My Thoughts on the NFL

My first reaction was, how dare they? That’s just not right! They should be more respectful! But, like many things in life, I want to give it some deep thought. I want to give myself the chance think through it with an open mind. I want to listen. Maybe I’ll learn something.

All my life I considered the national anthem to be a sacred symbol of all the things I want America to stand for. It stood for pride and honor, an example of all the people who serve our country. It was etched in my brain as an anchor of respect for God, Country and my fellow Americans. For me, it still is all that. But I’m starting to understand it doesn’t mean that for everybody.

If I’m being honest, it’s been a while since I’ve looked into the lyrics, the history and the origin of the song. My guess is that most haven’t studied it either. Even the protesters. These days, it’s not really about the merits of the anthem, it’s more so what it has come to stand for in the present context of these times.

After some soul searching and reaffirming my own beliefs, I come down on the side of free speech. As appalling as I may think it is to protest during the anthem, I do respect that my fellow Americans may have a different opinion, and they have a right to state it. I just wish it could be done in a more respectful way.

I’ll admit I don’t understand exactly what the protests are all about. I get that it’s about problems and positions on racism, police brutality and now it’s perhaps a referendum on the President. It seems now to be drifting more so towards a debate on free speech. Which is a good one, but we may be drifting a bit from the intended issues.

Everything that’s being protested, when it’s truly happening, is worthy of concern, effort and open-minded pursuit of solutions. I just wish the players and Hollywood folk would go about it a different way.

I do find it hard to hear stories of oppression from people living in this land making more money than I could ever imagine. I appreciate maybe they have the stage and perhaps think they should use it because their voices are much louder than the average Joe can muster.

But if you’re going to protest in what I view is a disrespectful way, then maybe you can step up and use your limelight and fame in other ways too.

I think I read the average NFL player makes well beyond a million dollars per year. That’s just the average. Some make much more. What about looking back down the line and doing something about these things you’re protesting? I think on about 25% of that income you could live pretty well in this country. How bout using the rest to help the oppressed? How bout gathering up a bunch of your fellow protesters, and rent out a stadium so you can present your beliefs on that stage that you secured? Then everybody who wants to can gather and listen to your message.

How about going into the inner cities, or the schools or in the political arena and put some of those dollars to work for the cause. Build houses for people. Become or hire mentors for people who need them. Start a campaign and run for office. I’m not asking you to live poor. I’m just asking you to step up and use other privileges beside the fact you’re in a stadium on Sunday for the causes you see fit. Your stage is a privilege earned and built by collective America. So are your salary rates and perks. Let’s put that to work for the collective America that made it so.

Wait, what? You say that should be a role for our government? Our government is just that- a government. It’s not keeping you or I from helping the cause.

You can’t sit idle and protest and blame everything on the government. Especially when you have the means to do something about it. You can kneel on the anthem. Go ahead. But why not rise up in your own way? “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

What? It’s not your place? Whose then… is it? And why not your place?

If you want to be a role model and lead change, then do it. I can applaud that. But don’t advance showboating antics under the veil of protesting a cause if you’re not in it on Monday to do something about it.

And coaches of little leagues who are leading young minds down this method of how to make a difference, shame on you. How bout teaching your team to support their country, pay respect to veterans AND fight for equal rights, tolerance and kindness.

God Bless America. All of America. May we learn from our differences and get off our collective asses and do something constructive about it. Not just when the spotlight is on. Not when it’s easy to take a knee and speak volumes. But on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday when we walk this life together.