Comments on: Toomer’s Oaks Are More Than Just Trees

By: JJS

JJS — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:28:06 +0000

You said it best, thank you. Here is what I don't understand about the Alabama fans who hate Auburn so much. We are talking football! (Not war where kids are getting killed every day.) Alabama usually has better standings than Auburn. So the one year they lose to Auburn some of the fans act like a bunch of idiots. To those fans from Alabama who get it and have contributed to Tide for Toomers, thank you. The others of you are pathetic. Get a life.

By: Mike Pemberton

Mike Pemberton — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:36:16 +0000

John, once again you have nailed it. It is not just about the trees. Those trees (damn them and Roll TIde) have so very much more significance to Auburn people than just the roots, bark, branches and leaves. To belittle their import by saying they are "just trees" is an insult to the Auburn folks. Your piece is one of the few that have tried to evelvate the discussion to where it belongs, that of treating your rival with class and dignity. As much as I want to beat Auburn, that gives me absolutely no reason to treat the Auburn fans (and trees) in any other manner than what I want to be treated. Mike Pemberton, ROckwood, Tennessee.

By: Nate

Nate — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:56:58 +0000

Thank you for your well written piece. As an Auburn grad I enjoyed those trees and, as you mentioned, they are special to Auburn.

I believe most Alabama fans are sorry this happened and while they do not like Auburn at all they are good sports. I hope there will not be any more of these destructive acts from either side.

By: johnmrsec

johnmrsec — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:46:39 +0000

@capnken…

Can't be sure about how many emails came from Bama fans. My guess is you have a certain jerk quotient with every fanbase (as is the case with any kind of group out there… religions, doctors, political parties, shoesalesmen, etc).

Thankfully, I believe the majority of SEC fans realize how stupid this act was and can empathize with Auburn… even if they, ahem, hate them.

Thanks for reading,
John

By: @capnken

@capnken — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:28:37 +0000

What percentage of the "just trees" comments were from Alabama fans? I f*cking hate Auburn but still empathize with the War Eagles about the Toomer trees.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:23:35 +0000

Great post. Well said JP.

By: johnmrsec

johnmrsec — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:55:47 +0000

Jagrax…

First, I defended the cowbell last spring when the SEC was considering banning it. That said, MSU's tradition can actually have some bearing on the outcome of games. Therefore, if State fans obey the rules and ring their bells only during stoppages of play, I'm still good with 'em. But if they ignore the league's attempt to let them keep their bells and they ring them defiantly at all times, well, that's different than an oak tree or a clock tower or a bulldog.

John

By: Tweets that mention Auburn | MrSEC.com -- Topsy.com

Tweets that mention Auburn | MrSEC.com -- Topsy.com — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:51:08 +0000

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By: Jagrax

Jagrax — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:48:54 +0000

Maybe not the same thing but Mr. Pennington just remember your comments about tradition when the critics start talking about banning the MSU cowbell.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:36:39 +0000

Thank you for this eloquent explanation of why the Toomer's Corner Oaks are not "just trees". I walked under those stately trees during four of the most wonderful years of my life (Class of 1979) and I feel like I'm possibly losing two old and dear friends. Traditions are a part of what hold an organization of any kind together. It's sad to see the deteriorization and lack of respect for the traditions of others in the world today. Auburn's Spirit is not broken by this, but will only grow stronger. War Eagle!