I'm actually defending it less hard than some others are attacking it. It's a topic that caught my attention, and I'll make a few comments and then move on, just like anyone who comments on anything. People are responding to my comments, so I'm responding back.

Nah, I saw it up close when the local team made it to Williamsport. The coaches were great, the kids had a nice little run and came back to "local celebrity" status. The town had a parade for them and a good time was had by all. Definitely a net positive for the kids involved. Were the games tense at times? You…

Actually, my main point was that the experience is a positive one for the participants, so it's very hyperbolic to use the word "exploitation" when that word is usually reserved for instances of real abuse. (I mean, "blood money?" Seriously?)

My bad. I forgot it was SoNB who made the initial comment about that.

I understand the joke you're making, but let's take the example of Maria Sharapova. She was a multi-millionaire before she turned 18 as a result of her ability to play world-class tennis and she seems to have become a well-adjusted, successful adult. There doesn't seem to be anything "messed up" about her situation.

To clarify, I was referring to your comment about high school games being televised.

Oh, sorry.

Yes, gymnastics is one example. Figure skating, tennis, swimming, sometimes golf. I'm sure there are others I'm not thinking of.

Actually, they're not competing at an incredibly high level in the LLWS. They're just kids who are good for their age. If you want to see top tier athletes, there's tens of thousands of hours of professional baseball on TV every year. The fact is, people tune into the LLWS because of the EVENT itself, not because…

What about sports in which many of the top athletes in the world are minors?

It's the thrill of a lifetime for most of those kids, to go to Williamsport and be on TV. Same goes for the high school teams being televised. And I don't know this for sure, but I'm guessing the schools probably get paid a few bucks and use most of that money for improved facilities, cool uniforms, new equipment,…

Disagree.

I can't remember another show I've watched that put so much faith in the viewer to get inside the heads of the characters as they make decisions in order to understand their motives. It makes the show difficult, but in a good way. This is a double-edged sword because while the show continually rewards dedicated…

"And as we drive these nails into this lumber, let us reflect on the nails that were driven into the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior."

I will admit that I hadn't seen the heated comments elsewhere on this thread when I posted my initial comment.

That would be an interesting plot twist, to say the least. It's not outside the realm of possibility.

I'm just glad I'm not the only one who felt that way.

It's definitely a "black and white" reaction to the characters, whereas most fans seem to have a "grey area" type of approach. But I think having a strong disliking for the Jennings is well within the range of valid opinions given what we know about them.

Didn't read it that way. Agree to disagree.

Well sure. But it wouldn't be a full-court press to try to convert the atheists. That's what he was saying.