Everyone who has studied high school physics is aware of the popular law of nature that for every action, there is an equal but opposite reaction.
Since NFL players started their ridiculous protest against standing for the National Anthem, there has been an outburst of outrage against their actions. This is the natural reaction that comes after such a foolish action.
It’s been going on for at least a year, but now that President Donald Trump has entered into the debate, the media is crying foul. Freedom of speech has become the popular refrain. NFL players should be able to express themselves. That’s correct. They can say and do as they wish in this country, but not everything that can be done should be done. If the players want to express themselves, they will have to put up with the returned expression that the fans and yes, even the President of the United States.
Refusing to stand for the National Anthem is a disgrace and fans who react angrily to it have a perfect right to do so. One dopey former quarterback went so far as to further his protest by wearing a T-shirt of Fidel Castro. Doesn’t he realize that if he was in Cuba and didn’t stand for its anthem, he would be hauled away and thrown into a cell?
Now there is news that the players of a high school football team all knelt to protest the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Professional players must take the responsibility for this blatant disdain for the country. They should realize that their actions are going to be emulated by the young who look up to them with such admiration. Teaching them to turn their back on the nation is the wrong lesson.
And an NBA hero now turns his back on the country’s Chief Executive by saying he doesn’t want to go to the White House for a congratulatory reception. What an ingrate!
You can yell all you want about freedom of expression, but when the fans exert their right to turn off the games or stay away from the arenas and stadiums, no one should be surprised.
It’s time for everyone to appreciate the country in which they live. America isn’t perfect. We need to continue the national debate on serious issues. But we’d better realize that this country allows such a debate and it should be cherished and honored for doing so.
I don’t stand for the anthem nor do I pledge allegiance to the nation/state.
My pledge of allegiance is another:
I pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ,
And to God’s kingdom for which he died—
One Spirit-led people the world over, indivisible,
With love and justice for all.
I seem to recall Jesus saying something about no man being able to serve two masters.
I find it interesting that little in this diocesan newspaper seems to reflect that statement.
Actually, reading the above editorial I was beginning to wonder if I was, in fact, reading a pronouncement of bishops like Clement August von Galen, Michael Cardinal Faulhaber, Conrad Grüber or, best of all Franz Josef Rarkowski. What I see here is, to paraphrase the Catholic sociologist Gordon Zahn the clear manifestation of nationalism, which has infected the post-Constantinian church for centuries – in every place and every time.
What you see, Mr. Wnek, is a nation under Donald Trump. It is a nation that is more concerned with displays of patriotism than it is with upholding the freedoms put forth in the Constitution.