Discussion So, how many are gonna...............................

[Marlene]

not sure that their pay scale matters when it comes to this. yes they make a ton of money but they also know that people put sports people out there as role models. by taking a knee and saying things aren't right or fair in our country when it comes to race, they are using their star power to bring this to our attention. why are we outraged by a player taking a knee but not outraged when an unarmed black man is shot and killed by a cop and we hear that story repeated almost daily?

 

[Gino]

not sure that their pay scale matters when it comes to this. yes they make a ton of money but they also know that people put sports people out there as role models. by taking a knee and saying things aren't right or fair in our country when it comes to race, they are using their star power to bring this to our attention. why are we outraged by a player taking a knee but not outraged when an unarmed black man is shot and killed by a cop and we hear that story repeated almost daily?

I'm not sure where you're going with these statements, but it was not intended to be a racial discussion, but an opinion based on kneeling during the singing of the National ANthem. You're bringing in feelings and baggage about other things altogether.

Again, why must they do it, white, black hispanic..... during the singing of our National Anthem ?? Not what they're upset about, just that one minute of respect for all that we stand for ?? If you can't stay focused, I'd say start your own thread about peace and racial problems facing our nation/world.

Thank you​

 

[Marlene]

I'm not sure where you're going with these statements, but it was not intended to be a racial discussion, but an opinion based on kneeling during the singing of the National ANthem. You're bringing in feelings and baggage about other things altogether.

Again, why must they do it, white, black hispanic..... during the singing of our National Anthem ?? Not what they're upset about, just that one minute of respect for all that we stand for ?? If you can't stay focused, I'd say start your own thread about peace and racial problems facing our nation/world.

Thank you​

I brought it up because the reason they are taking a knee is to protest racial inequality. I am focused and would say that to ignore the reason why we are seeing the kneeling is the whole point.

 

[Gino]

Correctamundo, not.

They are doing it at that particular moment, because they know it will upset most Americans and their patriotism. They did it during the Olympics with a raised fist, but they did not kneel. It's been a way of showing defiance, but while singing the National Anthem, is the wrong time. Before it, after it, but not during it. I'm not saying they have a good agenda or not, just their timing is p!ss poor.

Again, if you wanna start a thread on the injustices of blacks on blacks, whites on blacks, blacks on white or whites on whites and for Heaven's sake, let's bring the hispanics in on it too, and whatever other oddball group you can think of, by all means go right ahead and I'll comment in your thread, but for now, this is ONLY about kneeling during the National Anthem.

Ya know Marlene, if there is a court case going on for whatever horrible crime..... the people involved.... lawyers, witnesses and defendants can speak about and only about the particular crime that was committed. You cannot say anything about anything else or leading up to the crime or past crimes. Kinda the same MO here. Capiche ??

 

[Marlene]

Correctamundo, not.

They are doing it at that particular moment, because they know it will upset most Americans and their patriotism. They did it during the Olympics with a raised fist, but they did not kneel. It's been a way of showing defiance, but while singing the National Anthem, is the wrong time. Before it, after it, but not during it. I'm not saying they have a good agenda or not, just their timing is p!ss poor.

Again, if you wanna start a thread on the injustices of blacks on blacks, whites on blacks, blacks on white or whites on whites and for Heaven's sake, let's bring the hispanics in on it too, and whatever other oddball group you can think of, by all means go right ahead and I'll comment in your thread, but for now, this is ONLY about kneeling during the National Anthem.

Ya know Marlene, if there is a court case going on for whatever horrible crime..... the people involved.... lawyers, witnesses and defendants can speak about and only about the particular crime that was committed. You cannot say anything about anything else or leading up to the crime or past crimes. Kinda the same MO here. Capiche ??

thanks again for telling me how I ned to think according to you. this spin you are putting on this protest is sickening

 

[Gino]

No spin, I just wanna stay on topic and not have it bleed into unnecessary areas which will certainly derail it. This is not an ordinary thread with someone asking for cheap inks, fonts or how to fix their fuse and where is it. Those can go in any direction they need to, but this one is somewhat a little more delicate and deserves more thoughtful insight and comments.

I'm not telling you how to think. You can do that on your own, but I can request that we all stay on topic.

 

[Marlene]

so just what is your topic?

 

[ikarasu]

I'd also like to add that they're protesting how things are in America. So the best choice to do it, would obviously be during something everyone views as the most American you can get, no?

The best form of protest is the one that garners attention and brings light to the issue. I'd say they've accomplished that.

What started off as one guy is now a couple teams, and as Gino said will likely cross over into other sports. I don't see a situation where they could have brought more light and attention to the issue.

I personally don't see how it will fix anything.. now all the talk is about how they're protesting, and not what they are protesting. But it's too late for them to back down, so we'll see how far it goes.

I think this is one of them things where there is no right or wrong answer.

 

[Gino]

so just what is your topic?

Ahhh...... read the Opening Post for those details. It's all right there

I'd also like to add that they're protesting how things are in America. So the best choice to do it, would obviously be during something everyone views as the most American you can get, no?

The best form of protest is the one that garners attention and brings light to the issue. I'd say they've accomplished that.

What started off as one guy is now a couple teams, and as Gino said will likely cross over into other sports. I don't see a situation where they could have brought more light and attention to the issue.

I personally don't see how it will fix anything.. now all the talk is about how they're protesting, and not what they are protesting. But it's too late for them to back down, so we'll see how far it goes.

I think this is one of them things where there is no right or wrong answer.

It won't fix anything. It's just a way of showing disrespect for something most of us cherish and live by. By bringing attention during that one minute or so, does nothing but put a bad taste in most Americans mouth. Had they done it in a fashion which would be in keeping with our country and such, it would be well heard, but like you said, most conversations are going into Trump this or that, kneeling, disrespect and everything but what.... THEY are protesting.

If they want their problems fixed, then go fi them, but can they do it without disrespecting the same country/flag where they want this stuff fixed ??

This is almost as insane as all the people from Hollywood and the music field who said they would move outta the country if Trump won. How many moved ?? None. Things are said and done for effect only. They have no idea of how to fix things or appraoch a situation, other than use their position(s) to hopefully say something. However, it's only saying they are unpatriotic and full of nonsense pulling a stunt like this. Just because you got your fellow ball players to get involved, just means there are more people out there making money who don't care how they remain in a safe country.

 

[Marlene]

this topic is going nowhere fast and seems more like just another Gino wants to express his own opinions like they are facts

 

[Gino]

If that's your contribution to the thread, so be it.

All opinions on the topic are considered and evaluated by everyone and anyone.... looking in on it.

 

[Marlene]

If that's your contribution to the thread, so be it.

All opinions on the topic are considered and evaluated by everyone and anyone.... looking in on it.

not true. when I brought up the topic concerning the "why" behind the kneeling, you told me to go start another thread. so much for "all opinions".

 

[Oroscoe]

If you are not going to pick up a rifle and stand a post, have enough fortitude to stop for a minute and show some respect to those that have!

 

[JR's]

I may Disapprove of What You Say, But I Will Defend to the Death Your Right to Say It

 

[Marlene]

edit

 

[CanuckSigns]

Gino apparently takes himself far too seriously.

Online forums are serious business!

 

[equippaint]

Its false outrage and pure hypocrisy. Does it REALLY hurt your delicate feelings that people aren't standing for the anthem? The answer is no it doesn't. If it did, then you would be boycotting the concession stands for remaining open during it. Hell, half the crowd doesnt even realize why everyone is standing up until its halfway over. In my entire life I have never watched any sporting event at a bar and seen 1 person stand during the anthem either but now that the memes are floating all over stupidbook its a MAJOR issue that must be dealt with by all means necessary. Getting all bent over this makes you just as bad as the whiners boycotting hobby lobby for selling cotton balls.
The real problem is no one listens or respects anyone anymore. If you dont think a certain way then you are wrong, dumb, racist, whatever, anything under the sun other than you are free to have your own opinion. The police violence statement is real and warranted but groups are telling them theyre wrong, or its their fault or whatever (maybe it is) without even listening to their argument. I dont know and dont care about it all honestly. I do care that people are dismissing and undermining a groups legitimate complaint. Its a total lack of respect. Living life is not about winning all the time. Being "right" is simply perception in social situations, so it takes a mix of everyones perception to find the true answer.

 

[mackenzieGRAPHICS]

The way I see it is that kneeling during the anthem is no more "disrespectful" to the flag than those wearing flag bandannas or t-shirts, using flag designed picnic plates or whatever - since those are actual violations to the US Flag Code. Chapter 10.176I states "the flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard." But ya don't see any protests over toilet paper printed with the flag, or literally anything else.

Kaepernick started his protest by sitting during the anthem, but as one already mentioned - that didn't drum up enough visibility to his cause. A veteran took notice to him seated, silently, and merely asked why. It was he who suggested that Kaepernick should kneel, rather than sit, because that is how a soldier hands off the tri-cornered flag to the family of soldiers lost. If anyone is outraged by Kaepernick, or any other player for that matter, kneeling during the anthem.. they should probably focus their aggression toward that veteran since it was his idea.

Doesn't it seem a bit hypocritical to use a deceased comrade to push hate for a protest that was NEVER about vets, flags, or the anthem, anyway? Since our soldiers are voluntarily going to war to defend our freedoms and rights TO protest?

 

[shoresigns]

I'm from Canada, so I don't really see the big issue with the flag.

The NFL isn't protesting the flag, or the army, or vets, or anything like that - they're protesting brutality. It started with 1 guy doing it, but then someone nameless made such a huge deal out of it... and now it's a thing.

It's a free country, and and all the vets / army people who are upset, or supposed to be upset... are the same people who fought for these guys to have the right to protest like this.

Exactly. The right to peaceful protest is at the core of any free country, and is enshrined in the American constitution, as it is here in Canada.

 

[TopFliteGraphics]

This picture attached is why I get upset by the lack of respect being shown by the NFL player who choose to sit, kneel, or yes, even exercise during the Anthem. The picture is of my 18 year old son. He chose to serve his country and I am exceedingly proud of him for doing so. He is Active Duty in the US Army and is possibly planning going career with it. My wife belongs to several Moms of Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors groups on FB. She shares with me the struggles that many go through and it is especially heartbreaking seeing a flag draped coffin being escorted home to their loved ones. My Dad served in the Army and when he passed away (more tan 35 years after his service), his coffin was draped in a US Flag and it was amazing to hear the words of the Funeral Director when he presented the folded flag to my family "On behalf of the President of the United States and The US Army, please accept this Flag in honor of your Father's service to his country." How many people have heard those words when their loved one was killed on foreign soil? To disrespect the flag is to dishonor their sacrifice. No matter how you spin it.

Last season, when Kaepernick decided to start this "protest" I was put off at first. Kaepernick certainly did not do himself any favors by wearing the police as pigs socks either. The next week when 4 players from my favorite team, The Dolphins, decided to join his protest, I turned off the TV for the rest of the season. I did not even watch the Super Bowl. When this season started, I thought, OK new season, maybe there will be new behavior from the players. Instead of choosing to respect the Flag and the fans, they kicked it up a notch. Sorry guys, I am out. Once again, no NFL for me this season.

As far as the reason for the protest, I understand the perception that police are killing black people at a high rate is a big issue. However, the facts show that twice as many whites are killed by police every year. Are there some bad cops? Sure, of course there are. Just like every profession, there are good people and bad people everywhere.

I cannot for the life of me understand why the inner city crime rate is not addressed at all by the same people especially the BLM crowd? According to 2014 FBI data, 90% of African-American homicides were committed by African Americans. So the cry of racism at every turn rings kind of hollow to me.

BTW - I really HATE the use of the terms "hyphenated American." No matter what background you come from, I think dividing you up into subsets of Americans does a great disservice to all. My son serves alongside of people from every ethnicity imaginable. They all bleed the same color for the same Flag. They are all Americans. Identity politics and victimization are not what MLK had in mind when he "I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."