I find it interesting that every photograph that I have seen of people "standing with Trump" has been of a white person, usually a male, dressed in a fashion which suggests a high degree of financial privilege. It is quite clear that the Divider in Chief has two purposes -- distract from the problems of his administration and feed red meat (laden with Dog Whistles) to his base.
1
If the NFL made it mandatory to stand and salute the flag, what would be the point? Forced respect is not respect. Standing and saluting would lose all meaning for everyone.
And since when did the flag stand for the military? I thought it represented our country. Our country is more than just the military (god, I hope at least).
The truth is that those who do stand and salute cannot imagine how other Americans can look at the flag and see this country's failure to live up to its stated principles, instead of the ways America has been honorable and good. Because that has not been their experience. But that's the whole point -- the American experience is not equal for all. That's why some can't bear the hypocrisy of standing and saluting the flag.
1
In their press release, the Penguins stated "The Pittsburgh Penguins respect the institution of the Office of the President, and the long tradition of championship teams visiting the White House."
If they TRULY respect the Office of the President, they should absolutely NOT visit that office while it is occupied by donald trump.
I urge the Penguins to turn up their collective nose at this particular offering of fish.
1
Have read many comments from other news sites. Some supporting the players others not so much.
One comment caught my eye, the players taking a knee is cowardice.
I thought to myself, you really want these well honed athletes to get up and take a run lets say at you?
The players have done their part over the weekend. The paying public can either pick up their flag or go meh.
We shall see.
Just another form of looting from organized America.
1
Protest is what America is all about. People came here to protest.
=================================================
Trump's whole campaign was based on protest. That is how he got elected, by protesting and by attacking anyone and everyone. And now he and his Trumpster's protest the protesters.
When will we, the American people wake up to Trump's game:
Heads, I win. Tails, you lose?
=================================================
Trump's whole campaign was based on protest. That is how he got elected, by protesting and by attacking anyone and everyone. And now he and his Trumpster's protest the protesters.
When will we, the American people wake up to Trump's game:
Heads, I win. Tails, you lose?
4
Mr. Trump is in way over his head leading our country let alone the world. His skill set is intimidation by tweet and he's met his match. These are not guys afraid of bullies.
To watch them rally as a team is not surprising, that's what they do. Was he really too stupid to know that or is he flailing at whatever catches his attention at the moment, so we're talking about this and not his incompetent leadership? SCARY.
To watch them rally as a team is not surprising, that's what they do. Was he really too stupid to know that or is he flailing at whatever catches his attention at the moment, so we're talking about this and not his incompetent leadership? SCARY.
1
Let me see if I got this straight - nazis get a free pass but citizens exercising their constitutional right of free speech should be punished.
This is not the country i was born into.
4
Trump is an embarrassment to our country. What brave Americans have died for since the birth of our country is not a flag or an oath of allegiance (these are the kinds of things dictators are obsessed with) but an idea of certain inalienable rights including the right to freedom of speech and others enshrined in the constitution - so sad to have a president so ignorant!
3
Our delusional president actually thought that the teams and owners locking arms for the national anthem yesterday were showing support for him and couldn't even realize what that they were showing unity against his racism and his bully pulpits through his tweets. It's OUR flag not just yours Trump! We all know all you really care about is making money and ratings of any kind. Shame on you!
3
Is it possible that this very unpopular president is acting out anticipating and dreading the humiliation of the Superball Champions refusing to show up at the White House now that it is occupied by a bum? (that is if he is still the president by February)
4
How can Trump accuse anyone of disrespecting anything??? Outrageous!!! He has shown himself to have no moral code , no empathy , no structure behind a single utterance !
He is a tv ratings junkie , trying to extract energy , good OR bad , from the souls of our country . A president must bind the country together , not divide it -stop thinking of yourself Trump
He is a tv ratings junkie , trying to extract energy , good OR bad , from the souls of our country . A president must bind the country together , not divide it -stop thinking of yourself Trump
Add "I can outhink the NFL" to Trump's list of jaw-droppingly ridiculous self-delusions.
The NFL -- coaches, owners, players, and staff -- is not some mere amusement to be bullied by a strongman. Indeed, in the US, I would not be opposed to saying, organized professional sports are the Fifth estate.
Still debating whether it is Trump's idiocy or toxicness which bother me more....
Trump is using the NFL to race-bait.
As Steve Bannon said, Trump will win again if the politics remain racial.
1
So the brave souls at NASCAR aren't going to permit any protests? Lemme see, googling black NASCAR drivers yielded one current (who is and two other historic drivers in this "sport". To quote the article, from June:
Wallace, who has raced with NASCAR at lower levels for five years, will fill in for Aric Almirola in the No. 43 car, while Almirola recovers from fractured vertebrae sustained in a fiery crash on May 13 at the Kansas Speedway.
So someone had to break a bone for Wallace to get a start.
Sorry if the supposed patriotism of NASCAR doesn't impress me.
Wallace, who has raced with NASCAR at lower levels for five years, will fill in for Aric Almirola in the No. 43 car, while Almirola recovers from fractured vertebrae sustained in a fiery crash on May 13 at the Kansas Speedway.
So someone had to break a bone for Wallace to get a start.
Sorry if the supposed patriotism of NASCAR doesn't impress me.
1
Turmoil because too many demand we give more honor to the symbol of freedom than we give to the freedoms, themselves. Ironic. Obviously we put more effort into style rather than substance. The American flag and anthem are NOT the freedoms or the opportunity or the progress or the values of the nation; they are the logos.
Genuflection (or genuflexion), bending at least one knee to the ground, was from early times a gesture of deep respect for a superior. In church it is a sign of reverence to the Blessed Sacrament. So why is genuflection seen as a sign of disrespect for the National Anthem / the Flag ?
Sorry folks, these NFL demonstrations ... not about disrespect for the flag and insult to our courageous past and present military or in any way a disparagement of first responders as Mr. Trump would have you believe. An honest statement and plea by responsible Americans for the Country to wake up to and address the never ending social justice issues that this racist president has unintentionally (I'll be kind) repeatedly put on the stage for all to view.
1
in 1972 i was a sophmore in high school in a small town in east texas
one day at a "pep rally " for a friday night foot ball game i didn't stand up in the bleachers for the national anthem. i was expelled from school on the spot. instead of going home i went to the home of a retrired teacher who was now on the school board and bedridden because she was dying of cancer.
i told her why i was there . not complaining mind you because i was proud. that's why i went there she had been one of my teachers in midle school. i knew what kind of person she was . we talked for an hour or two about how unfortunate it was that so many people were so frightened and small minded. we both agreed that better days were ahead. and they were. and they are
.
but right now i feel like that 16 year old who was expelled from school for exercising his constitutional rights
"Intimidate people" with his opinion! The President of the United States has expressed his opinion of those who don't respect the National Anthem. Every President since the founding of this Republic has had the right to express his opinion.
Ben Roethlisberger: I wish my team hadn't stayed off the field during national anthem http://a.msn.com/02/en-us/AAssrv5?ocid=st
2
Trump has deliberately picked a fight with black athletes who take a knee during the national anthem. His real goal is to keep his base supporters stirred up, such as he did after the Charlottesville riots. He accuses the players of disrespect for the flag when it is really he who is the object of their loathing. Trump is in fact the Great Disrespector, who has nothing but contempt for anyone who disagrees with him about anything! The reaction has been predictable - the outrage by people who don't want to discuss race relations but only the sanctity of sports. Trumps stages an late hit, the players strike back and get called for the foul!
Now that the NFL has changed its primary focus from football to social justice, they will need a new name.
Here are some suggestions:
1. AAL (Anti Anthem League)
2. AFL (Anti Flag League)
3. FAL (Fan Alienation League)
4. OML (Oppressed Millionaire League)
5. NGL (National Grievance League)
6. TEL (Taxpayer Extortion League) This will be an owner’s favorite.
7. FJL (Faux Justice League)
8. ECL (Excess Commercial League)
9. PGL (Price Gouging League)
10. NFL (No Future League)
After giving up four decades of support for my favorite team (take a guess) in a single day, I’m surprised how liberating and fun it can be.
1
In North Korea, citizens are REQUIRED to vote.
In North Korea, citizens are REQUIRED to hang pictures of the Dear Leader and to participate in "patriotic" demonstrations or endure an extra measure of privation and punishment.
I vote, proudly, and I stand for the national anthem, but I would not demand that someone else does the same.
"Patriotism" is pretty worthless if it's forced. Love for country needs to come from the heart.
4
Fairness is man's ability to rise above his prejudices. Our current president may be able to partially redeem himself by showing us he was sufficiently patriotic on his tax returns. I can't think of anything that is less loyal to our nation than stiffing Uncle Sam.
Surprising that Trump didn't also demand that team owners in the USFL teach their players a lesson. Oh wait, that league failed didn't it? Another one of Trump's failed business ventures.
1. To President Trump, there are far more important things going on in the country and world than a dozen football players up until Sunday refusing to stand during the national anthem. Get on them.
2. To NFL owners, thanks for possibly the greatest grandstanding and political theater I've ever seen. I have to ask, what exactly were you showing unity for down on the sidelines? It surely wasn't the racial disparities and unarmed black men being shot by the police that a few players were for over a year. The inconvenient truth is all of you are billionaires and if there is one thing the wealthy hate, it's being told what to do. That's what Trump did and what you stood in unity against. Up until then what he said and did the past 30 years that was far worse, you had zero response to. Also, signing Kaepernick anytime soon? Didn't think so.
3. To NFL players outside of the dozen that have refused to stand over the past year, what were you showing unity for? Just like the owners not racial disparities and unarmed black men being shot by the police. Your unity comes down to pure tribalism. Trump attacked one of your own and you responded. How pathetic.
4. To the ignorant, this isn't a First Amendment issue. It protects you from your government, not your employer. The NFL could end these protests immediately if they so choose.
5. To those protesting during the national anthem, there are far more unifying and effective ways to make a difference. Being divisive won't get results.
Trump's tribe will love him nonetheless.
In fact, they will love him even more. After all, when a tribal leader promises to protect the righteous, god-fearing 'real-us' from the evil-doing 'not-us,' then that "leader" can divide, conquer ... but, of course, ultimately destroy.
And, in our ignorance, we will so richly deserve it.
2
This is a complicated issue. Here are some thoughts:
— It's usually not a good idea to publicly shun the flag or national anthem. These are national symbols that represent all Americans. They don't belong to Republicans or Donald Trump. So, risky move. I bet many Americans still bridle in recalling the Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.
But:
— The NFL and NBA are two forums in which black men enjoy unrivaled prestige. If they feel aggrieved by racial issues, I understand why they'd use these forums to express themselves. It's courageous to boot, since they could be replaced. (See the next item.)
But:
— The scope of the First Amendment's guarantee is misunderstood. People have the right to free speech. But, unlike the streets of Charlottesville or Boston Common, these are employees exercising their right on the employer's time and often on the employer's premises (during home games). So, they can exercise it, but the employer can discipline them, subject to any limitations in a union contract.
And finally:
— How about not playing the national anthem at sports exhibitions and just getting on with the game? Problem solved, it would seem.
— It's usually not a good idea to publicly shun the flag or national anthem. These are national symbols that represent all Americans. They don't belong to Republicans or Donald Trump. So, risky move. I bet many Americans still bridle in recalling the Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.
But:
— The NFL and NBA are two forums in which black men enjoy unrivaled prestige. If they feel aggrieved by racial issues, I understand why they'd use these forums to express themselves. It's courageous to boot, since they could be replaced. (See the next item.)
But:
— The scope of the First Amendment's guarantee is misunderstood. People have the right to free speech. But, unlike the streets of Charlottesville or Boston Common, these are employees exercising their right on the employer's time and often on the employer's premises (during home games). So, they can exercise it, but the employer can discipline them, subject to any limitations in a union contract.
And finally:
— How about not playing the national anthem at sports exhibitions and just getting on with the game? Problem solved, it would seem.
2
Seems to me that the 1st amendment should be defended and spoken for with the same ardor and zeal that many defend the 2nd amendment.
Yes the first amendment right is the bedrock of our American political system. But to what extent do employers in this case( team owners) have a right to impose work place rules and regulations that ask for uniform code of conduct during the national anthem. As in any workplace, employers have a right to impose common standards and uniformity in their workplace. NFL players are paid well to play a brutal sport at great risk; spectators are not interested in each players political view. Colin Kappernock, at best, a mediocre quarterback, is out of the league because of his mediocre skills and the risk of fan backlash. Commissioner Goddell is playing a centrists role and only the fans negative reaction to the players' field theatrics will change the NFL culture. It is not racism to expect conformity to common rules of conduct; but the irony is, they are paid an exorbitant amount to play a sport and not to engage in political protest. If the NFL is oppressive and suppresses their speech, perhaps other means of employment would be better suited for their political proclivities. As a nation divided, football fans need not be reminded of our current political and cultural division. The NFL is a necessary diversion and cheering for an individual team is what can unite our divisive country!!!
On Saturday, September 30, there are two NBA games scheduled, one of which involves the Golden State Warriors. Donnie has already reacted unfavorably toward the Warriors. Would anyone care to wager if there will be some statement related to the NFL players' protests by the Warriors team on or off the court, before or during the game?
It was moving to see photographs of all those owners standing arm-in-arm with their players. Which brave owner will now put his or her money where his or her mouth is, and un-blackball Colin Kaepernick?
President Trump, if you believe YOU have the right, under our Constitution and Bill of Rights, to peacefully protest, then who are you -- or who is anyone, for that matter -- to dictate HOW someone else exercises that right. Isn't dictating that exercise of a right without legal precedent, at the very least, un-American?
If, on the other hand, you don't believe in those rights -- to free speech, to assemble, to petition your government for redress of grievances, among others -- please say so...it would clarify an awful lot for a great many people.
If, on the other hand, you don't believe in those rights -- to free speech, to assemble, to petition your government for redress of grievances, among others -- please say so...it would clarify an awful lot for a great many people.
Trump is unable to accept criticism. Probably not even in marriage. We know he was undisciplined as a child. And certainly lacks discipline now.
True love, even in a long marriage, includes advice and constructive criticism. Blind loyalty is meaningless. It certainly is not patriotism or fidelity to a spouse.
I hope these protests continue and increase in numbers. I also hope to see more conversation about racism and patriotic dissent out of love for “all God’s children” - as Martin Luther King called us.
True love, even in a long marriage, includes advice and constructive criticism. Blind loyalty is meaningless. It certainly is not patriotism or fidelity to a spouse.
I hope these protests continue and increase in numbers. I also hope to see more conversation about racism and patriotic dissent out of love for “all God’s children” - as Martin Luther King called us.
1
Completely agree with everyone's right to free speech. Perhaps the players can actually work to affect positive change. Here is one modest recommendation. Without debate in the U.S. there are successful Black airplane pilots, medical physicians, dentists, engineers, nurses, physician assistants,entrepreneurs, teachers, politicians, professional athletes, CEO's, finance managers, farmers, scientists, professors, armed forces, sales management, plumbers, electricians, carpenters,actors, actresses, architects, writers, broadcasters, dancers, film directors ,journalists,models, screenwriters, accountants, pharmacists, law enforcement officers, social workers, psychologists to name but a few. There need to be more.
Perhaps the NFLPA could sponsor the publication and distribution of personal stories of how these Black individuals reached their vocational goals. The danger of course is that it might become more and more evident that in the U.S. success is possible for all, including minorities, but that could take some of the fun out of protesting.
Perhaps the NFLPA could sponsor the publication and distribution of personal stories of how these Black individuals reached their vocational goals. The danger of course is that it might become more and more evident that in the U.S. success is possible for all, including minorities, but that could take some of the fun out of protesting.
Imagine Obama having said that anyone who marches in a white nationalist parade should be fired from their job. Everyone would have rightly called him out on it. Why? Because the President as the representative of the government has no business trying to encourage curtailing first amendment rights.
In the famous flag-burning case at the Republican National Convention in Texas in 1984, Supreme Court Justice Brennen said “if there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea offensive or disagreeable." Flag burning laws have failed to pass since then. In West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), the Supreme Court ruled that school children could not be punished for refusing either to say the pledge of allegiance or salute the American flag.
All of this makes Trump's suggestion that the NFL fire players who don't stand for the national anthem worthy of condemnation. Some in society may find such players' actions offensive, but as the President, Trump has no business putting pressure on anyone to curb free speech. He's using the bully pulpit to encourage such a curb, and since he represents the government, he is essentially flouting the intent of the first amendment. Is this President Trump's interpretation of the presidential oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" the constitution?
In the famous flag-burning case at the Republican National Convention in Texas in 1984, Supreme Court Justice Brennen said “if there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea offensive or disagreeable." Flag burning laws have failed to pass since then. In West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), the Supreme Court ruled that school children could not be punished for refusing either to say the pledge of allegiance or salute the American flag.
All of this makes Trump's suggestion that the NFL fire players who don't stand for the national anthem worthy of condemnation. Some in society may find such players' actions offensive, but as the President, Trump has no business putting pressure on anyone to curb free speech. He's using the bully pulpit to encourage such a curb, and since he represents the government, he is essentially flouting the intent of the first amendment. Is this President Trump's interpretation of the presidential oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" the constitution?
I believe it is wrong for our President to attempt to fire our nation’s football players who are not participating in the national anthem. The first amendment gives them the right to petition the government for what they do not see fit in society. If not standing during the national anthem is their way of revolt, then it should be allowed. The players are not disrupting the anthem, just making silent, peaceful protest. Taking a knee isn’t all that disrespectful. The players are still present for the anthem. They are “standing” up for something they believe strongly in, and President Trump shutting that down is immoral. Even if the protests regard race and politics, citizens are still have freedom to protest and cannot be told otherwise.
To visibly support these protesters, my plan is to take a knee both before and after the National anthem, instead of during it, to unambiguously separate my outrage from my loyalty to our country. Others are taking a knee in solidarity, even when the Anthem is not featured at all. Taking a knee is our meme, now.
It will be interesting to see how the NHL, the epitome of white privilege in sports, reacts. Almost exactly one year ago, coach John Tortorella stated: "If any of my players sit on the bench for the national anthem, they will sit there the rest of the game." He was by no means reprimanded by the NHL Media and in fact commended. I hope, but am skeptical, that the media can finally stop giving the NHL the free passes they almost always seem to.
I'm not really a big football fan anymore and haven't been for quite a while, and I know that the game has changed a bit since I was a fan. The one thing I do feel is fair in a situation like this, is to look at it from all perspectives.
If I look at this from an employers perspective, whom lets say, is running a marketing business, and as a contractual stipulation within an employer/ employee hire, there would be no tolerance for those employed by said company to express their political views within the company, or outside of the company which might compromise, and/or damage the profile of said company, its employees, share, and stockholders. If it is found to be the case, wherein "the owner of this company," has decided to impose there own political views; including the corporation/franchise within his ownership/control, said ownership will be held in breach of an obligatory and good faith contract with those whom have purchased said product.
We all have our own opinions, and I'm as sympathetic as anyone to many issues, but in my view, this is not the road, and it will hinder the path forward.
Sincerely, Ray
trump largely disrespects the country in several ways - denigrating the white housel ignoring the constitution by earning money from his properties; his nepotism and refusing to reveal his income. And he has a history of disrespecting just about anyone else whenever he feels like it. before we fire any athlete lets fire trump.
10
What is Trump trying to obfuscate with this useless non-issue? Is Mueller getting closer? Is it the Graham-Cassidy mess? Is it Junior's email? What???
8
OK, Trump apologists: how did you feel when Trump referred to the White House -- one of the most sacred globally recognized symbols of America's democratic principles-- as "a dump"??
The president -- who works for all of us; we don't work for him (though he doesn't seem to get this) scorns the residence that was good enough for Lincoln & T Roosevelt & FDR & Truman & Nixon & Reagan & Bush, etc. He allows his staff to dress & behave disrespectfully in its rooms & flees it as often as possible to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars of hard earned taxpayer dollars. Is that ok with you?
But some paid entertainer working for a private conpany outrages you with a mild, silent protest at an entertainment event?? Seriously?
Please explain.
14
I never knew that the American flag stood only for the US military.
I never knew that is did not stand for the promise of the Constitution.
It was just part of the military.
I must have missed the Tsar Little Hands Executive Order or the legislation from Monstrous Mitch and Eddie Munster Ryan.
I never knew that football games are opiates, requiring a politics free environment.
I never knew that.
I never knew that the men who step out on the field give up their heart felt desire for a better nation.
I never knew that when you put on an NFL uniform, you forfeited the right to express your opinion.
Granted, end zone celebrations enjoy a limited freedom,
but the anthem is merely part of the pageant before a game.
I never knew that the mothers of the players who express their concern for racism and the brutality of the Blue Klux Klan are b!tches.........
I do know that the solid NASCAR patriots still fly the flag of a racist rebellion.
I never knew that is did not stand for the promise of the Constitution.
It was just part of the military.
I must have missed the Tsar Little Hands Executive Order or the legislation from Monstrous Mitch and Eddie Munster Ryan.
I never knew that football games are opiates, requiring a politics free environment.
I never knew that.
I never knew that the men who step out on the field give up their heart felt desire for a better nation.
I never knew that when you put on an NFL uniform, you forfeited the right to express your opinion.
Granted, end zone celebrations enjoy a limited freedom,
but the anthem is merely part of the pageant before a game.
I never knew that the mothers of the players who express their concern for racism and the brutality of the Blue Klux Klan are b!tches.........
I do know that the solid NASCAR patriots still fly the flag of a racist rebellion.
12
Since NASCAR has been ok until recently, well with a wink and a nod letting its fans display the Lost Causer flag how about renaming a track the General Sherman speedway?
Kudos for Dale Jr. for the cogent JFK quote.
Kudos for Dale Jr. for the cogent JFK quote.
Puerto Rico is in shambles and Korea is looking for an excuse to lob a nuke somewhere and the media is talking about the posture of football players during the anthem. Really? In the scheme of thngs, does it matter? Ten years from now absolutely no one will care who did what but I guarantee we will still be living with the outcome of what happens in Korea and PR.
I am not sure what is more depressing, having an imbecile in the White House or a media circus that is somehow compelled to jump on every idiotic thing he says and does as if the outcme will be any different. Sigh....
4
It isn't clear to me why the NYTimes and other media outlets are talking about this with such prominence... aren't there more pressing concerns? This is a diversion from the upcoming ACA vote, Russia investigation, North Korea nuclear standoff, the lack of attention to the devastation in Puerto Rico/Texas/Florida, or any number of things which are more important than our crazy president tweets and comments at rally's.
It's a travesty for Trump to lecture NFL players about patriotism--isn't he the one who conspired with the Russians to get him elected? That's treason.
8
Trump is always inflammatory and divisive - we need rid of this cancer.
7
Why can't Tom Brady take a knee in solidarity?
3
He has publicly denounced Trump's statements, even called in this morning to a Boston radio talk show to express his support of the players' rights to express themselves.
Try to keep up.
#TakeAKnee
1
U Bum, the so called president, has wiped his bum with every democratic tradition we have since the electoral college handed him his office: the justice department, judges, voters' rights, elected officials not monetizing their office, what the Statue of Liberty stands for, etc., etc.... Then he goes on a rant about a few players quietly kneeling at a football game to protest unarmed men being gunned down. Can there be a more pathetic loser, unhinged from reality?
8
The football world should have plainly ignored Trump. He speaks and everyone jumps? He is possibly the worst influence we have ever had at the top of the ladder in this Nation. The response by the impugned parties was revolting. Trump has stupidly presumed to enjoin every group that he disagrees with and we do not need respond to his foolish entreaties of proper behavior.
2
What is shameful and disrespectful is a POTUS who does not have the moral compass to do what is right that this country has fought for in the past and is still aiming to achieve. I bet you, a fifth grader has a better understanding of this nation's history and what it should mean to be a good citizen. How did we ever get here?
6
The NFL, seeking to support players demanding racial justice in the wider community, planned to play a video on unity during a game played by the REDSKINS? Irony, much?
3
Trump has no problem with the protests of neo-nazis and white supremacists. But he is beside himself with this protest.
10
3.4 million Americans in Puerto Rico are living in ruins without power or water, several hundred thousand more in Texas and Florida are struggling to cope with the ruined homes left behind by Hurricane Irma, we might be on the brink of a war with North Korea that threatens untold millions of lives, and this non-issue monopolizes the orange dotard’s attention all weekend ??? When will we ever hit bottom with this guy ???
8
Hilarious that Huckabee and other administration apologists are trying to say that the protest is against those "serving in the armed forces" and "first responders." What nonsense. Is the protest also against puppies and rainbows? The attempt to change the narrative would seem like an obvious fail to anyone with an eighth grade education, but the deplorables are eating it up.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rico languishes. Tragic.
7
They are peacefully protesting... It's their right!
They are not running cars on the crowd....
5
The Donald actually said the NFL should stop trying to prevent traumatic brain injury to the players? Do his supporters understand anything this creature says? This reality show fake presidency has become surreal.
5
Steelers need a new mascot, the Lion from the Wizard of Oz.
2
I just love that Trump keeps spitting to the air and keeps falling on his face...
Love that! And will never learn...
2
These players are not protesting America, they are protesting America's lack of concern for the black person. The sight of the players kneeling during the Star Spangled Banner (an anthem glorifying war and racism if you listen closely and read the other stanzas not sung) should send goose-bumps of pride to any America with a conscience. This very touching act of "protest" is what we are all about. We don't hate our country, we want to make it truly great by displaying a sense of decency and fair play to everyone.
That our FIVE-TIME-DRAFT-DODGER and TAX-SCOFFLAW has the chutzpah to talk about patriotism is an abomination. He is pure evil at heart and his becoming president is unleashing that evil that lurked in the sewer of a mind of his since he was born.
That he rails that football has gotten too soft and at referees if they call a timeout when the plays become too violent is a man with a cruel and evil streak with no concern for another's life. That his bloodlust is entertained is everything. By the way, think about this inhumane person dealing with North Korea!
He must be publically disgraced because he is disgracing our country. And while we are at it, the GOP, his abettor must be neutered in 2018 and 2020 if our country is to survive.
That our FIVE-TIME-DRAFT-DODGER and TAX-SCOFFLAW has the chutzpah to talk about patriotism is an abomination. He is pure evil at heart and his becoming president is unleashing that evil that lurked in the sewer of a mind of his since he was born.
That he rails that football has gotten too soft and at referees if they call a timeout when the plays become too violent is a man with a cruel and evil streak with no concern for another's life. That his bloodlust is entertained is everything. By the way, think about this inhumane person dealing with North Korea!
He must be publically disgraced because he is disgracing our country. And while we are at it, the GOP, his abettor must be neutered in 2018 and 2020 if our country is to survive.
7
Just stop playing our National Anthem at NFL games.
4
it is about time the nation stopped worshiping athletes. They are just exceedingly well paid actors.
5
President Trump says his NFL comments "are not about race," yet he tried to to show up the NFL by praising NASCAR owners for denouncing protests during the anthem.
Only one black driver has competed in NASCAR's top national series since 2006, and only four black drivers have competed at that level since 1961. Jonathan Jones wrote about NASCAR last year in the Charlotte Observer: "The Southern, white sport has integrated slower than any other major American sport after decades of racism and discrimination.”
Why would white-dominated NASCAR have any reason to protest the mistreatment of blacks by US law enforcement? The roughly 70% African American NFL probably sees things differently.
Tell us again your taunts aren't about race, Mr. President.
Only one black driver has competed in NASCAR's top national series since 2006, and only four black drivers have competed at that level since 1961. Jonathan Jones wrote about NASCAR last year in the Charlotte Observer: "The Southern, white sport has integrated slower than any other major American sport after decades of racism and discrimination.”
Why would white-dominated NASCAR have any reason to protest the mistreatment of blacks by US law enforcement? The roughly 70% African American NFL probably sees things differently.
Tell us again your taunts aren't about race, Mr. President.
4
Good for them. Trump doesn't even understand what the flag or the anthem stand for. Burning it, desecrating it; that's offensive, albeit protected. Kneeling silently before it is not.
2
I will NEVER watch another NFL game ever. If the NFL players have a beef with Trump then take it up with him, tweet him, I don't care, but do not DISRESPECT the men and women of the military or this country. These men and women of the miltary including my son put their lives on the line everyday so they can play a game and collect millions of dollars. I hope all military men and women also boycott the NFL for this unbelievable diaplay of DISRESPECT.
2
Am I mistaken to believe that their protest is not about the men and women who have served their country (who certainly deserve our respect), but about police brutality and social injustice?
1
Please, please, please stop swallowing Trump's Kool-Aid. And do some research. Get on Twitter and see how many VETS & active duty service members are supporting the NFL and the players.
No one is disrespecting your son -- or ANY ONE in the U.S. Military -- by silently taking a knee, asking their country to be better - No one.
No one is disrespecting your son -- or ANY ONE in the U.S. Military -- by silently taking a knee, asking their country to be better - No one.
The Steelers need a new mascot, perhaps the Lion from the Wizard of Oz who wished for courage.
2
Trump's opponents need to study his battle plans. And learn something.
This issue is a trap. It is a diversion. It is designed to lure his opponents into a battle of words which he will win. Trump chooses the battlefield. Trump chooses the timing. They follow.
No! Why not point out the monumentally misplaced priorities of the President? Millions of American citizens in the Caribbean are without electricity, medicine, water and food. Simultaneously we are on the verge of a nuclear war with North Korea. Yet the President foolishly wallows in this issue?
The previous Republican administration was laid low by its tone deaf response to Katrina. Yet Trump does the same thing while his tongue-tied opponents take his bait and follow him onto his preferred battlefield!
This issue is a trap. It is a diversion. It is designed to lure his opponents into a battle of words which he will win. Trump chooses the battlefield. Trump chooses the timing. They follow.
No! Why not point out the monumentally misplaced priorities of the President? Millions of American citizens in the Caribbean are without electricity, medicine, water and food. Simultaneously we are on the verge of a nuclear war with North Korea. Yet the President foolishly wallows in this issue?
The previous Republican administration was laid low by its tone deaf response to Katrina. Yet Trump does the same thing while his tongue-tied opponents take his bait and follow him onto his preferred battlefield!
1
While I have absolutely no use for Trump as his antics and unpredictable behavior has imperiled national security, destroyed foreign policy, reduced the present legislative efforts to divisive logjams, I do applaud him for his latest racist rants for he is increasingly forcing this Country to confront the egregious divide and continued chasm that separates African Americans from many of their white brethren in this land. Trump's rants against NFL and NBA players has brought to the fore an ugly sore that festers and ironically may perhaps see some signs of healing thanks to this bigots Alabama tirade. For him to wave the banner of patriotism is to mock those veterans who have defended this Country while he used faux draft deferments to exhibit his patriotic stance.
6
I was embarrassed to see the Pittsburgh Penguins accept Trump's invitation to the White House after all the NFL protests and NBA kerfuffle. A missed opportunity for a largely white, Canadian sport to show solidarity with the other pro sports in North America, and demonstrate the issue of racial injustice affects everyone. While it is admirable that the black players in the NFL, NBA, and to a lesser extent MLB, are raising a protest, racial equality won't really be achieved until white people change their attitudes. The NHL and the Penguins had an opportunity to lead that part of the discussion and dropped the ball st the worst possible time this weekend, perhaps because so many hockey players grew up in a different racial environment and are missing the broader point, even when they play in the States. Disappointing.
5
That these players are willing to demonstrate their freedom under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and that Donald Trump opposes them should tell us PLENTY of this possible dictator who's come to the presidency.
5
LeBron James, clearly, has the perspective, insight, and intelligence to be our next president.... unlike the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
I hope it's before 2021.
I hope it's before 2021.
3
There is now only one interpretation of President's objection to player protest by kneeling: These players - and presumedly you and me - MUST be ordered to stand (salute, hand over heart, whatever else) under fear of losing their job. Even school children can't be forced to 'obey' the President's dictates in this matter.
1
Liberals and conservatives both need to start showing more respect for the 1st amendment. Conservatives get all apoplectic when Google fires a man for expressing opinions about women in the workplace, and liberals do the same when Trump recommends firing NFL players for kneeling during the anthem. Nobody is being forced to agree with or condone these "offensive" views. But our Constitution compels us to tolerate their expression. Period.
2
Unless you or your actions are as defined in a "protected class", your employee can dismiss you for any reason.
Let's get some facts straight first.
Freedom of speech pertains to a right that the GOVERNMENT cannot abrogate, as in the GOVERNMENT can make no laws or take any actions to limit or suspend speech, or punish citizens exercising their right. There are types of unprotected speech: Obscenity (including hate speech), Fighting words, Defamation (including libel and slander), Child pornography, Perjury, Blackmail, Incitement to imminent lawless action, True threats. The old yelling "Fire" in a crowded theater if there is no fire.
However, private citizens and organizations, including businesses, can take exception to your speech and can take many actions in response legally, except when discriminating based on race, creed, national origin, sex, color, age, genetic information, or disability.
If NFL owners fired players for not standing for the national anthem, and did so in a nondiscriminatory manner, they would be well within their rights. It might be stupid in practical terms, especially when hundreds of players are kneeling, but fully legal.
That's the letter of the law. In the USA, the SPIRIT of the law is that we allow people their protected speech in general, because we learn more when different views are expressed. We can vote on speech with our feet or our pocketbooks, or protest in counterpoint. We don't silence those with whom we disagree. And, sometimes a shocking gesture is just what a patriot would do to generate efforts to fix a problem in the country he loves.
7
My boss froze my pay in 2008 when Obama won and cut it in 2012 when he was re-elected. Not only didn't I support Obama, I'm not even registered to vote. The point is that when it comes to politics, employers can do anything they choose.
Most NFL players are not paid millions and the average time in the league is only three years. And this is after many many years of these people putting their bodies at risk for no money at all. So these are not pampered people. They work very hard at what they do and assume enormous risk to themselves. True nobody asks them to do it. However I think it is hardly a coincidence that the majority of NFL and NBA players are black. In our society, black people simply have fewer options and roll models-Thanks to continued discrimination in employment, education, housing and law enforcement. If people think discrimination against black people is a thing of the past, they simply are not paying attention. I applaud these fine athletes for taking a stand to draw attention to these issues. All Trump did was highlight the issue even more.
9
You have to wonder where The President draws his knowledge to comment on rule changes that are "ruining the game"
Perhaps it comes from his stellar record as an owner?
One of his multiple bankruptcies.
Tool
Perhaps it comes from his stellar record as an owner?
One of his multiple bankruptcies.
Tool
5
One wonders what the descents of 600,000 casualties of Civil War make of this, fighting a dying to end slavery and preserve the United States and the Stars and Stripes, counts for little versus the gesture politics, it never happened, barely acknowledged, where is the understanding, Trump was wrong but to take it out on America's symbol many will object.
1
This President clearly believes in divide and conquer and so far it has worked for him, but not for anyone else...which is horrifying when you consider he should be looking for ways to unite us. With everything going on he finds time to (in an obsessive way) focus on stuff that has nothing to do with him -- an obvious diversion that works every time. Shame on him and shame on us too
2
The NFL puts injured soldiers on display to demonstrate their commitment but takes no action to the address the disrespectful actions of its players. Let them volunteer a few hours in a VA hospital that will change their minds.
If you think NFL viewership is down now wait and see how it further declines over the course of the season. Our loved ones served in WWI, WWII, Korean , Vietnam, et al . Why support someone that disrespects the sacrifices of others.
2
Donald Trump is not a thinking man. He acts almost purely on instinct and impulse. I generally assume that he simply says or does whatever occurs to him at any given moment. I think that was true for his original comments in Alabama on Friday, but since then, he has done an expert job of using the controversy to rile up his base, and provoke his detractors.
He said, with a straight face, that his comments have nothing to do with race, after spending all weekend attacking the NFL and NBA. He then went on to praise NASCAR as an example of loyal, and resepectful "real" Americans, despite the fact that the confedrate battle flag is proudly displayed at many of their events. In this particular instance, he knows EXACTLY what he's doing, who he's doing it to, and who he is doing it for. In my life, I have never witnessed any president, from either party, that was as unqualified and undeserving of the job as this man.
4
Again, Trump finds a way to divert attention from the things that really matter (and for which he has no coherent plan): the devastation in Puerto Rico, the crisis with North Korea, health care. And the news media continue to focus on the shiny object, as they have since the beginning of his electoral campaign.
I'm fully expecting to hear about HS students taking a knee during the pledge of allegiance in homeroom. Here' the scoop; teachers and principals take note.
The United States Supreme Court first decided students’ rights regarding the Pledge of Allegiance actually originated in West Virginia. The case was West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943). In that case, the Supreme Court struck down a resolution that allowed schools to expel students who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance on the basis that refusing to stand constituted an act of insubordination. The Court held that forcing students to stand for the Pledge constituted compelled speech and violated the First Amendment.
Following Barnette and other related cases, the following guidelines are clear:
1.Schools cannot require students to recite the Pledge or stand for the Pledge (including standing silently while other students recite the Pledge).
2.Students cannot be required to leave the room while other students recite the Pledge, obtain parental approval to be exempt from reciting the Pledge, or explain or justify themselves if they choose not to recite the Pledge.
3.To be entirely clear, schools may wish to inform students that they have the right not to participate in the Pledge. Even if they do not, teachers may not lecture students about patriotism or respect for the flag or the like if a student refuses to stand, as a way to influence students to participate.
3
Look at the state of our schools today. Maybe there's a link to permissive attitudes emboldened by such nonsense. My high public school (Class of 76) required standing during the Anthem and 100% participation in the ASVAB test. I must have met my recruiter in the hallways a dozen times over my junior and senior years.
There is no doubt that in the USA anyone and everyone has a right to react to the flag and anthem as they please, even to disrespect them. Some may regard that as a legitimate protest and others may not. But, it's a free country.
However, if business owners choose to display the flag and play the anthem at their events, they and their employees should show them due respect by standing with their right hand over their heart. If they can't do that, don't display the flag and don't play the anthem.
However, if business owners choose to display the flag and play the anthem at their events, they and their employees should show them due respect by standing with their right hand over their heart. If they can't do that, don't display the flag and don't play the anthem.
3
Thank you Alejandro Villanueva. You are a true hero--a man with integrity and respect for your country and its flag.
3
The show starts when the players come out of the tunnel onto the field for the start of the game. Part of the show is playing the national anthem and showing respect to the flag as a symbol of the country it represents. The country is the entire population "We the people". Not participating properly is a distraction from the show.
I would recommend the NFL, NBA, and I guess now the MLB just do away with playing the national anthem. They don't deserve to have it as part of their show.
4
While I'm not commenting on whether the players actions are justified, we should note that to a man they won't have to apply for their individual States unemployment benefits! If there is one thing I've learned in my sixty odd years, is that when you have big money, you can practically say or do what you want, especially in the political sphere!!!
2
Why exactly are we playing the national anthem at the start of a professional football game? What exactly is the point? We've already had years of inappropriate behavior amongst the fans - talking, laughing, etc - while it's being played. Let's just drop it altogether.
6
My thoughts exactly. Why should football/baseball/any sport be politicized? There are plenty of legitimate places and times to salute our flag, a sports game almost seems blasphemous to me.
All of this "outrage" towards the NFL players expressed on Facebook and by the President leaves me wondering. When sitting at home in front of the television on game day, do they put down the beer, pizza or hot wings, iPhone and stand when the national anthem is played? Does their living room come to a hushed silence?
5
Whether you agree with or do not agree with the methods used by the NFL players, coaches and owners to express their views on the treatment of people of color in this country, it is their Constitutional right to do so. Our current Supreme Court (the Roberts Court) has deemed it legally protected speech to burn the American flag, an act that is much more controversial than kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem. Whether you agree with the act or not, it IS a legally protected act of free speech protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution. President Trump is in DIRECT violation of his oath of office when he condemns such actions and suggests that these people should be punished for expressing their opinions in a peaceful, legal manner. The Executive Branch is charged with enforcing the laws of the country beginning with the Constitution. As a result, his actions should be deemed impeachable offenses and the House and Senate should be about THEIR business.
5
Jesse Melendez, 29, of Dix Hills, N.Y.; Je’anna Pulistar, 29, of Lindenhurst, N.Y.; Roger Guevara, 29, of Yonkers; and Genesis Pineda, 27, of Yonkers, took the opposing view by supporting the N.F.L. players’ right to protest during the anthem.
“People don’t get mad when people are shot or killed, but they’re getting mad because a football player is kneeling or raising a fist,”
Bravo, Misters Melendez, and others who support our most cherished right: to protest peacefully.
1
Something I learned in boot camp: just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.
Fyodor, the problem is that racism is not a federal policy. Nor is police brutality a federal policy. These protests are mis-directed at federal targets, when the true guilty parties remain invisible under this distracting controversy. In the meantime, youth and children are being conditioned by their gridiron heroes that whatever they disagree with, maybe even if it is a local or provincial issue, it is okay to disrespect the symbols of our nation.
2
17 tweets over the weekend about football and nothing about the terrible tragedy for American citizens of Puerto Rico. Pathetic loser clown creep "president".
17
President Trump gets to use his bully pulpit to express his views; why shouldn't the NFL players get to use their bully pulpit to express their views?
8
Some people want to "militarize" our sports programs into absurdity, and our supposed president wants to try to force people how to think and what to say. Well, I guess I was "militarized" as a combat infantryman in VN, and although that gives me no more voice than anyone else I will say I'm tired of all the posturing and parading of pseudo-patriotism at every sporting event I attend. And I am tired of people complaining about protests they don't even understand; these athletes are not being unpatriotic, they are simply drawing attention to the continuing racism, social inequities and social ills that continue to demean our country's supposed ideals of democracy for all. And I guess if it's important that a 97-year-old WWII vet supports the protests, then I'm all in with him as a 68-year-old VN vet. They have a voice and a valid point - the poor excuse we have as a president does not...he will not "force" me or anyone else to stand and give a straight-armed Nazi-style salute to a symbol. I will stand for a song when I decide to do it, not when a demagogue and his ignorant minions try to demand it.
23
September 25, 2015
Okay so the score is nothing nothing - except for the finale solution Trump to issued his Exec tyrant order for a gag order on media televising the show of demonstration by any and all that doesn't make America Great Again.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
2
We've got serious problems with North Korea and Puerto Rico and maybe still in Houston and Florida but Trump says "Look! A squirrel!" and everyone focuses on football. Geez!
8
Now we can all empathize with the north Koreans, who know what it's like to be led by a childish loser.
Kaepernick for President!
8
Maybe Trump should reread the First Amendment. Oh wait, he has read only the Second Amendment. So for homework tonight he should read the First Amendment and pull up the video of him taking the oath of office, something about defending the Constitution. But I doubt this will change the mind of a power hungry, pathological Lying, Narcissistic, Racist, Bully.
8
Wow, a bunch of multimillionaire football players against a billionaire president. What a vaudevillesque story. The best part is that these multimillionaire men are protesting discrimination, when 70% of the NFL is black. Hmmm.... I get that its supposed to be about police brutality, but we all know that the only color that really matters anymore is green.
Im fine with people protesting discrimination. Im not going to really be moved if the protestors make more per game than Ill make in 5 years of work, and if their industry vastly overrepresents black people. I mean, it seems to me like the NFL discriminates in favor of blacks, unless of course you are willing to believe that blacks and whites actually might be genetically different and that on average black men are taller, stronger, and better than white men at football, as well as every other sport.
11
Green is not the only color that matters when it comes to police brutality, and making lots of money does not heal a denial of one's dignity. This is not about the money, it's about inequality in treatment at the hand of police (the State). Football is mostly black because that's who is in the pipeline, and pipelines are often filled by people who participate. Most of my middle and upper middle class friends won't even let their sons play football anymore.
1
What they have in their wallets is irrelevant . do you not see that they are focusing on race relations and policy as a whole ?
Interesting to see how many NFL players share Colin Kaepernick's disrespect for and contempt of the United States. Kaepernick's feelings have nothing to do with Donald Trump. He feels the United States, and particularly the police, oppress black people. He compared the white owner of a football team to a slave owner. His heroes are apparently Malcolm X and, rather oddly, Fidel Castro.
In that way, Colin Kaepernick is like the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, who preached that instead of "God Bless America" it should be "God [Darn] America". Both men are right that blacks face a lot of social problems. But so do a lot of other Americans.
Rage and resentment don't solve any problems. They generate rage and resentment in return. Same with respect. Show a little respect, and you get it in return.
9
No one pays attention to "showing a little respect" unless it is juxtaposed against a backdrop of rage and resentment. Review the sweep of history and prove that I am wrong.
Pittsburgh’s Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger who had served in Afghanistan, was seen inside the tunnel during the song, his hand over his heart. Pat Tillman quit the NFL and died in service.
Most of these kneelers are college dropouts. Most have never done a 'ride along' with their local police. They are rabblerousers, lemmings and cowards.
9
Pat Tillman was famously a liberal, and MANY service people have absolutely no problem with these peaceful protests. It's very easy to avoid the issue by conflating issues. Many of these guys don't need to do a 'ride along' with their local police - they come from those areas, and they know that bad policing has ramifications.
2
So many people are expressing their outrage over these players and their actions. What baffles me is that these same "outraged patriots" who are so loudly denouncing these players were eerily silent after the footage in Charlottesville, where White Supremacists were chanting "Jews will not replace us." Wasn't that outrageous, anti-American and offensive? Yet it was chalked up to just a bunch of people (some very "fine", per DJT) exercising their freedom of speech. I don't recall an uproar of concern from them about those protesters disrespecting the Jews serving in our military, Jewish first responders, etc. The hypocrisy is deafening.
10
I wonder what Trump would have said about Rosanne's singing of the National Anthem at the San Diego baseball game? He probably would have invited her to the White House!
2
I'm revealing my age here, but I remember in the 1960s and 1970s black athletes using medal ceremonies and anthems to protest treatment of blacks. The "black power salute" at the 1968 Olympics in particular comes to mind.
Is that form of protest appropriate? I don't think so. Such a protest stereotypes fellow Americans as evil oppressors. Blacks do not want to be stereotyped as criminals and lazy. Why do the same to others? If you want to be a part of America, show some respect to the country as a concept. If you don't want to be a part of America, leave.
8
"If you want to be part of America..." Yo, John Smithson, Blacks are already part of America. If YOU want to be part of America, maybe YOU need to update your concept of "country as a concept."
Or stay, and exercise your freedoms that are guaranteed to everyone, regardless of what other Americans think or say.
Love it or leave? Peaceful Protesters should leave the country?
Are you confusing America with North Korea?
He was in the entertainment business too long and is still driving the entire globe to a reality show. Too old to get a therapy already.
Shocking that NHL and Nascar, two extremely white sports, will not tolerate protests. The NFL on the other hand, makes it money on the backs of black bodies. The fans that "want to get away from politics" obviously don't have black sons- if they did they would understand that when you're black in America, there's no "getting away from". Instead of worrying about politics encroaching on their game, they would be worried about how to keep their sons safe.
4
As his behavior becomes more an more reprehensible and disgraceful day after day, week after week, month after month...WHEN will the GOP "lawmakers" say ENOUGH? They are allowing this amoral imbecile to destroy the values of this country, the unity of this country, the safety/security of this country, and the reputation of this country. For what? Their own power and income? It's truly unfathomable that anyone, truly anyone doesn't see how unfit and inept is the monster in the white house.
3
I really feel for them...a significant number grew up on the taxpayer's dime, then college...another freebee...and now playing in taxpayer funded stadiums, but not for long (NFL).
Panama has virtually no handouts...you earn your keep, and surprisingly enough a very nice peaceful culture for the most part, no knockout game, no kneeling by the pro athletes...what did we do wrong??¡¡
3
Perhaps if Mr. Trump ever read the Beatitudes in the New Testament, he might one day come across the Words of Jesus, "Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
2
Trump did not protest or support the Vietnam War, he ran from it. That act is a sign of disrespect to our country and our flag. Now he acts like a man of courage, when he has nothing to lose, and he doesn't have to put anything on the line. The actions of a coward.
Our NFL players are courageous and are Americans. Something Trump cannot claim, but he would like us to believe that he possesses those character traits.
2
Enough with the anthem protests. We have people in Puerto Rico that we can't communicate with. They have no power, no water, no food. Let's get our priorities straight. Let's spend as much time talking about what the government and agencies are doing for them. 45 has a way of diverting everyone's attention from critical issues to something that raises everyone's ire and divides us more. Don't get me wrong... the protests need to happen. The violence against people of color must stop. It's unconscionable. It's heartbreaking that justice is not forthcoming for families that have lost loved ones needlessly.
Focus people. Healthcare is up for a vote. People are in dire circumstances in Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands... not to mention Florida and Texas. We have enough on our plate. Let's see a different front page headline.... something like "Puerto Rico- here's what's happening, here's what we're doing to help, here's what you can do to help"...
6
Unfortunately, it's ALL happening - at once.
1
I saw a t-shirt yesterday: "stand for the flag, kneel for the fallen" with a picture of a soldier kneeling. I wondered if the wearer intended the message I got: that those kneeling for the anthem/flag ARE kneeling for the fallen, those killed unjustly by the police who are then not held to account for their actions. Remember the police in St Louis last week chanting "whose streets? Our Streets!" We are living in scary times. I applaud these athletes.
5
The NFL has made it's bed. Now let them lie in it. Football has no friends on the left, but the owners and their lackey, Goodell, don't realize that yet. By the time they do, the league will be on the rocks. These miscreants are employees of an organization. That organization has the absolute right to dictate behavior at the workplace. The fact that none, except from what I understand, Jerry Jones of the Cowboys have, tells you all you need to know. I watch my home teams game. That's it, nothing else.
4
SHAME on the disrespect to the anthem, flag, and country shown by these overpaid "jocks," their unions, some team owners, and the NFL by "taking a knee" or supporting it.
As a child - and later through 33 years wearing US military uniform - I learned to stand for the National Anthem. Period.
6
SHAME on my country for paying for 33 years pension to someone who doesn't understand for what the uniform stands.
1
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it". Mark Twain
1
Apparently, you never had reason to believe this country had little regard for you. What a privilege.
At a small college where I taught, the school was honoring someone from Brazil, so the small band played the national anthem of Brazil, and then they played the US national anthem. When they were finished, the president of the college thanked the small band for playing a new US national anthem: "God Bless America." Most people did not notice the difference. The small band was made up of all Afro-American members, so maybe they were protesting over twenty years ago.
2
Haven't watched a pro football game in 40 years.
Enjoying my runs on empty streets every fall Sunday afternoon.
2
“If I were king, I would not allow people to go around burning the American flag. However, we have a First Amendment, which says that the right of free speech shall not be abridged ― and it is addressed in particular to speech critical of the government. That was the main kind of speech that tyrants would seek to suppress.” — Antonin Scalia, Trump’s proclaimed all-time favorite justice.
Now, this isn’t even about burning the flag, but simply not standing in front of it, hand on heart. Seems to me Scalia just called Trump a tyrant from the grave.
4
For everyone up in arms about kneeling during the National Anthem as an avenue of protest:
What is the right way to protest? What is the right way to gain attention to racial injustice and police brutality in our country? Would you and will you listen if people take another tactic or try to speak with you about this issue?
I think it's all too convenient to pick apart the method as a means to diminish the message.
I saw a quote today that resonated with current events:
"Thinking NFL players are 'protesting the flag' is like thinking Rosa Parks was protesting public transportation".
Don't change the subject, and by the way - protesting is within every American's rights. Don't tread on THAT.
6
I think of those on a knee as praying during the anthem. It is not disrespect, it could be even more respect. To pray that the nation it stands for will support what the Constitution says about equal rights and the right to make your voice heard. I think those, including the current President, who object may be feeling guilt for what the kneeling means not that they plan to do anything about it as they are likely the ones doing it. Regularly, people of color are discriminated against and killed and no fault is found with it. Attitudes of police and people continue from generation to generation unless a person realizes the old way is wrong. We either relish the past or welcome the future. We don't stand still. We are learning what electing a President that treasures the past with all its prejudices and misuse of people means. I feel it is like he is standing with the crowds in ancient Rome wanting to see all those rounded up and accused of being Christians be killed in ways that most entertain the viewers. The football players mean nothing to him nor do the people they are demonstrating in support of. He does not see them as citizens or people, just ones that must please the dictator which he conceives himself to be.
3
"Mr. Trump, in a speech on Friday and a weekend-long series of tweets, had all but baited athletes and the league to respond by saying that those who do not stand for the anthem should be fired. He added that the league was in decline for tolerating the protests and for taking steps to reduce brain damage among players."
Why is it "all but baited" instead of just "baited" or "dared"?
2
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. ~Mark Twain
The Vietnam War changed what it means to be a patriot...there are numerous parallels between that era and the present. It appears that we have not learned much in 50 years.
2
No, in spite of being 'patriotic', when Vietnam was going on, black people were still struggling to get the vote in many parts of the country. The experiences are just not the same.
The president has said that players who kneel are disrespecting the American flag. In the end, isn't the important thing behind the flag the freedom to kneel in protest of it? Either he is missing the larger picture, or he is creating another smoke screen of us vs. them while actual policy happens in the background.
2
It is common practice in youth sports to take a knee when a player is injured on the field. Taking a knee seems the perfect symbolic gesture at this time. Our great country is fractured, injured and in pain. I am as patriotic as the next person and believe I am defending the values of my country (and honoring my flag) when I protest.
9
I find the president's language offensive and unworthy of the office he holds.
The respectful heart felt eloquence of these large men has been astounding to me.
I haven't sen a interview with one of them that I would not share with a child, not so with the presidents language and demeanor.
2
Worshiping symbols such as the flag and anthem is pure surface, pure pageantry. No wonder Trump loves them.
Standing up for one's beliefs in order to make the country better is true patriotism. It's what our country was founded on. Both the flag and the anthem have changed. The spirit of the United States has always been the same.
1
It's also pure idolatry, and, for those that care, proscribed by the 10 commandments.
These players and people peacefully kneeling to express an opinion should be respected by all.
Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan once wrote: ..."But if the citizens are educated and form their own opinions, then those in power work for us. In every country, we should be teaching our children the scientific method and the
reasons for a Bill of Rights. With it comes a certain decency, humility and community spirit. In the demon-haunted world that we inhabit by virtue of being human, this may be all that stands between us and the enveloping darkness." ("Real patriots ask questions" chapter 25 in "The Demon Haunted World).
4
Until they get to the root causes of the problem nothing will be solved. Education (I don't blame the teachers for the poor education in the minority communities but I do blame them for being against charter schools), high crime and drugs which result in frequent interaction with the Police Solving these problems hopefully will result in good job and opportunities and a better understanding between the races.
1
Chill out, people, it's just a song. And not even a particularly good one.
6
How can a football TEAM function when ' special ' individuals are allowed to publicly disrespect our national Anthem ? Talk about divisive. Aren't the owners and coaches concerned about this effect on their teams success ?
1
NO.
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. ~Mark Twain
What could be a more perfect place and time to peacefully protest injustice and inequality than when acknowledging our flag, to which we pledge " with liberty and justice for all."
Trump's filthy attack on Black athletes reeks of "departed" Steve Bannon.
2
Don't be distracted by these vulgar Trump tweets, they are but the latest in a now readily apparent pattern.
Trump is a hustler and con-artist. He is masterfully pulling our attention away from headlines that should be fatal wounds to his presidency. The entire Trump campaign was built upon sloppy email practices of his opponent and there are breaking stories about his immediate family mirroring such email behaviors. So he has pulls out the information weapon of choice and shouts fire in the crowded stadium at the top of his lungs. And like the rubes we all are, we run around in chaos missing the now small headlines that are the important news.
21
The FBI launched a criminal investigation into Hillary Clinton's email because the inspectors general for intelligence and the State Department reported that some of her emails contained classified information that was not treated properly. The FBI found that her email practices were improper, but decided that she should not be charged.
Jared Kushner used a private email to respond to some government business emails that were sent by others to that private email address. There is nothing sloppy or improper about that. He was perfectly free to do it.
What exactly is the headline you think we should be focusing on?
2
So when those NASCAR fans wave a flag other than the American flag at a sporting event, they are super patriotic but when someone else bends a knee to make a political point (the MOST protected kind of speech) he is a rank traitor who also deserves to lose a private sector contract to play a game? Oooo Kaaay.
12
This taking a knee and claiming it is about Trump is a disgrace. The flag is not Trump. The anthem is not Trump. Those players are showing contempt for the US, a country where they are all making millions. If they want to protest Trump, then make that clear. Cary a sign, say it, write it, or contribute some of your big money to an organization that is outspokenly ant-Trump. The Democratic party would be a good start.
17
NY Times hate to include you in this, but the American media is allowing Trump and his supporters to frame all of this as a protest against the flag and anthem and not against injustice.
Don't lose sight of how and why this all started and most certainly don't allow Trump to frame the issue as he is attempting to.
18
Amen to that! I agree with the players but this is now becoming the issue and not for issue they are protesting: injustice to segments of our population. this is all being lost in the shuffle.
I personally support President Trump 100% as do most fellow Americans that are in my immediate circle of friends, family and business associates. Trump is simply voicing what most Americans think and feel. Why is "racism" thrown into EVERY single issue? This has nothing to do with "racism" and I'm sick and tired of hearing about it! This is the first time I've posted a public opinion but I'm hoping more Americans will do the same. We LOVE our country and if you don't then LEAVE!! This is one Texas girl that won't be tailgating or contributing to any any NFL sponsored product or event.
9
sounds as if you'd prefer a country where everyone thinks the same and supports their 'leader' 100%.
even in north korea, president kim 'only' gets 99.5% of the vote at elections.
but, if you're looking for a country such as the one you envision, there's a start ...
you're asking the wrong people to move.
6
I guess that these players are protesting racial inequality seems to be lost on you. I am sure that you and your close friends live in a perfect world and that somehow these protest are encroaching on your perfect little world. I would suggest that you open your eyes and minds to what is going on in the real world out there.
4
This is COMPLETELY about racism. Stop changing the subject. The flag and anthem is just a vehicle to get more attention on this issue.
1
The problem here is that the players have no definite way to stop kneeling or protesting. There is no milestone or marker that measures progress on ending racism and police brutality. There is no end game to this plan. So it just becomes a "hate America" campaign. Who will be the first black player to re-stand during the national anthem? There will never be enough progress because liberals have no end game to their plans. They ALWAYS want more. Seems like a lose lose situation.
9
Exactly. What's supposed to happen next and by whom? I'm a Black man and I find that this particular protest act is somehow not what it means to "outsmart" the situation.
So you see actually getting justice as impossible? Something that is not desirable. I guess I believe in an old school philosophy that you can't get enough justice. If you somehow see that everything is OK in our society and racism is dead, then I see your point. I don't see it that way. We have gotten better, no question about, we have come a long way, but we are nowhere near where we ought to be.
@Patrick McCord
You are wrong. Police could stop shooting unarmed black men, that would be a milestone worth celebrating. Liberals want all the rights enjoyed by other Americans. Dylan Roof shot dead 9 people in a church, but when he was captured he was taken to a Burger King. Do you think that would have happened to a black murderer?
Kneeling is the posture of prayer. And yet the possibility that kneeling during the national anthem may actually indicate respect has not occurred to the president or his band of so-called patriots. “The Star-Spangled Banner” refers, of course, to the American flag. Those who rise, hand over heart, rarely attend to the words; most are unaware that there other verses. They fail to recognize—despite the recurring, rising “land of the free”—that our anthem is a battle hymn. Dissent is not disrespect. Kneeling with hand over heart or in a fist is not showing disrespect but honoring—and fighting for—the values on which the nation was founded. They above all belong in this home of the brave, not the hypocrites who condemn them. Remember those who rejected the injection of “under God” in the pledge? They were simply atheists or agnostics or non-Christians, not traitors. Amen.
5
Good grief, why are we giving this so much press when Trump is systematically marching us to our doom. By letting him create controversy we and MSM are allowing him to control the conversation while he forges ahead with his goal of restricting immigration and goads North Korea into war. Yesterday I could not find any news on the NYTimes site concerning the US flying bombers off the coast of North Korea. But I sure could find articles about whether people were or were not kneeling for the National Anthem.
8
Trump is reaping what he has sown during the previous administration, during his campaign and since the beginning of his administration. Hopefully no more pass for his deviant behavior.
Why are national anthems performed at sporting events in the first place?
6
Good Gravy - yet another non-issue from a draft dodger who became president. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/02/us/politics/donald-trump-draft-record...
This issue had worked itself out. The player in question no longer plays on a team. The new stuff is simply old-fashioned racism in a new bow.
I do understand his appeal to some. Perhaps the president could focus on important and real issues, such as North Korea.
5
President Dotard, Chicken-Hawk-Bone-Spurs, Putin's Puppet, dares to speak of patriotism. He's the biggest threat to the USA since the Civil War. Of course he is also the darling of the successors-in-interest to the secessionist states. Thus his assault on black athletes. His penchant for nursing grudges is probably also part of the mix, given the NFL's rejection of his franchise request over 30 years ago. Kudos to the NFL players who stand up against The Travesty who occupies The White House, and who support one another and their communities.
3
There is an old saying - " follow the money ".
The biggest selling NFL jersey is now Alejandro Villanueva.
'Nuff said.
6
Ahem: Yesterday it was reported that Jared Kushner used a private email account for government business.
Somehow that got swept away by this football story.
Donald thought his opponent Hillary Clinton needed to be locked up for a private email acct. Maybe we can get to the bottom of Jared's email account.
13
I've never heard of a politician coming out against football, what's next, Apple pie and motherhood?
"Peaches are the true American fruit, am I right? And Motherhood, don't get me started. Those women get so fat."
1
Many more Presidents should have spoken out about the game. It's a brutal farce of a sport.
The Packers' Ty Montgomery said it best when he wrote on his blog, "It’s certainly more American to protest than to advocate for the suppression of protests."
8
Former NASA African-American astronaut's Leland Melvin's words to Trump are a must read...an excerpt-he reminds us:
"Our National Anthem has been edited to try not to offend, because when Francis Scott Key penned the song he watched freed slaves fighting for the British and wrote this stanza":
“And where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a Country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
https://boingboing.net/2017/09/23/lelandmelvin.html
5
The protests started with Colin Kaepernick as a means to highlight repeated incidents of police brutality, with fatalities, and no one held accountable for the growing list of victims. The public recently had the occasion to see that protesters (some with Nazi signage and armbands) armed to the teeth in the streets of Charlottesville have nothing to fear from police - no arrest record, no orders to dissipate, no restrictions.
Adding individual opinions on patriotism and respect for the flag to the on-going insults and war of words creates a drift away from the protest's purpose. The conversation is shifting, but the protests are still about the same issue as before.
1
I never thought people would be "Monday morning quarterbacking" the comments of Donald Trump instead of how the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, or any of the other NFL teams played the game yesterday.
2
This is exactly why Putin picked Trump to be our president. Patriotism, religion and race are the three classic wedges dictators use to divide people and Trump is using all three. Putin's ultimate goal is create a civil war in the US. Don't go there.
10
Standing for the national anthem is not political correctness, it is simple good manners and common courtesy. Whatever happened to the "new civility" Democrats allegedly wanted?
Deliberately, showily disrespecting the national anthem is not a political statement, it is not dissent, it is not patriotic, it is simple boorishness by someone who lacks the necessaries to come up with an actual political effort of substance. It is done as an insult, to provoke.
Well, I'm insulted. It worked.
For Trump to tell people like me that my feelings are legitimate is perfectly appropriate. President Trump is quite right. Those boorish followers should be fired.
6
@Edmund Dantes
The national anthem is not being disrespected just because you or Trump says that it is. What about those lives being taken by policemen, are those lives being disrespected?
1
Let's fire Trump for faking his bone spurs to get out of military service if you want to take this to its logical conclusion.
It works both ways.
1
then you must have been driven round the twist by the guy with the 'we stand with trump' sign wearing his hat during the anthem.
but, i see you've vented all your spleen and are waiting to recharge before attacking his boorish behaviour.
don't worry, i'll be patient and await your next installment.
Football fans who point to a need for a "separation between politics and sports" need to recognize that athletes of color do not have this luxury. Not having to think about politics isn't reasonable for African-Americans who do not feel fairly protected by the laws and those who enforce them.
11
Do those laws include domestic violence as well?
2
Amen! No justice, no peace - it's just that simple.
To those people who claimed, and still claim, that President Obama was the most divisive president in history. This despite repeated efforts by him to reach across the aisle. This despite the leaders of the opposition saying their in 2010 that their primary goal was to make Obama a one-term president (McConnell) and, with regard to the president's agenda, “We're going to do everything — and I mean everything we can do — to kill it, stop it, slow it down, whatever we can.” (Boehner) Neither a clarion call for bipartisanship.
You want to know how a divisive president actually acts and sounds? Look no further than the current occupant of the White House.
10
Trump gives new meaning to the "Bully Pulpit." Hard to imagine how anyone who has read about police violence and decisions by the judicial system against our Black neighbors can possibly do anything but respect the rights of players who make a non-violent protest.
5
I've been away from football since the NFL players had decided to use their wives/girlfriends/ex's as tackling dummies, and have found numerous other reasons as well.
That said....
I applaud the NFL for allowing the display of free speech that was shown this past weekend. Bravo.
7
Have you notices that unfortunately our law enforcement officers are responsible for a good share of domestic violence as well ?
As we all see, the anthem issue is complicated. It is as complicated as US History and its treatment of non-white immigrants. The many who see it as an affront to US by those who decide to take a knee have not, nor will they ever, walk in the shoes of those who are mistreated or feel they are historically mistreated under the eyes of law enforcement and other agencies. We have learned through Civil Rights time when African American soldiers were being asked to fight for a country where they were also required to enter through a back door. Symbolism of the knee is intended to shine a light on this mistreatment. It is not intended nor should it be interpreted as a slap to those who sacrificed to maintain the freedoms we have here in the US.
8
Why protest the flag and anthem to fight for a social cause? Why bring Trump in the flag and anthem protest to fight for a social cause... even if the former made a little sense, the latter is non-sensical? Frankly, if players do not want to pay respect to the flag or anthem, NFL owners just need to stop using flag and anthem before their games. Nowhere is it written that flag and anthem HAS to be presented even if it means dishonoring them. Its like calling someone over for dinner and then kicking them out. Why call them in the first place? These millionaire players and their billionaire President can take their fight out of the field to where it belongs... and please leave the flag and anthem out of it leaving these symbols to where they belong, in the realms of honor and respect.
3
After watching football Sunday I tuned in to the Vietnam documentary on PBS. I was struck by the interview with the African American marine who, on his return home after heroically fighting for his country, could not get a cab driver to pick him up at the airport. That brought home again the importance of the message that African American athletes are conveying. I despair for our country when I read so many comments that value superficial "patriotism" over justice. I wonder how many of these people would, in other contexts, have supported dictators and demagogues out of shallow patriotism.
11
I suspect they would have supported dictators and demagogues just as Germans did in the Thirties, prior to WWII.
1
Trump didn't need to use the power of the Presidency to turn this into an issue. A few athletes quietly protesting was not something he needed to comment on in any way. He chose to be divisive and inflammatory. He is destructive to the fabric of our country at every level.
8
Many people, Trump supporters mostly, have commented that football players have no right to comment on the plight of victimized people of color because they “make millions of dollars to play a game.” We could say the same about this President, who wasted a weekend race baiting the NFL instead of dealing with the plight of millions of Puerto Ricans who are now without water, power and other vital necessities in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Like players in the NFL, Trump is playing a game, playing at being a leader, just like he played a successful business man on “Apprentice.” Unlike most players in the NFL, he did not earn his millions, he inherited a fortune from his father, squandered it in bankruptcy, before he got the Apprentice gig. Most football players did not inherit their money, they earned it. I am no great lover of football, but I do have respect for the physical endurance of these players, even as I have serious criticisms about the nature of the game and the hazards to the bodies and brains of the players. These players, many of whom are people of color, seem well placed to act as inspiration and role models for their communities and many, including Colin Kaepernick, do contribute money and time to worthy causes. So I would say they have every right to take a stand on issues that directly affect people of color, and I support their willingness to take a stand against the words of a President who has revealed himself to be blatantly racist and divisive.
11
This will insure that Trump supporters show up at the polls when needed. That's the whole purpose.
5
I hope they stay home.
Thank you to our sportsmen, our Hollywood stars and our journalists for standing up to this President and his administration which every day has made America fall deeper into a nightmare I would never have thought existed when I emigrated to this country. The heroes who are kneeling during the National Anthem are not disrespectful to their country and that for which it stands. They are silently protesting the dark clouds that are hovering over this nation. It is time for Americans to protest this administration and what it stands for because all it has done since January 20th is divide and conquer. As a citizen of France and the USA, I refuse to be divided from the rest of the nation and I refuse to be conquered by Trump and his cronies. This man is a "clear and present danger to his country and to the world". If the silent protests that are erupting around the whole country are not enough, the people who feel that their Democracy is in danger may have to resort to stronger, loud and maybe violent protests. We need to get rid of this bully who is rude, and shows no respect for those who don't side with him and it is not like Congress is going to help us!
2
I was happy that someone (Trump) said what I was thinking when it came to this kneel downs in the NFL. As someone that grew up loving football, I feel like the love affair is finished. I'll find something else to do on Sundays. Like read the NYTimes!
3
Once again, we see that Trump has got to make everything about himself. Perhaps now, by elevating Colin Kaepernick in stature while simultaneously making taking a knee a referendum on his own attempts to deprive US citizens of their constitutional rights, he will come to understand how little respect citizens actually have for him because he as so demeaned the office of president. Me, I'm just waiting for the start of the NBA season...
2
Flags and anthems are symbols of patriotism. In the United States, patriotism includes the right to protest against injustice, protest against discrimination and even protest against a misguided President.
8
Entertainer's salaries (football, basketball, baseball, soccer, etc are all entertainment) depend upon the largesse of team owners, fans in the seats of stadiums, and revenue from television advertising. A visible decline in fans in the stadium seats would substantially effect national television sponsors' willingness to participate in televising games with visible (empty seats) & a declining fan base. Television advertising would eventually be dominated by local TV advertising (Tom's custom windows, Joe's windshield glass repair, etc.) The peak of sport's figures salaries may be now and substantially decline with the loss of national television revenue; i.e., the current $14 million dollar/year starting quarterback's salary may decline to $1 million/yr. The kneeling players, taking the non-kneeling players along with them, are placing their future salaries on the line along with a declining fan interest leaving owners stuck with very expensive contracts which they will shed in a heartbeat during training season; cities with long term very expensive sport's venues; sport apparel and memorabilia short of revenue expectations, etc. Players are likely killing the golden goose of professional sports which in turn impact feeder sports organizations like college sports. There are current & former Marines, Army grunts, Air Force, Navy and many others won't take kindly to their sacrifice being disrespected. Denigrating a significant fan base, sports players will Inherit the Wind.
5
Why are they even having the national anthem played at professional sports events? They don't play the anthem daily when I go to work. The players are not representing our country, like in the Olympics, but are employees of a corporation with a mainly financial motivation that uses the anthem as part of their marketing and to attract a certain customer loyalty. There is no other reason for it to be there. You would think conservatives would want to keep government out of areas like this.
7
I completely agree with the right of football players as well as ANY other person to be able to protest by doing whatever they want during the national anthem. But, I disagree with doing it while at work. One cardinal rule of getting along at work is to avoid discussion of politics and religion.
Those NFL players are at work and should follow expected rules while at work, including standing for the national anthem. The minute that they aren't at work, such as before and after they are 'at work' in the stadium, they are free to engage in any protest of their choosing. This isn't a free speech issue; it's an issue of your rights while at work, which are limited. If it wasn't for their special skills, they would be fired for this act of protest while at work; a luxury that most of us cannot afford to engage in.
3
They are under contract, contracts which don't limit their exercise of free speech on the field in that area. Get the facts first.
I guess that you didn't read their contracts. There are clauses that refer to behavior in their contracts.
The courage of the athletes who started this growing protest should be recognized. Because these athletes have great wealth and fame, they have everything to lose from engaging in protest. Just ask Colin Kaepernick. They have nothing to gain personally. Instead, they knowingly make themselves vulnerable to the invective of many fans, the media, and the president himself. They do this to stand up for what they feel is right, not for personal gain. What they are doing is not un-American. Rather, it is part of the great American tradition of peaceful protest. I have nothing but admiration for the courage and unity NFL players are showing.
4
I applaud these players and teams for using their celebrity and the media spotlight to protest social injustice. Alas, instead of paying attention to the issues being protested, some are castigating the protestors themselves. And, being the game show host that he is, DT is exacerbating the problem by whipping his fans into a frenzy of patriotic umbrage without once remarking on the substance or the purpose of the protest. Our democratic principles include the right--and the responsibility--to protest when necessary. Protestors are not saying they are against their flag, their anthem, or their country; they are saying they have a right to be included in the promise of "liberty and justice for all."
3
I don't think Trump has ever read the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. Americans should value a right not available in too many countries, including Russia. Trump admires Putin.
I am not normally one for conspiracy theory but in an economy where if you don't grow you die, I can't help but think this was the NFL's last chance to grow. There is no longer anything compelling for me and millions of others about the NFL. For younger people the stats generated fuel their real virtual reality. Viewership is in decline across all demographics and yesterday i actually sat in front of the TV for a few moments on one of the very few hot summer days we experienced this year.
The NFL owners are among the very few Americans who will benefit from the feudal society Trump envisions. In addition the NFL owners are Trump's financial backers who bring Trump's entitlement philosophy into the marketplace.
Am I wrong in seeing a possible collusion between the NFL and the Trump administration to boost interest in the NFL?
We forget our human history and forget gladiators had a longer life expectancy and a higher standard of living than the average Roman. History informs us only of the perspective of those in power.
2
I have persoanlly given this a lot of thought. I concluded, I support what ever cause involves the right to express ones opinions. Using a backdrop of our Flag and our Anthem, is in poor taste. I would ask why can't these causes avoid, millions of a viewing audience, and seek legitimate venues or sanctioned demonstrations.If your paid a bundle to live up to a contract for entertainment, honor your obligation or simply don't show, you won't be missed.
5
Mr. Green - I too have given this issue a lot of thought coupled with the varying comments across the board. I pretty much agree with you on many of your points, especially the use of the flag and national anthem IS in poor taste. However, this country was and is built on one's freedom of speech, even when anti-war demonstrators were burning the U.S. flag (which I found completely appalling). The First Amendment of the United States Constitution declares, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble." We are a country of laws. Just as it is some ball players right to take a knee or sit while the national anthem is playing, so is it our right to disagree with their actions. Apparently, something like respect is a given for folks like me but does not always come into play in others' point of view. Thank you for sharing your comment.
1
The demonstrations Sunday were a start but these are high profile individuals that can do more to denounce this president. I'd like some of the owners and guys like Brady and the Mannings to say I voted for Trump and I'm sorry I did, he doesn't represent the embodiment of the presidency or America.
2
At Trump's core is his need for affirmation and his relentless craving to be liked. He grows more and more angry when pop culture icons publicly defy and shun him. It is a sad day when we look at professional athletes as a better example of leadership than the president of the United States.
4
The players have rights but the fans also have rights. So after the boycott of the NFL results in a dramatic drop in revenue the players and owners can enjoy their rights while they go broke. The owners and players are making a big mistake by taking an entertainment venue and making it a political venue. The data on Sundays game indicate the NFL has picked a fight they cannot win.
5
This is part II of the lefty push to fix America. First, they take down the monuments, next they stop the anthem and patriotic displays in public. I wonder what part III will be? Probably seizing assets.
6
No it started with depriving people of their human status and using them as property. Those were the "America great " days .
We'd be a fantastic country indeed if our well being depended just on keeping monuments to the slaveholding era around for white supremacist worshippers, and questioning the dissonant and immoral lyrics of our national anthem, were the only problems needing to be solved.
Hmm, impeach Trump?! That’d to good.
Those monuments were not displays of patriotism - they were displays of treason.
It's absurd that anyone is offended by someone kneeling during the National Anthem. We kneel in prayer, during wedding vows and to show homage to royalty. Kneeling is a respectful form of protest.
That said, I respect the NFL players for this protest. It is amazing that the POTUS is more concerned with NFL games than helping Puerto Rico recover from hurricane Maria. That deserves major protest in itself!
5
Stop playing the anthem games. Get rid of the Air Force flyovers as well. Or is football a gateway drug to full scale war?
10
That's right, pay attention to this and not the fact that our president likely conspired with a hostile foreign power to derail our democratic process and that the party that currently controls all branches of government is likely going along with it for the ever so noble cause of tax cuts for the wealthy and destroying the legacy of our first black president. Trump isn't good for much but boy is he ever good at distracting us from what really matters.
8
Trump wrapping himself in the flag and cross is too much.
This guy lied and faked a medical condition to NOT serve in Viet Nam.
He said his service was "trying to avoid STDs".
He has no room to advise or chastise anyone.
5
These multi-millionaire crybabies are publicly visable; why don't they put their money where their mouths are. Donate substantial sums to the poor. How many of these multi-millionaires went to college on scholarships, majored in underwater basket weaving and then went on to athletic careers and then, criticize the people who paid for their scholarships?
1
They paid for their scholarships by taking part in games bringing millions to their colleges for TV rights. Get real on the financial aspects. They paid for their scholarships by getting knocked on the field and risking CTE. They overpaid as far as I am concerned.
and if this is true, how is that different than our president? he started off with millions from his father and then made millions more by declaring bankruptcy more than 5 times, stiffed his contractors regularly. his contributions to the poor/needy/good causes were with money from his foundation that others (Not Trump) donated. very little of his own billions are donated to worthy causes, and only.then because he was shamed into it (and monitored by the media to be sure he followed through).This president is NO humanitarian!
I suggest you do a little more research before you find fault with.professional athletes, MANY of whom are true humanitarians.
Are you kidding.
You get to have an opinion as an American whether you have a student loan or whether you have millions. Look no further than our Bozo in Chief who regularly lies and who had to pay back millions to students at his phoney Trump U after he cheated them.
They have the same right he does under our Constitution.
Where is my first comment?? It was my best one; pointing out the hypocrisy of those who speak against the protesting athletes as often supporters of the confederate "stars and bars."
People put effort into their comments and they shouldn't cavalierly tossed aside or ineptly "lost!"
1
This proves your "new and improved" comments system is only "new."
It's all a distraction. Does anyone really think Trump gives a grain of salt about the NFL and the national anthem?
1
Don't worry President Trump, the American people will fire the NFL.
1
While they're on their knees, they should thank God or whoever, for living in a country that has colleges that give a full scholarship to academically deficient kids who can earn millions of dollars playing a game.
1
and maybe that is exactly what they are doing...we kneel 8n prayer don't we ?
1
Those players help colleges bring in millions of dollars from alumni and other donors every year -- they may get scholarships, but it's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what they help schools earn for their athletic programs. And please don't refer to them as academically deficient, that's a vast generalization about which you have no data. Interesting fact: an ex-NFL player just finished his PhD at MIT last year.
I would give you examples but there's not enough room on the page. For every ex NFL player who earned a PHD , there are 10 who are sitting in prison.
So, I guess they can all take a knee and say a prayer, and not get fired? That's free speech isn't it. Anyone have a problem with that? No one has a problem with Tim Tebow, right, you hypocrites. I can't wait to hear the irrationale liberal progressive replies, or simply crickets.
Why is the national anthem played before sports events? Why is a football game the place to exhibit your feeling for your country? It makes no sense to me.
7
Trump and his tweets this and that. Forest fires in the west. Mexico dealing with earthquakes. Houston and the state of Florida dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes.
All important - no question.
But have to ask, how is the little girl hit by a foul ball last week in Yankee Stadium doing?
3
What happens when the overpaid spoiled rotten athletes don't get whatever it is they are suppose to be demanding?
Will they burn the flag?
Will they tear down Vince Lombardi's statue?
Will they beat up people wearing red MAGA hats?
The fans paid to see a football game not a protest and they are the ones being cheated.
Trump is right on this one. There is no excuse for people who have so much to disrespect their country.
2
Come on- Trump lied his way out of Viet Nam. He is no flag waver til his tail is in a crack.
He is simply stirring up the red hats because he needs a hit of their support while he is investigated. Not surprising. At All.
You over paid athletes have the right to kneel
I have the right to boycott all products sold during NFL games
1
Trump is a liar. It has nothing to do "with race."
It has everything to do with race. Your whole presidency was built on racism and asserting white supremacy in backlash to Obama.
It is about race and place. Putting us in our place. Alabama's last stand.
16
So my take on this is . . . time to stop playing the national anthem before sporting events. It's always seemed to me that this practice inserts 'way too much nationalism into the experience.
15
Agreed! And I know this is football, but how about 86-ing playing "God Bless America" in the 7th inning??? Whatever happened to "Take me out to the Ballgame"?
Patriotism is the last bastion of a Scoundrel.
Those who place more value on symbols of nation than they do on human lives, are certainly scoundrels.
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Those brave individuals who took a knee to silently, thoughtfully and peacefully protest the blatant and unrelenting racism that pervades our society, are part of the solution. Mr. Trump and his white nationalist supporters, are the problem.
16
The only person that should be FIRED IS TRUMP!
Stop creating sideline diversions and try doing your job Trump.
BTW NYT yes these are headlines but all the other vitally important issues that involve investigating Trump should continue to be your first priority.
3
NFL player arrests shows 869 records.
No wonder they're upset with the cops.
5
So sayth the NFL, political dissent is okay, just don't smoke a joint.
2
Oh, and don't forget it's ok to beat your wife or girlfriend.
First of all let's not lose sight of the cause behind taking the knee. It was never about a piece of fabric called a flag. It was about the brutality facing people of color, African American men in particular. There would be no need for "to take a knee" if indeed everyone was treated equally in this country. Finally, after all the hurricanes, health care, etc., shouldn't #45 be focusing on these issues other than trying to be a Nazi dictator telling people what they can and cannot due. Did he not criticize President Obama last March during March Madness in college ball.
7
and shouldn't professional athletes, who make millions of dollars, be focused on the same thing? maybe the NFL should suspend games for 1 or 2 weekends and have all the players, on their own dime, go to storm struck sites and help rebuild.
Just as clarification; Standing with your head bowed, hand over heart, is NOT a protest. It's the opposite, it's traditionally (Whitey) flag observance. Doing it while holding your teammate's hand is very much closer to giving yourself cover than union solidarity. Get it right, schoolboy hand over heart is what they put in the heads of elementary school kids, which you usually grow up & out of by HS.
2
Trump is the Great Manipulator of media and his fans. Meanwhile North Korea practically threatens war because of Trump's out of control mouth. He us more unfit for office now than ever. Does anyone advise this clown that this is not real estate?
2
Don't chase a Trump pickup. Russia is the other way.
1
I have never understood why we have to have the National Anthem and God Bless America and all this other "patriotic" stuff at every sporting event and concert. It makes no sense to me, except under certain conditions. We pay to watch sports or hear music, not to stand and sing a song about war. What's next, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in restaurants before commencing a meal? Let's just do away with this so our idiot president has fewer distractions.
10
You do this because it helps dampen any potential chaos right off the bat that could happen at these large crowded events. It's a brutal passion filled sport with testosterone in rival overload. Let's come together and feel the love first.
Why is the draft-dodger-in-chief suddenly so worried about "patriotism"? Because the protesters are (largely) African American, that's why.
11
Why do brain-damaged football players have more sense than the president?
5
There was a protest that stood out yesterday by an NFL player. Alejandro Villanueva of the Steelers stood in full view, hand on his heart, for the anthem when his entire team was hiding from it. The man served in combat for 3 tours alongside every race and creed and was decorated for it. Now he's taking a stand again. Gotta respect that folks.
Sacrifice takes a lot of forms. Got no problem with protests by anyone, but its tough to see the goal of the kneelers/sitters. What do they want? Has anyone in the ranks articulated that? What is the follow up on these protests?
I'd be happy without professional sports at all...amateurs are more entertaining and fun. As it is, the NFL is a marketing monster and very pervasive distraction for a big chunk of Americans. With any luck, the protests will erode the fan base to the point where other things start to matter--problems that every American watches sports to get away from. So...keep it up fellas. Be careful what you wish for though, you just might get it.
5
Only everyone has articulated what the point of the protests are. It appears you have not been reading any of the comments by the protestors. They want accountability of the law enforcement community for killing innocent black men. The follow-up is to have the justice system provide equal justice
2
Saluting the flag =/= honoring military members. And vice versa.
The flag is for everyone, not just soldiers, "first responders " and other uniformed, armed workers.
1
Trump, the unabashed liar, has done more to disrespect "the flag" than any American in recent history. By abusing his power in the White House and constantly telling outlandish untruths over and over again he has sullied America's image both home and abroad for many years to come. I am heartened by the protests that call attention to this. His current attacks are really his sick way of drawing attention to himself. He could not care less if the news about him is positive or negative. He just wants it to be about him. We, as a country, are in trouble now. Our democracy is fragile and he is tearing apart the fabric of not only "the flag" but our society at large in a very harmful way. Let's hope the Republicans in congress will eventually own up to the fact that the President of the United States is mentally unhinged and do something about it.
6
America is a unique country. It is the only country in the world where you can be paid 16 million dollars a year to catch a ball, AND be a victim of white privilege at the same time.
7
These players are attempting to draw attention to an important issue that needs to be addressed. This doesn't even count as civil disobedience. They are true patriots.
A president who leads divisive rallies with chants such as "build a wall" and "lock her up" is not a patriot, just a bully.
12
Why is Kaepernick "politicizing" a sporting event only if he expresses disagreement with somebody else's political views but NOT "politicizing" that sporting event if he expresses agreement? If you don't want Kaepernick to express his honest view, don't ask him to express his view at all.
This might be a tougher question if Kaepernick were making noise or dancing around during the national anthem, since that might well interfere with someone else's right to listen to the national anthem without distractions from others.
But we're not confronted here with any conflicting rights. Kaepernick isn't telling anyone else that he can't stand at attention, or remove his cap, or place his hand over his heart, or whatever else he may want to do, nor is Kaepernick making distracting noises or movements while the national anthem is being played. He is simply expressing his own views, plain and simple. What's wrong with that?
One solution may be to end this stupid practice of playing the national anthem at the beginning of sporting events. Frankly, I couldn't care less what Kaepernick's views are on any political matter, so why require that he announce them before each game? If we're going to insist that he express his views, why not give him the right to express what he feels like expressing, as long as he doesn't interfere with anyone else expressing what he feels like expressing?
3
I say Odell had it right. Fist raised. It's our right no matter what Trump, our "patriotic" friend of the Russians says. Bum is what LeBron called him, though I said it first! Trump is not that good.
3
Why do we keep allowing ourselves to be baited by this braying, racist, dotard with no redeeming qualities, boggles the mind. Trump's pretense at being patriotic is so transparent. Trump does not have a single, patriotic, hair follicle on his body. He is incapable of being patriotic because that would require sacrifice. Putting country/others before self. Trump's inability to sacrifice, to unite, is well documented.
4
Does anyone remember Melania nudging Donald to put his hand over his heart. Or at least where it's supposed to be!
13
I am no longer surprised by the depths Trump can plumb each morning. I am no longer shocked by his level of ignorance about basic American and Human rights- as all he does is perform for his "despicables". I do hope that the Democratic Party get it's act together- and actually find some credible leaders who can shut down the lunatic and his fringe in the WH.
4
If a cat that saved a toddler from a vicious dog can be honored at a major league baseball game, why can't racist behavior that dishonors America be peacefully protested at that same game?
8
If these guys want to disrespect America then they should think which country gave them the opportunity to be where they are today! They should stand tall and give respect to their country. Cowards! Play football, stop thinking what you do or say matters.
2
If they'd been born in most other countries, they wouldn't be protesting racist violence by the police by taking a knee, or forced to stand through the national anthem of a country where their ancestors were once held captive before going to work.
I'm thinking the debate here should really be about the dictatorial tendencies of the current occupant of the White House and his flagrant disrespect for the laws and democratic traditions of our nation.
If our soldiers did not fight and die to defend what the flag and anthem are meant to represent: freedom, equality, and justice for all, then what an empty gesture it is to stand for something which is under daily attack by that current resident of the White House.
When any citizen chooses to peacefully express their concern for how too many men of color are treated in our nation where driving while black can be a death sentence.
Where there is no longer any doubt that the current resident of the White House is a bigot, who would afford a moral equivalence between nazis and those protesting their abhorant philosophies better consigned to the dustbin of history, would attack minorities who speak out on the violence their communities are subjected to, do this day, to deny their right to speak, he only proves his own unworthiness to the office and profound lack of understanding of what the symbols and anthem stand for.
3
Oh look. Donald Trump speaks, and New York Times posters pile on with the usual outrage. Given that the majority of football fans are disgusted with the players actions and support Trump's view of them, I suggest they get out of their echo chamber.
5
Looks like he lost the NFL popular vote.
4
This is a BLM thing. I did not see a single white player kneeling. Please correct me if I am wrong. My favorite was Tomlin coming out and taking a jab at his player who came out to show respect to our nation. Unbelievable. The left and their BLM crew has now ruined the NFL. Their goal seems like it is to ruin every aspect of our lives with their anti-America political nonsense. Trump has nothing to do with it other than pointing at the fools. If this keeps up he will be re-elected easily.
4
Am I the only one who sees the hypocrisy of a bunch of owners who would not give Colin Kaepernick a job because of his protest again racism, while they happily hire wife beaters and other criminals. If they are in such solidarity with Colin now, why not give him a job?
4
I can't believe Trump supporters were booing the National Anthem.
Deplorable!
7
for those who think its disrespectful not to stand during the national anthem, move to North Korea. I bet that's not a problem over there.
6
Sorry if our free expression is ruining your game, but your compulsory conformity of opinion is ruining ours.
You say you want politics out of sports, but do you really?
Remove the national anthem from all stadiums along with all displays of patriotism and you won't need to deal with the protests anymore. It's pretty simple.
9
The NFL circus protests needs to be ignored by media. The circus games performed in tax paid stadiums by an illiterate, violent subculture of thuggish buffoons needs to be ignored, boycotted. No one is interested in or cares about what these (people) think or feel. Regardless, the NFL and NBA are quickly becoming irrelevant as America has lost interest, largely due to changing demographics, a game played by those most cannot relate to or identify with. The zoo is closing. It's over. Done. Good riddance.
2
It is interesting that Trump and his minion Mnuchin are claiming to be so upset about people "disrespecting" the flag and the military. The military they loved so much they love so much that they chose not to serve...Trump dodged the draft due "heel spurs" in either his left or right foot (can't recall) and Mnuchin did not volunteer because sons of Goldman Sachs execs just don't do that.
But they get a thrill out of watching the gladiators battle...
Typical chickenhawks.
4
I am confident that Pittsburgh Steeler Alejandro Villaneuva became the most popular NFL player yesterday. I was afraid to review your series of photos fearing that the most lasting image of yesterday was ignored. It certainly has not been prominently featured. His coach asked for 100% participation in the protest but thankfully this veteran would have none of it.
5
He's free to salute what he wants-- and so is everyone else. That's the point.
3
Draft dodging Trump lecturing athletes on being Patriotic. Unfit to be president.
9
Maybe if the 50% of white Americans who care whether or not athletes to stand for the national anthem cared as much about resolving racial inequalities there wouldn’t be any cause for them to kneel.
6
When President Obama talked about race relations, Chris Mathews got tingles up his leg and everyone was ecstatic that this discussion is now in the open . What is not discussed is how Obama and Holder politicized race relations with baseless federal investigations and early intervention and statements in civil rights matters. Donald Trump, who is no angel and not tempered in his statements, has done no different by bringing this issue out into the open This is not the First Amendment, it is workplace behavior. The owners who have no trouble fining and suspending players for marijuana or wife beating or suspicion of women molestations, could have easily said kneel but there will be a cost of $5000 which we will donate to Hurricane relief funds. Instead, these rich cowards try showing solidarity with their workers with whom they have no common interest except profit. Seeing Ray Lewis take a knee for racial inequality after being found not guilty of murder by using the most expensive defense lawyers a pro contract would buy should be seen as the ultimate hypocrisy. LeBron. Before you make idiotic tweets, go to college and learn something about economics other than your contract and whatever your agents tell you to do. If you are really concerned about the common person, black, white or brown, take some of your money and go to Miami who adopted for years and aid the recovery. Stephen Curry and all the rest need to remember that all fame is ephemeral.
3
Isn't it great how much attention he has given to the needs of people of Puerto Rico this weekend?
8
Thank you, a thousand times.
1
Trump is against free speech/expression. If he wasn’t, he would have no problem with the players exercising their first amendment rights to do so.
Wouldn’t you think a person that dodged the draft on multiple occasions would have the decency not to question the extent of someone else’s patriotism? I mean, if you wanted to defend the flag so bad, why did you run from your ample opportunity? 4 times!!!
3
I am a Trump "disliker"- I don't like the word hate.
But I don't bring my politics to work and I resent when others do. I am disgusted when self labeled "Christian" bakers refuse to make a cake for a same sex couple. Same with government clerks who refuse legal marriage paperwork to same sex couples.
I call foul on the athletes who use the work place as their political stage. Wrong venue!
You have every right to protest and make your point on your own time and in your own space, but not when you are being paid a ridiculous amount of money to play a sport or do any other job. Just do your job.
Not to mention that I would expect silence and the appearance of respect for another nation's anthem if they were playing in another country.
2
They did their job--they played football. There isn't a single company or federal government office where one has to pledge allegiance to the flag to begin the day's work.
4
I don't think most people (especially blacks) would take the risk and openly protest at their jobs. It's seen as biting the hand that feeds you. It can also be seen as disruptive to the workplace and insubordination - reasons for dismissal. That's why we don't see or read much about it outside of union jobs. Lawsuits, yes. Protests at work? No.
Kap protested at work.
President Trump is violating one more campaign promise: Keep government out of people's lives.
Now, the President of the United States is telling us how/when/where to sit, stand, sing, kneel; as well as how/what we can do at work, home, and play.
Enough!! This man obviously has many crossed or rusty wires in his CPU.
It is truly time for the 25th Amendment. This clear manifestation of mental ineptitude is alarming and potentially dangerous. Our country needs to get back to work and stop letting ourselves be Mr. Trump's playthings.
Remove Now!
5
There's no national anthem played before an art show, concert or in an art gallery. It's clear that sports fans are attracted to gladiatorism and all that comes with it, including a lack of self control and education. Trump knows this and he's using sports venues to further stir up racist and divisive rhetorics.
The question is what's behind all of this? Why is he doing this ? Why is there a full attack on every single institution this country has worked hard to build? If those attacks were to make the institutions better, most Americans would welcome them, but instead they are simply just destructive.
Perhaps when the left and the right start actual physical clashing and fighting is when the administration will declare martial law and Trump will take over as a dictator in a 3rd world-inspired coup? As ludicrous as it sounds, there's no other logical explanation for this behavior.
2
From a white woman who doesn't watch football:
Good for those players, owners, and fans who protest racial division!
They have guts and integrity--as opposed to Trump who continues to divide and hides his racism behind the pretense that it's about patriotism or a national anthem.
Shame on him! His racism is so transparent.
5
Kneeling as a protest to racial injustice disrespects the flag? What rubbish. Flag burning is a protected right of free speech and no one has done that. Yes soldiers have fought and died, but it wasn't for the flag, it was for what the flag represents, and one of those things it represent is freedom, and the right to exercise those freedoms, we hold so dear in the bill of rights.
4
I don't see disrespect at all; I see people solemnly praying to be seen. And to all those who say this is not the place...please tell me...then where?
4
Will anyone address the accompanying issue that a president who would deny health care to the American population is upset because football players aren't injuring themselves at a level that suits his entertainment? Trump's callousness is well know, but I find it unspeakably revolting that a president would demand more violence from this sport, knowing as he must that it causes permanent brain damage, and even worse in that it is largely black players entertaining a largely white viewership. Yes, you too can become rich if you're willing to bash your brains out. Trump makes me think of the hideous elitists of the Hunger Games.
3
Since when is kneeling a sign of disrespect?
Trump is a failed leader who doesn't understand his own people. Even a clown has more sense! I'd like to see Trump kneel the next time the anthem is sung. Not that he would convince anyone.
Can he even throw a football? Does he even know the words to the national anthem? No, he is more like the bombs bursting in air than the dawn's early light. Let's just wait for him to fizzle.
7
It has to do with free speech. He understands nothing
4
Our President has forgotten he swore to uphold the constitution! Exercising the constitutional right to protest can never be disrespectful of flag, anthem, and country. It is sacred.
I am white and hurt with all the pain, insults, cruelty, violence, and injustices inflicted by so many Americans on our black fellow country men. I wish to apologize for my white fellow country men who seem to not get how much we hurt our black people.
Be brave, NFL, you have a unique voice, use it. Lift this country to greatness it never had and never will have as long as it doesn't respect all races equally and walks the talk. I am with you.
2
When are white people, who are the majority of those so angry about kneeling at football games, going to realize and acknowledge how steeped in racism their opposition is? Imagine living your entire life in a society where so many hate you simply because of the color of your skin. I can imagine it and don't think I could bear it. I feel nothing but support for what high profile football players are doing to shed light on racial injustice.
5
President Trump is a bully and thrives on controversy.
He is not the emperor of the USA, he is the president, and hence he serves at the pleasure of its citizens. All he's doing by fomenting controversy is sapping energy from the agenda he purported to campaign upon, and pandering to his base. No significant accomplishments have been achieved since he was inaugurated, merely more paralysis in government.
His base is not large enough to return a congressional majority in the mid-terms, and it's beginning to look like the outrage will persist into the 2020 election. Then maybe we can get a new executive, one who has the capacity to act in a presidential fashion, will embrace moderate, inclusive principles, and will have the ability end the gridlock in Washington, D.C.
This president has clearly shown he's unable to bring the political parties, our allies across the globe, and most importantly the citizens of our country together. We just have a little over three more years of this nonsense to endure.
3
If Trump had any brains he would recognize that his authoritarian approach represents the type of behavior exhibited by the police officers who target people of color. This is exactly the wrong way to address their grievance.
2
Where's Trump's anger when armed people march down streets of our cities with weapons, waving the Nazi flag, and telling reporters that they're out to intimidate people and are looking for opportunities for violence? Then he's the great "conciliator," oh, there are plenty of good people in that crowd. Where's the conciliator when so many athletes feel enough despair and rage to demonstrate peacefully during the anthem? I don't care what the rulebook says. Most NFL players have unguaranteed contracts and know they can be cut if they drop a pass at a critical time or miss a game due to an injury. I'll never forget Mark Bavaro just about literally carrying the Giants through a Super Bowl season and then getting the boot a year or two later when his body gave out. I'm not trying to say the players have a bad deal (a subject for another day), just pointing out that they do have something to lose, yet obviously feel strongly enough to take the knee. A real leader would try to meet with some of them and get a better understanding of what's going on instead of telling them to go out and hit each other in the head more, obviously his way of saying "that'll shut 'em up."
1
perhaps the solution is to stop having the national anthem sung at sports events.
5
I would like to note that in his Bama rally Trump couldn't think of the term "Freedom of Speech" when he tried to list the "many, many freedoms" that we Americans still have.
Oddly, the only freedom he listed was "Freedom of Choice," which his base is steadfastly against.
Or could it be that the POTUS with the very good brain and the best words doesn't know the difference between the First Amendment rights and abortion rights?
2
It is too bad that most of the fans are white. trump is the problem. he is an old white man who doesn't even think football leagues should be concerned with brain damage from playing. trump's intolerance is unbearable!
Sports are on a national stage and if attention can be called to wake people up. Good!
By the way, I have been at sports events and seen many people not standing and even talking. So, now there is self righteousness. Give me a break!
2
I wonder where or when it came about that you need to stand for the anthem in order to respect it. When I see people talking away, eating and going about their business during the playing of the anthem, that to me is disrespectful. Kneeling during the anthem and bowing your head in prayer...how is that disrespectful???
3
When did the National Anthem become a tradition before every game? I love hearing and singing it, but not sure why its sung before every sports event? I understand on the Olympics winners platform. I understand before court is called into session in fact before all official US government events, Memorial Day Parades, Veterans Day etc. I would even go as far as at the beginning of the day in public schools. I think I remember now the first time..it was before the Gladiators went into the arena and saluted the Emperor, "We who are about to get a concussion salute you!"... The first "protest" before a "sports event" was when Draba (Woody Strode) throws the spear at Crassus (Lawrence Olivier) after beating Spartacus (Kirk Douglass) in the Arena...then Draba is killed by a little tiny knife to the back of the neck, splattering blood on Crassus' face. One of the greatest scenes of defiance on film.
1
Another day, another hand grenade tossed without looking to see what the damage is or might be.
3
This shouldn't have been blown out of proportion, but Trump is a narcissist who loves drama, and loves the attention. Like a spoiled child, it has to be all about him. He just loves this. It's too bad, because the players feel strongly about their ideas, and I have no doubt that each and every one of them loves their country. Unfortunately, they are feeding Trump's unquenchable thirst for fame and being center-of-attention.
1
"[trump] added that the league was in decline for tolerating the protests and for taking steps to reduce brain damage among players."
This says it all about how lives matter for our president. Please get this disgraceful man out of office!
2
Trump may accidentally accomplish something positive here, as a side effect of his endless campaign for President of the Confederate States of America. Don't get used to it. His intentions were evil and anti American, and will continue to be so.
2
Two immature and very wealthy parties trading insults. The WH has become the circus that the NFL already is.
Trump does not realize that it's not the kneeling players who rebuke him the most, it's the standing players, owners and coaches who are holding hands with the kneeling players who speak the loudest against Trump. Why? Because those who choose to stand AND choose to hold hands with the kneeling protesters are showing tolerance - a powerful trait that Trump and his band of racists cannot begin to comprehend, let alone practice.
2
If taking a knee is do disrespectful, why do we do it when we pray?
5
This is a non-issue. Trump is a master at manipulation. We need to selectively ignore most of what he says. It's meant to deceive and deflect from his impotence as a leader.
Look at Trump's recent behavior very carefully, because again he's deflecting from his required presidential duties.
The real question is... Why isn't Trump helping Americans in Puerto Rico, devastated by extreme hurricane damage?
In his eyes... simply because they're Latino.
2
Attention Trumpsters looking to boycott NFL/NBA over this - lots of us are happy to take those tickets off your hands!
4
let's keep our eyes on the ball. Russia and the special council.
2
Why do we need to have the national anthem sung before football games? It is a sporting event , not a political rally. With baseball's 7th inning God Bless America, it seems like propaganda and brain washing.
3
Ahh, the strategy of Distract and Divide continues!
The hypocrisy is obvious. Condemning (especially black) protesters as anti-American, WHILE indicating support toward those who want confederate monuments to remain in place. Those monuments are tributes to the ultimate anti-Americans.
2
Quiz for the day:
1. Before this controversy arose, did you have even a clue what Colin Kaepernick's view was on any issue whatsoever?
2. Did you care?
Why bother asking someone to take a position and then get upset because his position is different from yours? Either don't ask (hint, hint) or do ask but let him give you his honest opinion. Don't ask and then require that he give the answer you like; if that's his only "choice," why bother asking?
1
Two questions. What are the players protesting and who is the target of their protest? I dont think the story makes that clear.
2
My favorite comments on this matter are the angry ones where people holler that athletes should be thankful to live in a country with rights... and then in the same breath declare that the athletes should refrain from exercising those very rights.
3
Football players aren't the only people in the country who are allowed to have an opinion. Trump can have his, too! That's the point of all of this. Isn't it?
1
I wouldn't have taken a knee before Trump's comments, but now I would.
1
Colin Kaepernick first 'took a knee' against racial injustice in August 2016. For over a year, this was not an overwhelming national issue. It took Trump's irresponsible rally in Alabama to get his base frothing at the mouth about it and they still don't see how they're being used by the so-called POTUS..
1
Mr, trump is campaigning for 2020..... I doubt that he cares about athletes, the flag or any other controversy that he has started, and all this nonsense keeps us away from the truth.. the election was rigged to SELL more condo's.
I am surprised this didn't happen sooner. The words of the National Anthem should have been rewritten decades ago to eliminate the words regarding refugees and slaves. I don't think most people are aware of how these words are degrading to people.
Is it Patriotic when you move your factories out of the US?
Or when you bring in non- American workers for your building projects because you can pay them less?
How about when you avoided the draft?
When are Trump supporters going to figure out that he is playing them like a marionette. His values go as deep as the pile of money in front of him. When the money shifts so will his values.
3
People seem to be missing the point that the real issue here is one of our most cherished foundations of democracy, that is in case anyone is listing is FREEDOM OF SPEECH. The is not the Soviet Russia or some other state where mere questions or some expression counter to the ruling party (see Iraq or Iran ) leads to prison or worst. People in this country have the right to express themselves contrary to what people believe. For the buffoon in the White House to raise this issue only plays into the hands of the birdbrains in Pennsylvania; Kentucky; Ohio; Indiana etc. who simply thrive on such mindless expressions.
So what is wrong with kneeling? Kneeling is a posture of submission and respect. If these fellows turned their backs to the flag, that would be a different story.
1
The whole charade is just a big marketing event for NFL teams and recruiting ad for the military to begin with. That exploitation of patriotism and the flag's meaning is far more disrespectful than any political message the players are trying to send.
1
Our venerable President has provoked a firestorm in East Asia with incredible taunting of an unstable dictator. So to cover this gaffe so horrible that other nations' leaders are forced to criticize him, he focuses on NFL players. He is the one who has put politics on the playing field. He could have focused on the suffering of victims in the post-hurricane Caribbean or on the catastrophe of multiple earthquakes in our neighbor, Mexico. But no, he chose the path of gaining the most media coverage.
But, wait, did any of those athletes turn violent during the anthem, damage the flag or in any other way trample on any rights? No, they took the non-violent course shown them by Kaepernick. Since when is kneeling a sign of disrespect? People kneel in churches and in prayer all the time. If it's good enough for the deity you pray to....
3
Let's just solve the problem by stopping playing the national anthem at public events except government ones such as inauguration or funerals when it's appropriate. And if the dinosaur T. Rump doesn't stop, we won't be here to play it anyway. Besides, America the Beautiful is far more appropriate as an anthem. I am not a native Texan, so don't be surprised at my opinion!
1
It seems strange that Trump is inserting himself into this. What these athletes are doing is between themselves and the team management. I have no idea what the NFL contracts these athletes sign says about the national anthem. Maybe some of them are not at liberty, under their contract, to engage in these protests but that should be settled in the employment setting.
And if you are a fan and you don't like it, you have the option of not watching. Me, I don't watch football b/c it seems like a huge waste of time on the weekend and watching people batter other people doesn't entertain me, especially now that we know the damage it does to these athlete's brains.
Why doesn't this awful man just come out and say what he means: "Fire all the people of color." Though, no doubt, he would not have the class, the imagination, or the vocabulary to express it so gently. Nor does he have the courage of his convictions and say it out loud. Dog whistle days of the Republican party are over.
Where was his respect for the flag and the national anthem when his country called during the Vietnam war? Sore feet, Mr. President*, is not an excuse.
2
Kaepernick made a tactical mistake.
Now, I am not saying he does not have a valid position; nor am I saying he does.
However, he chose a protest-form without a goal and with no termination.
Had he demanded reparations for descendants former slaves, he would have had a valid protest (not saying i would agree or disagree).
Had he demanded corporate sponsorship for BLM, he would have had a valid protest (ditto).
Either of those demands, or others, would have had a goal and a termination.
This kneeling (which looks more like genuflecting, to me) has no goal and no termination.
Now Trump has inserted himself (did anyone honestly expect otherwise?)
Trump has now riled the base and the base, here, is also the base of the NFL audience.
I see no resolution here; I see no face-saving way out for anyone. Some players are now in it for the long-haul, but there is no goal.
WHY ARE THEY KNEELING? What do they want? Will it ever end?
Then, coupled with the rise in media reports on brain injury, I see no way out for the NFL.
Can you even imagine a Beyonce performance at halftime again? Can you imagine any performance?
I think it is just time now. The game is over.
2
Kudos to the players for standing up to Trump and standing up for free speech. And note the pathetic irony in the president blasting them for supposedly being unpatriotic, while he sells our democracy and national security down the river by continuing to deny Russian interference in our elections and taking no steps to prevent it in the future. There's no doubt who the real patriots are here.
Even worse, he chose to attack NFL and NBA players are a time when he's tweeting his way to war with North Korea and when presidential duty is urgently needed to deal with the huge humanitarian disaster is unfolding in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It's dereliction of duty, pure and simple.
2
This latest outburst by Trump is being analyzed by the media as if Trump were normal. He is not. He is a narcissist, but the media chooses to ignore it.
Narcissism has many attributes similar to addiction. The supply that narcissists need is attention from others. Trump endeavors to be the main headline every day because of his narcissism. While he craves adulation, he would prefer vilification than a lack of attention. We need to see Trump's decrying kneeling during the anthem as just more of the same need for attention to feed his addiction. He uses us all, particularly the media, to get that attention.
Being around a narcissist is emotionally draining and physically exhausting. It saps ones energy. Nothing Trump says or does has much to do with its substantive content. It is all about Trump's narcissism and his need to satisfy this sickness. Anyone who expects Trump to normalize is fantasizing. Narcissists do not get better without serious and intensive therapy, but that requires an acceptance of the disorder. However, narcissists cannot admit that they do wrong, which makes it nearly impossible to accept a need for therapy. Trump is getting more attention than ever before, and he will not get better; he will get worse. He will continue his divisive, nonproductive presidency.
The media is doing the American people a disservice by failing to address this narcissism so that we can understand Trump rather than to let him drain our energy and emotions.
This situation reflects how commercially twisted professional sports have become in this country. When half of the players are black and 90% of the paying spectators are white (typically affluent and conservative) this type of conflict seems inevitable. Both sides have a justifiable position on the matter - and both sides are off-base, also. This is actually an ideal opportunity for them to look through the eyes of the other side. Our politically- and commercially-driven worship of professional athletes, as well as our returning veterans - every one of which are called "heros" - is perverse. Our country, first and foremost, should aspire to support COMMON people, rather than the exceptional (real or pretend). This might improve our living standard and the amount of violence in our society.
1
In a previous job I traveled to Thailand regularly for my work. Once or twice I went to see a movie with colleagues. The first time, I was surprised when everyone stood as a film praising the king played before the movie. I learned this is a mandatory ritual which all must perform before the film begins.
Failing to praise the king when required is a crime subject to severe penalties. One dare not sit out the pre-film loyalty ritual for fear of arrest.
Is this the America Trump envisions? I suspect so. He demands loyalty and deferential treatment, and sees the NFL player protests as a personal attack. His vitriolic and likely illegal demand that the NFL fire them is part and parcel of his mental disorders.
No one ever seems to comment on the fact that most of the players on the field are black, and most of the watchers in the stands are white. This simple fact is the heart of the issue, but no one acknowledges it. We have recreated gladiators and blood sports. Of course, the bleeding is decorously hidden inside the heads and bodys of the players, inside the helmets, protective padding and shiny lycra uniforms. The whole sport has been grotesquely racist and violent for years. It's about time we stopped pretending otherwise.
2
Kaepernick has been unemployed since the end of last season. Fewer and fewer players have been kneeling for the National Anthem. This [minor] issue was all but put to bed until President Big Mouth went and threw gasoline on it during his most recent ego-boosting pep rally in a deep red state.
Leaders that use divisiveness as a political weapon are inherently weak. Trump is not making "America Great Again". Rather he is breathing new life into our nation's darkest tendencies.
1
Though Trump cursed the (kneeling) Players and stated the owners should fire them,..
He would've garnered even more Cheers at his Rally if he'd told the Crowd "I have an actual record of not renting to them."
2
Let this morph into a sweeping nation-wide protest against Trump, just like Trump morphed this into a protest against patriotism and away from its intended meaning about the unequal and unjust treatment of African Americans and other not-white people in the USA.
I stopped standing for and mouthing the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem in junior high school—back in the mid-1960s. Freedom from the cult of patriotism surely has been wonderful.
The media's been played yet again.. What the Times and all other news outlets miss is the fact that the true reason behind the timing of Trumps latest outrage is to cover up the new travel ban. He is like a magician in that when his left hand is waving to the crowd or pretty assistant, its only to distract from what the other right hand is doing. In each case, the eye candy gets the intention, and the citizens of our country and the values that we profess to support are the real losers.
1
To Trump's credit when he "Dodged" the Draft.
He in essence refused to Disrespect our (Great) Military by (Dis)Honoring them with his Service.
There is a meta-issue here worth noting. It is about worker's rights. It is a small part of the story, but it matters. I will start by noting Trump basically stated that an American can lose a job for openly expressing beliefs at work. In the Clash song, Know Your Rights, they state, "you have the right to free speech, as long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it". Kapernick lived this line. He did try it and he lost his job. Now, we see he is hero for race, but also for the worker.
By pointing to the flag, people like Trump are too willing to use dirty tricks to silence those who would stand up for their beliefs. It is easy to see how he does this to satisfy his red meat eating base. Less obvious, is the call out to our well-moneyed Republicans, who lock arms with that base. The owners here, were willing to sell out to the devil for different reasons. They handed Trump large inauguration gifts for corporate support, and were happy to have a leader who would weaken workers.
But now, they change. Faced with selfish concerns, they hope we forget how they threw Kapernick under the bus last year. Had the owners continued to follow Trump's lead, many of the players would have walked out. This would have killed the league. Ultimately, it was the workers who flexed some power and risked losing their own money for what is right. I am sorry they did not see this sooner. Don't forget what has happened to labor in this country.
4
It is really ironic that it was in the state of Alabama that Trump chose to attack those he claims show disrespect for the American flag. Does Trump not know that the Alabama state flag is purposely a near replica of the Confederate battle flag, sans 13 stars?
There is no symbol more disrespectful and insulting to the American flag than the "rebel" flag under which Confederate soldiers shot at and trampled American flags and killed and maimed countless hundreds of thousands of blue clad American soldiers a little over 150 years ago.
3
I think watching a bunch of millionaire athletes petulantly leverage their athletic celebrity in an effort to draw attention to their non-athletic views is absurd. The First Amendment gives you that right - the government can't arrest you for speaking your mind - but the american people indirectly pay your salaries in the form of TV contracts, endorsements, ticket sales, etc. However, most of your viewers are patriotic Americans who don't let Bruce Springsteen or J-Law tell them whom to support. They believe in the flag and what it stands for. They get a lump in their throat and goosebumps when they sing the national anthem.
So go ahead and make your stance. Defy NFL regulations (players are required to stand with their helmets off during the national anthem, not that $40m Roger Goodell pays attention to the rules) and pull your shameful political stunt. You have every right under the Constitution. But i have the right to change the channel, to drop you from my Instagram and to tune out your season. You will look back at this and see this was the moment the NFL lost the nation.
Rosa Parks you ain't.
5
I am amazed at parents who do not want their children to witness players kneeling in silent, respectful protest, but who are just fine with those same children watching scantily clad "cheerleaders" shake their booty while millionaire athletes beat each others brains in. There are healthier sports to involve one's children in, both as participants and spectators, as many people are beginning to understand. This is the real reason the NFL is in decline.
2
I can see some smart owner really exploiting this. Get a Military color guard at the 50 yard line with Gold Star Mothers surrounding them. Introduce the singer as "to honor America and the great veterans who paid the ultimate price, please rise and sign our national anthem." If the NFL players still protest, they commit commercial suicide and will be cut off from their communities.
I could be wrong here but my understanding is that the First Amendment doesn't apply to one's relationship with their employer. The First Amendment protects your right to make, for example, some racially charged statements but it doesn't infringe on your employer's right to fire you for it. We saw this applied in the days after Charlottesville - people returned from their white nationalist rally to find themselves unemployed. Similarly, football players could be fired for failing to stand during the national anthem.
1
Its hard to believe that in less then a year since taking office Trump has forced by all his antics - not just this latest one over the Anthem Protests - all citizens to make a choice: either you are for America or you are for Trump; you can't be for both; the two are mutually exclusive.
3
Trump is only a PART of the fuel........as much as I dislike Trump, I feel compelled to point out that much of "the fuel" is contributed by the owners and players, as well as Trump. There are always two sides, and Trump is using only words. He is not kneeling on the sidelines and refusing to stand for the Flag...........
2
As the week begins, I get the feeling we have tons of more important items to concern ourselves about, other than a tempest in a teapot.
I don't quite understand why standing with your hand over your heart is more respectful than kneeling for an anthem. I kneel in church all the time. I don't know the origin of the symbolic action and have no complaints about it but if a variation of the symbol is used why the fuss?
As I say, there are a few more important things to worry about such as racism, global conflict, climate change, a deranged president etc.
2
I believe that Donald Trump's tweets about boycotting the NFL rash since it is the players' first amendment right to express themselves in whatever way they want. I do not believe that Trump should have a say in how the team owners run their team. Many people see this as the players disrespecting those who are in the military and that many people have the concept of kneeling twisted and confuse it as disrespect for the flag rather than it being a peaceful protest against racism, sexism, and inequality. I just feel like Donald Trump is taking everything way too far. The flag represents freedom and equality and most likely if I was in the players shoes I would have probably done the same thing because of everything that is going on this country
1
Am I the only person who think the conflation of a football game with patriotism (as expressed by the national anthem) is strange?
1
A suggestion: while the national anthem is being played, from now on, simultaneously show video of the 1968 rioting and cities burning on those huge stadium tvs .....maybe some of the fans will learn a little history and come to appreciate peaceful protests.
3
New Yorker stated with brutal frankness that Trump's "assault on athletes, particularly prominent black ones, is obvious; it is part of his larger culture war. Divide. Inflame. Confuse. Divert. And rule ".
What's equally obvious is Oswald Spengler uncanny prophesying decline of West as far back as 1918. He asserts that democracy is simply the political weapon of money, and the media are the means through which money operates a democratic political
Democracy and plutocracy are equivalent in Spengler's argument. The "tragic comedy of the world-improvers and freedom-teachers" is that they are simply assisting money to be more effective. .. freedom of the press requires money, and entails ownership, thus serving money at the end. Suffrage involves electioneering, in which the donations rule the day. The ideologies espoused by candidates, whether Socialism or Liberalism, are set in motion by, and ultimately serve, only money. "Free" press does not spread free opinion—it generates opinion, Spengler maintains.
Communism in its unadulterated form destroyed USSR and it's the turn of Laissez faire pure market capitalism destroying America. Trump is the mere messenger of destruction.
The downfall of the American empire has begun. It could be that the country's citizens wouldn't be able to stop it no matter how hard they tried.
2
Donald Trump has ruined patriotism. Until 3 days ago, standing and saluting for the national anthem at sporting events was something that unified us. Trump has suddenly made it something that divides us. This is yet another step in his growing ego-fueled despotism - make honoring the country synonymous with honoring its dictator. I attended an NFL game yesterday, and I applaud the true patriotism of the players who protested.
3
As a Packer fan since 1956, a Viet Nam Veteran with 100% Agent Orange disability, why aren't people upset with the fans at the stadium who eat during the playing of the anthem, or are walking with their hands full of hot dogs and beer as the anthem is being played or standing in line at the concession stand or...looking at the their cell phone? Seems to me just as disrespectful.
6
Resistance is the ONLY way to be a conscious, caring American now. Trump knows little to nothing about the Constitution; it is a player's right to not stand for the Star Spangled Banner; this is their embedded right. The fact that Autocrat Trump doesn't get it, is not the fault of those who are exercising their right to Resist!
2
“People don’t get mad when people are shot or killed, but they’re getting mad because a football player is kneeling or raising a fist,” said Melendez, who is African-American. “The double standard is crazy.”
I don't disagree with Jesse Melendez's point of view, however, the example of double standards can be taken to the next level - people don't get mad over the HUGE percentage of children going to bed every night hungry, or the HUGE percentage of animals mistreated, neglected or abandoned every day in this country, or the HUGE numbers of elderly being forgotten or abused in various nursing homes and other living facilities, not to mention the 8 nursing home residents who were abandoned and died from heat exhaustion in Florida during the last hurricane.
I understand people getting angry over an overt show of disrespect to the American flag. I especially understand the huge pouring of discontent and disagreement over Donald Trump, his words and his actions. But when those two issues overshadow more critical ones like those referenced above, then there is a serious dichotomy in this country when it comes to priorities. Suddenly, the US flag and extreme hatred of the president trumps all else. That isn't right or beneficial to this country either. I want Trump out of the White House too. But the extremes lately seem to be paralyzing this entire nation. Nothing is getting accomplished other than hatred growing by leaps and bounds.
2
Many of the comments here state that the athletes protesting are pampered, spoiled millionaires, who disrespect their country or flag and do not behave as one in the workplace should. Self-proclaimed fans are writing this. What kind of fans are these? Can they stop their disparaging remarks for a bit? And think about why these players feel compelled to kneel and link arms?
Do these fans not know how incredibly hard these talented men have to work to be in the NFL? How much discipline it took and how many bruises, broken bones, and how much sweat? Yes, those at the top may make millions, but unlike others in our society, these athletes work for it, have true talent, and pay taxes. They have these salaries for only a short time in their life, and always there is the danger of long-lasting injuries to body and brain.
Have some empathy and compassion for the people you cheer on every Sunday! I cannot think of a more respectful protest than quietly kneeling. It certainly beats spouting lewd insults from the bully pulpit.
1
Freedom of speech; freedom to protest; hallmarks of our civil rights in America. Trump is way out of line. America stands with the NFL.
2
It seems to me Trump supporters have no problem watching mostly black athletes for entertainment but as soon as they have something to say it's met with hostility. Doesn't standing for the anthem or honoring the flag lose meaning when people are forced to do so? This country is all about choice, freedom to fly or not fly the flag or to stand or not stand for the national anthem. It's far better to go against the vocal majority and protest something you believe in for change then to go along with something you feel is wrong for the sake of ratings. It takes courage to take a knee!
2
The Trump family has been in America for 132 years. No one in the Trump lineage has ever served in the military. That would be another measure of respect for the flag.
5
I have hated football for my entire life. So it's a sad day when I have far more respect for NFL for their compassion and sense of what makes America great than I do for the so called President of the United States.
3
Think of people in your life that you profoundly respected. What qualities did they have that inspired you? Now see if you can identify those qualities in President Trump. Look in the mirror and ask yourself these questions and then ask yourself am I being honest. Does Donald Trump identify with the person you highly admired and respected? President Trump is the leader of our country - is he leading us or is he dividing us? This is not a democratic or a republican issue this is an issue for all Americans.
1
Settled in 1943. Decision of the Supreme Court
"Compulsory unification of opinion," the Court wrote, was doomed to failure and was antithetical to the values set forth in the First Amendment. The Court eloquently stated: "If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein." To underscore its decision, the Supreme Court announced it on Flag Day.
Note "by word OR ACT."
1
Can we please stop equating the national anthem to the military alone. The national anthem is simply that, the national anthem. The military does not fight for the national anthem, it does not fight to defend the interests of a song. The military fights and defends the interests of the United States, which is based on the Constitution. And guess what? Freedom of expression allows for you to protest your government, in the Bill of Rights.
When you say, "All those who fought and are still fighting for our freedom is like a big slap in the face," you are dismissing the reason for others protesting. Colin Kaepernick has clearly explained his protest; very plainly, it has nothing to do with veterans, so arguing that it is against veterans is ridiculous. When Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Peter Norman protested the national anthem in 1968, were they protesting veterans or racism in America? Arguing that it's about soldiers in uniforms comes across as a shallow attempt to ignore the subject of the protest.
In a Marist poll, 65% of respondents said the national anthem symbolizes American freedom... and what is Colin Kaepernick (and others) protesting? The lack of freedom for some, particularly people of color, in American society. Throwing veterans into the discussion is a distraction, plain and simple.
Sunday's game between the Redskins and the Oakland Raiders was the lowest-rated Week 3 game, from metered markets, since 2006.
Go ahead and protest all you want. I care as much about the NFL players as they care about me.
2
Taking a knee is, to me, a thoughtful, nonviolent, and elegant solution in the manner of MLK Jr. to a problem that America has refused to fix--that is, the proven targeting of and violence towards black men by some law enforcement. How this has come to be understood as some protest of the military is beyond me--likely something circulating in right-wing media to gin up white outrage. Instead it is the ultimate gesture of respect, kneeling in humility and a show of quiet difference. It's very moving and I am hugely proud of these men. I wonder in fact what solutions those who disagree see as a path forward. My guess is that they don't have a solution, they really just want these black men to act like everything is ok and go back to entertaining them.
1
Peter Venkman thinks we should do things his way:
"I can think of no better way to promote unity than for every stadium JumboTron to project the image of a great American hero, Capt. Humayun Khan, while the national anthem is performed."
How about you project that image on the side of your house, but let the rest of us decide for ourselves?
It's so easy for Trump to spread hatred and separation. All it takes is a couple of tweets to undo decades of struggle for equality.
It's very interesting to watch fan comments.
Football brings personal issues into the game all the time.
Whether Bob Krafts wifes initials or GHH on Bears uniforms
or
October is pink,
the NFL constantly "politics".
To hear fans complain that kneeling or raising a fist by a player
ruins the opiate effect of going to a football game is seriously seriously messed up.
Just because you consider football an "escape", does not mean the men who participate in that "escape" are required to maintain your tranquility and high.
As an anthem sitter during the Vietnam and IraqBushKrieg, I am proud of the men who have chosen to make their concern with the blemish on the American promise.
It has nothing to do with honoring the troops.
2
Doesn't the Oath of Office for the President of The United States, state that the President will defend the Constitution of The United States? Would not attacking the first amendment be a horrendous breach of that Oath, an impeachable offense?
I've heard and read people say, "These overpaid athletes should forfeit their salaries if they want to show how serious they are about their cause." Nothing in the First Amendment says that we must pay to play. Perhaps the complainers should forfeit their pay for the right to criticize players. Also, Trump, by his demands and threats regarding NFL players, has made what might have been employment matters a First Amendment matter. A case could be made that disciplining of a player by an owner in response to Trump -- the Federal government -- would be an unconstitutional abridgement of the player's free speech.
Trump is playing the NFL like a concert pianist and they are walking in. The fans of all sports, not just NASCAR, will register their protests not with kneeling, shouting or other contrived actions, but with their wallets. Attendance will fall off, and not for a little while but permanently, TV revenues will diminish and owners will be stuck with big contracts and less and less money coming in to service those contracts. The owners obviously having an interest in being on the side that appears to be winning (because the media says so), will say whatever needs to be said to keep the money flowing. There're businessmen, like Trump. But Trump is putting on a clinic here, he knows what public opinion is and is using it to his advantage against a group, the owners, that like to think of themselves as intricately business savvy. The NFL has been in decline for quite awhile with politically correct nonsense such as this kneeling, the individual contract violations, the off field shenanigans and arrests and the general adolescent behavior of too many players. This along with the recent grievances of concussions and head injuries will bring forth another layer of do-gooders to proclaim that the game is too violent and brutal and should be banned for humanitarian reasons. The game, the league and the players have become nothing more than a vehicle for gambling...nobody cares who wins as long as they cover the spread. Good-bye NFL and good-bye million dollar contracts.
1
Those who oppose the protestors' kneeling ironically mistake the symbols---flag, anthem--for the constitutional rights themselves. Chief among the freedoms is freedom of speech and expression.
3
"Disrespecting the Flag".
I display the flag outside my front door. I bring it in during bad weather. When I deem it to have become old and ragged, I properly dispose of it and buy a new one.
I can't tell you how many times I've seen flags on cars or pick-up trucks (usually with an anti-Hillary or Obama or pro-Trump bumper sticker) tattered almost beyond recognition. I've seen flags displayed at car dealerships that are way too huge for their staffs and left out in the rain. etc.
If you want to get in a lather about "disrespecting the Flag", start by admonishing these people!
in 2015, we found out that the DoD gave 50's of $millions to sports team to promote military tributes of all sorts. Thats when I stopped standing up during the anthem . I am protesting wasteful use of tax payers money. Some of these leagues (ie NFL, NASCAR) are military recruitment tools. If you believe in the separation of sports and states, then there is no reason to have flags, anthems, and f16 flyover during sports events, especially when its league play.
Thanks to trump, this debate will now be amplified and more people will choose to take a knee.
Pray for me dad...
Our foundation story is so impressive and worthy of pride. Our constitution is so impressive and worthy of pride. As are so many of our accomplishments, our beautiful geoagraphy, and so on.
We must remember that the story and the document were, not only born of, but literally were, protests. That's what we're "made of".
But over the last decades the symbols - the flag, anthem, tiny lapel pins - have become fetishized. They're almost becoming to our democracy what idols are to Christianity. The symbols aren't supposed to be what gets worshipped, it's what the symbols stand for that should be revered. And one paramount element they stand for is free speech.
Here's the "pray for me dad" part (I'll preface - my father was a decorated bomber pilot in the 2nd world war, and not a day has gone by when I didn't feel pride and awe re: his service). I've been thinking about this a lot of late: I wonder if what we're seeing is over-compensation for having a professional military? When less than 1% of our populous has any real "skin in the game"; when 99.?% are completely off the hook, maybe lots of people naturally start to worship the symbols, even above what they stand for. So many have become so disconnected from the processes of democracy that, as it starts becoming more abstract, those disconnected gravitate to the "simple" symbols.
I also wonder if this has helped lead to a "new" culture of military, and by extrapolation, police worship.
Just wonderin'...
1
I support the players in their peaceful protest.
But am I the only person who thinks it is ridiculous to play the national anthem before sporting events at all.
It devalues the anthem. It disrespects the anthem. It is apparent in watching those in attendance that they are only paying lip service to the anthem but their attention is usually clearly elsewhere.
It may have a place to be used in international sporting events like the Olympics.
And if the national anthem has to be played why not before concerts, an opera or a ballet performance.
Alejandro Villanueva's Pittsburgh Steelers jersey is a top seller after the national anthem protest. He is the only player from his team who had the courage and decency to come onto the field and salute our flag. This is wonderful news and he is a credit to our country. I will buy a shirt myself and I a not a Steeler's fan let alone football fan.
This is our way of showing Mr. Villanueva how much we appreciate his braveness. This man is a former captain in the army, and ex-Ranger who did three tours in Afghanistan. He is a West Point graduate who is an exemplary citizen and makes our great country proud. His parents must be beaming and what a credit to his family. This man is going places after is long career is over. He is my hero and we need more people like him. He is the greatest.
1
It's interesting that Trump is so concerned about honoring the flag and national anthem.
During the Vietnam war Trump was the same age as many working class youth who had no choice but to go to war because of the draft. Did Trump serve?
Of course not.
As for honoring the national anthem, people should check out Trump's performance during the ceremony at the Arlington cemetery where Trump can only remember about 10% of the words.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3MaajDxMYA
He has already brought the US into disrepute far more than the brave athletes who have rightly made abuse of police power to national issue.
I wish I could be a fly on the wall at NFL headquarters today.
As they read the snap polls, television ratings, and social media posts from yesterday, they are realizing that they have bitten the hand that feeds them. They have positioned themselves squarely against 80% of their most loyal fans.
Now they not only face the liberal onslaught about CTE, domestic violence, and taxpayer-funded stadiums, but they have also alienated a large number of the primarily conservative viewers. The advertisers are NOT going to be happy.
I almost feel badly for the NFL marketing team (though not quite). At this moment, Roger is asking them to do the impossible – contain the damage that he and his owners inflicted yesterday.
9/24/17. Black Sunday for the NFL as a business venture. It couldn’t happen to a more deserving organization.
2
Tempest in a teapot. I DVR the games and pick up the action with the first play. But its fun to see billionaire owners, millionaire players and the "ban football" left all linking arms. Who says The Donald can't bring America together?
I am particularly discouraged by two factors brought to light this weekend
First, the Root Cause of the protest is now largely overshadowed by the Approach. We would be much better served by a serious discussion about the experience of African Americans during their interactions with law enforcement than whether kneeling during the Anthem is disrespectful
Second, the American Left allowed itself to be easily baited by Trump's rhetoric and alienated a number of potential allies by allowing the focus to shift to The Anthem and The Flag.
This is why after the tenth anniversary of 9/11 most people were content to let the day-long, somber commemorations go with barely a fuss. They've seen what happens when a ritual of national unity turns into an entrenched loyalty test, its original meaning lost and forgotten, the divisive "Are you with us or agin' us?" all that remains. They weren't about to add yet another one to the list.
1
Meanwhile...
The federal government on
Friday told election officials in
21 states that hackers targeted
their systems in last years
presidential election.
The notification came roughly
one year after "DHS" officials
first said states were targeted
by hacking efforts possibly
linked to Russia.
The AP contacted every state
election office to determine
which ones had been informed
their election systems had been
targeted. Those confirming were
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, CA,
Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware,
Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, MN,
North Dakota, Oklahoma, OR,
Texas and Washington
My point is - when DT comes out
with crazy statement & tweets,
look around and see what is the
"real news" he's trying to deflect
attention away from.
2
I am uncomfortable with the militarization of sporting events. The anthem is one thing, then it should be "lay ball". Fly overs, parachute displays, honor guards, etc., have, in my opinion, no place at a sporting event. The fact that the Dept of Defense pays big bucks (http://www.snopes.com/nfl-sideline-anthem/) should at least be considered in this discussion.
Pettyman has nothing better to do than chastise football protesters. I guess the North Korean crisis,the floods and hurricanes, and of course getting rid of Obamacare, are not important enough for him to tweet! What a twit!
1
Why are we even spending time discussing this? We have freedom of speech. Nuff said. There are so many more important problems we - and 45 - should be addressing right now.
13
Which is the reason he's even addressing this; to divert attention from the Russian invasion, closing our borders, attacking health care, and chasing a nuclear winter for our grandchildren.
1
Few would dispute the reality of the race issue and need for social change that the players are protesting.
Their decision to spit in the face of every member of the US Armed Forces, Fire and Police as well as the fans made a clear point that has nothing to do with social change.
Hopefully televisions across the US will go dark on every game day - the NFL players can then focus on seeking other employment that pays $50M a year.
3
Bob, the National anthem is not about the military or first responders, it is about who we are as a nation and our efforts to become a more perfect Union as the founding fathers envisioned. Dissent is as patriotic as wrapping yourself in Old Glory.
I don't know if you were around during the Viet Nan war protests during the late 60s, where flag burning was part of the anti-war movement.
Today, those old flag burners are corporate bosses, professionals and yes, even politicians.
I embrace players taking the knee and standing in solidarity with those players, agents, coaches, owners and fans who do take the knee. I see this elegant and unquestionably symbolic peaceful act as a model for appropriate protest expressing our own discomfort with the failure of our countrymen to uphold, protect and expand America's democratic ideals. God bless them and may we all learn from their courage to stand up against injustice and oppression of our collective rights.
10
Citizens leading. That is what I saw among NFL players and coaches yesterday. We all need to lead, now, our country in a new direction, away from bullying. Toward constructive efforts for our future and the future of the world. If everyday citizens lead, if our sportsmen and women lead, if our governors and doctors lead, if we ourselves lead, then the Republican Congress will have to do something about this unfit President. He needs to be removed from office for so many grievous acts.
8
I get it. I get it, all sides of all of this. I completely understand all the various opinions despite lots of talking heads all weekend either characterizing the different "sides" correctly or not.
But what I really get is Trump actively seeks fires burning in this country and is an arsonist, throwing gas on these fires as he panders to his base and strives to divide Americans.
I also get that when these fires are exploding, my "racial-strife meter" begins ticking upward. Because I am white, my wife of 27 years is black and my daughters are mixed, we feel more at risk than when those fires are just simmering. We have had some unpleasant and threatening encounters over the years, we as a family aren't that surprised when confronted or insulted, this is part of the life we lead. Just our presence in a restaurant, a store etc. makes some people uncomfortable and even hateful.
Things have become a bit more rough for us since the election, some people appear to be emboldened and more aggressive since Trump was elected and we suspect that this behavior correlates to Trump's rhetoric.
There were 2 moments recently, that froze my wife and I instantly and we looked at each other instantly with nervous dismay:
Trump's "both sides" remark after Charlottesville.
Trump's "those people" remark in Alabama Friday night.
We looked at each other and knew. We know Trump is actively playing with racial provocation and this is very bad for us. And bad for America.
We know.
13
Thank you for sharing your excellent comments, @John Adams.
1
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image."
Worshipping an object is always a bad idea. When we make a symbol into an object of worship, we open the door to divisiveness. Respect this nation by working every day to ensure that it finally lives up to the standard of liberty and justice for all.
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
If we were truly respecting this country, we would have solved the issues of injustice and inequality (not just based on race but on religion, gender, income, etc.) long ago and the protest wouldn't be needed.
4
The team work displayed on sports fields across the nation show us the unity of humanity and community never seen in this White House or Congress.
I'd much rather have the country's children learn ethics and morality from athletes than from our politicians.
Athletes earn their money by producing results.... can't say that about the politicians.
5
The excuse from right wingers that the players should shut up due to the millions their making would carry more weight if they applied that same reasoning to hedge fund managers, Wall St bankers etc.
9
I question those who are against an act of civil disobedience. What are they hiding or afraid of by their response? It's the 1st Amendment, like it or not. Maybe they should seek professional help, since it appears the act of kneeling bothers them so.
5
I recall that genuflecting (literally, "bending the knee") and bowing one's head were acts of respect and humility in the presence of something greater than ourselves which existed long before the National Anthem. It seems to me that standing for The Anthem is logistically and physically more convenient in large groups, thus becoming the posture of preference. Taking a knee is a thoughtful way to show respect AND make a personal statement using our precious Constitutional right of free expression, which is supposed to be a concept we are honoring in the first place.
9
Lets not forget that in 1989 the US Supreme Court ruled that flag burning was a constitutionally protected right. So when will Trump be requesting that kneeling during the Anthem be made illegal? Don't believe for a second that he hasn't asked Att. Gen. Sessions to look into it.
6
The irony of this latest uproar perfectly encapsulates Trumplandia. Neither Trump himself nor any of his immediate relatives over four generations seem to have served in the US military. My late husband and I can count 10+ from World War Two onward: Army, Navy and Air Force, men and women! Yet because Trump beats his chest and causes an uproar with his rantings, he's assumed to be a patriot by many. The NFL players are simply exercising their rights as American citizens, agree with their stance or not. In the meantime, Trump has distracted us again from major issues.
15
Iam a VietNam veteran.
I fully support the right of the National Football league, the owners, the players, and the coaches to exercise their First Amendment Right of Freedom of Speech, guaranteed by the Constitution, and permantly won by military veterans who served and died for this country.
While it is fitting and proper for the entire NFL to exercise the Frerdom of Speech as they wish, some form of public recognition needs to be shown to our military personnel who are serving world wide to protect this country so that NFL players and fans can enjoy this football season.
Currently, the American gonernment has decided that American combat troop will continually fight and die in Afghanistan for another 10 years. So far, this 17 year old war has cost this country over 2,200 deaths at a cost of at least $841 billion, with some estimates at $2 trillion.
So, as the NFL celebrates their love for this country, and its patriotism through community, I would like the NFL leadership
Especially commissioner Roger Goddell , to agree that some public recognition before game time be given specifically to the military and to all of our first responders .
"You can protest all you want but it should not be on the field."
Are these really "protests," or simply a player's refusal to express agreement with a view that he doesn't share?
Either we should just skip the national anthem before games or, if we continue to insist that it be played, allow a player to express his view. Why is a player being "political" only when he fails to express agreement with somebody else's view?
If Kaepernick were making noise or distracting movements during the national anthem, one could argue that he's interfering with other people's right to listen to the national anthem without such distractions. But he's not making noise or distracting movements. He's respectfully allowing others to stand at attention, or remove their caps, or hold their hands over their hearts, or whatever else they may feel like doing, and to listen quietly and without distraction to the national anthem. Why not respect his equal right NOT to do any of those things.
If people don't like Kaepernick, they're free to stop watching NFL games. They can watch "I Love Lucy" reruns instead, or read a book, or mow the lawn, or take a nap. That's their choice. And if Kaepernick changes his behavior as a result of that (which I hope and expect won't occur), that will simply mean that Kaepernick really doesn't care all that much about the "beliefs" he's expressing by kneeling. That will be his choice too.
6
Kaepernick has, arguably, already paid a price for his free speech. Last I heard, In spite of a generally superior record to that of many of the quarterbacks or backup quarterbacks in the league, he is not playing for any NFL team this season. Most attribute this lack of employment to his political stance.
He is doing a variety of outreach on first amendment issues for schools as one of his activities. So I guess he did put his money where his beliefs were by refusing to bow to pressure.
Those in the NFL who will not take a knee should at least make a statement that they would not visit the White House if invited. Very powerful message for NFL players to state clearly: He is NOT our President.
5
Sporting events become political events when the national anthem and the American flag are played and displayed. Once you politicize an event you have to accept opposing opinions, that's the American way and is what really makes this a great country. Trump and others who would kick players out of the game are the ones who are actually disrespecting America.
7
My question is, why do sporting events have to be connected to patriotism and our military might? It's a game folks. Do we really need to start with the national anthem and war planes flying overhead?
12
While I agree with your logic, I think that the extreme popularity of sports, in general, and football, specifically, and, of course, the passion of the fans, argues strongly that this is indeed the place to make protests against unfair government practices. These players have a loud voice when compared with the average American. I'm glad to see them using it in support of racial fairness and the unhappy raving of a fool on the verge of plunging us into a very ugly war, This is the right kind of non-violent free speech which provokes discussion rather than cars driven into crowds.
Why did we ever choose to play the national anthem at football games? I prefer to celebrate my country by paying my taxes and voting.
8
The symbol of this country cannot be just a flag and an anthem. It has to be someone having the right not to sing the anthem or salute the flag as a form of protest.
We are stronger for accepting that.
And, Mr. Trump, ratings has nothing to do with it.
118
Why don't we just eliminate all Flags, symbols, etc. and become totally neutral about Patriotism. Would that work for you?
Firstly, let's remember that kneeling is fundamentally a respectful, and submissive, gesture. We kneel to pray to God. Men kneel to propose marriage, a sign of respect to their potential bride. In medieval times, one knelt to one's lord.
Colin Kaepernick chose this action in order to demonstrate respect to our country while pointing out the problem of police brutality. This is his right. Let's remember that without the protests of the 1960's, it's quite possible that segregation would be the law of the land.
If I attend a football game this year, I will take a knee myself. Firstly, I believe, after seeing the videos of Eric Garner and Walter Scott, that police brutality is a serious problem in America, which needs to be addressed. Doing so will help all our communities. Secondly, I believe that the footballer's right to protest by "taking a knee" is sacrosanct and protected by the First Amendment.
I encourage football fans to "take a knee" along with the players to protect this important right as well as to make the point that brutality has no place in the modern police force.
4
When football and the over-paid players become our leaders on political issues, we have surely hit bottom. Football is the pastime of people who don't want to manage realities of adult living, and the players are hardly the most politically savvy in our culture. Again, it is the media manipulation of the public. This is a non-story whipped into headlines for the abbreviated attention of Americans glued to their IPhones.
4
As time goes by, more and more groups of Americans will organize against Trump demanding his removal from office.
We Americans need to remember that sometimes perseverance is required to solve a problem.
Now is the time for us to bear down on organizing Trump's removal!
3
The NFL is no place for examples of cultural courage. It is an intensely risk-adverse nonprofit organization. My guess is that the National Anthem will be phased out with intense NFL encouragement in favor of other god-and-country anthems that will bring the fans to tearful singalong pre-game moments of treacly emotion. The NFL will sponsor intense amped-up overproduced side shows of patriotic fervor to take the attention away from whatever the players need to do on the sidelines before the games. Right now there are teams of PR geniuses planning work-arounds to this conundrum.
1
Mr. Jones is an American - a God fearing Christian football fan. And fan of the military. A flag waver and sometimes cross-pumper when in a crowd of cross-pumping, flag waving sinners such as himself. But they pay no price for their sins as they get absolution on Sunday so they can enjoy their afternoon football in peace. Little do they wish for players to remind them of their sin.
2
I could envision the players wearing warm-up shirts next week emblazoned with pictures of their moms on the front, a single question below it: "What did you just call my mother?"
2
Here is a constructive suggestion to pull all (most) of us together.
Let’s tax all income over $500K per year at 80%. This will enable nearly all players and owners in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and other leagues to fund the social justice which they claim to seek. It will also impact virtually all Hollywood and media stars as well as Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who also claim to seek justice. It will make them feel good and make the other 99% of us feel great.
Warren Buffet, the Koch Brothers, and billionaire businessmen of various stripes will also be hit. Same goes for a minor percentage of small business owners and professionals.
Oh well, they need to take one for Team USA.
3
The NFL has failed in not controlling the narrative. They've made my sitting on the couch watching the giants lose a political statement.
2
I'm not sure why the national anthem before football (or any professional sport) is even required. Is it a celebration of our competitive national spirit? Of aggression? I can see where the national anthem has a role in government sponsored or civic events, but I don't see the connection to sports necessarily. Why sports events and not rock concerts?
Also, I see so much confusion around what patriotism means and the flag's role in that patriotism. My American values hearken back to the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." To me "men" in that sense is FULLY inclusive, as in ALL people. I see kneeling as a sign of respect, an act of humility, in some sense a plea. In this case I see it as a peaceful, respectful plea for greater justice in America, for our deepest values to be upheld.
3
Overriding our current struggles are that we are a long-standing nation dedicated to the balanced principles of individual freedom and the common good. We have successfully recognized the rights of the individual and the need for legitimate government for nearly 250 years.
We will survive both an semantically bumbling president (I realize that I am erring on the kind side here given the use of the "B" word.) and the exaggerated importance given to heroism of sport --a heroism that stands in for, but pales in comparison to the actual heroism of the soldier, laborer and parent honored by our national anthem.
Probably should leave it at that; however, I cannot help but mentioning that looking to presidents or professional athletes for pure inspiration has proven to be a very poisoned well from which to drink.
President Trump's foibles are painfully present. But, can we forget that one of the members of the Golden State Warriors recently caused the greatest increase in the number of adults saying "private parts" in the public since the re-vamping of the 9th grade health curriculum.
first, players have a right to expess themselves peacefully as they see fit. i'm disappointed it takes a form i consider disrespectful to the countrys most powerful symbols, the flag and the national anthem, and all the good they stand for. thats my right.
second, watched my last nfl game, certainly this season, when i watched american players kneel for the anthem and stand for god save the queen. maybe all the kneelers shoud move to england. thats my right to protest.
third, kudos to Alejandro Villanueva, MILITARY VETERAN, for being the only steeler to come out onto the field for the anthem. its a shame his own teammates could not come out and support him as his contribution and service enables them to live freely in this country and make millions of dollars.
thank you mr. Villenuava for your service. it is greatly appreciated.
3
I’ve come to view “sports” as a way for diverse lpeople to bond together in cheering on their team. It’s the one way our society has for anyone to feel “included” - no matter your social class, your employment status, where you live or work, what your education, and - till now - your politics.
Trumps anti-social behavior is wrecking this country.
But the Last Straw, to my mind, is his destruction of the Role that Sport plays in civil society. Aggression is channeled, because the teams on the playing field are the ones “fighting” to win - via rules that protect everybody and make sure there’s Fair Play. Spectators can bond in rooting for a team. While the teams “play out” the aggression, spectators cheer them on.
But this outrageous and provocative behavior by an unstable, dangerous and mentally ill-equipped man is upending the role of Sport and destroying one of the last vestiages of Fellowship in our nation.
I’m not really much of a sports fan. But in my work as a therapist, I came to see that even the most alienated or mentally ill or troubled individual could feel a sense of bonding and unity with fellow sports fans. Like talking about the weather, which can make total strangers feel like buddies in the storms of life, sports provides a means of “social glue.”
But apparently one sociopathic, megalomaniac is capable of blowing all of that up here at home. And now, taunting North Korea, he may drag us into war as well.
I am beside myself!
2
Isn't this more than enough coverage of Trump's brew-ha-ha? There are so many other really dangerous issues in play in the world, many being exacerbated by president Trump. He is the great Distractor and Chief.
2
I hope everyone remembers that this was started in a attempt to highlight systemic racism and force a serious conversation about it – racism is an unforgivable crime that has for too long been perpetrated, normalized, ignored and swept under the carpet.
This is NOT about the 45th. Don't let him hijack it.
3
Too late. The news and comments on this topic in the last 24 hours, from my perspective, has turned into Trump vs. anti-Trump discussions and 1st amendment right discussions.
Swept under the carpet again.
I fear you may well be correct. It doesn't even get a NYTimes pick so more people would see it, think about how it started, maybe even do some research and find out why and what it meant (means) before it got so completely hi-jacked by Trump for his own gain. There isn't even a link to the short history of kneeling or Kaepernick's intent.
I support all Americans who are non-violently resisting and protesting Mr. Trump, his Administration, and his bigoted supporters. The bigger the stage the better.
One must remember that our National Anthem was born out of the citizen's resistance to repressive governance by repressive leaders. It looks to me like our National Anthem needs a revision, perhaps a new verse or two, at this juncture in our history.
If Mr. Trump truly wants to Make America Great Again, he should resign the Presidency immediately, before he leaves all our valued traditions vulgarized and meaningless.
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
9
How is taking a knee (the position some take in prayer) a sign of disrespect?
I think the controversy is because white fans are unhappy that some black players are not following the script on how the white fans want to be entertained. The black players are reminding the white fans about the problems that black citizens face in this country and this is exactly what some white fans really don't what to face.
The NFL players are different from Disneyland players who can easily be replaced and silenced when they break-out of their expected role. I think this is exactly why some players feel they should use their status to remind the fans and the country of the issue that they think are important.
Firing the players will make NFL football a game that rejects top black athletes because of a rather small demonstration in favor of civil rights.
At least so far the players and owners seem to be sticking together so as not to go down that path, although I am personally OK with NFL football destroying itself.
3
And ratings for SNF declined another 10%.
4
Americans fought wars so citizens can swear at kings. Not to them.
That's the way we've been rolling for centuries, way before Trump.
Trump seems to want a fight.
His wish should be granted.
2
Astonished this is even an issue.
Republicans are doing everything they can to rip health care away from the poor, and the country's swept up in a debate about whether or not standing for the anthem is right or wrong.
Tell you what - just eliminate playing the anthem at sporting events and get back to focusing on improving the lives of American citizens. It really is that simple.
#priorities
7
I believe that everybody has there own different opinions. I also believe that everyone has there own political statesments, etc. If an athlete doesnt feel necessary to stand for the pledge of a liegance thats there own option. Everybody has the right to choose what tehy want to do no matter who or what they are. No athlete or anybody should be stopped or fired for what they do because of their beliefs. Everyone has their personal opinions, options, and beliefs
Really enjoyed the singer of the anthem at the Lions game who took a knee with a fist up high on ending the anthem whilst sining the "brave." Very symbolic!
Since we have no leadership in the White House, protests will continue, and this one -- that peacefully highlights police brutality of African-Americans, who disproportionately fought and died for our country, in the infantry and on the front lines, in places like Vietnam -- is critical and justified.
4
I'm a Patriots fan (white, it's Maine after all), and I appreciate that Robert Kraft (and Tom Brady) defended the athletes' right to free speech and unambiguously castigated Trump for his divisive remarks. That said, it smacks a little of the Republican leadership that condemns Trump while falling short of actually saying "this is unacceptable, you're not my friend." All of these "friends" of Donald Trump in team ownership - Trump has always been the same, a crass back-stabbing opportunist. Was he really a friend, or was that a relationship of convenience to rub shoulders with wealthy elite who could help you out with something? Just now, you're seeing he isn't such a good guy? Really?
1
When will it finally be time to be done with Donald Trump parading as president? Will it happen before or after he has alienated every rational person in America?
4
The only reason Trump brought this up was because his latest attempt to get rid of Obamacare failed.
So, distract everyone's attention with something people have strong feelings about. Smoke and mirrors. Trump HAS to win at everything.
It's all right out of Trump University: you're not selling real estate, you're selling feelings.
3
Maybe Trump's attitudes towards sports don't belong on the front page. Maybe players' attitudes toward the national anthem don't merit front page inclusion either.
I would like to see all of the junk news and inflammatory reporting of attitudes and opinions moved to the opinion page. There are global disasters, emergencies, wars, as well as domestic political events that merit inclusion on the front pages.
I hope the NY Times will rethink catering to the inflammatory, provocative statements of so-called leaders and/or athletes, and focus on the larger picture. Next, it will be flag-burning, or some other hot-button topic taking precedence over life and death issues.
2
Yes, the President is a thoughtless impulsive fool. I don't like him and didn't vote for him. But I don't like these football players, either, for sitting out and taking a knee during the national anthem under the guise of protest and the First Amendment; the same for team owners who support this unpatriotic behavior. I'm not a Patriots' fan anymore, not a fan of any NFL team. Now when I think of football, I just imagine a bunch of over paid and over tattooed thugs running around a green field. I won't watch it anymore, and there are lots of others who feel the same way.
Now it's time for the Commander in Chief to support our flag and those who serve it by ordering all members of the armed forces to immediately cease all activities that directly support the NFL, such as military flyovers and soldiers running out on the field holding flags, and including the payment of taxpayer dollars by the Department of Defense to the NFL for advertising. Let the players and team owners whine and protest all they want - that's their right - but without taxpayer and armed forces support.
9
Could not agree more. Get the military and politics out of sports. No need for military contingents to attend football games in an official capacity. In fact, no need to play the national anthem before sporting events. Save that for political events. Just keep it to pure sport.
As far as I can tell, that armed services support is based on using the high-profile games as a marketing opportunity and since training runs need to be made anyway. It really isn't some big support of football as such. As far as taxpayer support, I'm with you there ... the NFL should not have 501(c)3 status.
If you think the military flyovers are meant to be in support for the NFL, and not just a giant recruiting ad for the armed forces, well I don't know what to tell you. I think a lot of people would be very happy to get the anthem, military, and patriotic grandstanding out of professional sports.
And I would be happy if the right would stop its incessant "patriotism signaling." Loving this country is about more than waving a flag or supporting the troops, it's also about understanding its deep flaws and struggling to overcome them.
Who cares? Let them stand on their heads, if they like. These are football players, not political philosophers. Brain damage and the prospect of early death do not quality one as having a deep mind. It would be interesting to know what percentage of them even voted. If this is what this country chooses to debate instead of North Korea, health care and dozens of other things that actually matter, it is not difficult to see how a jerk like Trump was able to be elected.
Full disclosure. I haven't watched a football game in 30 years and do not know the names of most of the teams, so I'm not representative of the electorate. But I do know a tempest in a teapot when I see one. It's not like the football team was able to dictate policy to the board of trustees of a college, as we saw in Missouri.
13
Missouri? You seem to know a little something about that which you haven't watched for 30 years. Oh, yes, you are more "representative of the electorate" than you know.
A "mixed reaction of fans" ? They are football fans. The costs of tickets are so high it's mostly white, upper class that attends the games or the wild eyed, rabid, dog fans that would naturally be a bit less educated, with myopic racial views. Football fans are absolutely not a cross representation of our country. No one tells anyone when to sit, stand, kneel, or pray, unless you own that person. Trump owns no one.
17
Agreed.
Though even in this article, whose lede seems to want to bury this fact, there are fans quoted in support of players.
The last comment is the $ shot:
"People don't get angry when someone is shot or killed, but they get angry when a player takes a knee
1
Agreed.
But even in this article which (whose editor) seems at pains to bury this fact, there are fans quoted in support of the players.
The $ quote is at the end:
"People don't get angry when someone is shot or killed, they get angry when a player takes a knee.." during the anthem.
Trump is borrowing Nixon's tact in dealing with protest by waving the flag and shaming the dissenters. We know where that leads. It took Watergate to bring Nixon down after his landslide victory in '72 amidst the anti war and civil rights protests. Even a fool like Trump knows when to wave the flag to galvanize the masses. I've said for years that the anthem should not be played at sporting events, and now it will only act as a lightning rod to further divide us. Sports is an entertainment medium that helps divert us from the "issues" for a couple of hours. Now Lonesome Rhodes Trump's swollen ego has crept into those precious moments. No need for these faux patriotic displays. Plus the jets flying overhead make my ears ring for days.
9
Thanks for the sane reply; they are in short supply on this thread!
I see nothin' but a bunch of kids holding their breathe. I mean it's like we as their parents are somehow expected to buy them something. Well, it ain't gonna happen. Not like this !
7
Of course, everyone who doesn't know you expects as much.
Why are we so obsessed with this when Puerto Rico is without power and bankrupt? That story should be front and center.
16
Because Puerto Rico continues to vote to be America's step child; now, in keeping with America's true feelings, Puerto Rico is being stepped on. To stop it, stand up.
Can't help but wonder: If these althletes were protesting a different cause, say gay-marriage, would the left still be so supportive of their "right to protest on the field"?
Of course not.
10
You don't get it. A free country means that even if you don't like something, people are still allowed to say it. That's actually a founding principle of this country. Besides, most of "the left" doesn't care about football.
No, the left would condemn their homophobia, and the right would support their right to free speech and religious beliefs. See the irony?
The NFL, as a friend recently said to me, is the new plantation. White owners, Black players, bought, sold, and owned. The fan following is by and large very conservative. What most of them think is not surprising. Since we cohere as a nation around nothing else, standing and saluting makes a lot of us feel good, connected to something. That the authoritarian types should want to force us to do so, also unsurprising.
When I was a child, during the 1970s, my mother discouraged us from saluting the flag. She had grown up in Nazi Germany, where such compelled displays of loyalty were rampant.
14
100% right. "Patriotism" should never be forced or coerced. Frankly, it shouldn't be foisted upon sports or concert audiences or innocent school children.
So what are we talking about now? The devastation in Puerto Rico? Kushner's use of private email? Charlottesville? North Korea? No. Attention is on the flag being 'disrespected'. Is he crazy like a fox? I honestly don't think so. I believe this is more fun for him. I wish Twitter would shut down his account. They have every justification, but this is how they make money and that trumps all.
13
There is a lawsuit right now, filed by all of the Twitter users that Trump has blocked. You're right- Trump should not be on Twitter, not as president.
2
What's next stomping on the flag before the game?
6
No. What's next is to continue what they are doing--Resisting. It is as American as apple pie (for those who know anything about our history).
From a forty year fan of the NFL who takes three hours on a Sunday afternoon in part to escape the world's nonsense, I now realize that this game will no longer provide that scrap of solace.
Our President is divisive. Shame on him.
5
Appears that Trump came to the White House with a long bucket-list of Revenge and he's using his tenure intent on ticking them off one by one.
5
Could this be another example of Trump trying to change the focus away from the Mueller investigation into his Russian ties and how much they may have influenced the outcome of our national election? The media shouldn't be so quick to follow. I mean here's a man who is now wrapping himself in the flag and arguing that those who knelt during the national anthem were somehow un-American.
This nonsense from Trump, of which we've become quite accustomed to, is just one more glaring example among many of how our Liar-in-Chief doesn't have a clue about what it means to be an American.
I only wish that John McCain, when running for the nomination of his party last year, and when, during the Republican debate, was confronted by Trump's outrageous remark that he, Trump, didn't respect anyone who was captured by the enemy (North Vietnamese)...that John McCain would have had the presence of mind to respond to Trump's moronic and thoughtless remark by turning the tables on Trump by asking Trump about which branch of the armed forces that he, Trump, had served in during the Vietnam war. Of course, John had more class than that.
If McCain had asked that question, Trump would have had to sheepishly respond that, well, he ...umm... had five deferments which enabled him to evade the draft, ...something about a sore foot.
Well, the only thing that I can think of in that regard is how often Trump puts his foot in his mouth when talking about important national and international topics.
6
100% agreed that the media shouldn't be so quick to follow this master manipulator. Everything he puts out there on Twitter is a distraction, and any attention paid to his stupid Tweets is only serving his broader agenda... whatever it may be at the moment.
If it were up to me, I'd build statues of Colin Kaepernick in front of every Trump building in this country. I've got far more respect for him than this boorish excuse for a U.S. President.
1
How far the office of the US presidency has fallen.
During the Vietnam war Mohammad Ali refused induction and LBJ said nothing.
2017 we have a president that says everything even if it's in violation of the very document he SWORE to uphold and protect.
I wonder when people will stop debating and nitpicking over the issue of what's PC and not and get to the heart of this issue: the Constitution is being attacked by the very people sworn to protect it. Wake Up people.
13
Once again, Trump has stepped on his own, uh, brain. If I ever had the chance to meet him (almost makes me gag), I would ask him if he's ever read the Constitution of this country. Of course, he would have to lie, as he always does and nod in the affirmative. Peaceful demonstrations are also called, Free Speech. I'm sure that most anyone with more than two brain cells knows that THAT is what makes our country great, the ability to speak out against whatever we choose not to defend. In this case it is BOTH about racism AND about this right. The NFL players, coaches, etc. are actually demonstrating their Constitutional Rights as well as discrimination. Don Trump doesn't have the other brain cell that would allow him to see this. Go NFL, go Black America, go
First Amendment. Our founding fathers made it the First Amendment for a very good reason!
5
What in the world are these black NFL players protesting by kneeling for the anthem and flag? Racial equality? Maybe we should have racial quotas for players? Maybe we should give everyone a chance to throw, catch, and run with the ball?
These black players would do more good protesting the violence in the urban communities of their teams as well as the violence of their fellow players.
This display was too much for many of my friends. We are not supporting the NFL. I guess, cue a victory for the grievance crowd?
6
This is exactly what they are protesting.
They are attempting to bring light to and protest police brutality toward people of color, especially Black men.
But bringing in respectable politics into this is unnecessary and condescending. Black communities are not separate entities of their own.
They *are* protesting the violence in urban communities---that committed by police. As a fellow Baltimorean, you should know how that violence manifests. Something tells me you haven't given it much critical thought though.
Not liking football is un American. As our President seems to prefer Russians to Americans, his comments are expected. In my opinion, this is just a distraction for Jared's private e-mail account.
3
I agree with everything except for the first statement. I don't like tackle football. It causes lasting brain injuries. Switch to flag football and I might come back.
Id like to see these kneeling protests spread to other pro sports. I'd also like to see fans do the same. Trump must be peacefully resisted every day in every way imaginable.
8
The Democrats ' Resistance Movement is relentless . Now even ' occupies ' the NFL.
5
For the love of football, I don't understand why public professions of patriotism are a test of fitness to participate in a sporting event--especially football. Let the players protest, and let offended fans boycott the brain-bruising NFL. Go spend your money on the arts instead. It's good for your country and your brain.
4
He talks of respect. Even though he shows no respect.
9
Racist behavior is not politics, it is just plain wrong, and it should be addressed everywhere.
4
This is such a ridiculous situation. Am I so old and addled that I do not correctly recall my grammar school history lessons? Didn't we fight a revolutionary war in part to rid ourselves of the requirement to pledge fealty to the king? To bow or stand in a certain way in the presence of the monarch or the symbols of his/her power?
I truly hope the ACLU or some other organization speaks out loudly against the requirement for any citizen stand or salute any "symbol" of the United States. These are symbols. And as citizens we have the right to disregard them as we choose. What's next? Debtors prison? Conscription? Taxation without representation?
5
All of the self-righteous talk of the patriotic "boycotting" of games is a bunch of hot air. Football is the de facto religion of this country. Football is more important than education, arts, public health, veteran's health and well-being...the list goes on. If all of the research on CTE doesn't have an impact (pun intended), why would this?
5
I am so proud of our athletes for standing up for their beliefs and turning a nose to Trump. We are NOT a divided country-there's only a bunch of Trump followers that-well, follow. But hitting them where it hurts-football-that's. I hope, a jolt
You are all special people!
2
This is peaceful protest. This IS America!
4
I feel inclined to weigh Trump’s supposed defense of patriotism against 2 items: First, his emotion based moves are usually politically motivated towards a racist leaning base. Second, it’s strongly hypocritical for a Viet Nam war draft dodger to seek refuge in patriotism. At the end, I find his action is purposely divisive along with an attempt to shift attention from his own scandals. And then there is also Charlottesville.
2
Last week it was all about how damaging football is to the minds and brains of players, especially young children. This week it's about how football is about patriotism, religion and racism.
So, what's the link here?
3
Donald Trump has proven repeatedly that he does not have the intellectual capacity to grasp the meaning and purpose of fundamental rights bestowed upon our citizens by the founding fathers. This is simply another example of why Donald Trump must be removed from the office for which he is completely unprepared.
2
Trump is doing this to divert attention from the Russia investigation. Why he chose to target America's favorite sport is anyone's guess. I stand or take a knee with my integrated family that now includes a mix of nine mixed black, three Hispanic and two Asian americans. They deserve equal respect and opportunity in a nation formed by immigrants and powered by slave labor before the Civil War abolished slavery.
2
When quoting fans, the writer does not mention their race until the final paragraph, where follows Melendez's statement by noting that she is African-American. This is inconsistent, but, more seriously, it is also conforming to a long racist tradition in the US of treating a white person's opinion as the product of his or her individual reason while presuming that all African-Americans think as one mass. Referencing Melendez's race, when the author has not been doing so throughout the article, makes it seem as though he believes her race, not her stated reasoning, explains her support for the protesters.
2
Those who are critical of "taking a knee" are attempting to impose artificial bounds on free speech. From where do they derive their belief that they have this right; the right to tell others how, when, where and about what to be patriotic?
When millions are goosestepping down Maine Street shouting America First wearing MAGA hats it will be too late to keep your free speech rights intact. Wake up.
3
Trump tweeted about sports seventeen times this weekend. Not once did he tweet about Puerto Rico, where 3.5 million U.S. citizens have been without power, water, or means of communication since Maria hit Wednesday.
4
Trump can only make his point by misconstruing and misrepresenting what the players are doing. Claiming that the intention of the protestors is not to stand or respect the country is wrong—intentionally wrong. For him to say this shows how he is pursuing something other than the health and welfare of our country and its citizens. Calling the very citizens (and their mothers) of the country he is supposed to be taking care of vulgar names is outrageous and detestable. These citizens, whom people admire and respect are legally expressing views different from his. How dare this sorry excuse for a president turn on his own people?
3
Dollars, drugs, homophobia, and corruption. What's not like about professional sports in the 21st century. I fully support the athletes taking a knee to show their support for folks worse off. But I don't tune in to a sports program to be lectured about inequality, especially by millionaires. Let's leave that hypocrisy to the politicians who are paid to pretend to care. Professional athletes are paid to pretend they compete fairly and that sports teams care about their players. Haven't watched the NFL, the NHL, or MLB in a decade and reading about protesting players isn't going to win me back. I wish them every success, although I'm not at all sure what the millionaires hope to accomplish.
3
I see. And who would you prefer to be "lectured" by? I am more than happy to take up that mantle.
Your comment shows a gulf of misconception mixed with wishful thinking. Not all pro athletes are millionaires, but even if they are, they did not give up their rights as citizens for some dollars.
If you find yourself so uncomfortable during these shows of protest, perhaps it is because you inherently recognize the truth and necessity of what these athletes are protesting.
I've often wondered this myself:
"By the way, why do we need to play the national anthem at all at the beginning of sports events? ... I go to the theatre, art gallery openings and the ballet. I have never seen a performance preceded by a playing of the national anthem."
I strongly resent this practice, and wish it would end. What bothers me even more is the flagrant effort to extend the practice by playing some additional "patriotic" song during an athletic event -- as occurred for several years after 9/11 at SF Giants games and has been occurring again in recent years.
People come to sporting events, or artistic events, to see the event, not to demonstrate how patriotic they are. If someone wants to demonstrate his patriotism, he can buy an American flag, mount it on a flagpole next to his home, and salute it 12 times a day if he likes. Just don't expect me to do the same.
13
If the NFL doesn't require the players to stand for the anthem then just dont play it anymore. It is hypocracy to ask the attendees to stand for the anthem and not require the employees to do so. Or maybe don't ask me to stand for the anthem anymore. Instead of over the load speaker asking me to stand tell me it's an option. ' ladies and gentlemen please stand and join us for our national anthem.....but if you don't want to that's okay. And those who are standing don't make fun of those who don't want to stand. Also for those who find the flag to be offensive we have safe places designated where you can't see the flag"
During the playing of the anthem there are many people in the stands who continue to sit, talk, buy beer and hot dogs, etc., etc. It is a ridiculous pretense that everyone stands at quiet attention.
And if d trump, and the rest of you, are so supportive of the veterans, first responders, and others that the anthem now apparently serve as the focus of the song, why are so many vets homeless, without adequate health care, and when they can get to a VA hospital, in receipt of wholly inadequate care?
Spend more time lobbying your Congress persons for veteran's rights, and worry a bit less about why other folks are protesting what they perceive as injustice.
Play America the Beautiful, Irving Berlin's God Bless America, or Woody Guthrie's This Land is Your Land. There's nothing to protest since none are a militaristic war cry, and they're much easier to sing.
3
There are 3 1/2 million Americans in dire straights in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Irma blew through there. It baffles the mind that Trump, this pretend president, can find the time to twitter his attention away with insults at, and fights with, NFL players who exercise their constitutional right of free speech. Does he know, and are we sure, that he is supposed to be the president?
5
It was encouraging to see the many NFL players (virtually all white, by the way) who had the courage to stand up, put their hands over their hearts, and pay their respects to the flag and our national anthem. They are the true patriots, willing to endure the epithets and scorn of their politically correct teammates who are jumping on the anti-Trump bandwagon to appease the hate mongers on the left.
4
If kneeling or locking arms are unacceptable for players, should our Commander in Chief also consider telling sports fans that they are unpatriotic and insult the flag if they do the following: talking, joking around, reading or messaging on their smartphones, going to the bathrooms, going out to buy snacks so that they will be back in time when the playing starts.
7
The First Amendment of your Constitution says nothing about the expression of free speech being guaranteed to only those who are not highly-paid professional athletes.
6
The next time you Liberal New Yorkers go to Yankee Stadium when they play the National Anthem look out to the Right Field Bleachers and you will see a large contingent of people not standing. For many years this has not been displayed on TV cameras.
1
Happens in all ballparks, although not always on the right side. Is that relevant?
Who are these people that disrespect our National Anthem?
I think this behaviour reflects the feelings of the left a large. Trump is the ultimate enemy, which they will oppose at any cost. If it means disrepecting the flag, they will do it. If it means mocking the soldiers that died for their freedom, they will do it. If it means attacking confederate statues, they will do it. If it means burning the American flag, they will do it. If means allowing violent illegals into the country, they will do it. If it means encouraging domestic jihad, they will do it. To the left, opposing Trump, for any reason, at any cost is the only thing that matters.
3
"I have yet to hear the goal of the anthem kneeling protests."
Why does the "goal" even matter? Are those protesters preventing you from behaving differently if you prefer? Why should you force them to express agreement with you?
Not a fan of football, I am mystified by the loyalty shown by the "filled to the rafters" stadiums. That said, I am behind any athlete who feels it necessary to voice their outrage at this Orange in office. How dare he have an opinion on anyone else's private enterprise as a public servant? To think his opinion will matter shows the hubris of his administration. The world would be better off to declare this so-called election finally illegitimate. The rallying cry should be do-over! or better yet REPLAY!
Such a wretched, self-serving president. He should at least try to learn from his mistakes and from all of the hate-filled invective that has been flowing his way for the past few days (if not months). I don't expect him to run again in three years, given the current trends, but if he does he could suffer the greatest loss in the history of the presidency.
Nah, he'll jump ship long before having to suffer through that indignity. The GOP, however, should be banned from occupying the White House for a period of ten years, and go through mandatory sensitivity training, lol. What a lot!
2
Humility with dignity. Good job.
The President's remarks are a distraction from his bungled actions with North Korea, Iran, the budget and repeal of the ACA. Mind you I don't agree with anything he has done in regards to these things but he needs to gin up his base to distract them from what an empty sock they voted into office. The British use the term "muppet" and I think it dead on in this case.
"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel" defines the GOP for the past 20 years.
2
If Congress is going to be stupid enough to weigh in on steroid use in baseball, or Deflategate, then of course the figurehead in the Executive Branch is going to learn from their fecal example and do his own inveighing.
Is there a rule in the NFL rules that says players must stand during the National Anthem? If so, then the NFL should punish those players who don't. If there is no such rule about player behavior during the National Anthem, then the NFL can only fall back on general rules about player behavior on the field, and rules about how players' behavior reflects back upon the NFL - which is what Goodell did to punish Tom Brady during the 2016 season.
2
When every single one of those 20,000+ spectators at a pro game put down their beers, stand, take off their hats, place their right hand over their hearts, and shut up for 30 seconds I'll buy this nonsense that the players have no right to respecfully kneel.
4
Trump is muddying and bloodying the waters with his comments. When mostly-black players risking death or CTE are being cheered on (or booed) by mostly-white crowds, the "game" of football has devolved into a raucous racist Roman gladiator pit. I am ashamed to be an American. I am proud to see these protesting players exercise their rights as citizens.
6
Whadyaknow? #45 discovers Political Correctness!
1
"Draft dodging unapologetic racist lectures country on what it is to be an American"
12
Moving on from NFL protests, how's that Russian election meddling and collusion investigation going?
12
Hey Mr President,
How's the Russian Collusion Investigation going?
How about healthcare legislation?
Talks with North Korea?
Tax reform?
Have you sent any aid to the people of the US Territory of Puerto Rico yet?
Methinks the man distracteth o'ver much.
12
This is a distraction. This is the right hand keeping the eyes occupied while the left is up to no good. Trump isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he's wily and has a showmans instincts. So far every knee appears to be jerking right on schedule. What is he trying to pull our eyes away from? Something Mueller found? Something about North Korea? Something else?
4
Agree. Plus he needs attn. seriously. He cannot bear to not be the center of attn. and it just so happens to be an effective smokescreen
Wake up, people. This is being released by White House to distract the media and the public from (A) rise of Neo Nazi party getting 15% vote in Germany and (B) new embargos on immigration. So great job NYT: Make football anthem the above the fold headline.
2
Is that guy for real? A cowardly four time draft dodger attempting to give us lessons on patriotism? What a crock!
13
Yes. I think so.
Trump has shown through his actions and utter lack of character why the NFL never wanted this bum to become a team owner. Meanwhile, how about some tweets for the citizens suffering in P.R. and the Virgin Islands right now. #NotFitForPresident
5
Trump wants adulation, it's why he continues to rally. He demands what he thinks is right, deserves none of it. White male privilege to say the least. What a disqusting person.
1
This is just another example on how Trump distracts his base from looking at how they are being conned and screwed - repealing ACA, tax reform for the rich, failure of foreign policy, waffling back and forth on the Paris Accord, DACA, and most of all Russian influence on both the election and his business financials. He's a crafty, shifty, and and untrustworthy
6
Where in God's name is General Kelly through all this? I thought he was supposed to keep a handle on this sort of thing. Every time Donald Trump opens his mouth, he proves just what a racist uneducated buffoon he is.
8
General Kelly cannot confiscate Trump's phone, ground him or put him in detention and that is the only way to stop him.
Donny, Donny, Donny this bully and fire then rage will get you no where. We know you don’y give a darn about the flag, being American, paying taxes etc. This is all about The Donald.
So dear boy, tear yourself a page out of the Kim Jong-un playbook. Pyongyang, the NK capital is reserved for only the most loyal citizens, not those pampered stars. Kim, this year alone, deported 600,000 citizens for disrespecting him and sent them onto exile or behaviour modification camps.
So dear boy, as fast as you can say, ‘....catch a ________ by the toe...” you can stop all these pesky protest. The loyal American citizens will be so grateful that they may break out the laurel wreath and crown you.
No need to thank me.
Ciao
3
There was a time, now passed, where reasoned discussion took place on the NYT's pages. The intellectual façade has fallen and the mob with its impotent rage is on display everyday with its pitchforks to decry all things Trump.
Get back to your lives and be productive. I'm sure your mental health is suffering from your hysterics.
11
Will, I just cannot believe you said that! DT is not balanced, honest, caring or comprehensible. He needs to go. I am so frightened at where he's taking us, and NEVER underestimate the things our enemies CAN do to us.
The only racist dogwhistle missing from Trump's NFL statements was the word "boy."
15
Our petulant, narcissistic, grudge bearing bully that happens to be the President of the United States is at it again trying to settle old scores:
His New Jersey based United States Football team sued the NFL after being rebuked by the owners who did not want him in their league. So let's settle old grudges and trash the NFL and owners.
He says respect our flag and country, but he dodged the draft several times and then bought a 4F exemption from some doctor. So much for his respect to this country and its flag!
Is Trump a racist and white supremacist? I say yes supported by the following:
- He and his father were charged by HUD for racial discrimination in their rental practices. They fought it for years and agreed to a fine without accepting any fault.
- Trump took out a full page ad in the NYT crucifying the ‘Central Park 5’. But trump did not enough class to issue an apology or retraction when they were exonerated.
- Trump went after Obama for years challenging his birth, education and intelligence with dog whistle rhetoric thinly veiled suggestions of racak inferiority.
- Charlottesville - Neo Nazi's and leftist protestors “both have good people”.
When will the Republicans take their heads out of the sand and end this reign of terror on our country?
11
White America just can't stand it when folks point out that racism is alive and well in this country and that people of color are dying because of it.
5
Only the non-veterans are spouting out the: "Oh, the military men and women died, so you are disrespecting their service." Jeez, just speak for yourself. I served twenty years (1992-2012) and not only do I applaud their stance, I would kneel down with them. Our President is a disgusting racist.
15
Trump is keeping his promise of bringging us back to the good times of the 1950"s where we a had clearly racially divided country.
3
You're off by only one Jet,..as in ONE Hundred Years. 1850s
1
Stupid and divisive comments brought the knee back in full force -- just when it was becoming passe. I love our country and supported standing for our anthem, which isn't to say I don't support BLM. I just think the anthem, our rare display of patriotism, should be left alone. But with the president's divisive, bullying comments, it's now a thing all over again and you have to support the players who are making statements. Such drama before the games even start...!
2
Trump is a master at changing the subject.Now, it all about football players
instead of investigations into Trump and his Russian help. How easily we can
be manipulated. The Russian investigation now takes a backseat to football.
How stupid are we?
2
Want have our Racist in chief explain to all of us why he defends white supremacists, chanting and carrying NAZI flags and has problems with black Americans kneeling peacefully in a LEGAL protest????
All you flag wavers out there--write check to Fisher House, buy a serviceman and his family dinner in a restaurant....Remember what they fought for and respect those who exercise their rights under our Constitution, the document you sofa warriors never fought or died for, but claim they are violating. I loathe the sheer hypocrisy of people who show no respect for what this document is all about..and, that would include a President who I suspect, has never bothered to read it.
We have a racist Commander in Chief who has yet to get help down to the people of color in Puerto Rico.....Too busy slamming black athletes to bother. When will America hang it's head in shame for this terrible mistake made at the ballot box????
7
So the "fine people" of the KKK have first amendment rights to protest, but NFL players do not? I'm confused.
12
So NASCAR fans stand behind Trumpian dogma as do many NFL fans. What's the common denominator? White, bunkered down mentality, enjoyment of the intensity of speed and/or violence. My country (tribe) right or wrong.
How dare black men - paid gladiators whose lives/brains are of little consequence to the fans who watch them - stand up for their rights and their voice. How dare a black man live in the White House.
We gotcha Donald. You are the Emperor with No Clothes to most. To those who see you as clothed - as you articulate their closed-down, non-compassionate, USA-only mindset - we can only say "Sad. Very, very Sad."
3
On September 24, 1957, President Eisenhower ordered the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army—without its black soldiers, who rejoined the division a month later—to Little Rock and federalized the entire 10,000-member Arkansas National Guard, taking it out of the hands of Gov. Faubus so that nine black students could attend a formerly all-white high school.
On September 24, 2017, football players, administrators and owners openly protested bigoted and hateful comments. Not much has changed in 60 years.
3
there's only one message to send the divider-in-chief - YOU'RE FIRED.
4
Perhaps if the players tugged at their forelocks when kneeling, Trump would be satisfied. "Throw the bum out!!" Our president (small "p") is insane, and we are all heading over the cliff with him....supporters and non-supporters. God bless America...and the rest of the world. We've never needed divine intervention as much as we do at present.
2
NYT, Keep stirring the pot full of racial sentiment, really needed right now in our country. We don't have any other problems to focus on do we?
It's a song. Just stop playing it, can we?
9
Jim, now take your statement and replace "NYT" with "Trump".
1
Lissen up, Coppertop:
This ain't your plantation; you ain't the Boss man; and we don't work for you.
On the other hand, this is OUR nation; the people ARE the Boss; and you work for us.
If that arrangement doesn't suit you, or seems unfair, take the silver spoon from your mouth, so you can understand the words when you fire yourself, and save us the trouble.
Or, to quote Jane Austen: Hateful man.
10
The First Amendment ensures that the US government will not interfere with an American's right to express him or herself. But this right does not extend into places of employment. An American neo-nazi has the constitutional right (unfortunately) to parade around in Nazi regalia all weekend, but, at most companies, he better show up for work on Monday wearing normal attire. So the NFL owners do have a right, but certainly not an obligation, to restrict how their employees express themselves at work. But by his position as head of the Executive Branch, Donald Trump has absolutely no right to interfere in this matter. What these athletes do on the field is none of the government's business. Has he given any consideration on how this might look to other countries? Americans are free to express themselves as long as the President agrees with it? Sounds more like North Korea than the United States of America.
2
Aviron, good words!
It is acceptable for NFL owners to individually decide to discipline a player protesting during the national anthem. After all, such on-the-job conduct may be creating bad PR and losing the team fans and revenues. Like it or not, NFL teams are privately owned and except for those of us who work for the government, we all can get fired for what we say and do at work regardless of the 1st Amendment. See Google Memo Guy.
What is not acceptable is for a sitting a POTUS to tell NFL owners to suspend/fire players who protest the national anthem. The POTUS is the head of our 3rd branch of government so Trump’s latest tweet is essentially governmental exhortation to suppress speech.
I am a liberal but I dislike national anthem protests, flag burning, etc. The players protesting have valid concerns but can and should find better ways to protest issues and should do so outside of work. However, because of the POTUS’ latest tweets I am firmly on the side of the protesters. While these protesters are not immune to private action their employers take in response to their protests, they should be protected from governmental pressures to suppress dissent and impose uniformity of opinion.
Regardless of what you think of the appropriateness of these protests, we all should be united in our concern about this blatant government encroachment on free speech. This is a far greater threat to American rights and values than any athlete taking a knee during the national anthem.
1
What is interesting is when a player is badly hurt during the game of football, players for both teams get down on one knee to hope / pray that the injured player recovers fully. Many people in our country are hurting badly. Taking a knee during the national anthem, in my opinion, is to hope and pray that our country recovers fully.
3
Though some will deny it, the anthem is a political statement in its own right. So carried to a logical conclusion: eliminating the anthem will eliminate the controversy.
1
Respect is a feeling. Standing doesn't mean respect if its because you were told you have to. It also doesn't mean that someone else's protest diminishes anyone else's respect. This is not a virus that is contagious. It is also not an all or nothing feeling. You can still respect our country yet be critical about aspects of it. This is just American citizens using the power of TV to get people talking about problems. Trump is not the only person empowered by money and fame that is allowed to state his beliefs. The fact that people can protest is what made our country great and will continue to allow us to rectify problems in the future.
2
What happened over the weekend on a sports field has been going on at the local high school level for the last two seasons and continues this season. My grands, now 17,19,21 have all been team captains in a variety of sports while attending the most diverse high school in our city. When Donald Trump started his run for President there was an overt uptick of race baiting on and off the field, in particular from the fans in the stands and Facebook. My grands were tested early on the their understanding and belief in what our Democratic values are built on. They never flinched in uniting their teams in support of equal rights for all and the right to express that through various behaviors and public media. I attended a game last week, b4 Trumps tirade, the whole student section stayed sitting during the National Anthemn. My point in writing this is to take a deep breath and think about what DT is doing to a generation of children and is that ok with you. Personally, I am very proud of the maturity and leadership my grands have shown .
2
This controversy reminds me of the Loyalty Oath sequence in Joseph Heller's Catch 22. Perhaps it is more true than we care to believe, reality mimics fiction.
I believe it may be time for the President to end the flyovers by our servicemen for all games if the protesting players are so adamant. No point in spending tax payer's dollars anymore for that, is there.
I don't recall anyone taking a knee during the first games after 9/11/01, and as far as I can recall, the issues these players are protesting were there then, too.
2
There are so many gray levels in this issue. As a country we are undergoing a new awareness of the interpretations of the symbols of our national history through different lenses. We should be open to those discussions as long as long they are peaceful and respectful. Is that not the embodiment of freedom of expression?
We are going through an era of growing pains ignited by many complex, interwoven factors, like electing the first African American President, the pervasiveness of social media and its ability to unite and divide (and deceive), and still open wounds of terroristic attacks on our homeland, to name a few.
I see going down on one knee during our National Anthem as a form of peaceful, symbolic, non-threatening protest. The real disrespect comes from The President trying to control that freedom of expression protected by the the U.S. Constitution. The real disrespect is not embodied toward the symbols, but those that have fought wars for this country to preserve our basic constitutional rights.
1
What I find completely unexpected in all of this are the ways NFL players on both sides of this issue have reacted to each other. In yesterday's games, I watched some players kneeling while other players stood in back of them, putting their hands on their shoulders to show support. In one game, all Steelers but one remained in the locker room during the anthem, but none criticized their teammate who went out to the field and stood hand on heart during the playing. Every player, coach, commentator, and even most of the owners have not uttered one word of criticism towards any players regardless of position.
Clearly there are many players who do not agree that the kneelers are doing the right thing, but they support the right of these players to make their heartfelt statements.
Indeed, players have universally defended the right of the kneelers--- as Americans--- to express their opinions, and have spoken with respect of the kneelers' thoughtfulness and desire to do something positive. Similarly, from the kneelers' side, I have not heard of any criticisms of those who remain standing.
This is mutual respect.
Like most human beings, NFL players are flawed. But in this situation, the players and coaches exemplify the best in America. I am very proud of them.
3
Playing the national anthem at sporting events should be an option for the team owner at their home stadiums. If I was that owner, I'd play "Give Peace a Chance" by John Lennon. Let's start glorifying peace and not war.
I don't think he has every gotten over his failure as an owner of the New Jersey Generals and as a leader in the USFL in their unsuccessful anti-trust suit against the NFL in 1985. He wants to be an owner, not a spectator, and as these comments show, he's still not ready.
1
I have new respect for Commissioner Goodell. Yesterday's games could've been powder kegs but he set the right tone quickly, sending a clear and positive message of unity that appealed to our better angels. And, judging by the deafening silence from at least two of his owners (Jones and Richardson), he did it despite some professional risk.
It seems to have worked: there was some booing, but Trump failed to mobilize a mass exodus. Blue or red, we all love the game.
1
You think there may be a little cause for concern in NFL owners' offices. Player protest, potential fan backlash, concussion problems, youth football participation peaking in 2009. While the NFL may be an ego-driven business, it's still a business. If the potential to maximize the investment has peaked, don't be surprised to see some owners decide to cash out.
"I am exercising my First Amendment rights by refusing to attend sport events or to watch sports on television where the players are politicizing the game."
You have every right not to attend or watch sporting events -- for whatever reason you like, or for no reason at all. But don't say that "players are politicizing the game" merely because they decline to express support for your political views.
I've traveled to very many countries, and happen to think very highly of this country. But the single biggest reason from that view is that this country doesn't demand that its citizens behave in a certain way. If we start demanding that they do, I may well change my view of this country.
3
Fans need to join in, too. Where are the fans who are sitting out the anthem? That will take some courage.
A few things have occurred to me:
1. Protest is SUPPOSED to be a little disrespectful. It can't go too far, but it has to disrupt the regular order of things, otherwise it's not protest.
2. The protests begun by Colin Kaepernick have been successful at least to the extent that he started a national conversation. In that sense, discussing their propriety becomes a moot point. They worked.
3. I have always been struck by the fact that we sing the national anthem at sporting events, but not at other public forms of entertainment. You don't do it in a movie theater, opera or circus. Why?
4. As long as we do sing at sports events, is it respectful that the cheering begins a few bars before the end of the anthem? That often the giant flag gets crumpled up and run unceremoniously off the field?
2
I strongly believe that national anthems should only be played prior to contests between national teams at, for example, the World Cup or World Championships, and of course at medal ceremonies of international competitions such as the Olympics. They don't play the national anthem before games in the English Premier League, or the German Bundesliga, or anywhere else I can think of. It just isn't done and we in the US are the exception. I know it's a "tradition" but the more it's done-and in the USA that means every sporting contest from the local Little League to the Super Bowl-the more it can seem gratuitous and the more it can lose its special feeling. It can also be seen as a cynical tool to control or, as is currently happening, divide, people politically rather than unite them. This President's ham-fisted effort to use this issue to make himself look good just demonstrates once again how clueless he is when it comes to expressing his opinions on socially-sensitive matters.
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Colin Kaepernick has at least partially succeeded. He started this protest to raise awareness of an issue that he felt was not being adequately addressed, and about which he and other athletes could bring awareness on a large scale. It has worked, and this is exactly how peaceful protest should work. The next step is to move forward with solutions, of course, which is difficult. But how can the fans/public rant against athletes for taking a stand and making a considered statement on a social issue, while at the same time insist that they be "role models" of child athletes? There is your double standard.
3
I served. Peaceful protest and the right to speak, kneel, hold hands, or stand in a public setting is one of the values I swore to protect. I’m also proud of both the Steelers in the locker room AND the one Steeler — West Point graduate, Ranger — who came out to stand at the team’s tunnel entrance. Peaceful protest starts conversation and change when it happens in a public setting. I am proud of all those athletes and owners. I’m a rebublican for 40 years and am ashamed of DJT, our non-leader.
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Great comment. While you served, Donald Trump used his wealth to get deferments from the armed forces. Thank you for your service SailorPaul.
That was another excellent comment.
Yeah, how about this?
"...unless its a really big game like the Superbowl the TV networks show commercials instead."
The only time I ever experience the national anthem being played before a sporting event is when I'm at the sporting event. If I'm watching it on TV, the TV networks consider commercials to be more important than the national anthem. Should we require that those networks demonstrate their patriotism by televising the playing of the national anthem rather than cutting to a commercial?
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Yes we should if they want our money. Money talks.
Instead of focusing on the nation's real issues--and we all know what they are--Trump continues to quarterback plays solely for the benefit of his base. What we need is a quarterback who can focus (something with which Trump has great of difficulty) on engineering plays that tackle our significant problems. In short, we need someone in the White House with a new and effective playbook. The fact is, Trump has NO playbook. He just continues to lob wobbly passes to "his" team.
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The biggest heartbreak in this whole scenario is that if Kaepernick had knelt down to protest pro-choice legislation or a pro-immigrant policy, I have no doubt that most of the remaining members of Cult 45 would have applauded him. This is not about patriotism, friends, it is about about race, pure and simple. I'm sure there are many Trump supporters that have never felt so conflicted -- do I choose politics or football? It's what is at the heart of the imbroglio that tipped the balance for them. Get woke, people.
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I would like to recreate the scene from the movie Mystery Alaska where the fans held newspapers up in front of their faces while the opposing team was being introduced. I bet the players would find that offensive and complain endlessly about it. Too bad, my right to free speech.
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I think the best solution to really make the unity we need from this situation is for all to stand for the National Anthem and after it is over for all team members to take a knee in solidarity for all that needs to be done to make this a perfect union . The first amendment would stand for all and the fans and the players would be connected once again.
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Opponents of the players' actions argue that football players are employees who should abide by the rules set by their employers. Insofar as football is their job, so that argument goes, they should keep politics out. But opening an athletic event with the national anthem injects politics directly into the game. It is a political moment during which the player should be viewed not as an employee, but as a citizen, who has the right to express himself politically. If we were to remove the national anthem from sporting events, then I would be all in favor of disciplining athletes who use the context of their professional activity -- which is, after all, NOT unfolding in a public space, but in a private space provided by owners -- to propagate political views.
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These football players are exercising their right to free speech. They are entitled to take a political stand where they choose on or off the playing field.
These men status as professional sports players or millionaires, is immaterial to their right to political speech.
Too rich or too poor, we are all free to voice an opinion. Free speech applies to all.
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Given that our president considers sewing discord as the political equivalent of a touchdown on the kickoff, he has scored again. With regard to divisiveness he continues to put big points on the board.
1
How to support and honor the military? Pay your taxes, hire veterans, hire military spouses, support public schools (that's where most military children go to school) and look them in the eye when you see them and thank them personally. Standing when the rights that those who have given their lives to defend are denied to so many is a very hollow way to honor our soldiers.
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"It's interesting just how political football and other sports have become."
I'll bet you didn't say such things when NFL players dutifully expressed agreement with your political views. Only when they fail to do so do you consider them to be "political."
Why not just let people express how they feel, if they're not preventing you from doing so? Better yet, why ask them to express a preference in the first place? They're there to play football, not to tell you or me or anyone else how they feel about the American flag.
If my career spanned only 3.3 years (the average length of an NFL player's career), it would be folly to potentially alienate half one's fan base. I'd play the game while saving and wisely investing my salary for the sake of myself and my family. Plenty of time to protest after one's likely brief career is over.
3
So...in his infinite wisdom, He Who Currently Occupies the White House deems it necessary to lecture all of us about patriotism and respect for the flag. Oh, that's rich, considering that the flag is a symbol of American values -- values that this man has undermined at every turn since he took office.
Then again, I guess this is just classic Trump: far more concern for the image than for the things that underlie it and give it real meaning. He will never understand that flag will lose all significance if we fail to uphold and cherish the principles it represents.
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Mandatory displays of loyalty are the hallmark of a totalitarian regime, not a democracy. And the whole point to our freedoms is in the using of them, not leaving them on the shelf. That's especially true when a draft-dodging fraud is wrapping himself in the flag and demanding that citizens pay homage.
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Well considering all that has happened, I’m in a neutral spot given I don’t have any power to make any change. And the people who do, well they don’t seem to be doing anything. Really there is no right answer to this many people want many things. It’s no longer a North and a South fighting over slaves, we have dozens of different believes all valid in there own ways. Who truly knows but God and some people don’t believe in God. That’s all I have to say about this.
I'm so old, I remember when conservatives believed that politicians should stay out of relations between business owners and their employees and let them work out their problems without government interference or threat. But of course, Donald Trump and his fans aren't "conservatives" in any normal sense - they are a reactionary mob, always on the prowl for angry conflict with anyone whose purported patriotism isn't as great as their own.
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I find it interesting that there is concern about player behavior during the national anthem now that some players are choosing to kneel. Usually we see at least some of them chatting with each other, giving sideways glances, or scratching themselves. This has never been labeled as disrespectful. And as for the fans themselves--they are walking up and down the aisles and talking and laughing with friends--certainly not rspectful behavior. This also has not been called out as being disrespectful.
As for wealthy athletes being involved in politics, it must be because they are athletes that this is a problem. We certainly don't seem to have a problem with wealthy people giving millions to political parties or causes. Should wealthy real estate developers keep their focus on real estate and stay away from politics? If only...
Men and women have died for that flag. If kneeling is simply an expression of free speech, (as Times columnists insist) surely a different expression can be found. However we all know that is not the case. It is a repudiation of the symbol of this country. As such, it is a disastrous harbinger of political and race relations in this country.