Taking a knee during the anthem is the most RESPECTFUL action I’ve ever seen towards the anthem. These players thought about their message, they thought about what this country is supposed to stand for and they took an action which, without disruption both acknowledged the anthem and expressed concern. How many of those standing are thinking about their country and how many are just standing because “that’s what you do”.
Surprisingly, the NFL actually did the right thing with their ruling that players do not have to stand for the National Anthem. In one place at least, the First Amendment lives.
i have to ask this, but why is the anthem played at all? What do sports have to do with “patriotism”? Is attending/watching Sunday Football (and other such events) patriotic duty? For all and any who complain about the players “politicizing” sports by their peaceful demonstrations, i ask, doesn’t the anthem (or the Air Force flybys, or 9/11 & POW-MIA halftime tributes, etc.) politicize sport already? The players’ demonstrations are NOT about “disrespect” of the flag or our service members or even the president… no matter what Fox (Faux) News tells you.
Consider… The NFL is comprised of over 72% African-Americans ( Players, Coaches, and Staff ), yet there isn’t one single owner who is.
White owners, like Jerry Jones, treat their players with the same disdain and indifference, as a benevolent plantation owner. The players are chattel – albeit high priced chattel – that are disposable, the minute their value to owner diminishes.
The player protests had nothing to do with the our troops or disrespecting our flag and everything to do with how shabbily people of color are treated in the United States. They are protesting how African-Americans, Latinos, Muslims, and Asians are targeted and racially profiled by our police and subjected to unwarranted harassment, arrests without cause, violent treatment and even death at the hands of law enforcement officers. They are drawing our attention to this National Shame at the venue that has the largest audience.
Think about the gladiators in the Coliseum protesting the conduct of the Emperor and the Praetorian Guard. It may seem an exercise in futility, but hopefully, it will get the attention of the Roman citizens.
There are at least some white players kneeling or sitting in solidarity with their black brothers. You want to bet that Trump NEVER would have mentioned it in the first place if all the players protesting were white? And furthermore, how many of the people angered by the protests would be angered if all the protestors were white? (These thought experiments can come in quite handy, if we assume that the people we want to perform the experiments are capable of thought. Trump, of course, is NOT.)
Trump’s legacy will be the tyrant who took away our healthcare while creating rules on how to patriotically address the flag, anthem, and troops. None of which he will remember to do, but that is okay because president is automatically the best patriot. He is more patriotic than you, a shining example for you to follow.
boydpercy Premium Member about 7 years ago
I wish I were a millionaire football player so I could protest, too.
Funny_Ha_Ha about 7 years ago
Is being susceptible to lynching a choking hazard?
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member about 7 years ago
Free speech? We don’t need no stinking free speech!
Masterskrain about 7 years ago
Please remember…“The president” is a blithering moron!" Thank you.
P51Strega about 7 years ago
Taking a knee during the anthem is the most RESPECTFUL action I’ve ever seen towards the anthem. These players thought about their message, they thought about what this country is supposed to stand for and they took an action which, without disruption both acknowledged the anthem and expressed concern. How many of those standing are thinking about their country and how many are just standing because “that’s what you do”.
WaitingMan about 7 years ago
Surprisingly, the NFL actually did the right thing with their ruling that players do not have to stand for the National Anthem. In one place at least, the First Amendment lives.
gigagrouch about 7 years ago
i have to ask this, but why is the anthem played at all? What do sports have to do with “patriotism”? Is attending/watching Sunday Football (and other such events) patriotic duty? For all and any who complain about the players “politicizing” sports by their peaceful demonstrations, i ask, doesn’t the anthem (or the Air Force flybys, or 9/11 & POW-MIA halftime tributes, etc.) politicize sport already? The players’ demonstrations are NOT about “disrespect” of the flag or our service members or even the president… no matter what Fox (Faux) News tells you.
Godfreydaniel about 7 years ago
And don’t bleed on the Astro-turf, it’s too damn hard to clean it!
Linguist about 7 years ago
Consider… The NFL is comprised of over 72% African-Americans ( Players, Coaches, and Staff ), yet there isn’t one single owner who is.
White owners, like Jerry Jones, treat their players with the same disdain and indifference, as a benevolent plantation owner. The players are chattel – albeit high priced chattel – that are disposable, the minute their value to owner diminishes.
The player protests had nothing to do with the our troops or disrespecting our flag and everything to do with how shabbily people of color are treated in the United States. They are protesting how African-Americans, Latinos, Muslims, and Asians are targeted and racially profiled by our police and subjected to unwarranted harassment, arrests without cause, violent treatment and even death at the hands of law enforcement officers. They are drawing our attention to this National Shame at the venue that has the largest audience.
Think about the gladiators in the Coliseum protesting the conduct of the Emperor and the Praetorian Guard. It may seem an exercise in futility, but hopefully, it will get the attention of the Roman citizens.
Godfreydaniel about 7 years ago
There are at least some white players kneeling or sitting in solidarity with their black brothers. You want to bet that Trump NEVER would have mentioned it in the first place if all the players protesting were white? And furthermore, how many of the people angered by the protests would be angered if all the protestors were white? (These thought experiments can come in quite handy, if we assume that the people we want to perform the experiments are capable of thought. Trump, of course, is NOT.)
Godfreydaniel about 7 years ago
@LinguistExcellent and thoughtful post, as usual. Keep it up!
Mr. Blawt about 7 years ago
Trump’s legacy will be the tyrant who took away our healthcare while creating rules on how to patriotically address the flag, anthem, and troops. None of which he will remember to do, but that is okay because president is automatically the best patriot. He is more patriotic than you, a shining example for you to follow.
Red Ruffensor about 7 years ago
Tim Tebow knelt all the time; guess he’s some sort of Commie terrorist.
jpozenel about 7 years ago
The referees carry this on a little card in their back pocket.