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Jim Denison’s Daily Article
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| Jim Denison, Ph.D., speaks and writes on cultural and contemporary issues. He produces a daily column which is distributed to more than 113,000 subscribers in 203 countries. He also writes for The Dallas Morning News, The Christian Post, Common Call, and other publications. |
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From Howard Stansell………..
One can be right the wrong way. President Trump correctly stated the case against NFL football players who refuse to stand during the National Anthem. Unfortunately, some of his words were poorly chosen. In truth, his message was correct and, perhaps overdue.
The ball (pardon the pun) of disrespect for the American flag began to roll when Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback for the San Francisco 49’ers, “took a knee” during the playing of the National Anthem. The subject of his protest, in the minds of many, may have merit. It’s target, however, was misplaced and ill-advised. In an environment where more than 70% of players are black it’s hard to argue “racial equality” from their point of view. There are better, more effective ways to resist alleged inappropriate police behavior. Who among these “gentlemen” are protesting the killing of policemen (white, black or otherwise)? I don’t see it!
I think the President could, and perhaps should apologize for his “SOB” comment. It was inappropriate. The other side of the coin, however, is obvious. Players, coaches and owners who participate in, support or ignore blatant disrespect for the Flag (and thus the country) deserve consternation and ridicule. Their first amendment rights allow for public protest. However, the private sports arena is not the right place for such a display. It is wrong in so many ways and not supported by the constitution.
Despite the arm-linking acts of “unity” by players and some coaches, no good thing will come of it. While the media will no doubt use the situation to hammer Donald Trump, the fans, I predict, will ultimately take it out on the league! Rightly so. I for one, can live without professional football.
When Pat Tillman came home from defending the America that his current football counterparts desecrate, he came home in a coffin draped, you guessed it, in the American Flag. I’ll put him on the hero list well above any of these multimillionaire cry babies. Tillman (Google him) died in a uniform with a simple red, white and blue flag stitched on it, not one with flamboyant, man-game insignias!
