In these United States today we have seen many athletes, whether amateur, collegiate, or professional, choose to openly, as representatives of their respective sports, teams, and organizations, show public disrespect for the National Anthem and the Star-Spangled Banner at the opening or closing of one event or another. Many Americans, including myself, have been outraged by this increasingly common form of "protest." I find this conduct angering, although I am the first to acknowledge that those who chose to protest in this manner have the constitutionally-guaranteed, bought-with-blood right to do so.
As an American citizen, though I do find the above mentioned conduct angering and disgraceful, I also am very thankful that our government must allow this protest to go on. Why? Because if I decided to protest something (I would never dishonor the Flag or the nation for which it stands) I am protected from government action, such as arrest or prosecution, just as are the men and women who are grabbing headlines these days. I will say it again, plainly: though I find their protest disgusting, I whole-heartedly agree with their right to do it, and their right to remain free from government retaliation.
BUT....
The "right" to protest does not mean that one SHOULD engage in a form of protest that dishonors the blood sacrifices of so many who have died to keep our nation free. And, while GOVERNMENT prosecution of such protesters cannot and SHOULD NOT be allowed, there is nothing that says these people should face NO CONSEQUENCES.
In 2003 Natalie Maines chose to criticize then President Bush II during a "Dixie Chicks" performance in France. Maines had every right to her opinion, and every right to blast out her opinion over international airwaves...BUT...she (and unfortunately her two band partners as well) faced the consequences of an enraged nation. The "Government" did not prosecute her in any way, but her hasty, poor-thought out comments outraged virtually her entire fan base. Because of Natalie Maines the Dixie Chicks became OVERNIGHT OUTCASTS. Over a decade later the Dixie Chicks have not regained their position as one of the most popular country acts of the past few decades. This was because the fans pulled out their support for the Dixie Chicks like a rug suddenly pulled from under a juggler's feet.
Country music fans are some of the most independent people in America, who believe in freedom, and who believe in America. Back in 2003 the country fans knew that America was not perfect, that maybe the war was not the best solution, but they also knew how to properly respect the ideals that this nation stands for and strives, not perfectly, to uphold. Natalie Maines did not "speak" for America or even the majority of country fans, and they let Natalie know that in a big way!
Now, over a decade later, a highly popular and athletically gifted pro football player has opted to exercise his right, to publicly dishonor this nation, and to encourage others to follow his example. We all know that pro football teams want only ONE thing, that is to win! The particular player that has stirred up this controversy is indeed a highly desirable player. His team wants to win. The owners of his team want the team to win. And the fans of this team want them to win. Rah! Rah! Rah!
But this player has made his statement. The only question now is this: Will football fans, players, coaches, owners, and the armies of profiteers of pro football have the same kind of integrity displayed by country music fans over a decade ago? That's right...can coaches and a team that wants the national championship demonstrate their integrity by not allowing this person to play? Could fans of this man and his team actually show the fortitude to boycott every single game until this player is pulled from the roster? Will advertisers exert pressure by refusing to sponsor this team? Will owners and stockholders demand that this type of conduct NOT BE CONDONED? Because letting this man continue to play, and not penalizing other athletes who choose the same means of protest, is saying very loudly that athletes, if they are "good enough," can dishonor this nation and face no consequences.
I am not holding my breath, as the saying goes, as I wait for the rightful condemnation of this man for turning a sports event into a captive venue for his political agenda. I do not expect that he will face near the degree of ostracism that Natalie Maines experienced, because he is a national football great.
By the way, speaking of being a WELL PAID football star, I believe this man's protest rings with a bit of hypocrisy. If this man is SO OFFENDED by this nation (including the blessings he has received as both a CITIZEN of this nation and a well-paid football player) why does he not renounce his football contract, give away his millions of "tainted" dollars, and move to a nation (if he can find one) that does not have some social injustice blemish on its record?
If the day ever comes that the majority of Americans feel no loyalty to the Republic, if some day the vast majority of the people refuse to honor the National Anthem and the Star-Spangled Banner, I myself will still stand tall and salute our flag until that day that my body is finally too weak, then I will ask those standing next to me if they can raise me up just one more time to stand and sing the National Anthem.
May God Bless America
As an American citizen, though I do find the above mentioned conduct angering and disgraceful, I also am very thankful that our government must allow this protest to go on. Why? Because if I decided to protest something (I would never dishonor the Flag or the nation for which it stands) I am protected from government action, such as arrest or prosecution, just as are the men and women who are grabbing headlines these days. I will say it again, plainly: though I find their protest disgusting, I whole-heartedly agree with their right to do it, and their right to remain free from government retaliation.
BUT....
The "right" to protest does not mean that one SHOULD engage in a form of protest that dishonors the blood sacrifices of so many who have died to keep our nation free. And, while GOVERNMENT prosecution of such protesters cannot and SHOULD NOT be allowed, there is nothing that says these people should face NO CONSEQUENCES.
In 2003 Natalie Maines chose to criticize then President Bush II during a "Dixie Chicks" performance in France. Maines had every right to her opinion, and every right to blast out her opinion over international airwaves...BUT...she (and unfortunately her two band partners as well) faced the consequences of an enraged nation. The "Government" did not prosecute her in any way, but her hasty, poor-thought out comments outraged virtually her entire fan base. Because of Natalie Maines the Dixie Chicks became OVERNIGHT OUTCASTS. Over a decade later the Dixie Chicks have not regained their position as one of the most popular country acts of the past few decades. This was because the fans pulled out their support for the Dixie Chicks like a rug suddenly pulled from under a juggler's feet.
Country music fans are some of the most independent people in America, who believe in freedom, and who believe in America. Back in 2003 the country fans knew that America was not perfect, that maybe the war was not the best solution, but they also knew how to properly respect the ideals that this nation stands for and strives, not perfectly, to uphold. Natalie Maines did not "speak" for America or even the majority of country fans, and they let Natalie know that in a big way!
Now, over a decade later, a highly popular and athletically gifted pro football player has opted to exercise his right, to publicly dishonor this nation, and to encourage others to follow his example. We all know that pro football teams want only ONE thing, that is to win! The particular player that has stirred up this controversy is indeed a highly desirable player. His team wants to win. The owners of his team want the team to win. And the fans of this team want them to win. Rah! Rah! Rah!
But this player has made his statement. The only question now is this: Will football fans, players, coaches, owners, and the armies of profiteers of pro football have the same kind of integrity displayed by country music fans over a decade ago? That's right...can coaches and a team that wants the national championship demonstrate their integrity by not allowing this person to play? Could fans of this man and his team actually show the fortitude to boycott every single game until this player is pulled from the roster? Will advertisers exert pressure by refusing to sponsor this team? Will owners and stockholders demand that this type of conduct NOT BE CONDONED? Because letting this man continue to play, and not penalizing other athletes who choose the same means of protest, is saying very loudly that athletes, if they are "good enough," can dishonor this nation and face no consequences.
I am not holding my breath, as the saying goes, as I wait for the rightful condemnation of this man for turning a sports event into a captive venue for his political agenda. I do not expect that he will face near the degree of ostracism that Natalie Maines experienced, because he is a national football great.
By the way, speaking of being a WELL PAID football star, I believe this man's protest rings with a bit of hypocrisy. If this man is SO OFFENDED by this nation (including the blessings he has received as both a CITIZEN of this nation and a well-paid football player) why does he not renounce his football contract, give away his millions of "tainted" dollars, and move to a nation (if he can find one) that does not have some social injustice blemish on its record?
If the day ever comes that the majority of Americans feel no loyalty to the Republic, if some day the vast majority of the people refuse to honor the National Anthem and the Star-Spangled Banner, I myself will still stand tall and salute our flag until that day that my body is finally too weak, then I will ask those standing next to me if they can raise me up just one more time to stand and sing the National Anthem.
May God Bless America
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