Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I understand where your coming from. However, I also listen to where they are coming from with regards to why they are taking a knee and respect where that decision is coming from.
The flag and the republic for which it stands symbolizes a freedom that we hold dear to us. Our founding fathers fought for that freedom and died doing so. However, those men that gave their lives for this country weren't just white but blacks, hispanic, asian, etc... As american's they all fought for the same ideals and liberties we take for granted day in and day out. Yet they still don't have all the benefits that our founding fathers sacrificed for.
I understand the "disrespectful" perspective entirely, however I guess the question I would respond with is what is being disrespected more...the flag (a symbol of this nation) or those individuals who are disrespected by the fact that they live in the same great nation that we do, but don't have the same freedoms.
I've came out on here and said before that I don't believe the anthem and the flag should take center stage at sporting events because in my opinion it pulls athletics into politics and I don't agree with that. That said, I completely respect and stand behind any individual that chooses to take a knee during the anthem because at that moment, that moment and what it stands for means a hell of a lot more to them then it does to mean simply standing there to acknowledging it. The ideals and values of this great nation mean a lot to me, however they don't mean as much to me as the people I share it with.
They have the same freedoms.
Nobody told them they have to live here. Nobody told them they have to play football. Certainly nobody told them to use college football as a political platform. Are there not black doctors and lawyers? Are there not Asian doctors and lawyers Nobody did anything except maybe say some bad words. Right?? Nobody did anything but say some words that were construed as mean. Said something someone else took offense to??? Well la te da, if I were like that I would be offended all the time, by everyone. I'm offended by that Nancy Pelosi. I'm offended every time I turn on the news. I'm offended by fat girls thinking they can pull off yoga pants and short shirts. Jesus I can't turn on the TV, go on the internet or step out of the house without finding something I am offended by. Much less can someone have a job where they work with that many people for so many years and someone at some point is going to find something offensive. Especially when you are trying to get them wound up.
Fact I am surprised every trainer/coach everywhere, no matter how hard they try, doesn't have atleast 20 people a year who don't like them or finds them offensive.
Now if we are seeking justice I must warn you that axe is double sided.
BET (black entertainment television) is racist. Is it not? The movie white men can't jump is racist, is it not?
I'll go right down the line if you would like.
The axe of justice is double sided. When you use college football as a political platform for an agenda, you now have assumed responsibility for the "new way". It had better work, because football is a result driven game.
But as I have pointed out this isn't about justice, equality and fairness now is it?
This is about a group of people feeling like they got the short end of the stick. Well there are lots of groups that feel that way. Fact everyone feels that way when you think about it. Women, gays, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, native Americans, veterans and everyone else.
Believe me I am all for equality and fairness. Unfortunately when you spell that out to people, what that means, they don't want that. What they really want is what is best for them. They want a one sided axe that swings only one way.
