Ok, kiddies, huddle up. I just need to remind you all that you’re not reading the Times, here. I’ve been known to be sarcastic from time to time. So every time you see something like this:
You can be pretty sure it’s going to be followed up by one of these:
It should be noted that in either case, the assertion is obviously ludicrous—Eastern Bloc cyclists were notorious for their wild, aggressive riding despite institutionalized, statist upbringings, and a host of Americans have managed to do quite well in cycling without Uncle Sam paying their medical bills (though back in ’96, a certain Texan was damn lucky he had Uncle Mike to help him out instead).
I know this is a touchy subject for many, and as a guy who’s been forced to treat his road rash with nothing more than Neosporin, Saran Wrap, and an expired bottle of clindamycin, I can relate. But if a single tweet sends you into a rage, I think you may need to re-examine your feelings on the issue.
Loud, emotional, knee-jerk reactions don’t help anyone, which is precisely the reason they need to be lampooned like this. I roll overexposed mainstream stories into my cycling commentary for comic effect all the time, and I do my best to be an equal-opportunity offender.
You also have the option of not following me anymore, which, all things considered, is probably the best bet. If you’re not willing to take a second to ponder whether or not I’m being serious, there are better blogs for you out there.
I have had the benefit of Canadian health care my whole life, but yet never managed to upgrade out of Cat 3 despite being able to climb relatively well.
Would I have done better if I had to get my own health insurance? Would I have done better if there was not snow on the ground for half of the year? Maybe my pride in the Tragically Hip balanced my feelings at being from the same province as Celine Dion. Either way, let that be a lesson to you Americans!
Keep up the relevant commentary Cosmo, there is always room for more.
As a “socialist” Canadian, I found the tweets hysterical!
Seems like your getting in a little bit of trouble these days. Some people really need to relax.
Keep it up!
YOU LIE!
Oh, wait…What I meant to say was, those tweets made me laugh.
I like it. I like it alot.
People reacted to this? Speaking as a socialized health receiving resident of Canada originally from the land of the NHS, I thought these tweets were hilarious! Keep at it, Cosmo!
IM transcript from that day with Canadian friend. Canadian names concealed to protect the innocent, and sarcasm-impaired:
“CyclocosmHesjedal takes it with a huuuuuuge gear. I credit his Canadian Socialized Health Care System for strong legs. #ILoveTheNHS”
i dont know forsure, but i’ve heard he’s kind of a tool
Cosmo? He’s fucking hilarious. Maybe it’s a Boston thing.
no ryder
Oh, ha. Maybe it’s a Canadian thing.
pffff