themself with one political party is shortchanging the whole process. the most important aspect of any sporting event is sportmanship, hands down. with politics, you have bickering from all sides, just like little babies. no sportsmanship. no respect for one another. anyone who follows politics seems so willing to spit in the other guy's face, just like bill romanowski, and have no remorse for having done so. the saying "may the best man win" has been thrown out the window. if politics and religion were not a part of this world, steven hawking would not be suggesting that we need to venture out into the universe. yes, politics is one of the evils of this world.

jimmiepop68...I think you know what I mean. You are (more or less) an identifiable character around here and you post, as far as I can tell, an actual email address where should one want to contact you for further dialog, etc. you could be reached. That's "owning" whatever it is you post.

Therefore, yes you do have my respect...even if I happen to disagree with your opinion.

What I'm writing about is the "drive-by" posts...check #131 for a perfect example. The individuals who post in that manner (fake name, non-existent email) expect to be taken seriously, but they are not willing to "own" the opinion they espouse. I believe that's exceedingly lame, cheapens the "dialog" and is not deserving of either respect or a forum.

My $0.02

Pardon me for introducing myself on such a volatile day, but I finally felt like contributing to a daily discussion. Crossfit hasn't changed my life, but sure is the best workout program I have ever used.

Maybe working out regularly does make you a little more right-wing. Fit people tend to be more confident, assertive, impulsive and eager to dominate. Those kinds of characteristics don't really match my typical view of left-wingers. People who train hard, see physical inequality and behave competitively might just develop a slightly Darwinian world view.

And yes, I do feel queasy about the political parts, even though I usually agree with the articles posted. Why politicize everything? Why risk ostracizing certain people when physical activities are generally seen as inclusive? How should Muslims interested in Crossfit interpret certain postings? Why complicate something beautifully simple?

As a former regular officer in the British Army, I personally don't understand how certain civilians in the United States heap so much praise upon the military. If they love it so much, why not join it instead of attaching "Support our Troops" bumper stickers to their minivans? There's so much little-boy chest thumping going on these days. The best soldiers I've ever served with were those with a wry sense of humour, a big dose of wit, and a great wariness of absolutist politics.

In the end I'm not particularly surprised or angered though, since this is just another manifestation of American culture - which is arguably argumentative and emotional. That side of American culture is its greatest strength as well, because diversity of opinion breeds innovation. You've got to take the rough with the smooth. I live in the U.S. and as they "you don't volunteer and then bitch about it".

Now I'd better hide before people start putting rounds down in my general direction...

Ok here are my 2 cents worth. I couldn't control myself. First, the rest day postings by CF are similar to postings on the Drudge Report. Which are postings from various outlets. Both CR and Drudge are characterized as "Right Wingers". But the funny thing is when postings are left leanings they are deemed to be right wingers since they are brought to everyone's attention dogging out the left! Go figure.

Now let's discuss the media. The past few days we have been bombarded with ideas that al-Zarqawi was beat/shot after he was found. We just dropped two 500-pound bombs and the media is suggesting he was beat/shot afterwards. How absurd is that! That's like the idea of capital punishment is painful for the condemmed killer. Say what!

Back to the marines. Innocent until proven guilty is the cornerstone of American justice. So be careful when you judge without hearing the full story.

#79 through #82:
Damm good posts gentlemen.

As many have said before, if you don't enjoy the FREE site every 4th day, pls use your right to find another fitness website. I'm sure there are plenty where you can find a nice upper body/lower body split, w/ plenty of curls, side laterals, and cable crossovers.

For me I think I'll stick w/ the FREE, most effective workout I've ever tried. Coach, post whatever you want on rest days, If I don't like it, I won't read it. Thanks again for the site

#131 frizzled: Godwin's Law is now in effect, YOU LOSE.

#135 Matt G.: I agree with you about valid email addresses and having some "ownership" balls in regards to the vetted Message Board, but having a PLAIN-TEXT email address in a public comments section is just asking for more SPAM from spam-bots and email harvesters that troll on this and all sites. (Kinda like digital wolves preying on the plain-text sheep users.)

That said, technical solutions (sheepdogs!) do exist. If someone from CF would like to discuss, please PM me and I'd be happy to help in exchange for all of your free help already.

Hey thats my bro! Youre looking great Jim! Keep it up. Stay safe

Chris Hempel wrote: "How should Muslims interested in Crossfit interpret certain postings?"

A very interesting question. While I don't believe that any post, in and of itself, has been hostile or demeaning to Muslims, I think the overall tone and direction of "Rest Day" posts could easily be seen as somewhat hostile to Muslim persons.

Wiki seems more balanced today.

Go use the fire this debate has stired up to get a killer workout this morning!

built my homemade rings so now I can do yesterdays workout today!!!

Matt G. #135: Right on!!!

Gav, #145: I see your point about the spambots. That's still no excuse for not putting a name. Look at Tristam. The guy catches a shit-ton of grief for his politics -deservedly so :-)- but has always had the cajones to stand behind what he said.

Phuck Wikipedia!!!

Now GET DOWN AND GIVE ME FIFTY!!!!
1,2,3,4.....

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rest.

What is wiki talking about. I am too tired to go to the site.

#139
"if politics and religion were not a part of this world, steven hawking would not be suggesting that we need to venture out into the universe. yes, politics is one of the evils of this world."

I was somewhat following your reasoning until the end. Space travel was brought into the discussion because.....???

Matt G I wasn't trying to offend or even give an opinion. Just trying to be a smartass and make alittle joke. I actually agree with you, if you have an opinion to post you should have the guts to own up to it. I rarely post my opinions because I can't imagine they would influence some one who doesn't even know me. I save them for face to face discussions with friends whose opinions I can't change either no matter how wrong they may be. So, if I offended you I apologize it wasn't my intent. Take care

#147- Andrew, there was one recent post that did come to mind. After Zarchawi was killed, someone posted somthing about" we all bow to Christ at some time" (to paraphrase).

Now, the poster is entitled to his belief, but that isnt very welcoming to Muslims, or anyone of other religious inclinations. I wonder if someone defended Islam, Hinduism etc. as the absolute and only truth would that be considered an exceptable post?

#145 Gav...I'd be interested in discussing, but since I have no idea who you are, maybe you could contact me.

no question this site is right-wing, i used to think it was a cool place for information on exercise, now I stick to gymjones.com and avoid the pro-american rhetoric.

Just a few quick points:

1) Wikipedia can be amended by anyone at any time in any way. Wikipedia is -meant- to be a "neutral POV" reference source.

2) Crossfit is a wonderful fitness resource made available for free. The people that make Crossfit tick also carry political opinions on the right, conservative and/or libertarian side of things. They are free to do so! People that are so much in disagreement with this are welcome to move along. They lose a valuable resource for a shoddy reason.

3) The Wikipedia entry starts by noting the right-wing tendencies of the Crossfit site/community/etc. in a sarcastic, derogatory fashion. The violates the Wikipedia POV policies and any edits to fix this would be welcomed in the spirit of the encyclopedia.

The real problem is that the introduction needs to be rewritten in a factual manner. It could state, some way, that certain parts of the Crossfit community are conservative and that many of the dedicated Crossfitters are military, police, and emergency response individuals.

These are facts ... not flamebait. Right?

Regards,
Mark

Is every 4th day required mandatory reading?
Is the fitness information bad on this site, or tainted in some way, if there is opinion articles(not even from the founder) mixed in < 25% of the time? On rest days.
And what's wrong with an American based web page being Pro-American?

-Jeremy

Can't we all just get along...Remember, tolerance and acceptance are two different things. Coach, the site is awesome, in the immortal words of Billy Joel, don't go changin'...

Who's your daddy now, Chris

i guess my response to both wikipedia, as well as the crossfit website for having noted the "critisism" is...

so?

#38
Carbombs and IEDs are a daily event because there are no consequences for those who witness them being emplaced, by those who make them, or actually those involved with killing our soldiers. There are no consequences because of the fact that these cowards hide among civilians and with military leaders trying to maintain public approval, our rules of engagement state we must have positive ID. This is almost impossible in this environment. Heres my next point... Do you consider women and children innocent if they are the ones that are targeting our soldiers for these insurgents. I think not, I bet after the incident with the marines women, children, and men that were working with insurgents were not so inclined to do so anymore. The reason being....there was finally a consequence.

People need to understand that this is a website. A website that is paid for by it's owner. Has anyone thought of how much this website costs? With the forum, comments, pictures and videos that are available. It's not cheap! Have you also noticed that this website has no ads.

Coach is making people more fit with this program. He's also trying to make people think. That's it. No where does it say that you MUST agree with the opinions expressed on this website in order to participate.

Last time I checked, I don't pay a dime for this information.

Coach can do what he wants with HIS website. Who cares if there is political discussion. If you don't like it, don't participate.

Thanks for all the FREE fitness information Coach and community.

"Post thoughts to comments."

"Read and discuss in comments."

Real right-wing stuff that Coach writes.

I agree completely with the Wikipedia article.

On Crossfit.com
Most of the linked political articles on this site are pro-Iraq, USA-USA-USA chanting, drivel. I wouldn't mind that so much if they were a more intelligent analysis of the situation, but that's not typically the case (well written doesn't equal intelligent analysis). I don't waste time reading material from the fringe on either side, and the political articles on Crossfit seem to come from too much on right (most of the time). In short, when the majority of the political articles posted on Crossfit are distilled, they are just right-wing propaganda. As an aside, it would be nice if it were easier to access prior posts on the main page, instead of just 7 days worth, so that I could produce some examples. If that's possible and I just haven't figured it out yet, mea culpa.

On Iraq:
Anyone who still believes that war was about WMD is fooling themselves and blindly subscribing to an ideology. You are no different than muslim extremists who follow leaders that advocate terror. Gorging yourself on the spoon-fed rhetoric of some incompetent leader (American or otherwise) is never excusable. I think that we screwed up by going there in a huge way and although the troops are doing their best to clean things up the people in command are too ignorant and/or political to deal with the situation properly.

I think we need another 70-100,000 troops there to effectively secure that area. Too few troops were sent in from the beginning because Bush & Co. didn't listen to knowledgeable people. That was a huge oversight. This business of securing a town and then moving to the next only to have the insurgents come right back is stupid, but it's great if you're trying to prolong an occupation. More military alone wont win the war, but it will help with security. This war will be won politically, and in Iraqi politics the US is failing miserably.

In addition, I don't blame the insurgents for fighting against us, even though they are technically the "enemy." If China decided tomorrow to invade the continental US I'm sure most of you would be "insurgents" just like me. It's important to keep that perspective in mind.

On the Troops:
I support the troops, I think they put their butts on the line every day because it's their job, and I think those that carry out their duties with honor and integrity deserve the utmost respect and admiration. I don't know if I would say that this site glorifies them, but it does call attention to the folks in uniform strictly in positive ways. I've never seen a story posted here that says something negative about the troops, the US, or the Iraq war, but that may be because I haven't been here long enough.

In Closing:
All that being said, I learned within the first two weeks of frequenting this site that the political articles are trash. It's similar to listening to Rush Limbaugh in my opinion. The people that run the site obviously have a certain opinion of world politics and that's fine with me, I don't come here for the politics.

The workouts are great, and I think the site as a whole is worth visiting on a daily basis because of that, I would just ignore the political propaganda when it's posted.

Sorry for the long post, but if people are calling BS on the Wikipedia article, they need a dose of reality. There is much validity there, and the site could likely be improved by taking into account that information.

CrossFit has changed the lives of so many, about 200 or so at our little shop. One thing the online encyclopedia neglects to mention is we are a community of people that follow a system that creates functional, unspecialized fitness which challenges both body and mind and creates physicaly and mentaly strong athletes. CrossFit also offers unbelievable results and confidence in those that fully engage in the program. The CrossFit approach asks what can you do, not how do you look, looks are a side effect of fitness. Thanks once again coach for the great community!

Those of you moaning about "politics" don't seem to realize that anywhere there are people politics exist. Ignoring it is a good way to get used and abused by it. (Just like saying "I don't care about money", always leads to a lack thereof.)

As for politicing on specific WOD page is nearly zero. It's all comments by USERS of crossfit NOT owners. Don't confuse owners with users. Is a car "right wing" if it's user is? No. Is a fitness program "liberal" cause the USERS are all hippies? No.

Is a program that promotes functional strength "right-wing"? No. NOTHING is stopping this site from being used primarily by left-wing back to nature folks who need functional strength to hunt down that deer or work human powered farms. (of course I have opinions why this hasn't happened but that's a different post.)

BTW, I like reading opinions I don't agree with. Gives me a chance to think about my beliefs and how they might need to change, or not, depending.

Good for crossfit for demanding my opinions and worldview grow along side my physical growth.

re: wikipedia opinion

so what?

This is MikeT as opposed to Mike T #85 :-)
I agree with Matt G+ about the trolls, but in fairness to frizzy #131, I think she did properly describe herself in the email addy.

The Post article reinforces my notion of what may have happened in Haditha since the killings became known. When I was a mere DevilPuppy, room clearing was a simple and brutal exercise: Marine A whips a "high hard one" into the room and Marine B sprays the remains before the smoke clears. Translation - The first Marine making a tactical entry into a room with suspected bad guys throws a fragmentation grenade into the room. The grenade is thrown with sufficient force to embed itself either into the opposing drywall, lathing, etc., or bad guy's cranium, thus preventing said bad guys from picking up and rejecting said grenade. (Four seconds is a loooong time.) The second Marine upon hearing/feeling the grenade blast makes an immediate entry, firing his weapon (on automatic if so equipped) covering the four quadrants of the room.

Understand - this is not how police or Direct Action Marines/Soldiers/Sailors take a room down. This is how Infantrymen, perceiving a threat to themselves, clear a room. Marines are taught to protect/spare noncombatants if possible. If combatants use woman and children to shield themselves while firing or maneuvering to fire, the Hague and Geneva conventions side with the other combatant force should noncombatants be killed or injured. (See Cave of the Virgins, Okinawa, JA).

Or blame Bush.

Catching up...JT with minimal gravitron, feet over Smith machine, 2:1 dips.

12:39

4 full minutes faster than previously, with same scales. Will try to increase dip ratio, get against wall for HSPU when shoulder a little stronger

Five rounds for time of:

Row 250m

15 push-press w/45kg

15 swings w/55lb

13:53

Notes:

All p/press shoulder in ear at top and worked on staying flat footed

All swings overhead with arms straight, also focus on staying flat footed

Thoughts:

Will add in 15 box-jumps per round next time I do this.

Cheers, kempie

Wikipedia should say most Americans are obese. The saddest are the children of America. Crossfit gets people to look at exercsie in a whole new way that challenges them. And most important, exercises are scallable so children can be included. Over the 4th of July when you go to a fireworks display, check out all the obese people. The average American's life is threatened more by snack food and fries than terrorists.

The terms left and right wing are redundant..read "Straw Dogs" by John Gray.I'm not American but it's simple to me-terrorists murder innocent people therefore they are bad

C'mon, mwu! Educated? I am on my 12th month here in Iraq; I have read hundreds of pages about the culture; eaten the food; learned a bit of the language; spoken to my terp (an educated Chaldean born and raised in Iraq and now a legal US citizen) for hours trying to learn about then inter-workings of the society here; AND I even have a college degree. I just figured out, while talking to the Iraqis that I am fortunate enough to advise on a daily basis, how ignorant I am. Very ignorant and uneducated. You been here?

One word: Matt Damon. Or is that two?

Outstanding Syriana reference Stone.

Wikipedia is a great online resource and the people who run it believe in balanced presentation of any organization. They will respond to complaints of bias.

It is also, like CrossFit, open source. I use it all the time in my work (when i'm done with the wod of course).

The sorry individual who made this posting obviously doesn't espouse free trade or freedom in general or else he'd get out from behind his computer and CrossFit.

21 hspu
3x21 dips
21 pushups,
15
3x15
15,
9
3x9
9.
(27:03)

#21 Greg
Can't go wrong with any Sevendust, Pantera(particularly Vulgar Display of Power), and my personal favorite the Deftones.

Allof the above I us to give me that lil' extra endorphine pop.

Clearly the folks over at wiki are couch potatos.

bingo/Darrel from yesterday - same here, west side of Cleveland. I know of a few CFers here, looking for more.

I took a rest day Sunday so one of my favorites today as pennance.

21-15-9 wall balls
21-15-9 walking lunge with 25lb db
2 minute jump rope

3 sets, just shy of 20 min.

Now off to 90 min. Hapkido class!

Regarding the fitness content:
Top notch stuff.

Regarding the pro war and freakishly uniformed political content:
A true embarrasment to what is crossfit.

David K.

Semper FI, CrossFit. Carry on

Ryan L.

#165 Adam Drake: Look in the right side, below the affiliates and search box. Archives available by month and by year.

The kind of discussion that this has turned out to be proves to me that introducing politics to Crossfit dilutes the intention of the site, which must surely be to discuss Crossfit.

Does it follow that Crossfit should link to political articles because some of its practicioners are involved in politics? Does it follow that because a lot of Crossfit practicioners are in the military, most linked articles should be of a conservative nature? It's Pandora's box. Are soldiers that dislike the administration not welcome? What kind of atmosphere is created? Every action provokes a reaction. And the logical framework seems dodgy.

I feel reminded of those days when I go shopping and am accosted by a beggar/missionary/charity mugger. Sure I can just ignore them and it's a free country, but the discomfort is still there. I came here to shop and not to debate global warming with a college student on commission. If too many of these people are gathered around, I'll cross the street. Because I came here to shop, and not to be drawn into something else.

The question is, what will Crossfit gain from politicization? And what will it lose? How many people will practice Crossfit because it is political? How many will ignore that aspect? And how many will sever their ties because of it?

At a time when America is becoming too politicized, why turn a fitness regime into an intellectual deathmatch? Why can't stand here on the conservative side and complain about how college campuses are ridiculously politicized and then inject politics into - of all things - exercise. Non sequiteur.

Excellent post #184. Thank you.

Well said, #184, Chris Hampel well said.

Cheers to a rest day from political discussions.

I will be taking more than 1 rest day.

And there is a problem with being this way?

David Kardon (#181) said:
"Regarding the pro war and freakishly uniformed political content:
A true embarrasment to what is crossfit."

And what is it that qualifies you to judge what is/isn't an "embarrasment" to crossfit?

The level of arrogance and presumption on the part of those who are TAKING FREE STUFF is absolutely astonishing.

All the free fitness and workouts on this site are really distracting from the politics.

(Just thought I'd do some counter-whining. A little yin to balance the yang)

In the spirit of this thread, I would like to offer some free Olympic Weightlifting lessons to any current or former Service member who has killed or helped kill a terrorist enemy of the United States.

Lessons to be taught by Max Mormont, 105 kg lifter, USAW #1 in California, #25 in the nation. Our gym is in Buena Park, Southern California. About 6 miles north of Disneyland. Schedule will vary but we will work something out. Lefty need not apply.

If Coach Glassman were really a right wing nut there is no way he would tolerate all the leftist friends he has. Not to mention being located in Santa Cruz...

Cheers to you too, Kempie!

Wikipedia contributors have already updated the site.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossfit

I'm repeating what has been said several times, but I can't help myself.
CROSSFIT = GREAT FITNESS
IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE DISCUSSIONS, DON'T READ THEM
I feel like I learn a great deal from reading multiple opposing view points. It either strengthens my own belief or makes me rethink it. The people who post angry, hateful comments seem to have other problems they need to work out. No one is being forced to read or participate in the discussions. Open the site, get the WOD, close the site. Easy.

body is sore. i definitely pushed it, but after being sick for 3.5 weeks, i'm tired of not doing anything...

there are tons of comments today for a rest day, but i just wanted to say thanks to crossfit. i first learned of crossfit about a year ago. when someone i love was deployed, he learned of crossfit. already a fitness freak, he would write to me about how exciting this new workout program was. when he got home, he talked about it non-stop--you guys should hire him as your marketing director--i guess he learned his marketing skills from me! he told me he was concerned about my health, so i asked him to lead me through some of the crossfit things he had learned.

anyway, i can't always do the prescribed wods, partly because i've been sick a lot and partly because without him here to spot me, i don't feel comfortable doing some of the exercises by myself. however, despite having to take some time off or substitute with lower-grade wods, i've lost 27 pounds--i don't think i've been this light since my freshman or sophomore year of college.

what i like about crossfit is that it is challenging and it's not the same workout everyday or every week. it doesn't take a lot of time either. most of all...it works. grazie!

Hi all,
ALL WEIGHT IN KILOS
Lisa Squat 35x5, 55x3, 75x3, (90x2x10, 8:00 duration for the these 10 2's) and power snatch 35x3, 40x2, 45x2.
Bdw. 62.
Jon Ride 2 miles in 5:13; Squat 65x5, 105x3, (130x2x10, 8:04 for these 10 2's) and power snatch 50x4, 60x3, 70x2x2.
Bdw. 81.4.
Until tomorrow...

Woodman #92 wrote:
>>>>wax the mofos..........any questions>>>
Um... Who are the mofo????and how do i differentiate the mofo's from the not mofo's???

Comment #79 - Posted by ThumperGI at June 13,
>>>>>>>I serve with an overwelming sence of pride and patriotism every day. It's not everyday you get to say, "I defend the nation and the constitution against all enemies, foreign and demostic, and I fight for the American way of life.", but I do.

Next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, think about every word in it.<<<<<<<<

Thank you, for a great post and for your service to our Country. EVERY time i say the pledge of allegiance i will think about it. i hope we can bring you and your brothers and sisters home very soon. i think the war was/is wrong but we cannot change the past.

Mike #114 Great post!

i too am a liberal, but i really enjoy reading the articles and posts of differing opinions. For the most part people here are very civil.
i fear some people post just to inflame others [mwu for one].
Re: #30 mwu:
since your so incitefull (oops i mean insightfull) what happened with the Duke Lacrosse players???

Coach,
keep up the great workouts and please keep our minds sharp with honest debate.

water-ratt

Matt G:)
that's bob pratt
aka water-ratt
East Lansing Fire Dept.

Executed the JT WoD today @ 16 minutes.
-Played some addtiional 1-1 hoops for practice.
- Very tired today- not enough sleep and food in the past 48 hours.

I am the first to be extremely proud to be a right-wing conservative. I proudly support the terrorist hunters and I will soon join the ranks of them in the Alabama National Guard (20th SFG). Way to go coach.

Adam

I'm not a liberal OR a conservative but I too support terrorist hunters.

Is anyone gonna comment on this article though??

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-1851659.php

Matt G--that your full name? ;)

Though I really did not want to post a comment, it was hard to ignore Adam Drake's #165 post. I believe he knows a lot about drivel, as his post will attest. His sympathy for Iraqi "insurgents" is too much though. If the Chinese did attack, I would fight against them - but I would never kill thousands of my countrymen, as these "insurgents" have. What a warped view!

I believe Mr. Drake needs the dose of reality. I enjoy this site immensely and look forward to reading it everyday. Great job Crossfit - keep it up!

#174 -- it's admirable that you appear to have a tremendous knowledge of iraq and its culture. (it's irrelevant to the point i was making, but nonetheless interesting, all sarcasm aside.)

question for you -- don't you wish that Bush or one of his advisors had the same level of information before deciding to thrust this country into an ill-advised war? i feel for you guys and gals over there, and my heart goes out to the dead and maimed soldiers. to think that all of this post-war devastation could have been avoided with a little planning by the admnistration. it's an incredible shame, and the administration should be held responsible for this predicament.

(i won't even go into how the administration defrauded the world in pursuing this war, or how they're spending our country into oblivion just to keep the finger in the dyke preventing full-fledged civil war in iraq)

Any one here at Officer Training Command Newport? Lookin for some people to train with while I'm here...

I've got my own opinion as to whether fitness and politics should be mixed, but in an effort to try to clarify the situation I submit the following Rest Day topics and links since the beginning of the year. From these you should be able to draw your own conclusions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossfit
From Wikipedia: "Crossfit espouses a right wing conservative political ideology. On their website, they have posted links to essays on such topics as the Iraq war, the threat Islam poses to the West and free trade. They frequently glorify American soldiers, calling them "terrorist hunters"..."

http://michaelyon-online.com/wp/hijacking-haditha.htm Hijacking Haditha - Michael Yon

http://www.slate.com/id/2142772/?nav=ais Killer Workout

http://www.weeklystandard.com/content/public/articles/000/000/012/218wkmuv.asp Chronicling the Horror, and Scope, of Saddam's Tyranny", The Weekly Standard.

http://pewforum.org/events/index.php?EventID=107
Islam and the West: A Conversation with Bernard Lewis, Pew Forum.

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/Production/files/Taheri_0606.htm The Real Iraq", by Amir Taheri, Commentary Magazine

We couldn't help but laugh at this NY Times story. We thought it might be better headlined: "Scientists narrow 86 year gap with coaching practices.", or "Dangerous fitness cult supported by scientific discovery."
http://www.crossfit.com/cf-journal/lactic-acid-NYT.pdf Lactic Acid is Not Muscle's Foe, It's Fuel.

http://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20060511-082817-6022r.htm The Supply-Side Miracle Continues", by R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114687252956545543.html?mod=opinion&ojcontent=otep Charles Koch and private enterprise, Wall Street Journal.

Oily Politicians http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/04/oily_politicians.html Part 1 and http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/04/oily_politicians_part_ii.html Part 2 - Thomas Sowell

What should the "CrossFit Games" look like?

http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/bergen/ss/043357/ CrossFit in the Cross Hairs"

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/Production/files/luttwak0506.html Three Reasons not to Bomb Iran - Yet, Commentary Magazine

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2005-03-01-darfur-edit_x.htm Never Again - Again", Don Cheadle and John Prendergast

http://www.cato.org/testimony/ct-dg052605.html The Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Serving Our National Economy"

http://www.freemarketnews.com/Analysis/158/4311/2006-03-29.asp?nid=4311&wid=158 Collectivism, climate change, and economic freedom", by George Resiman, from Free-Market News Network.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110008154 The Last Helicopter, Amir Taheri, WSJ

Norman Borlaug interview http://reason.com/0004/fe.rb.billions.shtml Reason Magazine

Sheldon Richman on http://www.cato.org/testimony/ct-ps720.html overpopulation.

Astronomer Sallie Baliunas interview in http://reason.com/9810/fe.baliunas.shtml Reason magazine.

Anyone who clings to the historically untrue, and thoroughly immoral, doctrine that violence never settles anything I would advise to conjure up the ghosts of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington and let them debate it. The ghost of Hitler would referee. Violence; naked force, has settled more issues in history than any other factor and the contrary is wishful thinking at it's worst. Breeds that forgot this basic truth have always paid for it with their lives and with their freedoms."
-Robert Heinlein

Dr. Wafa Sultan, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/11/international/middleeast/11sultan.html New York Times

http://www.crossfit.com/cf-journal/Devils-Walk-Earth.pdf When Devils Walk the Earth - Ralph Peters

http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=1050wmv&ak=null Dr. Wafa Sultan

http://www.proteinwisdom.com/index.php/weblog/entry/19801/ Identity Politics, Free Speech, and the Future of worldwide Liberalism

http://esr.ibiblio.org/?p=260 Gramscian Damage, by Eric Raymond

Distributed journalism - or how bloggers brought down icons of the http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002039080_buckhead18.html left and http://www.reason.com/0305/co.js.the.shtml right.

Google in China:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2006/01/google-in-china.html http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2006/01/google-in-china.html
http://www.politechbot.com/2006/02/02/google-is-right/ http://www.politechbot.com/2006/02/02/google-is-right/
http://www.andykessler.com/andy_kessler/2006/01/wsj_sellouts.html http://www.andykessler.com/andy_kessler/2006/01/wsj_sellouts.html

Cum Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc" (With this, therefore because of this)

Assuming causation on the basis of correlation is a logical fallacy that marks much of bad science and politics.

Here are a handful of links, some entertaining, some informative on the "Cum Hoc" fallacy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Correlation_implies_causation_(logical_fallacy) Correlation Implies Causation (Logical Fallacy)", Wikipedia

http://jonathan.mueller.faculty.noctrl.edu/100/correlation_or_causation.htm Correlation or Causation?" Jonathan Mueller

http://obereed.net/hh/correlation.html New Poll Shows Correlation is Causation", Happy Hour Archive

http://www.macalester.edu/qm4pp/Math%20108/presentations/Spring%202005/FerdererCausation.pdf Correlation and Causation", Peter Federer

http://reason.com/9704/fe.cdc.shtml Public Health Pot Shots", from Reason Magazine.

http://www.newyorker.com/printables/fact/060206fa_fact Troublemakers", by Malcolm Gladwell, New Yorker Magazine

http://www.badrap.org/rescue/myths.cfm Monster Myths", from Bad Rap

http://www.crossfit.com/cf-journal/CPS-nightmare.pdf A True Story", by Valerie Louie, a friend of CrossFitters

Do the obligations and responsibilities of corporations differ substantially from those of individuals? Are individuals obligated to treat corporations with the same considerations due individuals? CrossFit, Inc.'s charter answers "negative" to the first question and "affirmative" to the second.

Three levels of engagement for a classic work in political economics. Nobel Laureate F.A. Hayek's The Road to Serfdom.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/0226320618/ref=cm_cr_dp_2_1/102-1384957-2675366?%5Fencoding=UTF8&customer-reviews.sort%5Fby=-SubmissionDate&n=283155 Book at Amazon and reviews
http://www.iea.org.uk/files/upld-publication43pdf?.pdf Readers Digest Condensed Version
http://www.mises.org/TRTS.htm Look Magazine Cartoon Version

http://www.reason.com/hod/db011906.shtml Ginsburg in the "Balance", by David Boaz for Reason Magazine

http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/Britain-Must-Arm.mp3 We Must Arm", Winston Churchill

http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110007760 It's the Demography, Stupid, by Marc Steyn, from the Wall Street Journal (Thanks to Dan McDougald - http://www.crossfitatlanta.blogspot.com/ CrossFit Atlanta)

Sorry

Non-Political.

The best I have ever felt about myself both physically and mentally. Great shape and love the site. Have learned a lot about right verse left. Thanks for the great work outs and everybodies post. See ya Scott

I have been a federal agent for the last eleven years. I was a street cop before that, ans currently am in a tip of the spear type counterterrorist organization.

I say all that so I can say that I'm not conservative nor am I liberal. I try and make my mind up based upon the merits (in my mind) of the topic at hand. Some stuff I fall on the liberal side, some on the conservative. It all depends.

As for the postings here, I have never posted on something other than my WODs, but I have read many. Some of the postings I agree with, some I have not. Just like real life. Hell, sometimes I don't agree with the damn WOD! "F that, I'm too burned out today!" So, you know what, I take an extra day off and go on about my day, then come back hit it again the next day.

I don't want everyone to think like me. What a boring freaking world. I want difference. I don't care much for demagogues and zealots unable to listen to the opposing view.

So, in essence, I love it here and agree with a lot of it and disagree with some, but again, isn't that how it normally goes in life?

Daniel, (#199)

I'm sure you would kill Americans if they were supporting the Chinese invasion. They would cease to be your allies and would become your enemy.

You and I would be on the same side, although our intellectual examination of the situation may differ.

Water-Ratt #195,

Excellent point regarding the Dukies! Now, obviously not all the facts have been released. However, given the initial play in the media, not only the reputation of three young men have been dragged through the mud, but the entire team (and team Alumni) must live under the shadow of this scandal. And as information trickles out, can anyone say beyond a shadow of a doubt that those guys are guilty? Ask yourself these questions: Did you believe in their innocence at the onset of the media circus? What are your feelings, now?

As for the Marines... Why is it that some are so quick to believe the worst about our service men and women, not to mention our Commander-in-Chief? Mere speculation and accusations by opposing party members, who... guess what... are seeking their own political agenda. (Strange how Washington works, what with the politicians and the politics, etc..) And yet these same people are just as quick to trust in the integrety and honesty of proven criminals, tyrants, and murderers so long as it serves their own political agenda.

Honesty is a virtue, so too is intellectual honesty.

While we wait for the investigation to unfold, it is okay to pay attention and get a gut feeling about the case. However, do not be so quick to condemn. You may look foolish in the end. Wait for the facts, do not rely on speculation! There is a difference!

I don't think this was particularily right-wing or left-wing rant. However, I am a native Washingtonian. It's simply amazing, the amount of BS that this city produces. Take it all with a grain of salt! Both parties have agendas... that is keeping themselves employed. The question is, who is willing to sacrifice their principles (if they have any) in order to achieve it. What are your principles, have you compromised them?

Having said that... don't you all think it would be a good idea to listen to both sides of the arguement, read the newspapers, watch both CNN and Fox News, Meet The Press, C-SPAN, etc.? Then after listening to all the talking heads, ask the opinions of our service members. After all, they have first hand accounts of what is going on in this war. Then after you absorb the various opinions, decide for yourself. Simply shutting out differing viewpoints is not only arrogant, it's idiotic (i.e. "useful idiots").

Every fourth day, Crossfit offers a forum for such views and discussion. If you disagree, please argue and debate your opinion persuasively. Excercise your the brain. Otherwise, you have the option not to read the Rest Day article and comments. All you have to do is not click the mouse.

Thanks Coach for the FREE workouts, and stimulating topics of discussion! And most of all, for those who have put your @$$ on the line to protect mine... THANK YOU!

And the problem is?

Group Moffett

5K run.

Times ranged from 23:45 to 34:40.

Awaiting tomorrow's WOD.

Widipedia seems to have edited the statement quoted. We call them "terrorist hunters"? I thought we called them "heroes".
And again: "...right wing conservative..."? In my area of the country Coach is barely a moderate.
Out sick yesterday and today= no posts.
Peace, out.
Walt.

Get real Adam, do you think all the dead women and children are actively supporting the U.S. I think most are just trying to live their lives before they were cut down by murderous terrorists.

We may both be on the same side but there is more than an intellectual difference between us.

This kind of makes me think of the lawsuit filed against KFC.
http://news.google.com/news?q=KFC+lawsuit&hl=en&lr=&sa=X&oi=news&ct=title

"We don't like the way you cook your food, Stop selling it or change the recipe"
Accomodate me dammit!
I love it.

-Jeremy

#74 - hysterical. Thanks for lightening things up.

Anybody can edit Wikepedia, that's why its valueless as a reference.

BR #180 Cool! Drop me an email when you get a chance and we can compare notes. I know a couple of folks in the Hapkido community as well.

As for the rest day conversation, Wikipedia may or may not be accurate at any given time or on any given day. Coach has given us an opportunity to examine, in ourselves, what it is that WE think the definition of Crossfit might be. For ourselves as well as for publication.

I have always been seeking to become a modern version of the "Renaissance Man", that ideal combination of physical fitness and intellectual fitness that moves me closer to whatever my particular version of personal potential may be. I happened upon CF on day 1 of a cycle and was hooked on the fitness, blown away actually by the elegance of the concept and the obvious benefit for someone seeking my fitness goal. I don't remember (but I could easily find it through the gift of Coach's site) what the first Rest Day topic was, but my very first thought was: "Hmm, this guy gets it! Day off for the body, stretch and exercise the brain muscle." Couldn't be more perfect for me, more suited for the pursuit of the "Renaissance Man" ideal.

Call that the Bingopedia definition. What's yours?

I choose to ignore the hijack and afll-out today, and will instead use this, my first true Rest Day post, in the hope that I "get it" enough. Thanks Coach.

I enjoy Crossfit for both it's praise of our armed forces and 1st responders, as well as its exercise routines. Keep it up!

I hope none of you Crossfit Warriors out there are offended by stuff like that...

I take it as a compliment and am damn proud to be apart of a program that "forges elite fitness" and also includes descriptive phrases like "right wing, terrorist hunter, etc."

Time for a run around the Imperial Beach airfield. The smell of jet fuel helps me run faster.

Inman OUT

Shut your mouth and CROSSFIT yourself!

ccj- American rhetoric? My uneducated guess is that around 95% of this site is pro American. And that includes the creators of this site, who I know personally are. If you don't like our patriotism, then bounce you happy-ass outta here!

mwu- Civil war in Iraq? What do you think would happen if we did leave? Maybe the same thing that happened when Clinton dropped the ball in Somalia. If you think this country is not safer now then before, nor Iraq a better place, then I suggest you stop reading/watching that Left wing media crap and do some unbiased research yourself. Why not start by asking someone who has been there... I'ld say ask me, but I think you know where I stand.

Did mondays WOD:

8 minutes, sets broken at 7 and 8 minute mark.

Bad grip.

IAFF 2950 "June Challenge"
110# CL&J x 30 in ~ 4:00
Then:
Kettle bells - no breaks
2 pood x 5
1.5 x 10
1 x 15
1/2 x 20

Darrell #213, I don't have your email address, just a web site link. ???

mwu: What do you call it when you have Persian Shia coming into Iraq inciting sectarian violence under the guidance of Abdul Aziz Hakim and Muqtada al Sadr? I call this brilliant strategy by the Iranians who know exactly how the Western press is going to report it: civil war. It does not, however, fit the definition of civil war.

Intelligence is a business that is, unfortunately, very difficult and mostly wrong. It is looking into a crystal ball and making the best decision based on the information you have. If the weather man states that it is going to rain on Saturday, you take a rain coat. If it doesn't rain, you are prepared. The President and the Coalition looked at all the information; but the thing is, they weren't wrong. If you look at the definitions of WMD as specifically laid out before the invasion (and posted on the UN site, I believe), we found plenty of material that fits that definition: delivery systems, parts for making WMD, and we even found some chemical weapons and traces of WMD--all of which has been reported in the press. It would seem to me that most of the press has a bit of agenda and has no desire to come out of the hotels that they are holed up in here in Baghdad and do some fact checking of the reports that they are receiving.

#188, Rob M, that was hilarious.

Coach, this site is awesome and I am a huge supporter; the political commentary by all is a definite added bonus. Thanks much!

I don't have time to read all the comments, but did want to comment on the the quote given, specifically the language used, and both the implicit agenda, and intended subliminal effect.

"Crossfit espouses a right wing conservative political ideology. On their website, they have posted links to essays on such topics as the Iraq war, the threat Islam poses to the West and free trade. They frequently glorify American soldiers, calling them "terrorist hunters"..."

First, "CrossFit", as the term is used here, is a word referring to a very diverse group of INDIVIDUALS--who have their own opinions, with many variations--and many of whom do have more sympathy with what are commonly called conservative ideas, but who are primarily united by a love of fitness. CrossFit itself is a fitness protocol, period. If there's a political creed on Lynne's FAQ's, or anywhere else on the site, I've missed it. The implication is that we are engaging in group-think, which perhaps OUGHT to be true from a certain perspective--you have to have a clear target in order to shoot--but which manifestly is not the case. Generalizations of this sort are precisely what enabled Hitler to talk about "Jews" in the abstract, or the Communists to talk about "Capitalists", with no consideration whatever given to individual or cultural differences between people of similar ancestry.

"Espouses". Again, "CrossFit" has been anthropomorphized--turned into a single, sentient being--and then given an opinion. Moreover, espouses implied active support, like the case was constantly being argued. What is happening, is that we as a group TEND to express more "conservative" ideas than liberal ideas, but even in this thread the myth of a monolithic agreement is clearly exposed (although I would question whether all the commentators actually do the workouts).

And even if everyone who posted was uniformly in agreement, who is to say everyone who does the workouts is conservative? That would be a foolish and certainly unsupportable assumption.

"Right wing conservative political ideology". This is obviously simple demonization. The implication is that all nuance is lost, and that we marching in lockstep. Again, what seems to happen in the minds of many liberal commentators (not all, and for the record both Truman and Teddy Roosevelt are heroes of mine. Roosevelt was technically Republican, but should have been a Democrat) is that the idea that Bush is dumb is so SELF EVIDENT, and conservative ideas so MANIFESTLY WRONG, that the only possible explanations for holding them is some sort of psychopathology. This psychopathology is expressed through rigid and unquestioning obedience to Bush as Der Fuehrer, and all of us are at Nuremburg doing our Sieg Heils. This is why many of the most obnoxious liberal love throwing around the word Fascist. What they are really saying is: "we have no desire to delve into the details of why you believe what you believe, because it is so obvious you are wrong, it is not worth bothering with discussion, or factual research". The term Fascist--and when you hear the term "right wing conservative political ideology" on the Internet, I think you can with reasonable accuracy infer that is what is being said, without being said--is simply a way of pointing to groups of people--with a feeling of moral superiority--who: 1) disagree radically with you; 2) consider principles more important than feelings; 3) are unwilling to pander to whining.

Finally, the supposed support given to the claim of a "right wing ideology" is that articles have been posted on the Iraq War, the threat of terrorism, and free trade, and that we "glorify" soldiers. WTF? Only someone puzzled by the basic elements of a conservative approach to problem solving could consider those as support of anything. Coach almost never posts opinions, and if anyone from liberal persuasion wants to post thoughtful, non-polemical, emotion-laden rhetoric, I feel very safe in saying they would be treated with thoughtful respect. If they use actual facts, and not feelings, they might actually win some converts to their assessment of the situations. I haven't seen that to date. In fact, it is consistently, for me, much, much easier to jibe facts with a conservative approach. That's why I believe what I do. But I gave the Jack Boots up for Lent last year, and haven't pulled them out again, so if someone has something intelligent and factually supportable to say, I'm all ears.

On the willingness of liberals to fight, I think we have to remember that FDR was probably one of the most liberal US presidents (Republicans despised him) and had to push tremendously to get the US to enter WWII, which I don't think anyone would consider an immoral war. He also used his influence and power to sustain Britain by supplying food, war materials and destroyers when we were still at peace with Germany.

While Republican, Lincoln could hardly be called conservative. He wanted to upset the entire social order by freeing the slaves. And you won't find a more steadfast president at war. In his policies, he would be labelled liberal and "fast boated" with accusations that he used to sleep with a man.

The difference is that these were great men and certainly unmatched in our generation.

It's easy to call someone great when you've had 60-100 years to see the impact they made.

-Jeremy

Fair point, Jeremy, but I'm not holding my breath with this crop.

If I spent as much time as most worrying about what Wiki said about a web site, I'd have no time to hear my son let loose a killer fart and then, due to his hysterical laughter, fart again.
Then I laughed uncontrollably.

Of course, that's what I miss the most on this site; the humor. Days like this, it has all but evaporated.

Sad.

You know, I teach my kids that farts and burps are always funny. We grade burps 1-10. Farts are more funny on TV and movies. Aunt Fanny on Robots still cracks us up.

I had a fairly lengthy post I accidentally deleted, but I did want to say I clicked post on that last, then immediately regretted it. I have a very robust sense of humor, but I take these things very seriously. We owe it to everyone involved to get these things right.

This may be a fitness website, but it is one of the rare places you can go on the web for consistently thoughtful commentary. There may be better blogs, but once every 4 days is plenty for me.

I agree CF is right-wing conservative. I met Coach a couple years ago and shall we say he wasn't exactly thrilled to meet me (I am French and we weren't really popular in the US due to France's opposition to the Iraqi war); I certainely did not feel the love :~) Now, I don't really give a damn, the guy is entitled to his opinion and I don't need him to like me. The site is great and I still swing by most days...

Sure, much of the literature provided by Coach on the WODS (as well as the overall tone of the site, comments, merchandise, etc) have a RW/tough-guy/pro-military/"Get Some" slant to it. It doesn't take a genius to realize it (and why would anyone care if it's true?). That's why that part of the wiki article doesn't really bother me. What does bother me is the simplistic manner in which the author describes the technical aspects of the CF system. Basically the author sounds like a trainer who is convinced that doing curls and leg presses will lead to a high standard of fitness. The "This site espouses RW ideology/I wonder if Coach is a RW nut" debate is so played out, you gotta wonder if people are just reading comments or actually doing the WODs. It's a community, not a cult...none of us have to agree with or like any particular ideology.

Barry,
Agree, we need to discuss these things. Unfortunately, we rarely take time to laugh.
At least that's what I've seen in recent weeks.

There's room for both. Sort of a yin and yang dichotomy.

You obviously have the balance.

Ran 1 mile on TM
3 sets, 15 rep lat pulldowns 55#

Isurgencies are an ugly thing. Here is a thought, how about the insurgencies shot those poeple then placed the bodies and threatened retaliation if the town folks didn't play along. Unless you are there or are part of the invistigation keep an open mind.
The reality that most poeple do not understand is there is no "tap out" in this game. "If it is your first night at fight club you have to fight" some one is going to get killed.
Thanks for all the support and great comments, from a terrorist hunter

MWU:

Yes, I mean that YOU cannot judge anyone that has been in a situation like those marines, UNLESS you have been there yourself. Have you ever had to distinguish between targets when bullets are flyin around you?

Your comparison to the judgement of terrorists is not applicable. Terrorists are not distinguishing between targets. They terrorize everyone. They behead innocent people soley because of what nationality they are.

Do I think, if the marines in question are actually guilty of wrongdoing, that they should be excused? I think it depends on the circumstances. Maybe not excused, but the circumstances should be considered mitigating. I could go on, but I wont. Like I said, only those marines that were there really there know what happened and why.

It's ashame that everything has to be reduced to back or white political commontary these days. I come here to get fit. Crossfit can benefit everyone.

Couple things: one, humor. I got stuck in a freaking elevator in Chicago yesterday, with 10 other people, and literally did not have the room to turn around. I told bad jokes until they got us out, including the 10" pianist one some of you will know. I keep about 10 jokes in stock. The elevator operator thanked me. Humor saved the day, as one of the women was in the process of having a claustrophobia-induced panic attack. I laugh all day most days, and sing country songs out of tune, but as close as I can manage.

I just think this whole war thing is very sad. I think one thing many war critics don't seem to understand is that you can be pro-war and anti-war at the same time. I'm anti-war, categorically. War is evil, and usually the result of some sort of bone-headed mistake, or moral cowardice resulting in inaction when action is needed.

At the same time, war is necessary, in the same sense that police are necessary, even though we would all prefer to live in a crime-free society. You can hate war, and still accept it as a necessity. That is my stance. A good friend of mine once told me his experience of war was "as romantic as a meat grinder". I believed him.

With respect to the Marines, one thing that has not been said, is that, even if they ARE guilty, and did exactly what they are accused of, who is to say they don't all feel like shit, now that the fog of rage has faded? Who among you hasn't done and said things you later regretted, and really didn't even really understand, once you calmed down? That wouldn't make them innocent, but it would humanize them. Even if they are guilty, our system of justice recognizes degrees of culpability, and ties that to degree of punishment. This may well prove to amount morally to finding your wife in bed with someone else, shooting them both in a fugue state, then waking up and realizing what you did. It happens every day, somewhere. It happens often in war, and we are as far as I can tell the only country with a widely deployed military with the balls and the honor to admit these things publicly, and deal with them publicly. There is no Freedom of Information Act that I know of in ANY other nation.

I have more to say, but I also have chores, and I'm already not going to get much sleep. We have recurring themes, so I'll recur.

MWU - How do you come by your information? Were you there?
Comment #31 - Posted by Rob_M at June 12, 2006 09:44 PM

#31 -- various accounts on slate.com, washington post, new york times, and mcneil-lehrer. you should try keeping up with the news.
Comment #34 - Posted by mwu at June 12, 2006 09:49 PM

MWU - It's no wonder you think like you do if those are your primary sources of info. Branch out and get some additional sources of info and opinion. Consider starting with those who are putting their lives on the line so you can speak freely with no other consequence other than maybe being asked to defend your position.

Only those on the left are getting bent about the political discussion(s). Why is it that the "enlightened" left generally attacks both the individual AND their ideology? This seems might damn "mean-spirited" and insecure to me. (I could be mean-spirited and use some stronger words but those will do.)

This site certainly changed my "ideology" about fitness. It's safe to assume that these discussions and this site may do the same for someone's political ideology.

Thanks to all the terrorist hunters, all our PD (reebs!) and FD servants, this site (and it's owner) and for those CF'ers who have the sack to stand-up for what you believe in... whether I agree with you or not.

30 minute roll on inlines.

I don't think anyone is condoning the actions of killing innocent people and I am sure those Marines didn't just massacre innocent people. I will tell you having been in Iraq twice when the sh*t hits the fan Marines are asked to decifer between freind and foe in the midst of hellish circumstances and to think that there will never be a mistake is ridiculous. MWU before you label someone who serves our country as a murderer ask yourself if you put in these situations would be a perfect killer. People like you have no freakin idea what life in this hell is like so you owe these people that put their lives on the line for your freedom daily at least the respect of letting them be fairly tried.