NO ONE in the United States is ever required to stand for the national anthem. In addition, our citizens are allowed to peacefully protest. The players who opt to kneel, which is their right, are doing so to protest racism in America and specifically to support the "Black Lives Matter" movement. Somehow Trump has misunderstood and misrepresented the intended meaning into a statement about our military, our national honor and respect for the flag.
NO ONE in the military fought to defend either the American flag or the national anthem. They fought and often died in support of the United States constitution and that is the oath they swear to and fight for.
The First Amendment to the Constitution states that citizens have the right of free speech and peaceably assemble. That is exactly what these players are doing. It does not negatively reflect on the football league or anyone in our country. They are making a statement and, in my opinion as a white naturalized American woman citizen, they are quite justified in doing so.
Again, in my opinion, not allowing those players to make a peaceful demonstration of solidarity over a very real racism issues in the United States is to look as if you are racists. I really don't think that is the impression you want to impart to our American citizens as your stance on this issue. Imagine trying to construct a viable football team without black players.
As it is, you are already facing a VERY, VERY serious issue with the the FACT that Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is real and that if you ever decide to accept that fact, football as the American people know it, is over. I can tell you that if I had young boys wanting to play football or soccer, I would never sign that permission slip.
So, my advise to you is don't add another controversy to your roster. I believe you will seriously regret it if you do. Thank you for reading this.
Gentlemen and Ladies (I hope),
NO ONE in the United States is ever required to stand for the national anthem. In addition, our citizens are allowed to peacefully protest. The players who opt to kneel, which is their right, are doing so to protest racism in America and specifically to support the "Black Lives Matter" movement. Somehow Trump has misunderstood and misrepresented the intended meaning into a statement about our military, our national honor and respect for the flag.
NO ONE in the military fought to defend either the American flag or the national anthem. They fought and often died in support of the United States constitution and that is the oath they swear to and fight for.
The First Amendment to the Constitution states that citizens have the right of free speech and peaceably assemble. That is exactly what these players are doing. It does not negatively reflect on the football league or anyone in our country. They are making a statement and, in my opinion as a white naturalized American woman citizen, they are quite justified in doing so.
Again, in my opinion, not allowing those players to make a peaceful demonstration of solidarity over a very real racism issues in the United States is to look as if you are racists. I really don't think that is the impression you want to impart to our American citizens as your stance on this issue. Imagine trying to construct a viable football team without black players.
As it is, you are already facing a VERY, VERY serious issue with the the FACT that Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is real and that if you ever decide to accept that fact, football as the American people know it, is over. I can tell you that if I had young boys wanting to play football or soccer, I would never sign that permission slip.
So, my advise to you is don't add another controversy to your roster. I believe you will seriously regret it if you do. Thank you for reading this.
Karen L. Mizner