I've blogged before about flags. To sum up, it is a symbol and symbols can mean very different things to those viewing them. This time the symbol in the news is a song - The National Anthem - but the basic argument remains the same.
NFL players are choosing not to stand for the National Anthem. As I understand it, they are protesting racism. Some are simply showing solidarity with their team mates, for the freedom to choose not to stand. I think they are wrong but I also know they have this thing called Freedom of Expression. And I'm appalled by the hypocrites being appalled.
How many of these people yelling about this are, even as it happens, plopped in a recliner? How many didn't bat an eye when Tom Brady hocked a giant loogie during a Moment of Silence for murdered children? How many sit on the curb when the flag passes during a parade, usually carried by combat veterans?
Then there's the question of forced compliance. That in itself is a violation of the US Constitution, which is based upon freedom. We have the right to disrespect the Sacred Symbols of others - note the cartoonists being defended when they draw Mohammed. These freedoms apply to everyone.
To me, these symbols are not about what we are - they are about what we should be, what we want to be, the ideals which we repeatedly fall short of. But we keep trying and that is what I stand up for. If I stand - and honestly, sometimes I don't. There are a variety of reasons, but I have that right. I'll thank you to respect it. As I respect yours.
Ah Yes. So many are either wornout from too much work, some are injured, sick, disgruntled about a personal cause, or simply disappointed not in our country/land... as in our governing personnel.
ReplyDeleteAh Yes. So many are either wornout from too much work, some are injured, sick, disgruntled about a personal cause, or simply disappointed not in our country/land... as in our governing personnel.
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