First of all the NFL has takin a chit right on the fans , bad move. I can promise you I will NEVER watch any more NFL games ever.
Second of all Look at the players who started this. They are all bad seed thugs without a purpose . These bad seeds should not be allowed into pro sports. Being a role model is a must for athletes who want to play pro sports. Felons and anti Americans have no place in any national sports.
God Bless America and the people who Love and protect it.
Gregory Fields - 6 years ago
I have been a football fan for over 50 years and i think it is a disgrace that these multi million dollar babies are dis respecting our flag and our country I will not watch the games this year and may never again. the work place is not the place to protest. I support our president God bless him and God bless America.
NFL Be ashamed!
As american s i feel the entire team should take a knee not only to agree with collin to show we are free to express protest in america !
Shannon Stone - 6 years ago
It's a job. You don't bring politics, personal life, etc into you place of work. Simple as that. I wouldn't do it at work and most companies would not tolerate it. As with many companies it is frowned upon to bring up such touchy subjects. There are better forums outside of your paid job for those purposes. They should be punished as anyone would for unbecoming and/or potentially disrespectful behavior on the job.
Rene Atkinson - 6 years ago
They are at work. The employer either allows protests at work or they do no allow. Simple.
Larry I - 6 years ago
Do not believe your poll. Just look at the stadium s. 1/3 empty. Agree with the Louisiana man wanting to cut off the players tax breaks and charge for the use of the New Orleans stadium.
Samantha K - 6 years ago
It's disrespectful to kneel during the national anthem. For decades people have had to stand and place their hand on their heart. Why Stop now? cause nfl players think it's their right? People are talking about it's their freedom to do so. Well the only reason this country has freedom, is because people have the courage to fight and die for the flag, which people are disrespecting!! All they can talk about is it's their freedom. You wouldn't have freedom without our army etc. those men and women represent our flag. While they are risking their lives for the flag, the people, our country, people are out here basically saying well i don't have to respect them or what our country stands for. WELL GET THE HELL OUT OF THE U.S!! You don't care about our freedom/Flag then go to north korea where people can't even vote, watch anything on t.v, where they can't make international phone calls. You wouldn't last in their country. You would be crying to come back to this free country where we are to honor our FLAG!! ARE YOU PEOPLE EVEN THINKING ABOUT?!?! Instead your thinking about how you want to rebel and protest. It's a major problem in our country. People would rather rebel and protest than come together and let their be peace. People and other countries are trying to tear us apart and their getting what they want. To bad people can't think about the bigger picture!! #GodBless#Disapointed#Veterans#Army#USA#BooooNFL
Richard Mead - 6 years ago
Our flag is a sacred part of America and I think these players and the disrespect that they show the young men and women who have fought, blead and died is appalling.
These players and owners could have chosen a number of different ways to protest, it's not like there broke and this was there only option to get there point across.
Being the son and grandson of two combat veterans I will never look past there using such a sacred part of America to even care about what it is that there protesting and to me its not only a disrespect to our country and service men and women but it is a disrespect to my father and grandfather and for that they can all burn in hell!
Lauren - 7 years ago
This poll is not accurate. I do not believe it for one minute.
Daniel Tester - 7 years ago
Kneeling during the national anthem isn't disrespectful. There is no wrong way of doing the national anthem. People in wheelchairs can't stand and neither can injured players , so does that mean that they're being disrespectful of our flag, country and national anthem? Telling people that they're not allowed to sit or kneel during the national anthem would be like telling softball pitchers that they're not allowed to pitch underhanded anymore. If you want to ban kneeling during the national anthem, then you should ban punting during a football game, because it could be interpreted as America giving up on terrorism and south or North Koreans, and letting all the other countries have their way with us. The only things that would be disrespectful during the national anthem, would be sticking up your middle finger, mooning people, making obscene or sexual gestures, swearing and women flashing their breasts. Kneeling or sitting during the national anthem isn't harming anyone and in no way disrespectful, so let them do it. Tell Trump and anyone who is against kneeling during the national anthem to just back off and chill out.
Anna - 7 years ago
They should be fired along with Goodell. The FIRST paragraph if the NFL personal conduct policy of 2016, the year this mess started QUOTE - it is a privilege to be a part of the National Football League. Everyone who is a part of the league must refrain from "conduct that is detrimental to the Integrity of and public confidence in" the NFL. This includes owners, coaches, players, other team employees, game officials, employees of the league office, NFL films, NFL Network, or any other NFL business.-
IMO THAT PRETTY MUCH SUMS IT UP.
This can be found through Google as personal conduct policy for the NFL 2016. Kneeling has been detrimental to the NFL and Goodell not taking action last year was detrimental with continuation of the kneeling this year. The loss of FANS as well as TICKET SALES, RATINGS, REVENUE.
At this point since the NFL itself has chosen not to take action and following its own personal conduct policy it is the responsibility of the taxpayer to withdraw their 1.1 billion taxpayer direct subsidies to the NFL and team owners for BREACH OF CONTRACT.
EVERYONE SHOULD BE PROTESTING THIS BREACH AND CONTACTING THEIR REPRESENTATIVE TO HAVE THE 1.1 BILLION TAXPAYER DIRECT SUBSIDES PAID TO THE NFL & TEAM OWNERS TODAY REMOVED IMMEDIATELY.
Anna - 7 years ago
They should be fired along with Goodell. The FIRST paragraph if the NFL personal conduct policy of 2016, the year this mess started QUOTE - it is a privilege to be a part of the National Football League. Everyone who is a part of the league must refrain from "conduct that is detrimental to the Integrity of and public confidence in" the NFL. This includes owners, coaches, players, other team employees, game officials, employees of the league office, NFL films, NFL Network, or any other NFL business.-
IMO THAT PRETTY MUCH SUMS IT UP.
This can be found through Google as personal conduct policy for the NFL 2016. Kneeling has been detrimental to the NFL and Goodell not taking action last year was detrimental with continuation of the kneeling this year. The loss of FANS as well as TICKET SALES, RATINGS, REVENUE.
At this point since the NFL itself has chosen not to take action and following its own personal conduct policy it is the responsibility of the taxpayer to withdraw their 1.1 billion taxpayer direct subsidies to the NFL and team owners for BREACH OF CONTRACT.
EVERYONE SHOULD BE PROTESTING THIS BREACH AND CONTACTING THEIR REPRESENTATIVE TO HAVE THE 1.1 BILLION TAXPAYER DIRECT SUBSIDES PAID TO THE NFL & TEAM OWNERS TODAY REMOVED IMMEDIATELY.
Rhuebner - 7 years ago
This survey should lock out after ONE vote. I am very suspicious that 73% of people 'agree' with it.
Karyn - 7 years ago
I think it is disrespectful and they can protest on their own time. They're at work and if it's such a hot idea to make a statement for all the viewers to see, why not do take a knee in the middle of the 1st down? That would really be an attention grabber! No, they rather be disrespectful to the flag and our country. They're nothing but overpaid million-dollar crybabies that want a lot of attention but aren't putting their money where their mouth is in helping those that are oppressed. I won't be watching this year. #BoycottNFL
Deneen Wilson - 7 years ago
USAF Veteran aircraft mechanic...... many generations of soldiers have fought for the flag and the national anthem and there is still a lot of hate in this country. I nor my Navy husband stand during the National anthem. We do not find it disrespectful fighting for what you believe. Fans claim they don't want to watch the game not see players uniting for a Cause. However sporting events are used to show support for breast cancer. You have men running around in pink gear, pink balloons flying in the air to support breast cancer. I too want to watch the game without being reminded that I AM BATTLING BREAST CANCER. BUT I UNDERSTAND THE UNITY . INSTEAD of fighting the NFl and the players about sitting,standing and kneeling.....unite to fight racism like all Americans are fighting to cure breast cancer. Please forgive any typing errors and grammar errors. Right now the United States is divided. We need to come together and listen to each other. If we are divided we are fighting the wrong war
Bryon dewey - 7 years ago
I’am retired vet, I agree with protesting, but during national anthem
Jay West - 7 years ago
The National Football League, like Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League is a private enterprise. And as such, the owners of the individual teams as well the leagues collectively ought be able to impose any rules and regulations they wish upon their employees, including firing players who do not conform to said rules and even disbanding relationships with players' associations (read "unions") and hiring players on individual contractual bases. Unions are not sacrosanct. And without them these players wouldn't behave so aggressively, knowing they could be relived of their employment for any infraction. Professional sports really ought to consider imposing right-to-work policies and defy these corrupt unions.
Not only are mostly Negro* football players offensive and unpatriotic when they kneel during their nation's national anthem, many of them also appear pretty revolting by virtue of their lack of grooming (beards and unkempt long hair), sporting tattoos, etc.. Many of these players resemble members of ISIL/ISIS and appear to intimidating to fans, who (reality check) are the ones who ultimately pay the bills for the NFL, both by ticket sales and advertising dollars (when watching on television). The NFL ought be able to fire players for any of the aforementioned reasons.
The United States of America is not a communist nation, yet anyway. And the NFL, as a private business, ought be able to fire or hire any players they wish for whatever reason(s). I would go so far as to say all private businesses even have a right to discriminate in their employment practices, since private implies liberties in business practices free from government edicts. In other words, teh NFL shoudl be free to fire or never hire these savages in teh first place.
It is long since past the time we stop coddling political radicals and savages (including in our schools and in the media and entertainment business), round them all up and either deport them or rid them from civilized society by other means. It is time, as President Donald Trump has been trying to tell us, to stop allowing the inmates to rule the asylum, and put them back in their cages.
*And before some know-nothing copy editor has a conniption, "negro" is still a perfectly acceptable term to describe a person by race. After all, there is even still an organization called the "United Negro College Fund." The word "negro" is not the same as the other "N' word, a slang term which does have mostly negative connotations. But I realize I have to explain this, these days, to those too young to know otherwise and brainwashed by politically correct and/or Marxist teachers and professors.
For that matter, "colored" is also perfectly acceptable as well, since, to my knowledge, the most prominent civil rights organization on behalf of Negroes is still called the "National Association for the Advancement of Colored Persons" (NAACP). But I have always thought "colored" ambiguous and inappropriate, since everyone (including so-called Caucasians) is a color, just a different shade of a color.
John - 7 years ago
It’s disrespectful and I will no longer watch or attend your games
MARK MILLHAUSEN - 7 years ago
1ST , I DO NOT BELIEVE YOUR SURVEY. IM NOT GOING SUBJECT MYSELF TO WATCHING THIS GARBAGE.
I ENJOYED FOOTBALL ,BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO DO WHAT THEY WANT ON MY TELEVISION. ITS A DISGRACE. TO THINK ,OUR TEAM GOES TO LONDON AND DOES THIS. IM THRU. HOW STUPID TO THINK THIS CONTROVERSY WOULD HELP WHAT EVER CAUSE YOU MAKE UP. YOU'RE MILLIONAIRS ON THE BIGGEST STAGE ---AND OPPRESSED!! STOP WITH THE RACE CRAP,AND HELP YOUR PEOPLE. GET RID OF YOUR TERRIBLE BLACK LEADERS. IM 58 AND LIKE MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF AMERICANS DONT KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT. SPEND YOUR TIME AND YOUR MONEY ON A COMMERIAL AND ARTICULATE SOMETHING, AND GET OUT OF THE NFL AND FROM WHAT IVE SEEN --OUT OF OUR COUNTRY.
Tan - 7 years ago
This is America. It is our National Anthem. If you live here honor our country, if you don't see fit to honor this country, leave it. Everyone comes to America for the American Dream that our forfathers fought and died for, that our Grandfathers, our Fathers/Mothers, our Brothers/Sisters, our Sons/Daughters have fought and died for. It stands for the freedom you have and want to live but spit on. America was built on love for one another. We Americans all work, pay our taxes and fight to keep America free. You people who call yourselves athletes are sickening. If you don't like America, it's heritage, its National Anthem, its ways - don't try to change it to be you, leave it to us who love Her. Go where you can stand for the National Anthem. I bet you never liked the last place you lived nor will you like the next place you live. It's YOU not America. Get out and find that something you are looking for to respect and love. Only people who LOVE AMERICA should live here. Don't reap all of the good and burn the flag, like the gal above said: If you are going to burn the flag wrap yourselves in it. I feel you are a disgrase to the NFL and all it stands for. No one said you have to live in America. LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT !!!!!! Where is it better? Go there and play football. You hatesayers are becoming plentiful but its because you do nothing, you disrespect, you blame, you find fault, you hate, IT"S YOU not AMERICA. You are here for the money and good, leave your bad behind and enjoy our country as we have until your like came here. We all live and let live but you have to govern. President Trump has been such a breath of fresh air to our government. He is not a follower but a leader. He is a true American. He is not here wanting something for nothing. Take all your talents and you and go where you are happy or be a true American and Love this Country as WE DO! God Bless America. Stop pitiing yourself. America is not White, Black, Tan, Yellow, Red it is fellow. You make it a choice. We get into slaves; etc. . Who sold the slaves to the rich? Look it up... The blacks sold the blacks as slaves. STOP we love America............Let Her Stand FREE and LOVE Her. I DO.
Jo - 7 years ago
I believe they have a right to protest.
However, the biggest part I strongly disagreed with the kneeling was while the team was in London. As Americans in a foreign nation representing the United States. It was disrespect to all United States citizens.
But, I'm sick and tired politics and sports, politics and film mixing.. making me hate watching more.. the more involved they get in words.. the more I ignore and stop watching. The bull shit news.. rarely see the equal news coverage when... you can fill in the blank for whatever fits and true. Media doesn't honestly do there job.
Brad - 7 years ago
I do not have an issue with the reason these NFL players are kneeling. My problem is that they are getting PAID huge amounts of money for being there. Colin Kaepernick started this because he opposes a country that oppresses black people? Yet he was making millions of dollars to play a game and entertain the people of the same country. If the NFL players want to protest a country that allows them to make millions of dollars live in huge houses, frequently obtain reduce sentences for breaking the law and be revered as heroes for playing a game, then the right way to protest would be for them to quit the game or take on a poverty wage to stand in solidarity with those that are being oppressed. When I see that is when I will respect the players for their protest. For now, IMO they are simply professionals protesters. They are the same as those that were transported to cities to incite violence on the dime of the special interest groups.
Charlotte Nydegger - 7 years ago
I am 100% with the peaceful demonstration as long as it is followed by player actions to eliminate conditions as well. Kneeling is easy, doing something about the problems they say they are bringing to light is much harder. Colin also said he was kneeling to pray about the problems. I hope he and all other kneelers are doing that as well...not just for show.
But I also think it should be an individual decision. This is not an NFL issue. If a player doesn't want to kneel, that should be supported as well. The whole team kneeling belittles the statement and support of the cause. Those men are not kneeling because they believe, but because they were told to.
Once again our attention is supposed to be directed at a non-issue by the current administration, missing the point and ignoring the real problems we face in our country.
M Gute - 7 years ago
I support them but this needs to apply to ALL jobs. If an NFL player should not be fired for protesting neither should anyone else so long as they do their jobs. That would include any social media posts done off hours. Many have been fired from their jobs for doing so.
They deserve the same treatment as the NFL players.
B McCaffrey - 7 years ago
STOP! This is the same flag that as a child I had to salute in school when I could not sit at a lunch counter and eat a hotdog. It is the same flag that I had to salute that my father and grandfather fought for and returned to this country to be treated as less than men. This is the same flag that was a symbol of racism and in support of slavery. You don't believe it read the third verse of this song that the hateful slave owning, persecutor in chief , prosecutor of abolishinists author wrote. Stop making this about anything other than what it is.Protesting systemic racism and police brutality in this country. That man in the White House has so demeaned it, the flag and the constitution . Don't play the song, don't wave the flag at sporting events. Stop making it some patriotic event . The pentagon paid for the advertisement of these "symbols" to increase volunteers to join the armed forces. Stop it. Maybe then the focus can return back to where it ought to be. Liberty and Justice for ALL. When that happens, we can all sing Oh beautiful for spacious skies .... and proudly salute the flag that will symbolize true freedom for all Americans.
Anne - 7 years ago
Americans do not deserve freedom and they are well on their way to freely, willfully giving it away.
Americans are terrified of allowing anyone other than themselves have freedom. The only freedom they want others to have is freedom they agree with...freedom that meets their own life narrative, freedom that their parents told them it was OK to have. Freedom that doesn't make them feel unccmfortabe. White freedom.
Anne - 7 years ago
Americans do not deserve freedom and they are well on their way to freely, willfully giving it away.
Americans are terrified of allowing anyone other than themselves have freedom. The only freedom they want others to have is freedom they agree with...freedom that meets their own life narrative, freedom that their parents told them it was OK to have. Freedom that doesn't make them feel unccmfortabe. White freedom.
Kertina Kimbrough - 7 years ago
It is absolutely unbelievable that people are MAD about other people exercising their right to protest, BUT quiet as church mice about people of color being murdered by racist police officers. And those racist cops getting away with murdering people of color. By their silence, they are complicit in these atrocities.
Denise - 7 years ago
it is disrespectful to our country. If they want to make a point, tell them to run for public office and show how much they can get done.
Jo Schmo - 7 years ago
I support & respect their right to protest. I do not support making this debate so newsworthy. This is not news.
R.J. - 7 years ago
I fully respect and agree with any players' choice to protest and I understand why they're protesting. I agree with them. I also respect and support anyone else's choice not to. I may not agree with their belief or their reasons, but I respect their right to choose. Everyone needs to respect each others' rights and choices
Fran - 7 years ago
The United States is a democratic country with freedom of speech, in contrast to fascist countries like North Korea or Venezuela, places where dictators rule and dictate personal behavior either in military settings or sports. Football players are not required to stand for the anthem because the NFL does not require that their players stand; under the constitution they are protected by the 1st Amendment from being coerced to do this. Although the players 'taking a knee' have their critics, other football players, sportscasters, sports leaders and even the NFL itself and many of its sponsors, are supporting them. Roger Goodell wrote in support of the NFL players and denounced the President's comments as divisive. “Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities.” Would it be so hard for us to listen to their message? I think it would be a very sad day in our nation's history if sports players were coerced to stand for the national anthem. Having a president dictate to a private organization about who it can hire and fire may even be illegal under our laws. That's not freedom and it's not democracy; it's coercion, and a sign of our government's leaders, like our president, moving closer and closer to the fascism we all abhor.
Pam - 7 years ago
the definition of "allegiance" is "loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause." The pledge of allegiance is a promise to be loyal (subordinate) to a superior (country) or to a group or cause. What's the "cause" as it will determine the effect/respect. Just as subordinates kneel or bow to a superior (to God or to a king / queen), they are pledging their loyalty (allegiance) by kneeling as an expression of reverence, submission, and obeisance which is a gesture of respect. But it's not a king, queen, or person we submit to but the values of goodness, kindness, equality, and love....the cause. Tradition tells us to stand (to stand up for what is right) but, personally, I believe that both standing and kneeling are acceptable ways to pay respect. Others may disagree and I can honestly understand why. They are against kneeling or being submissive to anyone or anything other than God or their belief. Priorities of God/love over country. If love comes before country or party (before monetary value and political beliefs), respect will be present. Respect for others rights which is what the flag represents and that must be respected...everyone's rights and religious beliefs. In essence, by disrespecting someone's rights, wouldn't that be the same as disrespecting the flag which represents our freedoms?
xBreauXDaciousx - 7 years ago
Soldiers didn't fight and die so they could Stand... they fought and died so they could have the freedom to "choose"! People need to realize that they are not honoring the soldiers by telling these people what they can and cannot do with their freedoms and rights. Americans in their ignorance have become very intolerant towards those who express their rights. Not cool, America, not cool.
Micheals - 7 years ago
NFL owners NOR Potus get to rule on First Amendment rights. Period.
Bostonians weren't against tea.
Rosa Parks wasn't against bussing.
Gandhi wasn't against food.
The right to peacefully protest against injustice is an American tradition and right enshrined in the FIRST amendment.
Get over it. To channel my inner 60's - This is America. If you don't like peaceful protests, leave.
s - 7 years ago
American athletes are not disrespecting the flag when they choose to "take a knee" during the national anthem. We all know the dreadful history of slavery and racism in our country. Making believe that there's no legitimate reason for African Americans, or any American to silently, respectfully refuse to participate in standing at attention during the playing of the national anthem and accusing that American of "disrespecting our soldiers," or of "disrespecting" the flag, are over exaggerations, in my opinion. These actions are meant to draw attention to the fact that some American police have over reacted to unarmed black men and boys and have killed them when they most likely would have held their fire if the man looked more like the police officer, in terms of race. To deny that this is not a problem is wishful thinking. I respect the athletes who take a knee and I respect our armed forces and our flag but I believe that the Black Lives Matter movement has legitimacy and that we have a problem of an attitude of white supremacy that goes back 400 years in our national and regional history.
Dorothy - 7 years ago
If you don't like this country get the heck out of it and go to another one and see what happens when you don't stand for their flag. If your not gripping about one thing you'll find something else no matter where you go but Good rid Ian every I say!
Samantha - 7 years ago
How many of us would be able to go to work and protest? How many of us would still get paid for protesting at work? I wouldn't, I would have to do my protesting on my OWN time. Not while I'm getting paid millions for playing a game.
Jeannie Ramberg - 7 years ago
I don't have like it but I respect everyone's right to peacefully protest and exercise their 1st Amendment right. I don't feel they are disrespecting the flag or anthem either. They are kneeling which still shows deference to the flag..Its not like they turned their backs on it. Peaceful protesting gave women the right to vote and black folks the right to the same rights white folks have. Trump should've just stayed out of it and it wouldn't have blown up like it did. Unless the football owners say they cant do it, then its nobodies business. If you don't like it you're free to boycott it. I'm glad we live in a free nation.
damiph - 7 years ago
Peaceful protest are always better. You don't have to agree with why they protest but we must respect their right to protest. It is total nonsense that this is an act that dishonors the flag or our country. In fact quite the opposite. I spent over 30 years in the military and I will tell you that the armed forces/military don't feel there is any disrespect. In fact, we serve so every America has the right to protest or not protest. It's what makes us, AMERICA, the great democracy it is. We have freedoms and to limit or restrict people from expressing those freedoms is akin to a dictatorship. Heck, we had military members who would run inside just to not participate during Colors. What does that say?????
BoomerGram - 7 years ago
IMO it is not about when they protest or how they protest it's what they are protesting and they are protesting something many of our citizens refuse to admit exists. We have no problem wanting to discuss "reversed" discrimination but refuse to have conversations about our feelings toward those we feel are lesser citizens. Another commentator stated the problem is one for all first world countries to face. Indeed in most countries inhabited by humans that is a fact. In reality it is an issue of power; it's and issue of socio-economics, e.g. India was at one time under the rule of the East India Company and direct administration by the British government. It's citizens were looked down upon as less worthy by the Brits and yet in India itself a caste system was being practiced for centuries. Let us Americans never forget our Constitution gives us the right to free speech and the right to protest however we also need to expect to shoulder the consequences that come with those rights. At 241 years of age the US of A is but an adolescent when compared to the history of other countries. Like adolescents who behave as though they are always right, we travel in packs and emit fear from others as we approach with our rebellious attitudes. We have a lot to learn about those we share our air with. We must not wait as the years swiftly pass us by before we have a conversation about what is going on in our country. Hear and listen to each other, empathize with what you are listening to and learn to change what we need to change and grow forward with the knowledge we have been guaranteed those rights to move forward and to change. To change our attitudes not our rights. To learn to respect each and everyone of us for the differences that make this country great. This is what we fight for. When we give respect we get it returned twofold. It is a process to be worked at every minute of every day. Always ask yourself what am I doing to earn respect and understanding, write those things down. The longer everyones list becomes the shorter time the process takes to move the United States forward to the greatness we all deserve. Greatness we have built together with honor and respect.
Karen - 7 years ago
No one is being disrespectful to the flag or the military. Most of the people who are going off the rails about the issue are the same people who don't even believe there is such a thing as white privilege. They also don't believe there is any such thing as police brutality and they are the ones using that old statement "blacks kill more blacks than the police." Nobody is saying Every policeman is brutal or racially biased. Unfortunately, most don't cross the blue line even when they know others are brutal. It's a big problem and pretending it doesn't exist is only ensuring that nothing will ever change.
sam smith - 7 years ago
just turn them off and boycott the NFL ! If they want to protest that is fine but to disrespect all that have died to give the overpaid players that right is sickening ! I protest right back by refusing to sit down and watch another game !
Robert Alexander - 7 years ago
My daughter and her husband are stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, in what would be an early target in any nuclear exchange with N. Korea: and have made their peace with possible death. They and most of the sailors they know quite support Mr. Kaperneck and know that the protests are in noway disrespectful to the troops and the flag. Kneeling and possibly praying that Black folks don't get shot for no damn reason it their point...Again, only fascists would force everyone to participate in a ritual of national symbols...Move to North Korea if you want that sh*t...
Robert Leming - 7 years ago
There is, of course, a lot to love, honor, fight to preserve about the USA.
Included in this is our right to free speech - and our diversity, including our diversity of worldviews and opinion.
In my view I see the players kneeling in protest, not against the flag, the military, our first responders - but against the deep-root of racism in American history, and the way that is still playing out today.
It is easy to see we have gained ground on that, easier to see the impatience and frustration.
Does anyone think America has no work to do? There are a number of things I would like to see us improve on before I die: The current historical divide in income and wealth, grotesque | The fact that one's zip code so severely impacts one's education and opportunity | The loss of dignity and living-wage work for those who should still be solidly in the Middle Class | The way we can treat women (hot mic ...) | The fate of our natural world and our Climate.
I would kneel in protest of all of the above - kneel and pray.
Jeanne Yount - 7 years ago
Steve Mnuchin needs to shut his mouth. If he cannot honor the BOR and constitution he has no place in government and neither does the idiot in the WH. For all you folks who think freedom of speech is for only during non working hours, you dint understand our rights and tiunshould read before you write. Blacks and Hispanics have long fought for our freedoms and have lost lives just like all you self righteous whites. This is not about patriotism, the calf or anthem but when the asshole in the WH shot his mouth off he started the protests. Especially since he's racist, his cabinet is racist,,he endorses neo Nazi protests, he's turned his back on our Hispanic brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico. My dad was a POW, a commander for our local,VFW. My niece a Purple Heart recipient and wounded warrior in Afghanistan, my uncle killed in a plane crash during Korean War. This is about the direction this country is taking to allow young black amen to be murdered in our streets by racist cops. It's about Hispanics being ripped from their homes and sent back to countries they never knew. What the hell people, are you that cold hearted and inhumane. Wake up, tomorrow it could be a out your religion or some other reason this corrupt government feels a reason to discriminate. Hell it could be because of your income level. We are repeating history and the POS in the WH is in the same power trip as Hitler.
Kris - 7 years ago
3 out of the 4 quantified answers are clearly written to throw the results. Glad you're not even attempting to hide your bias/prejudice/ignorance anymore. Nicely done, fox news. :|
Kris - 7 years ago
3 out of the 4 quantified answers are clearly written to throw the results. Glad you're not even attempting to hide your bias/prejudice/ignorance anymore. Nicely done, fox news. :|
Tane - 7 years ago
The history of the anthem itself should not be ignored. It was written by a slaveholder who wrote that black people were "a distinct and inferior race of people." Read the whole anthem, or just the 3rd verse so you can see where he wrote about runaway slaves. Remember that before 2009 football players remained in the locker rooms during the anthem except on special occasions such as bowl games. Then ask yourself why we would be so angry at people for kneeling now. To force them to "respect the anthem" forces them to continue to accept injustice for a song that when written they were specifically excluded from being a part of the "free."
Our black brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, daughters and sons have fought alongside white soldiers since the revolution. They fought even when they had no freedom, when they had no rights and even now when justice is still so hard to come by. They are some of the most incredible examples of patriots this country has ever known. The least we can do is hear their sorrow and respect their plight.
Stephen - 7 years ago
We've become a strangely sensitive and fragile country. People with swastikas and torches marched down the street in Charlottesville, one of them a terrorist who murdered Heather Heyer and injured others — if someone marched with swastikas during Eisenhower's years, the ACLU would might have stood up for them for technical reasons but the entire country would have been anti-fascist, no one shed a tear about a Nazi getting punched back then. And then this in the other direction — a silent, mild protest that is out of the way and easily ignored, where the protestors switched from sitting to kneeling in order to be as respectful as they could while making their point. We can disagree — I hope not disagree that racism or police brutality is bad, but simply disagree about whether it is widespread or institutional — but how can anyone get so freaked out about such a mild protest? When did we become a country where we want the government pushing to get citizens fired from their jobs — does no one remember that we want less government meddling, not more? Time to turn this around.
Phillip Kassel - 7 years ago
Those more outraged by alleged symbolism than police murder don't even bother to dispute the intended message. Go ahead and terrorize and kill Black people, but don't be dissing the old stars and stripes, or those responsible for defending our "freedoms." Such an absurd deflection. Even if the intention was to disrespect the flag it would not offend me. If the flag represents the government as currently constituted, disrespect is richly deserved. And no one has died to protect my rights since WW II, much as those victimized by being sent to war may have been convinced otherwise. I don't want to glorify what soldiers have done around the world as much as grieve it, as well as what we've done to them. If people so concerned about slights on their behalf were even a little bit as concerned about funding the VA, those who sacrificed would be much better honored.
Marian Hennings - 7 years ago
Kneeling is not disrespectful. When a player has been injured during a game, other players have sometimes knelt in support and sympathy with his pain. Our country is in pain because of racial injustice. Kneeling during the anthem is not a sign of disrespect; it signifies attention to the wounds that need healing in our society. It most certainly is not an attack on veterans, and those who have said it is are mixing up the issue. Many veterans have said that they fought to defend the right to peacefully assemble for redress of grievances, as is in our Bill of Rights, and they support those who kneel. I do not have a problem with kneeling; I have a problem with the fact that we still have problems with racial injustice in our country.
Myself - 7 years ago
Ok.. so you basically put 3 No support answers and 1 yes support answer to make it seem like the support is much bigger. Ok..
Curtis Caudill - 7 years ago
These are definately first world problems. I'm not even sure why anyone is up in arms over this. As far as I know... it is the decision of the NFL and the teams as to what happens. They are the employers. I support the protest if it is allowed by the NFL and its affiliated. If they were to say it is not allowed then I support that too. The employer reserves the right to manage the activities of their employees.
Chris Lasngton - 7 years ago
The NFL should be investigated for ties to George Soros, Barack Obama and John Podesta.
Eileen Metheny Carlton - 7 years ago
This is precisely why I am grateful and proud to be a citizen of the United States. This citizenship does not require me to salute the flag or pay object homage to its leaders. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Mike - 7 years ago
I thibk these guys need to quit acting like a bunch of babyback bitches. Poor fuckin black people
cletus - 7 years ago
What everyone that is offended by this seems to be missing is that this is NOT a protest against the flag, the anthem or America. It's a protest against police brutality and the need for change beginning with awareness. The approach to awareness has been amazing. Smack middle America where it hurts. Sports.
(and if you think that the government killing 1200 citizens with 0 convictions is acceptable, then you are exactly part of the system that needs to change)
Meanwhile, where the outrage over Kid Rock cutting a hole in the flag and wearing it as a poncho and wanting to become a Senator. (or the outrage for ANY of these lines of clothing that seem to be an American flag where the rules of the flag explicitly state that it is not to be worn as clothing)
It's just more hypocrisy fanned by conservative media to try and keep the nations status quo social order of white on top and in power and everyone else should just be happy with what they have.
Or this crazy argument that giving equal rights to minority groups (racial, sexual or otherwise) is somehow TAKING AWAY rights of the white majority. That's not how equality works, but it's how it is portrayed time and again by conservative media personalities.
Sarah Sanders - 7 years ago
It is a sign of disrespect. Social injustice? Where? There are many types of programs that elevate a black person over a white person. Let's use colleges as an example. Most colleges have to fill a quota. Therefore some white people do not get accepted because of it. There are also more assistance programs for black people. In regards to crime? Well let's face it. Turn on the news and more than half of the people who do the crime are black. I am so tired of police getting beat up because they are trying to enforce the laws and not get killed. The argument of "we are oppressed" is bull shit. Rise out of your situation. Don't join a gang, sell drugs, commit crimes or have tons of babies (that my tax dollars pay for) because you don't know what birth control is. Be a civilized people.
JLB - 7 years ago
I don't really care one way or the other. There are way too many other things to worry about-like getting aid to Puerto Rico, solving the current health care mess and many others.
JKM - 7 years ago
I’m curious. Do those that think that politics should be kept out of sports also believe religion should be in the schools?
CJSD - 7 years ago
I support their protesting without doing so *just* because it's a "silent", non-violent form of protest.
I would still support them if they made a ruckus. I still support rioters.
I cannot wrap my mind around the comments of people who claim their protest "so utterly disrespects the very people who gave them that right". Then what right do they have? What is acceptable to your fragile whiteness? What does freedom of speech mean? If your body position during the anthem is such a huge deal that people cannot even use that in order to present grievances, then what exactly do you mean by "freedom of speech" and "the rights veterans fought for"? Do you put down the finger foods and soda pop to stand up in your living room with your hand on your heart when the anthem is played before a football game? Give me a break.
And even if you do, it's your prerogative just as much as it is any other American's to choose not to. You cannot pick and choose what freedom of speech means.
If people who look like you were killed and harassed and arrested and more severely sentenced than any other groups that are statistically proven to be consistently worse offenders, would you sit down quietly, smile, and let the country go about its business? If your kin was murdered and raped and discriminated against on the basis of physical features, would you tolerate the statues paying hommage to their torturers?
Would you accept being told that violent protest is not acceptable, please find other means, and then being told that taking a knee isn't going to fly either? Wouldn't you perceive that as an extension of the very oppression you are trying to give a voice to with your exposure?
Think about it, and get back to me when you get some perspective.
Trinity - 7 years ago
Anyone who is against these football players taking a knee are the ones truly against our nation. Soldiers fight and die for our so called "freedom" yet everyone wants to punish these players for taking those very freedoms. In my opinion, everyone who is against our most basic inalienable rights is disrespecting our soldiers and that includes those very soldiers. I have heard many soldiers and soldiers family's up in arms about this so I ask them, if you weren't fighting for the freedom to be who we are, to express our feelings, to make our own choices, what did you fight for? Why are women and men dying and coming home injured? What is the point if your going to go against the very thing you supposedly stand for? Why do Americans think it's okay to loudly proclaim this is a free nation while in the same breath trying to deny that freedom?!
I wonder how many people would vote the opposite way if they were kneeling to protest abortions. It is not about the flag. It is about not wanting to deal with or acknowledge the systematic problems facing our fellow black citizens.
Kris - 7 years ago
I support the 1st amendment but not while you are at work. Playing football own their job. They should not be exercising their 1st amendment rights after they come into the stadium.
Todd - 7 years ago
Let’s get something clear. Taking a knee isn’t a political issue. It’s an anti-racism issue. Showing that our country is in termoil and using a platform such as a public display of patriotism; this is bring attention to a real problem.
Don’t confuse your lack of understanding of what your freedom really looks like with your dislike of a behavior.
K - 7 years ago
The flag stands for something much larger than a few ignorant comments made recently. They are living and thriving in this country. The sacrifices of many for our flag and what it stands for should far outweigh the differences that we have going on in the country at this point. Don't blame the flag or the principles upon which this country were founded for the ignorance of a few that will come and go. We should respect our flag and this country and vote to eliminate those who don't represent it well in the future and bring back dignity.
Rhiannon - 7 years ago
First off, they're not protesting the Anthem or the flag, they're protesting police brutality.
Secondly, they are protected not only by the Constitution in doing so but the Supreme Court also ruled that you cannot force someone to do the pledge or stand for the Anthem.
Thirdly, the Department of Defense pays the NFL for these grand displays of nationalism as a recruitment tactic to try and get more people to join the military.
Also, veterans didn't fight for the flag or a song. They fought for our rights as written in the constitution. Equal rights for all. The face that people aren't treated equally in our fine country, and the goverment is constantly trying to undermine the constitution, is rediculously more disrespectful to our soldiers and veterans than a simple protest.
And another thing. When did a genuflect, which has always been a sign of respect, suddenly become a disrespectful guesture?
Lastly, calling for them to be fired is simply rediculous. We don't force Nationalism in this country. That's why we're truly free. If you want to live in a country that forces people to honor a piece of cloth or a song instead of rights of the individual North Korea is perfect for you.
Diane - 7 years ago
This was not originally about politics. It was about civil rights. It's a peaceful protest, and they are using the platform they have to address a vital issue in our society. Let's return to that discussion, and not get sidetracked by those who would divert it to something else.
Melanie - 7 years ago
I'd like to remind everyone that Kaepernick started protesting before Trump was elected.
K McL - 7 years ago
I believe and support the right to protest. Kneeling is not disrespectful - it is humbling. Turning one's back on the plight of homeless veteran's - that's disrespect.
Michelle - 7 years ago
I think it is far more disrespected to veterans to let them go homeless and without healthcare after serving, than it is to see players peacefully take a knee, and make use of the very freedoms veterans fought for.
Wayne - 7 years ago
The REAL problem here is that the government is trying to squash the constitution. They, as individuals, have a right to express opinion as to this situation, but do not have the right to tell the players, or owners, what to do. Injustice for all but the 1%.
Thea Bee - 7 years ago
These players are using their fame and position to bring awareness to the very serious problem of racial inequality and unwarranted police violence against black people in this country. Their point is amplified by the fact that this administration is attempting to portray them as anti-flag or anti-military, when that is the absolute last thing they are, while ignoring a whole lot of brown people dying in Puerto Rico.
diane d - 7 years ago
I wish people cared as much about respect for their fellow humans as they do about respect for the flag.
don greenwood - 7 years ago
It is truly inspirational when those who are not poor or depressed take up for those who are.
Dmg - 7 years ago
“To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." -Abe Lincoln.
This wasn’t about the flag or military, it was about the privilege to exercise their first amendment right in a peaceful protest to bring attention to injustices happening in the country that flies the flag. They didn’t burn the flag or desecrate it, they brought attention to it and what it’s supposed to stand for. Maybe it was a provocative manner but it’s a provocative subject. Some of those in the NFL are Vets; some Vets support them, and Vets are who fought for that very freedom for the right to do what they did.
Maybe it causes some to feel uncomfortable to admit that our country isn’t perfect, that our country has stepped back and bad things are happening, especially these last couple years. But our country was founded on protests and as long as we are a democracy, protests will continue. We may agree or disagree with the subject or manner, but not the right.
OC - 7 years ago
This is America, not Russia. The players have a constitutional right to protest in this manner. It is not against the law to kneel, sit or lay down during the national anthem. And people who served and fought in the Military (as opposed to Trump who wheedled out of serving 5 times), fought to ensure democracy, freedom of speech, equal protections under the law and all the other constitutional guarantees of the USA. Don't get it twisted....Stop changing the narrative. This particular protest started as the the result of the ongoing police brutality and the cold blooded murder of unarmed people of color in this country. Murders, where all too often, the police have walked away free. What does it say about this country when its citizens are outraged about a flag and anthem, and care nothing about innocent people being hunted and killed....many of them children. This conversation/factor has been conveniently buried. Note that it is not even addressed in this one sided survey...
Danielle Williams - 7 years ago
They are only protesting Trump. Not the issues Colin Kaepernick took an knee for in the first place. They highjacked the entire movement and made a mockery out of a black man's cry for fair and equal justice, representation, and opportunities in this country for people of color...ALL TO SPITE TRUMP! I support players' rights to protest any way they feel because they are not robots and they have the same rights as the rest of us, but they need to respect the originator of the movement and demand he get his job back, because he was unfairly blackballed by the league, the players, and the fans of the NFL for using his platform to speak on behalf of his community. #ImWithKap #BlackLivesMatter #BlackRightsMatter
Steve Anderson - 7 years ago
As a veteran I am more offended by the verbal diarrhea spewed at these players who are exercising a Right that I once offered my life to defend.
Of course, I do realize I was also defending the Right of their critics to make asses of themselves by whining about it, but still...
Anita Heuss - 7 years ago
I am a Veteran. I did not swear an oath to support and defend a song, a flag, the Commander and Chief or President, I swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. That constitution guarantees us free speech in this country. If we are going to deny free speech in this country based on the fact that we feel our symbols of freedom in this country are insulted by that free speech then we might as well burn them and the constitution too. The things we need to hear the most are often the things that we feel insult us and our symbols because we get so immersed in the symbols of who we think we are, want to be, we forget to look around to see if we, all of the the people in this country are really free. It is time to get our heads out of the song, the flag and look and listen to people!
Charlotte Shirley - 7 years ago
NFL should change back to having the players wait in the locker room until after the flag and anthem.
Thanks
Liz Rich - 7 years ago
As a person who has family members who served and fought for this country, I think it is a disgrace to kneel to the flag for a protest that has nothing to do with what the American Flag stands for. They claim they have the right to protest due to the first Amendment, how do you think you got that right. There will never be change if they continue to blame others and stand up and take some responsibility and stop the hate.
Venice Loose - 7 years ago
I support the original reason Colin Kaepernick, and others, took a knee. I absolutely do not support 45's reasons for manipulating this peaceful protest into a nationally divisive argument about himself, only himself, always about himself, and nothing but himself. I absolutely support Colin Kaepernick's peaceful protest about the lack of police accountability.
Maxwell - 7 years ago
You can clearly see where the 'poll' creator stands ..they create Five categories, One clearly "supports" ..then they divide the "opposed" into Four parts to spread the opposition across the four. Whatever, just a silly online poll yet some insist on skewing things.
So will they tally those opposed up? ..or run with the highest of the Five categories? We'll see if they think we don't notice..lol
And for the record, the NFL has a "Game Operations Manual" that states all players must be on the field for the Anthem, and should stand and face the flag. They alse have penalties for Teams that do not comply. The NFL has laxed and hasn't warned players to comply since the CTE brain injury crisis has exploded, the NFL would much rather have the players occupied with protests than demanding player safety and protection against CTE.
Read the rule they're now allowing players to ignore.
This is a free country and these are grown men who have earned the right to practice free will. If they wish to kneel for the anthem, that is their choice. If they choose to stand, that is their choice as well. No free man should be forced to salute any flag or bow to any king. If mandatory flag saluting is your thing, I hear North Korea is a good place for that.
Adon Garza - 7 years ago
As a Bereran, I support the protests. True Americans fight injustice. We swear an oath to the ideas within The Constitution not a flag or a song.
The NFL players have made millions of dollars playing football an American sport and people have gave there life for rights in this country and if they can not stand up(straight)with there right hand over there heart for the love and respect of this country then maybe they should get the hell out of here. if they were in another country they would be beheaded or hung what makes me personally sick about this Colin Kaepernick was my team football quarter back but I am done with the NFL and all sports that cant be a patriot American Sick Sick sick all I have left to say
Mike Aguilar - 7 years ago
To those saying these athletes should find another way to protest-Why? You think they're disrespecting the flag. Many US military vets, this one included feel they are respecting the flag by protesting something they see as wrong in the country and doing it in a peaceful fashion. You want to talk about disrespecting the flag? How about all those people in the stands swilling brewskis during the anthem or cutting it up with their buddies? What about the cameramen running around the field, shouldn't they be respecting the flag too? Or everyone that screams and yells during the anthem? That's extremely disrespectful, to the flag, and to their fellow spectators that may want to hear the anthem.
Joe Reid - 7 years ago
Sorry!!True patriotism is not how you treat the flag, or whether you stand for an anthem! True patriotism is how you treat your citizens!!
scott - 7 years ago
AS A DISABLED VET THAT PAYS TAXES BILLIONS OF TAX PAYERS DOLLARS ARE USED TO BUILD STADIUMS , NFL PLAYERS DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO BRING A PROTEST IN A PUBLIC SUBSIDIZED STADIUM.AND DISRESPECT OUR FLAG. SPOILED MILLION DOLLAR BABIES.SEMPER FI IF THEY KNOW WHAT IT MEANS GO USA I LOVE YOU
Sue Krause - 7 years ago
Everyone in this country should be kneeling to protest and acknowledge racial injustice
Jane Zielaskowski - 7 years ago
Do we not kneel before God in reverence? Then why can't you kneel for a song?
When you are watching from a bar, or your home, do you stand with your hand over your heart?
Laura Ward - 7 years ago
Why is the anthem played before sports games? It doesn't belong. It's not played before every theater event. Players can peacefully protest however they want, but take the anthem out and stop trying to use football for military recruitment.
Melinda Benfield - 7 years ago
Generations of my family have fought and died for this great country and its high ideals/freedoms. I'm highly offended by folks who point to the "bloody of the brave fallen" as a reason to 1) deny those rights and freedoms and 2) force a fake image conscious form of patriotism on the people of this great country. If you want that kind of "patriotism" folks I highly recommend some place like North Korea where they already have "that." These folks see a problem in our society and want to highlight it, and have chosen to do so by quietly and reverently taking a knee during the National Anthem. Whether we agree with the issue they are trying to highlight or not is actually immaterial to the discussion here. They have a Constitutional RIGHT to peacefully protest. One that Thomas Jefferson wrote as important to the very health and well-being of a country such as ours (see letter to James Madison 1787). This Constitutional right is one of the many great things that members of my family have been shedding their blood, sweat, and tears to support and protect since before the Revolution. How dare this POTUS or anyone try to deny any American that right?! That is the TRUE disrespect here. Hang your head in shame America, because you've forgotten your own founding values.
Laura - 7 years ago
anyone who approves of forced patriotism should move to North Korea....they will love it there!
Jay J. Tilkens - 7 years ago
Shame to America - forcing Americans to an extreme plea.
Right to protest - 7 years ago
What I find offensive are the number of misspellings, poor grammar and just general stupidity in the above comments. We live in a nation that provides free education for the first 12 years and STILL you have people who clearly slept through the whole thing thinking that now they get to have an opinion. Read the Constitution, it's not that difficult. Free speech and peaceful protest are guaranteed. Put your passion behind these people who are taking the knee, open your hearts and minds to what they're trying to tell you and please stop being idiots.
Riekki A Benham - 7 years ago
This protest is disgraceful. I asked someone recently who supports the protest what they were protesting and they could not even give me a cogent answer, because they don't know! And therein lies the rub. We stand at attention remove our hats and hold or hands over our hearts to honor the flag of this country and the great blood and treasure that it cost to stand proudly before us as we sing the national anthem. These athletes kneel in protest, many holding clinched fists in the air in militant opposition to what? The flag of this country drapes every fallen soldier's body, and standing with respect is what any right thinking person should do. If these pampered malcontents wish to protest, they need to do it in a different way and in a different venue, and they need to work on their messaging, because what they are doing is sending entirely the wrong message. The NFL needs to put a stop to this if not for any other reason than to protect the brand. And if whatever perceived social injustices NFL players wish to address, perhaps rather than militant protests disrespecting out flag they might consider throwing their considerable influence into proactive programs to help make change, rather than spitting in the face of America the way they are doing now!
Riekki A Benham - 7 years ago
This protest is disgraceful. I asked someone recently who supports the outside what they were protesting and they could not even give me a current answer, because they don't know! And therein lies the rub. We stand at attention remove our hats and his or hands over our hearts to honor the flag of this country and the great blood and treasure that it cost to stand proudly before us as we sing the national anthem. These athletes kneel in protest, many holding clinched fists in the air in militant opposition to what? The flag of this country does every fallen soldier's body, and standing with respect is what any right thinking person should do. If these pampered malcontents wish to protest, they need to do it in a different way and in a different venue, and they need to work on their messaging, because what they are doing is sending entirely the wrong message. The NFL needs to put a stop to this if not for any other reason than to protect the brand. And if whatever perceived social injustices NFL players wish to address, perhaps rather than militant priests disrespecting out flag that might consider throwing their considerable influence into proactive programs to help make change, rather than sitting in the face of America the way they are doing now!
First of all the NFL has takin a chit right on the fans , bad move. I can promise you I will NEVER watch any more NFL games ever.
Second of all Look at the players who started this. They are all bad seed thugs without a purpose . These bad seeds should not be allowed into pro sports. Being a role model is a must for athletes who want to play pro sports. Felons and anti Americans have no place in any national sports.
God Bless America and the people who Love and protect it.
I have been a football fan for over 50 years and i think it is a disgrace that these multi million dollar babies are dis respecting our flag and our country I will not watch the games this year and may never again. the work place is not the place to protest. I support our president God bless him and God bless America.
NFL Be ashamed!
As american s i feel the entire team should take a knee not only to agree with collin to show we are free to express protest in america !
It's a job. You don't bring politics, personal life, etc into you place of work. Simple as that. I wouldn't do it at work and most companies would not tolerate it. As with many companies it is frowned upon to bring up such touchy subjects. There are better forums outside of your paid job for those purposes. They should be punished as anyone would for unbecoming and/or potentially disrespectful behavior on the job.
They are at work. The employer either allows protests at work or they do no allow. Simple.
Do not believe your poll. Just look at the stadium s. 1/3 empty. Agree with the Louisiana man wanting to cut off the players tax breaks and charge for the use of the New Orleans stadium.
It's disrespectful to kneel during the national anthem. For decades people have had to stand and place their hand on their heart. Why Stop now? cause nfl players think it's their right? People are talking about it's their freedom to do so. Well the only reason this country has freedom, is because people have the courage to fight and die for the flag, which people are disrespecting!! All they can talk about is it's their freedom. You wouldn't have freedom without our army etc. those men and women represent our flag. While they are risking their lives for the flag, the people, our country, people are out here basically saying well i don't have to respect them or what our country stands for. WELL GET THE HELL OUT OF THE U.S!! You don't care about our freedom/Flag then go to north korea where people can't even vote, watch anything on t.v, where they can't make international phone calls. You wouldn't last in their country. You would be crying to come back to this free country where we are to honor our FLAG!! ARE YOU PEOPLE EVEN THINKING ABOUT?!?! Instead your thinking about how you want to rebel and protest. It's a major problem in our country. People would rather rebel and protest than come together and let their be peace. People and other countries are trying to tear us apart and their getting what they want. To bad people can't think about the bigger picture!! #GodBless#Disapointed#Veterans#Army#USA#BooooNFL
Our flag is a sacred part of America and I think these players and the disrespect that they show the young men and women who have fought, blead and died is appalling.
These players and owners could have chosen a number of different ways to protest, it's not like there broke and this was there only option to get there point across.
Being the son and grandson of two combat veterans I will never look past there using such a sacred part of America to even care about what it is that there protesting and to me its not only a disrespect to our country and service men and women but it is a disrespect to my father and grandfather and for that they can all burn in hell!
This poll is not accurate. I do not believe it for one minute.
Kneeling during the national anthem isn't disrespectful. There is no wrong way of doing the national anthem. People in wheelchairs can't stand and neither can injured players , so does that mean that they're being disrespectful of our flag, country and national anthem? Telling people that they're not allowed to sit or kneel during the national anthem would be like telling softball pitchers that they're not allowed to pitch underhanded anymore. If you want to ban kneeling during the national anthem, then you should ban punting during a football game, because it could be interpreted as America giving up on terrorism and south or North Koreans, and letting all the other countries have their way with us. The only things that would be disrespectful during the national anthem, would be sticking up your middle finger, mooning people, making obscene or sexual gestures, swearing and women flashing their breasts. Kneeling or sitting during the national anthem isn't harming anyone and in no way disrespectful, so let them do it. Tell Trump and anyone who is against kneeling during the national anthem to just back off and chill out.
They should be fired along with Goodell. The FIRST paragraph if the NFL personal conduct policy of 2016, the year this mess started QUOTE - it is a privilege to be a part of the National Football League. Everyone who is a part of the league must refrain from "conduct that is detrimental to the Integrity of and public confidence in" the NFL. This includes owners, coaches, players, other team employees, game officials, employees of the league office, NFL films, NFL Network, or any other NFL business.-
IMO THAT PRETTY MUCH SUMS IT UP.
This can be found through Google as personal conduct policy for the NFL 2016. Kneeling has been detrimental to the NFL and Goodell not taking action last year was detrimental with continuation of the kneeling this year. The loss of FANS as well as TICKET SALES, RATINGS, REVENUE.
At this point since the NFL itself has chosen not to take action and following its own personal conduct policy it is the responsibility of the taxpayer to withdraw their 1.1 billion taxpayer direct subsidies to the NFL and team owners for BREACH OF CONTRACT.
EVERYONE SHOULD BE PROTESTING THIS BREACH AND CONTACTING THEIR REPRESENTATIVE TO HAVE THE 1.1 BILLION TAXPAYER DIRECT SUBSIDES PAID TO THE NFL & TEAM OWNERS TODAY REMOVED IMMEDIATELY.
They should be fired along with Goodell. The FIRST paragraph if the NFL personal conduct policy of 2016, the year this mess started QUOTE - it is a privilege to be a part of the National Football League. Everyone who is a part of the league must refrain from "conduct that is detrimental to the Integrity of and public confidence in" the NFL. This includes owners, coaches, players, other team employees, game officials, employees of the league office, NFL films, NFL Network, or any other NFL business.-
IMO THAT PRETTY MUCH SUMS IT UP.
This can be found through Google as personal conduct policy for the NFL 2016. Kneeling has been detrimental to the NFL and Goodell not taking action last year was detrimental with continuation of the kneeling this year. The loss of FANS as well as TICKET SALES, RATINGS, REVENUE.
At this point since the NFL itself has chosen not to take action and following its own personal conduct policy it is the responsibility of the taxpayer to withdraw their 1.1 billion taxpayer direct subsidies to the NFL and team owners for BREACH OF CONTRACT.
EVERYONE SHOULD BE PROTESTING THIS BREACH AND CONTACTING THEIR REPRESENTATIVE TO HAVE THE 1.1 BILLION TAXPAYER DIRECT SUBSIDES PAID TO THE NFL & TEAM OWNERS TODAY REMOVED IMMEDIATELY.
This survey should lock out after ONE vote. I am very suspicious that 73% of people 'agree' with it.
I think it is disrespectful and they can protest on their own time. They're at work and if it's such a hot idea to make a statement for all the viewers to see, why not do take a knee in the middle of the 1st down? That would really be an attention grabber! No, they rather be disrespectful to the flag and our country. They're nothing but overpaid million-dollar crybabies that want a lot of attention but aren't putting their money where their mouth is in helping those that are oppressed. I won't be watching this year. #BoycottNFL
USAF Veteran aircraft mechanic...... many generations of soldiers have fought for the flag and the national anthem and there is still a lot of hate in this country. I nor my Navy husband stand during the National anthem. We do not find it disrespectful fighting for what you believe. Fans claim they don't want to watch the game not see players uniting for a Cause. However sporting events are used to show support for breast cancer. You have men running around in pink gear, pink balloons flying in the air to support breast cancer. I too want to watch the game without being reminded that I AM BATTLING BREAST CANCER. BUT I UNDERSTAND THE UNITY . INSTEAD of fighting the NFl and the players about sitting,standing and kneeling.....unite to fight racism like all Americans are fighting to cure breast cancer. Please forgive any typing errors and grammar errors. Right now the United States is divided. We need to come together and listen to each other. If we are divided we are fighting the wrong war
I’am retired vet, I agree with protesting, but during national anthem
The National Football League, like Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League is a private enterprise. And as such, the owners of the individual teams as well the leagues collectively ought be able to impose any rules and regulations they wish upon their employees, including firing players who do not conform to said rules and even disbanding relationships with players' associations (read "unions") and hiring players on individual contractual bases. Unions are not sacrosanct. And without them these players wouldn't behave so aggressively, knowing they could be relived of their employment for any infraction. Professional sports really ought to consider imposing right-to-work policies and defy these corrupt unions.
Not only are mostly Negro* football players offensive and unpatriotic when they kneel during their nation's national anthem, many of them also appear pretty revolting by virtue of their lack of grooming (beards and unkempt long hair), sporting tattoos, etc.. Many of these players resemble members of ISIL/ISIS and appear to intimidating to fans, who (reality check) are the ones who ultimately pay the bills for the NFL, both by ticket sales and advertising dollars (when watching on television). The NFL ought be able to fire players for any of the aforementioned reasons.
The United States of America is not a communist nation, yet anyway. And the NFL, as a private business, ought be able to fire or hire any players they wish for whatever reason(s). I would go so far as to say all private businesses even have a right to discriminate in their employment practices, since private implies liberties in business practices free from government edicts. In other words, teh NFL shoudl be free to fire or never hire these savages in teh first place.
It is long since past the time we stop coddling political radicals and savages (including in our schools and in the media and entertainment business), round them all up and either deport them or rid them from civilized society by other means. It is time, as President Donald Trump has been trying to tell us, to stop allowing the inmates to rule the asylum, and put them back in their cages.
*And before some know-nothing copy editor has a conniption, "negro" is still a perfectly acceptable term to describe a person by race. After all, there is even still an organization called the "United Negro College Fund." The word "negro" is not the same as the other "N' word, a slang term which does have mostly negative connotations. But I realize I have to explain this, these days, to those too young to know otherwise and brainwashed by politically correct and/or Marxist teachers and professors.
For that matter, "colored" is also perfectly acceptable as well, since, to my knowledge, the most prominent civil rights organization on behalf of Negroes is still called the "National Association for the Advancement of Colored Persons" (NAACP). But I have always thought "colored" ambiguous and inappropriate, since everyone (including so-called Caucasians) is a color, just a different shade of a color.
It’s disrespectful and I will no longer watch or attend your games
1ST , I DO NOT BELIEVE YOUR SURVEY. IM NOT GOING SUBJECT MYSELF TO WATCHING THIS GARBAGE.
I ENJOYED FOOTBALL ,BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO DO WHAT THEY WANT ON MY TELEVISION. ITS A DISGRACE. TO THINK ,OUR TEAM GOES TO LONDON AND DOES THIS. IM THRU. HOW STUPID TO THINK THIS CONTROVERSY WOULD HELP WHAT EVER CAUSE YOU MAKE UP. YOU'RE MILLIONAIRS ON THE BIGGEST STAGE ---AND OPPRESSED!! STOP WITH THE RACE CRAP,AND HELP YOUR PEOPLE. GET RID OF YOUR TERRIBLE BLACK LEADERS. IM 58 AND LIKE MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF AMERICANS DONT KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT. SPEND YOUR TIME AND YOUR MONEY ON A COMMERIAL AND ARTICULATE SOMETHING, AND GET OUT OF THE NFL AND FROM WHAT IVE SEEN --OUT OF OUR COUNTRY.
This is America. It is our National Anthem. If you live here honor our country, if you don't see fit to honor this country, leave it. Everyone comes to America for the American Dream that our forfathers fought and died for, that our Grandfathers, our Fathers/Mothers, our Brothers/Sisters, our Sons/Daughters have fought and died for. It stands for the freedom you have and want to live but spit on. America was built on love for one another. We Americans all work, pay our taxes and fight to keep America free. You people who call yourselves athletes are sickening. If you don't like America, it's heritage, its National Anthem, its ways - don't try to change it to be you, leave it to us who love Her. Go where you can stand for the National Anthem. I bet you never liked the last place you lived nor will you like the next place you live. It's YOU not America. Get out and find that something you are looking for to respect and love. Only people who LOVE AMERICA should live here. Don't reap all of the good and burn the flag, like the gal above said: If you are going to burn the flag wrap yourselves in it. I feel you are a disgrase to the NFL and all it stands for. No one said you have to live in America. LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT !!!!!! Where is it better? Go there and play football. You hatesayers are becoming plentiful but its because you do nothing, you disrespect, you blame, you find fault, you hate, IT"S YOU not AMERICA. You are here for the money and good, leave your bad behind and enjoy our country as we have until your like came here. We all live and let live but you have to govern. President Trump has been such a breath of fresh air to our government. He is not a follower but a leader. He is a true American. He is not here wanting something for nothing. Take all your talents and you and go where you are happy or be a true American and Love this Country as WE DO! God Bless America. Stop pitiing yourself. America is not White, Black, Tan, Yellow, Red it is fellow. You make it a choice. We get into slaves; etc. . Who sold the slaves to the rich? Look it up... The blacks sold the blacks as slaves. STOP we love America............Let Her Stand FREE and LOVE Her. I DO.
I believe they have a right to protest.
However, the biggest part I strongly disagreed with the kneeling was while the team was in London. As Americans in a foreign nation representing the United States. It was disrespect to all United States citizens.
But, I'm sick and tired politics and sports, politics and film mixing.. making me hate watching more.. the more involved they get in words.. the more I ignore and stop watching. The bull shit news.. rarely see the equal news coverage when... you can fill in the blank for whatever fits and true. Media doesn't honestly do there job.
I do not have an issue with the reason these NFL players are kneeling. My problem is that they are getting PAID huge amounts of money for being there. Colin Kaepernick started this because he opposes a country that oppresses black people? Yet he was making millions of dollars to play a game and entertain the people of the same country. If the NFL players want to protest a country that allows them to make millions of dollars live in huge houses, frequently obtain reduce sentences for breaking the law and be revered as heroes for playing a game, then the right way to protest would be for them to quit the game or take on a poverty wage to stand in solidarity with those that are being oppressed. When I see that is when I will respect the players for their protest. For now, IMO they are simply professionals protesters. They are the same as those that were transported to cities to incite violence on the dime of the special interest groups.
I am 100% with the peaceful demonstration as long as it is followed by player actions to eliminate conditions as well. Kneeling is easy, doing something about the problems they say they are bringing to light is much harder. Colin also said he was kneeling to pray about the problems. I hope he and all other kneelers are doing that as well...not just for show.
But I also think it should be an individual decision. This is not an NFL issue. If a player doesn't want to kneel, that should be supported as well. The whole team kneeling belittles the statement and support of the cause. Those men are not kneeling because they believe, but because they were told to.
Once again our attention is supposed to be directed at a non-issue by the current administration, missing the point and ignoring the real problems we face in our country.
I support them but this needs to apply to ALL jobs. If an NFL player should not be fired for protesting neither should anyone else so long as they do their jobs. That would include any social media posts done off hours. Many have been fired from their jobs for doing so.
They deserve the same treatment as the NFL players.
STOP! This is the same flag that as a child I had to salute in school when I could not sit at a lunch counter and eat a hotdog. It is the same flag that I had to salute that my father and grandfather fought for and returned to this country to be treated as less than men. This is the same flag that was a symbol of racism and in support of slavery. You don't believe it read the third verse of this song that the hateful slave owning, persecutor in chief , prosecutor of abolishinists author wrote. Stop making this about anything other than what it is.Protesting systemic racism and police brutality in this country. That man in the White House has so demeaned it, the flag and the constitution . Don't play the song, don't wave the flag at sporting events. Stop making it some patriotic event . The pentagon paid for the advertisement of these "symbols" to increase volunteers to join the armed forces. Stop it. Maybe then the focus can return back to where it ought to be. Liberty and Justice for ALL. When that happens, we can all sing Oh beautiful for spacious skies .... and proudly salute the flag that will symbolize true freedom for all Americans.
Americans do not deserve freedom and they are well on their way to freely, willfully giving it away.
Americans are terrified of allowing anyone other than themselves have freedom. The only freedom they want others to have is freedom they agree with...freedom that meets their own life narrative, freedom that their parents told them it was OK to have. Freedom that doesn't make them feel unccmfortabe. White freedom.
Americans do not deserve freedom and they are well on their way to freely, willfully giving it away.
Americans are terrified of allowing anyone other than themselves have freedom. The only freedom they want others to have is freedom they agree with...freedom that meets their own life narrative, freedom that their parents told them it was OK to have. Freedom that doesn't make them feel unccmfortabe. White freedom.
It is absolutely unbelievable that people are MAD about other people exercising their right to protest, BUT quiet as church mice about people of color being murdered by racist police officers. And those racist cops getting away with murdering people of color. By their silence, they are complicit in these atrocities.
it is disrespectful to our country. If they want to make a point, tell them to run for public office and show how much they can get done.
I support & respect their right to protest. I do not support making this debate so newsworthy. This is not news.
I fully respect and agree with any players' choice to protest and I understand why they're protesting. I agree with them. I also respect and support anyone else's choice not to. I may not agree with their belief or their reasons, but I respect their right to choose. Everyone needs to respect each others' rights and choices
The United States is a democratic country with freedom of speech, in contrast to fascist countries like North Korea or Venezuela, places where dictators rule and dictate personal behavior either in military settings or sports. Football players are not required to stand for the anthem because the NFL does not require that their players stand; under the constitution they are protected by the 1st Amendment from being coerced to do this. Although the players 'taking a knee' have their critics, other football players, sportscasters, sports leaders and even the NFL itself and many of its sponsors, are supporting them. Roger Goodell wrote in support of the NFL players and denounced the President's comments as divisive. “Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities.” Would it be so hard for us to listen to their message? I think it would be a very sad day in our nation's history if sports players were coerced to stand for the national anthem. Having a president dictate to a private organization about who it can hire and fire may even be illegal under our laws. That's not freedom and it's not democracy; it's coercion, and a sign of our government's leaders, like our president, moving closer and closer to the fascism we all abhor.
the definition of "allegiance" is "loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause." The pledge of allegiance is a promise to be loyal (subordinate) to a superior (country) or to a group or cause. What's the "cause" as it will determine the effect/respect. Just as subordinates kneel or bow to a superior (to God or to a king / queen), they are pledging their loyalty (allegiance) by kneeling as an expression of reverence, submission, and obeisance which is a gesture of respect. But it's not a king, queen, or person we submit to but the values of goodness, kindness, equality, and love....the cause. Tradition tells us to stand (to stand up for what is right) but, personally, I believe that both standing and kneeling are acceptable ways to pay respect. Others may disagree and I can honestly understand why. They are against kneeling or being submissive to anyone or anything other than God or their belief. Priorities of God/love over country. If love comes before country or party (before monetary value and political beliefs), respect will be present. Respect for others rights which is what the flag represents and that must be respected...everyone's rights and religious beliefs. In essence, by disrespecting someone's rights, wouldn't that be the same as disrespecting the flag which represents our freedoms?
Soldiers didn't fight and die so they could Stand... they fought and died so they could have the freedom to "choose"! People need to realize that they are not honoring the soldiers by telling these people what they can and cannot do with their freedoms and rights. Americans in their ignorance have become very intolerant towards those who express their rights. Not cool, America, not cool.
NFL owners NOR Potus get to rule on First Amendment rights. Period.
Bostonians weren't against tea.
Rosa Parks wasn't against bussing.
Gandhi wasn't against food.
The right to peacefully protest against injustice is an American tradition and right enshrined in the FIRST amendment.
Get over it. To channel my inner 60's - This is America. If you don't like peaceful protests, leave.
American athletes are not disrespecting the flag when they choose to "take a knee" during the national anthem. We all know the dreadful history of slavery and racism in our country. Making believe that there's no legitimate reason for African Americans, or any American to silently, respectfully refuse to participate in standing at attention during the playing of the national anthem and accusing that American of "disrespecting our soldiers," or of "disrespecting" the flag, are over exaggerations, in my opinion. These actions are meant to draw attention to the fact that some American police have over reacted to unarmed black men and boys and have killed them when they most likely would have held their fire if the man looked more like the police officer, in terms of race. To deny that this is not a problem is wishful thinking. I respect the athletes who take a knee and I respect our armed forces and our flag but I believe that the Black Lives Matter movement has legitimacy and that we have a problem of an attitude of white supremacy that goes back 400 years in our national and regional history.
If you don't like this country get the heck out of it and go to another one and see what happens when you don't stand for their flag. If your not gripping about one thing you'll find something else no matter where you go but Good rid Ian every I say!
How many of us would be able to go to work and protest? How many of us would still get paid for protesting at work? I wouldn't, I would have to do my protesting on my OWN time. Not while I'm getting paid millions for playing a game.
I don't have like it but I respect everyone's right to peacefully protest and exercise their 1st Amendment right. I don't feel they are disrespecting the flag or anthem either. They are kneeling which still shows deference to the flag..Its not like they turned their backs on it. Peaceful protesting gave women the right to vote and black folks the right to the same rights white folks have. Trump should've just stayed out of it and it wouldn't have blown up like it did. Unless the football owners say they cant do it, then its nobodies business. If you don't like it you're free to boycott it. I'm glad we live in a free nation.
Peaceful protest are always better. You don't have to agree with why they protest but we must respect their right to protest. It is total nonsense that this is an act that dishonors the flag or our country. In fact quite the opposite. I spent over 30 years in the military and I will tell you that the armed forces/military don't feel there is any disrespect. In fact, we serve so every America has the right to protest or not protest. It's what makes us, AMERICA, the great democracy it is. We have freedoms and to limit or restrict people from expressing those freedoms is akin to a dictatorship. Heck, we had military members who would run inside just to not participate during Colors. What does that say?????
IMO it is not about when they protest or how they protest it's what they are protesting and they are protesting something many of our citizens refuse to admit exists. We have no problem wanting to discuss "reversed" discrimination but refuse to have conversations about our feelings toward those we feel are lesser citizens. Another commentator stated the problem is one for all first world countries to face. Indeed in most countries inhabited by humans that is a fact. In reality it is an issue of power; it's and issue of socio-economics, e.g. India was at one time under the rule of the East India Company and direct administration by the British government. It's citizens were looked down upon as less worthy by the Brits and yet in India itself a caste system was being practiced for centuries. Let us Americans never forget our Constitution gives us the right to free speech and the right to protest however we also need to expect to shoulder the consequences that come with those rights. At 241 years of age the US of A is but an adolescent when compared to the history of other countries. Like adolescents who behave as though they are always right, we travel in packs and emit fear from others as we approach with our rebellious attitudes. We have a lot to learn about those we share our air with. We must not wait as the years swiftly pass us by before we have a conversation about what is going on in our country. Hear and listen to each other, empathize with what you are listening to and learn to change what we need to change and grow forward with the knowledge we have been guaranteed those rights to move forward and to change. To change our attitudes not our rights. To learn to respect each and everyone of us for the differences that make this country great. This is what we fight for. When we give respect we get it returned twofold. It is a process to be worked at every minute of every day. Always ask yourself what am I doing to earn respect and understanding, write those things down. The longer everyones list becomes the shorter time the process takes to move the United States forward to the greatness we all deserve. Greatness we have built together with honor and respect.
No one is being disrespectful to the flag or the military. Most of the people who are going off the rails about the issue are the same people who don't even believe there is such a thing as white privilege. They also don't believe there is any such thing as police brutality and they are the ones using that old statement "blacks kill more blacks than the police." Nobody is saying Every policeman is brutal or racially biased. Unfortunately, most don't cross the blue line even when they know others are brutal. It's a big problem and pretending it doesn't exist is only ensuring that nothing will ever change.
just turn them off and boycott the NFL ! If they want to protest that is fine but to disrespect all that have died to give the overpaid players that right is sickening ! I protest right back by refusing to sit down and watch another game !
My daughter and her husband are stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, in what would be an early target in any nuclear exchange with N. Korea: and have made their peace with possible death. They and most of the sailors they know quite support Mr. Kaperneck and know that the protests are in noway disrespectful to the troops and the flag. Kneeling and possibly praying that Black folks don't get shot for no damn reason it their point...Again, only fascists would force everyone to participate in a ritual of national symbols...Move to North Korea if you want that sh*t...
There is, of course, a lot to love, honor, fight to preserve about the USA.
Included in this is our right to free speech - and our diversity, including our diversity of worldviews and opinion.
In my view I see the players kneeling in protest, not against the flag, the military, our first responders - but against the deep-root of racism in American history, and the way that is still playing out today.
It is easy to see we have gained ground on that, easier to see the impatience and frustration.
Does anyone think America has no work to do? There are a number of things I would like to see us improve on before I die: The current historical divide in income and wealth, grotesque | The fact that one's zip code so severely impacts one's education and opportunity | The loss of dignity and living-wage work for those who should still be solidly in the Middle Class | The way we can treat women (hot mic ...) | The fate of our natural world and our Climate.
I would kneel in protest of all of the above - kneel and pray.
Steve Mnuchin needs to shut his mouth. If he cannot honor the BOR and constitution he has no place in government and neither does the idiot in the WH. For all you folks who think freedom of speech is for only during non working hours, you dint understand our rights and tiunshould read before you write. Blacks and Hispanics have long fought for our freedoms and have lost lives just like all you self righteous whites. This is not about patriotism, the calf or anthem but when the asshole in the WH shot his mouth off he started the protests. Especially since he's racist, his cabinet is racist,,he endorses neo Nazi protests, he's turned his back on our Hispanic brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico. My dad was a POW, a commander for our local,VFW. My niece a Purple Heart recipient and wounded warrior in Afghanistan, my uncle killed in a plane crash during Korean War. This is about the direction this country is taking to allow young black amen to be murdered in our streets by racist cops. It's about Hispanics being ripped from their homes and sent back to countries they never knew. What the hell people, are you that cold hearted and inhumane. Wake up, tomorrow it could be a out your religion or some other reason this corrupt government feels a reason to discriminate. Hell it could be because of your income level. We are repeating history and the POS in the WH is in the same power trip as Hitler.
3 out of the 4 quantified answers are clearly written to throw the results. Glad you're not even attempting to hide your bias/prejudice/ignorance anymore. Nicely done, fox news. :|
3 out of the 4 quantified answers are clearly written to throw the results. Glad you're not even attempting to hide your bias/prejudice/ignorance anymore. Nicely done, fox news. :|
The history of the anthem itself should not be ignored. It was written by a slaveholder who wrote that black people were "a distinct and inferior race of people." Read the whole anthem, or just the 3rd verse so you can see where he wrote about runaway slaves. Remember that before 2009 football players remained in the locker rooms during the anthem except on special occasions such as bowl games. Then ask yourself why we would be so angry at people for kneeling now. To force them to "respect the anthem" forces them to continue to accept injustice for a song that when written they were specifically excluded from being a part of the "free."
Our black brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, daughters and sons have fought alongside white soldiers since the revolution. They fought even when they had no freedom, when they had no rights and even now when justice is still so hard to come by. They are some of the most incredible examples of patriots this country has ever known. The least we can do is hear their sorrow and respect their plight.
We've become a strangely sensitive and fragile country. People with swastikas and torches marched down the street in Charlottesville, one of them a terrorist who murdered Heather Heyer and injured others — if someone marched with swastikas during Eisenhower's years, the ACLU would might have stood up for them for technical reasons but the entire country would have been anti-fascist, no one shed a tear about a Nazi getting punched back then. And then this in the other direction — a silent, mild protest that is out of the way and easily ignored, where the protestors switched from sitting to kneeling in order to be as respectful as they could while making their point. We can disagree — I hope not disagree that racism or police brutality is bad, but simply disagree about whether it is widespread or institutional — but how can anyone get so freaked out about such a mild protest? When did we become a country where we want the government pushing to get citizens fired from their jobs — does no one remember that we want less government meddling, not more? Time to turn this around.
Those more outraged by alleged symbolism than police murder don't even bother to dispute the intended message. Go ahead and terrorize and kill Black people, but don't be dissing the old stars and stripes, or those responsible for defending our "freedoms." Such an absurd deflection. Even if the intention was to disrespect the flag it would not offend me. If the flag represents the government as currently constituted, disrespect is richly deserved. And no one has died to protect my rights since WW II, much as those victimized by being sent to war may have been convinced otherwise. I don't want to glorify what soldiers have done around the world as much as grieve it, as well as what we've done to them. If people so concerned about slights on their behalf were even a little bit as concerned about funding the VA, those who sacrificed would be much better honored.
Kneeling is not disrespectful. When a player has been injured during a game, other players have sometimes knelt in support and sympathy with his pain. Our country is in pain because of racial injustice. Kneeling during the anthem is not a sign of disrespect; it signifies attention to the wounds that need healing in our society. It most certainly is not an attack on veterans, and those who have said it is are mixing up the issue. Many veterans have said that they fought to defend the right to peacefully assemble for redress of grievances, as is in our Bill of Rights, and they support those who kneel. I do not have a problem with kneeling; I have a problem with the fact that we still have problems with racial injustice in our country.
Ok.. so you basically put 3 No support answers and 1 yes support answer to make it seem like the support is much bigger. Ok..
These are definately first world problems. I'm not even sure why anyone is up in arms over this. As far as I know... it is the decision of the NFL and the teams as to what happens. They are the employers. I support the protest if it is allowed by the NFL and its affiliated. If they were to say it is not allowed then I support that too. The employer reserves the right to manage the activities of their employees.
The NFL should be investigated for ties to George Soros, Barack Obama and John Podesta.
This is precisely why I am grateful and proud to be a citizen of the United States. This citizenship does not require me to salute the flag or pay object homage to its leaders. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I thibk these guys need to quit acting like a bunch of babyback bitches. Poor fuckin black people
What everyone that is offended by this seems to be missing is that this is NOT a protest against the flag, the anthem or America. It's a protest against police brutality and the need for change beginning with awareness. The approach to awareness has been amazing. Smack middle America where it hurts. Sports.
(and if you think that the government killing 1200 citizens with 0 convictions is acceptable, then you are exactly part of the system that needs to change)
Meanwhile, where the outrage over Kid Rock cutting a hole in the flag and wearing it as a poncho and wanting to become a Senator. (or the outrage for ANY of these lines of clothing that seem to be an American flag where the rules of the flag explicitly state that it is not to be worn as clothing)
It's just more hypocrisy fanned by conservative media to try and keep the nations status quo social order of white on top and in power and everyone else should just be happy with what they have.
Or this crazy argument that giving equal rights to minority groups (racial, sexual or otherwise) is somehow TAKING AWAY rights of the white majority. That's not how equality works, but it's how it is portrayed time and again by conservative media personalities.
It is a sign of disrespect. Social injustice? Where? There are many types of programs that elevate a black person over a white person. Let's use colleges as an example. Most colleges have to fill a quota. Therefore some white people do not get accepted because of it. There are also more assistance programs for black people. In regards to crime? Well let's face it. Turn on the news and more than half of the people who do the crime are black. I am so tired of police getting beat up because they are trying to enforce the laws and not get killed. The argument of "we are oppressed" is bull shit. Rise out of your situation. Don't join a gang, sell drugs, commit crimes or have tons of babies (that my tax dollars pay for) because you don't know what birth control is. Be a civilized people.
I don't really care one way or the other. There are way too many other things to worry about-like getting aid to Puerto Rico, solving the current health care mess and many others.
I’m curious. Do those that think that politics should be kept out of sports also believe religion should be in the schools?
I support their protesting without doing so *just* because it's a "silent", non-violent form of protest.
I would still support them if they made a ruckus. I still support rioters.
I cannot wrap my mind around the comments of people who claim their protest "so utterly disrespects the very people who gave them that right". Then what right do they have? What is acceptable to your fragile whiteness? What does freedom of speech mean? If your body position during the anthem is such a huge deal that people cannot even use that in order to present grievances, then what exactly do you mean by "freedom of speech" and "the rights veterans fought for"? Do you put down the finger foods and soda pop to stand up in your living room with your hand on your heart when the anthem is played before a football game? Give me a break.
And even if you do, it's your prerogative just as much as it is any other American's to choose not to. You cannot pick and choose what freedom of speech means.
If people who look like you were killed and harassed and arrested and more severely sentenced than any other groups that are statistically proven to be consistently worse offenders, would you sit down quietly, smile, and let the country go about its business? If your kin was murdered and raped and discriminated against on the basis of physical features, would you tolerate the statues paying hommage to their torturers?
Would you accept being told that violent protest is not acceptable, please find other means, and then being told that taking a knee isn't going to fly either? Wouldn't you perceive that as an extension of the very oppression you are trying to give a voice to with your exposure?
Think about it, and get back to me when you get some perspective.
Anyone who is against these football players taking a knee are the ones truly against our nation. Soldiers fight and die for our so called "freedom" yet everyone wants to punish these players for taking those very freedoms. In my opinion, everyone who is against our most basic inalienable rights is disrespecting our soldiers and that includes those very soldiers. I have heard many soldiers and soldiers family's up in arms about this so I ask them, if you weren't fighting for the freedom to be who we are, to express our feelings, to make our own choices, what did you fight for? Why are women and men dying and coming home injured? What is the point if your going to go against the very thing you supposedly stand for? Why do Americans think it's okay to loudly proclaim this is a free nation while in the same breath trying to deny that freedom?!
I wonder how many people would vote the opposite way if they were kneeling to protest abortions. It is not about the flag. It is about not wanting to deal with or acknowledge the systematic problems facing our fellow black citizens.
I support the 1st amendment but not while you are at work. Playing football own their job. They should not be exercising their 1st amendment rights after they come into the stadium.
Let’s get something clear. Taking a knee isn’t a political issue. It’s an anti-racism issue. Showing that our country is in termoil and using a platform such as a public display of patriotism; this is bring attention to a real problem.
Don’t confuse your lack of understanding of what your freedom really looks like with your dislike of a behavior.
The flag stands for something much larger than a few ignorant comments made recently. They are living and thriving in this country. The sacrifices of many for our flag and what it stands for should far outweigh the differences that we have going on in the country at this point. Don't blame the flag or the principles upon which this country were founded for the ignorance of a few that will come and go. We should respect our flag and this country and vote to eliminate those who don't represent it well in the future and bring back dignity.
First off, they're not protesting the Anthem or the flag, they're protesting police brutality.
Secondly, they are protected not only by the Constitution in doing so but the Supreme Court also ruled that you cannot force someone to do the pledge or stand for the Anthem.
Thirdly, the Department of Defense pays the NFL for these grand displays of nationalism as a recruitment tactic to try and get more people to join the military.
Also, veterans didn't fight for the flag or a song. They fought for our rights as written in the constitution. Equal rights for all. The face that people aren't treated equally in our fine country, and the goverment is constantly trying to undermine the constitution, is rediculously more disrespectful to our soldiers and veterans than a simple protest.
And another thing. When did a genuflect, which has always been a sign of respect, suddenly become a disrespectful guesture?
Lastly, calling for them to be fired is simply rediculous. We don't force Nationalism in this country. That's why we're truly free. If you want to live in a country that forces people to honor a piece of cloth or a song instead of rights of the individual North Korea is perfect for you.
This was not originally about politics. It was about civil rights. It's a peaceful protest, and they are using the platform they have to address a vital issue in our society. Let's return to that discussion, and not get sidetracked by those who would divert it to something else.
I'd like to remind everyone that Kaepernick started protesting before Trump was elected.
I believe and support the right to protest. Kneeling is not disrespectful - it is humbling. Turning one's back on the plight of homeless veteran's - that's disrespect.
I think it is far more disrespected to veterans to let them go homeless and without healthcare after serving, than it is to see players peacefully take a knee, and make use of the very freedoms veterans fought for.
The REAL problem here is that the government is trying to squash the constitution. They, as individuals, have a right to express opinion as to this situation, but do not have the right to tell the players, or owners, what to do. Injustice for all but the 1%.
These players are using their fame and position to bring awareness to the very serious problem of racial inequality and unwarranted police violence against black people in this country. Their point is amplified by the fact that this administration is attempting to portray them as anti-flag or anti-military, when that is the absolute last thing they are, while ignoring a whole lot of brown people dying in Puerto Rico.
I wish people cared as much about respect for their fellow humans as they do about respect for the flag.
It is truly inspirational when those who are not poor or depressed take up for those who are.
“To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." -Abe Lincoln.
This wasn’t about the flag or military, it was about the privilege to exercise their first amendment right in a peaceful protest to bring attention to injustices happening in the country that flies the flag. They didn’t burn the flag or desecrate it, they brought attention to it and what it’s supposed to stand for. Maybe it was a provocative manner but it’s a provocative subject. Some of those in the NFL are Vets; some Vets support them, and Vets are who fought for that very freedom for the right to do what they did.
Maybe it causes some to feel uncomfortable to admit that our country isn’t perfect, that our country has stepped back and bad things are happening, especially these last couple years. But our country was founded on protests and as long as we are a democracy, protests will continue. We may agree or disagree with the subject or manner, but not the right.
This is America, not Russia. The players have a constitutional right to protest in this manner. It is not against the law to kneel, sit or lay down during the national anthem. And people who served and fought in the Military (as opposed to Trump who wheedled out of serving 5 times), fought to ensure democracy, freedom of speech, equal protections under the law and all the other constitutional guarantees of the USA. Don't get it twisted....Stop changing the narrative. This particular protest started as the the result of the ongoing police brutality and the cold blooded murder of unarmed people of color in this country. Murders, where all too often, the police have walked away free. What does it say about this country when its citizens are outraged about a flag and anthem, and care nothing about innocent people being hunted and killed....many of them children. This conversation/factor has been conveniently buried. Note that it is not even addressed in this one sided survey...
They are only protesting Trump. Not the issues Colin Kaepernick took an knee for in the first place. They highjacked the entire movement and made a mockery out of a black man's cry for fair and equal justice, representation, and opportunities in this country for people of color...ALL TO SPITE TRUMP! I support players' rights to protest any way they feel because they are not robots and they have the same rights as the rest of us, but they need to respect the originator of the movement and demand he get his job back, because he was unfairly blackballed by the league, the players, and the fans of the NFL for using his platform to speak on behalf of his community. #ImWithKap #BlackLivesMatter #BlackRightsMatter
As a veteran I am more offended by the verbal diarrhea spewed at these players who are exercising a Right that I once offered my life to defend.
Of course, I do realize I was also defending the Right of their critics to make asses of themselves by whining about it, but still...
I am a Veteran. I did not swear an oath to support and defend a song, a flag, the Commander and Chief or President, I swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. That constitution guarantees us free speech in this country. If we are going to deny free speech in this country based on the fact that we feel our symbols of freedom in this country are insulted by that free speech then we might as well burn them and the constitution too. The things we need to hear the most are often the things that we feel insult us and our symbols because we get so immersed in the symbols of who we think we are, want to be, we forget to look around to see if we, all of the the people in this country are really free. It is time to get our heads out of the song, the flag and look and listen to people!
NFL should change back to having the players wait in the locker room until after the flag and anthem.
Thanks
As a person who has family members who served and fought for this country, I think it is a disgrace to kneel to the flag for a protest that has nothing to do with what the American Flag stands for. They claim they have the right to protest due to the first Amendment, how do you think you got that right. There will never be change if they continue to blame others and stand up and take some responsibility and stop the hate.
I support the original reason Colin Kaepernick, and others, took a knee. I absolutely do not support 45's reasons for manipulating this peaceful protest into a nationally divisive argument about himself, only himself, always about himself, and nothing but himself. I absolutely support Colin Kaepernick's peaceful protest about the lack of police accountability.
You can clearly see where the 'poll' creator stands ..they create Five categories, One clearly "supports" ..then they divide the "opposed" into Four parts to spread the opposition across the four. Whatever, just a silly online poll yet some insist on skewing things.
So will they tally those opposed up? ..or run with the highest of the Five categories? We'll see if they think we don't notice..lol
And for the record, the NFL has a "Game Operations Manual" that states all players must be on the field for the Anthem, and should stand and face the flag. They alse have penalties for Teams that do not comply. The NFL has laxed and hasn't warned players to comply since the CTE brain injury crisis has exploded, the NFL would much rather have the players occupied with protests than demanding player safety and protection against CTE.
Read the rule they're now allowing players to ignore.
http://amp.timeinc.net/time/4955704/nfl-league-rulebook-a62-63-national-anthem-rule/?source=dam
This is a free country and these are grown men who have earned the right to practice free will. If they wish to kneel for the anthem, that is their choice. If they choose to stand, that is their choice as well. No free man should be forced to salute any flag or bow to any king. If mandatory flag saluting is your thing, I hear North Korea is a good place for that.
As a Bereran, I support the protests. True Americans fight injustice. We swear an oath to the ideas within The Constitution not a flag or a song.
The NFL players have made millions of dollars playing football an American sport and people have gave there life for rights in this country and if they can not stand up(straight)with there right hand over there heart for the love and respect of this country then maybe they should get the hell out of here. if they were in another country they would be beheaded or hung what makes me personally sick about this Colin Kaepernick was my team football quarter back but I am done with the NFL and all sports that cant be a patriot American Sick Sick sick all I have left to say
To those saying these athletes should find another way to protest-Why? You think they're disrespecting the flag. Many US military vets, this one included feel they are respecting the flag by protesting something they see as wrong in the country and doing it in a peaceful fashion. You want to talk about disrespecting the flag? How about all those people in the stands swilling brewskis during the anthem or cutting it up with their buddies? What about the cameramen running around the field, shouldn't they be respecting the flag too? Or everyone that screams and yells during the anthem? That's extremely disrespectful, to the flag, and to their fellow spectators that may want to hear the anthem.
Sorry!!True patriotism is not how you treat the flag, or whether you stand for an anthem! True patriotism is how you treat your citizens!!
AS A DISABLED VET THAT PAYS TAXES BILLIONS OF TAX PAYERS DOLLARS ARE USED TO BUILD STADIUMS , NFL PLAYERS DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO BRING A PROTEST IN A PUBLIC SUBSIDIZED STADIUM.AND DISRESPECT OUR FLAG. SPOILED MILLION DOLLAR BABIES.SEMPER FI IF THEY KNOW WHAT IT MEANS GO USA I LOVE YOU
Everyone in this country should be kneeling to protest and acknowledge racial injustice
Do we not kneel before God in reverence? Then why can't you kneel for a song?
When you are watching from a bar, or your home, do you stand with your hand over your heart?
Why is the anthem played before sports games? It doesn't belong. It's not played before every theater event. Players can peacefully protest however they want, but take the anthem out and stop trying to use football for military recruitment.
Generations of my family have fought and died for this great country and its high ideals/freedoms. I'm highly offended by folks who point to the "bloody of the brave fallen" as a reason to 1) deny those rights and freedoms and 2) force a fake image conscious form of patriotism on the people of this great country. If you want that kind of "patriotism" folks I highly recommend some place like North Korea where they already have "that." These folks see a problem in our society and want to highlight it, and have chosen to do so by quietly and reverently taking a knee during the National Anthem. Whether we agree with the issue they are trying to highlight or not is actually immaterial to the discussion here. They have a Constitutional RIGHT to peacefully protest. One that Thomas Jefferson wrote as important to the very health and well-being of a country such as ours (see letter to James Madison 1787). This Constitutional right is one of the many great things that members of my family have been shedding their blood, sweat, and tears to support and protect since before the Revolution. How dare this POTUS or anyone try to deny any American that right?! That is the TRUE disrespect here. Hang your head in shame America, because you've forgotten your own founding values.
anyone who approves of forced patriotism should move to North Korea....they will love it there!
Shame to America - forcing Americans to an extreme plea.
What I find offensive are the number of misspellings, poor grammar and just general stupidity in the above comments. We live in a nation that provides free education for the first 12 years and STILL you have people who clearly slept through the whole thing thinking that now they get to have an opinion. Read the Constitution, it's not that difficult. Free speech and peaceful protest are guaranteed. Put your passion behind these people who are taking the knee, open your hearts and minds to what they're trying to tell you and please stop being idiots.
This protest is disgraceful. I asked someone recently who supports the protest what they were protesting and they could not even give me a cogent answer, because they don't know! And therein lies the rub. We stand at attention remove our hats and hold or hands over our hearts to honor the flag of this country and the great blood and treasure that it cost to stand proudly before us as we sing the national anthem. These athletes kneel in protest, many holding clinched fists in the air in militant opposition to what? The flag of this country drapes every fallen soldier's body, and standing with respect is what any right thinking person should do. If these pampered malcontents wish to protest, they need to do it in a different way and in a different venue, and they need to work on their messaging, because what they are doing is sending entirely the wrong message. The NFL needs to put a stop to this if not for any other reason than to protect the brand. And if whatever perceived social injustices NFL players wish to address, perhaps rather than militant protests disrespecting out flag they might consider throwing their considerable influence into proactive programs to help make change, rather than spitting in the face of America the way they are doing now!
This protest is disgraceful. I asked someone recently who supports the outside what they were protesting and they could not even give me a current answer, because they don't know! And therein lies the rub. We stand at attention remove our hats and his or hands over our hearts to honor the flag of this country and the great blood and treasure that it cost to stand proudly before us as we sing the national anthem. These athletes kneel in protest, many holding clinched fists in the air in militant opposition to what? The flag of this country does every fallen soldier's body, and standing with respect is what any right thinking person should do. If these pampered malcontents wish to protest, they need to do it in a different way and in a different venue, and they need to work on their messaging, because what they are doing is sending entirely the wrong message. The NFL needs to put a stop to this if not for any other reason than to protect the brand. And if whatever perceived social injustices NFL players wish to address, perhaps rather than militant priests disrespecting out flag that might consider throwing their considerable influence into proactive programs to help make change, rather than sitting in the face of America the way they are doing now!