The GREAT One shows real class

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/002/437kmhth.asp ^

[Martus]

Anti-Stardumb: Wayne Gretzky

The tide shifts modestly as American celebrities become less embarrassed about their country's actions. by David Skinner 03/27/2003 7:00:00 AM

FROM THE PRO-BUSH sentiments of hockey great Wayne Gretzky to actor Adrien Brody's rousing acceptance at the Oscars, the last few days have finally brought good publicity for the war effort. The patriots are coming out of the woodwork, their confidence in America as visible as the liquid contempt spraying from Michael Moore's lips.

Gretzky told a press conference in Calgary on Tuesday: "All I can say is the president of the United States is a great leader, I happen to think he's a wonderful man and if he believes what he's doing is right, I back him 100 percent." Like the president himself sometimes does, Gretzky appeared to stake his faith on the man even more than the principle. "If the president decides to go to war he must know more than we know or we hear about. He must have good reason to go and we have to back that."

Gretzky said he had a personal connection to the troops. "I have a cousin who is in Iraq right now and is in the U.S. Marines," said the Great One. "He was there in '91 and he's there now and it's a tough time for his family and it's a tough time for all of us." Ever the gentleman, the Canadian Gretzky passed on the opportunity to criticize his own prime minister, Jean Chrétien, who has parted ways with the United States on the issue of Iraq.

[Alberta's Child]

[thinktwice]

The truth in this is that sports provides meaningful achievement heros -- good role models.

Politics, however, produces very few good role models; with President George W. Bush being a notable exception.

[jporcus]

Great player, great man.

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

Well, Gretsky, as a player, was no Gordie Howe, but he is a good man.

[muir_redwoods]

I saw him play the last year Hartford had an NHL team. I count it among my greatest sports thrills ever. He seems to be the real thing in everything he does.

[Eastbound]

Good one.

[Rockiesrider]

"Well, Gretsky, as a player, was no Gordie Howe, but he is a good man."

And he was no Bobby Hull...thank god

[Quick Shot]

" Ever the gentleman, the Canadian Gretzky passed on the opportunity to criticize his own prime minister, Jean Chrétien, who has parted ways with the United States on the issue of Iraq."

As an arm chair forward, there is a time for passing and time for a slapshot, this was time for a slapshot (he would have scored).

[Sparky760]

He has always been a class act