NFL National Anthem Protests

Regarding the recent up-tick in NFL players opting to kneel during the playing of the American National Anthem, I have to say: timing is indeed EVERYTHING. While I may support your right to protest --and moreover the over-arching legitimacy of your complaint-- I would hope that as Americans, first and foremost, you would have the decency to respect two of the most prominent symbols of our national unity, these symbols being our American Flag and our National Anthem. In this time of unhinged divisiveness, more than ever, we as citizens ardently need to strive to seek out and to embrace reasons to stand together as Americans.  Even if this standing together only lasts for a few fleeting minutes, during the playing of our nation's anthem.

If we begin to willfully tug on the last remaining threads of the underlying fabric of our national unity, I fear we will soon cross a line from which there will be no turning back. But sadly, most people probably don't see the direness of this situation in the way that I do? I suppose this lack of understanding --in terms of long-term ramifications-- is overshadowed by the more immediate emotional nature of the cause at the forefront of these NFL protests. That emotion will almost always trump logic and reason is a tactic widely used by those who would see us divided, towards a more nefarious end. Another tactic of these dividers use is to frame the argument in terms that will most certainly lead to divisiveness, because the argument is set up such that two sides will wind up talking around each other, not with each other towards the end of meaningful resolution and a deeper understanding.

In the case of NFL Protests, those protesting are horrified by the ongoing loss of African American lives at the hands of some misguided, racist police officers.  They want to use the national forum of the NFL to bring the need to seriously address the underlying causes for this tragic loss of life to the forefront of the national conversation. Those protesting on behalf of the latter injustice claim their right to protest trumps any disrespect surrounding the timing of their protest, which just happens to be smack in the middle of the playing of the American National Anthem. Meanwhile, while those on the other side of the equation might wholeheartedly agree with the cause being put forth by the protests, they find the timing of these protests is unacceptable. And suddenly anyone who has a shred of pride and respect for our nation's flag, during the singing of our anthem –representing the sacrifices of so many who fought to ensure the freedoms we have in America today-- is suddenly framed as being an insensitive racist. And round and round we go?  It's absolutely crazy!!!

Image Source:  CNN.com

All the above being said, I think the Dallas Cowboys got it right at their game over the weekend. The actions of the Dallas Cowboy's football team give me hope for a meaningful resolution to the uproar on both sides of the equation. Prior to the playing of the National Anthem the Cowboy players, coaches, staff and owner, Jerry Jones, all took a knee in support of the protest cause. Then when the anthem began to play, everyone stood locking arms in solidarity, thereby showing respect and unity during the few moments meant for reflecting upon our over-arching unity as a nation, with allowance for a profound reflection upon the sacrifices made by so many throughout the history of our great nation. … And in reflecting upon our nation's long and diverse history, I see how very far we have come. The fact we have multi-million-dollar paid, African American pro-football players who are able to protest in the lead-up to NFL games --not to mention their fellow team members, of all races and creeds, who are supporting them-- speaks volumes to just how far we have come as a nation. And while we still have a ways left yet to go, I think we should remain ever-mindful of ALL that we have achieved as a nation.  Contrary to what so many of the dividers would have us believe, the issues facing us as a nation aren't always an “all or nothing" scenario.  There is a middle-ground, that seldom used --these days-- grey-area called dialogue.  "Dialogue", where two opposing sides come to the table in an honest attempt to explain, while earnestly endeavoring to understand and to expand heretofore rigid ways of thinking.  Despite what the dividers would have you believe, Americans, as a whole, are basically decent people, even when we happen to differ from one another along the political spectrum.  Furthermore, we are much stronger TOGETHER than we will ever be on the opposite sides of the ever-widening chasms of our political divide.  Now is the time for all good men to come together .....

10/1/2017 I am also left wondering, if the term "racist" continues to be thrown at any, and everyone, who happens to disagree with accepted liberal group-think:  won't we eventually arrive at a point where the term ceases to possess any useful meaning? I mean, if everyone is "a racist" how will you be able to discern real problem individuals from the masses?  That is to say, by expanding to the term such a broad swath of the population aren't you in effect providing cover for the real racists?
10/10/2017 Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboy football team has doubled down on his not taking a knee during the anthem stance, according to the "Washington Times." Jones has stated that any player taking a knee during the national anthem will not be playing on the field in the ensuing game, according to the WTimes.  Jones was quoted as saying to reporters that the team cannot "give the implication that we tolerate disrespect to the flag.  We cannot do that."
10/15/2017 Personally, I think Jerry Jones has it right.  I'm tired of having politics invade EVERY aspect of everyday life.  No wonder Americans are more divided than ever?  The reasons for division are now in our face 24/7, and not just on the news, it's on talk shows --morning as well as evening.  It's in lectures from Hollywood at their numerous self-congratulatory events and other public appearances. And now it's seeped into one of the last strongholds:  our sporting events, namely pro-football.  There have to be some places where we can set aside our differences and come together in order to relax and to enjoy some entertainment via sportsmanship?!  I hope the Cowboys do well this season, but I'm done watching pro-football for this season.  I've had enough!  Players, you all get paid to PLAY; protest on your own time and dime.  I could have accepted kneeling prior to the anthem, but things have gotten way out of hand and escalated to a wholly unacceptable level.  The whole 'controversy' has just ruined the pro-game for me this season.  Thankfully, Hockey season has started now and these teams seemed focused on playing, leaving politics outside the arena.  Then there is also college football.  Nice to live in a country where we have so many choices. .... One last thought regarding numerous comments to the effect that Jerry Jones has a "Plantation mentality" ... Really??? Talk about a total absence of logic and reason.  Slaves never were paid millions of dollars to do their job.  They didn't have celebrity status and they couldn't walk away from a job they didn't want to do.  But alas, comments such as these aren't meant to serve logic and reason, their sole intent is to stir emotion which always circumvents logic and reason toward the end of maintaining divisions.
11/12/2017 Just thinking how much more meaningful pro-footballers using their "voice"to effect change,  off the field, in their own hometown communities would be.  Why not hold a press conference explaining your protest? Hold a meeting with your local law enforcement to discuss issues and possible solutions.  Maybe organize a pro-football ride along with cops out on patrol to see things from another point of view.