Quote:
Originally Posted by SolidSnake84
After the President's comments about kneeling during the anthem, i think it's safe to say that the NFL players showed up in force this weekend to kneel during the anthem.
How much longer until the NFL decides to end the national anthem before games? I think we could see it within the next season or two, as players continue to kneel. Hell, the entire Pittsburgh Steelers declined to participate in the anthem. It is only a matter of time until teams refuse to come out on the field while the anthem is being played.
I just want to say that I 100% support any person's rights who live in this country to peaceful protest. That includes kneeling during the anthem. Yes, I am a veteran, and this does not offend me. While i choose to stand obviously, i respect the rights of those who choose to not stand. I do not believe that a country can force patriotism. North Korea comes to mind when i think of a place where "all people must stand for the anthem".
I believe that people are paying to watch football games, not see a display of patriotism or any other kind of theatrics that aren't NFL football. There are plenty of other opportunities for patriotism, etc., that doesn't involve football.
|
It's not going to happen. The Anthem stays, as it should. Maybe it's because of my 22 years in the Army, but whenever I go to a game I still get chills when the flag comes out and thousands of people pay their respects. Why would you get rid of that?
For the record, the entire Steelers team didn't decline to participate in the National Anthem. Villanueva, a former Army Ranger, came out in the tunnel entrance and put his hand over his heart, even as his coach was hoping he wouldn't. I respect that move. Perhaps it wasn't a popular move as far as his team is concerned, but how can you not respect that? I hope he isn't ostracized for it. After all, this is a man who could probably teach all other 52 dudes a little bit about being a team...
I think what happened today needed to happen, with the unity across the league. I think it was a huge statement. I just wish it wasn't at the expense of the respect I believe our Flag deserves. I think that the POTUS crossed a line that he probably had no business even approaching, but it's a slippery slope. I just wish there was a way for these men, who I believe have very good intentions, to show solidarity and make a difference without involving something I think should be almost untouchable.
In my mind patriotism means embracing America for what she is, the good and the bad, while trying to make the good better, and trying to fix the bad. So I will never disagree with the players' intentions, but it would be nice to see some true action. I mean, go ahead and sit in the locker room if you want, kneel, lock arms, raise your fist, whatever...but get on out there and do something about what you think is wrong with America.