The Right Thing to Do
It's become the biggest little issue of the day; multi-millionaire athletes who are "standing up for the little guy". They're heroes ... bastions of morality, even. We'll see.
The athletes speaking today - who all seem to have "followed" Kaepernik's example - try to tell us that their intent is not to disrespect the country. That's nice, but it doesn't pass the giggle test to anyone who's paying attention.
You see, Kaepernik used one word in his statement upon which this whole issue hinges. His words were: "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color, To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
"Pride" is where the problem is. You see, it has long been established - if only by tradition - that we don't stand for the colors and the National Anthem out of pride. We do so out of respect for the freedoms that our flag represents and for the sacrifices of those who fought under that flag so that those freedoms would endure.
We stand and remain quiet out of respect for the person performing the National Anthem. We stand because there are those who "carried those colors" - even if only as a patch on their shoulder - defending this nation and as a result of their service, they can no longer stand, when the colors are presented.
The NFL made a big deal, when Pat Tillman was killed in combat. It's too bad they're allowing players to piss on his memory, now.
Make no mistake about this: I fully support and defend the first amendment. Kaepernik and the rest of these clowns have every right to protest and I would never support the government sanctioning or "going after" them in any way. That said, the first amendment does not guarantee employment after one pisses off one's boss.
Just think about if I were employed by "Lefkowitz Jewelers" and I came into work, wearing a T-shirt that read: "Israel Murders Palestinians". Do you think my employer might have an objection? Do you think I'd have a job if I refused to conform to their dress could? Should I? I don't think so.
For their own benefit, the NFL needs to nut up and realize that there are enough fans who are patriotic with whom this won't fly and it is our right to spend our money as we see fit.
The NFL has already noticed a drop-off in viewership and there are a few organized boycotts around the country. Wait until Veterans' Day weekend, when our voices truly will be heard.
It's entirely possible that NFL could wind up standing for (N)o (F)ans (L)eft.
Michael
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