Who has not heard about the "Take A Knee" protest fad sweeping the NFL? No matter what side of the argument you find yourself on, one thing is certain. This so called protest movement is effectively dividing this nation.
While it is true that the players do have an individual personal right not to stand in respect of the anthem, why would they choose not to do so. What is it inside an American citizen that would cause them to blatantly disrespect A nation? Specifically a nation which affords an opportunity for them to be able to make an above average living playing a game. What are they protesting? Do they even know?
Unfortunately, on the other end of the debate we have a President who makes statements driven by ego and his own over inflated sense of self worth. This only helps to further the division in this nation. We are living in a nation of ungrateful entitled children. Donald Trump is among them. I truly believe that Donald Trump loves this country, and has it's best interest at the heart of all he does. I even agree with most of his political values and positions. I also believe he is a spoiled ,egomaniacal blow hard who does not possess the personal class and character to be the leader of the free world. I fully agree with the statement he made calling for the players who refuse to stand for the anthem to be removed from the field. I just hoped and expected that he could have found a more tactful and effective way to convey that message to the American people.
During the playing of the national Anthem is not an appropriate time to protest the ills of society. It is not a time to try to further one's political agenda or beliefs. The playing of the National Anthem is not now,and never has been a political statement of any kind. For decades Democrats , Republicans, and Independents alike have stood silently together during those moments in respect to this nation that they loved. In respect of those that sacrificed for this nation that they also loved. It is a time only to pay respect to brave men and women throughout time who have sacrificed of themselves and their loved ones for the advancement of the freedoms this nation continues to enjoy today.
Ungrateful, entitled children now enjoy the freedom to openly and defiantly disrespect the very same individuals and ideals that purchased those freedoms for them. Many with their own blood, and even their very lives. I also have the right to the same freedom to protest, as does every American. Please join me and countless others in standing along side those that stand, and those that can not stand in honor and respect for the sacrifices they have made. Please join me while I enjoy my right to protest as well. To protest the NFL leadership for allowing this unconscionable behavior. To protest the players and coaches who allow , encourage and take part in this behavior. And finally to protest the fans and members of the public who continue to support it. Until this behavior stops, the NFL does not exist for me, or in my home in any way shape or form. I will stand for the anthem to pay honor and respect to those individuals and ideals that have earned me that right.
