nicky g
04-23-2003, 07:48 AM
from pokerpages: http://www.pokerpages.com/tournament/result7059.htm
As the event came to a close, Friedman was given an opportunity to make a public statement, which stirred some controversy. Normally, poker champions thank relatives, or cite other poker players when reflecting upon a victory. Friedman, however, chose to do something a different. He made a bold statement about being opposed to war in general, and particularly the war in Iraq. He also used the occasion to criticize the policies of President Bush.
It is debatable as to whether a poker tournament is the proper forum to voice political views. There are reasonable arguments for both sides -- pro and con. However, anyone who wins a gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker is entitled to shine in the spotlight, at least temporarily. How one chooses to use that platform is entirely up to them.
Prahland Friedman's political views and willingness to express them publicly should hardly be surprising given his background and commitment to social causes. He is a part-time student at the University of California -- Berkley and is currently majoring in Ethnic Studies. He is interested in attending law school someday and is deeply committed to civil rights and labor issues -- where he hopes to focus on a career in the future.
Friedman's political views may, in fact, be controversial and will be viewed as inappropriate by many -- given the boos and hostile response of the crowd when he was permitted to make his statement. However, there is little controversy as to the poker talent of this young man. Regardless of one's views about the important issues of the day, the majority opinion is that Prahlad Friedman is a terrific poker player who will be heard of again, and again.
As the event came to a close, Friedman was given an opportunity to make a public statement, which stirred some controversy. Normally, poker champions thank relatives, or cite other poker players when reflecting upon a victory. Friedman, however, chose to do something a different. He made a bold statement about being opposed to war in general, and particularly the war in Iraq. He also used the occasion to criticize the policies of President Bush.
It is debatable as to whether a poker tournament is the proper forum to voice political views. There are reasonable arguments for both sides -- pro and con. However, anyone who wins a gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker is entitled to shine in the spotlight, at least temporarily. How one chooses to use that platform is entirely up to them.
Prahland Friedman's political views and willingness to express them publicly should hardly be surprising given his background and commitment to social causes. He is a part-time student at the University of California -- Berkley and is currently majoring in Ethnic Studies. He is interested in attending law school someday and is deeply committed to civil rights and labor issues -- where he hopes to focus on a career in the future.
Friedman's political views may, in fact, be controversial and will be viewed as inappropriate by many -- given the boos and hostile response of the crowd when he was permitted to make his statement. However, there is little controversy as to the poker talent of this young man. Regardless of one's views about the important issues of the day, the majority opinion is that Prahlad Friedman is a terrific poker player who will be heard of again, and again.