The First Amendment is a beautiful thing. Thanks to our freedom of speech, athletes have the freedom to protest by taking a knee, and as consumers, we all have the freedom to protest by boycotting NFL if we don’t agree with it.
These are all political statements that we are free to make. But just because we are free to make a political statement does not mean those statements are justified or even logical.
And using discernment to determine where we land on this very divisive issue is important. As such, it can be helpful to look at some of the context around this nuanced issue.
Since 2009, the Department of Defense has financially contributed to the NFL. This means that millions of dollars in taxpayer funding have gone directly to the NFL as a marketing strategy for the United States military, to increase recruitment, etc. And in return for the sponsorship, pre-game American flag and military aircraft displays have become more common, and, yes, the NFL began requiring players to be on the sidelines during the national anthem.
Therefore, while some claim that kneeling during the anthem in this context is not an anti-military display, I would beg to differ. For this reason, it is important to understand why this particular form of protest is so offensive to many Americans, particularly military service men and women and their families.
Should we deny NFL players their right to protest? Absolutely not. Could President Trump have found a better, more respectful way to urge players to respect the country and our military? Of course. But the reality is that the recent tradition of NFL players observing the national anthem from the sidelines is a sign of respect for our military. And Americans certainly have the right to boycott the NFL if they are offended by #takeaknee protests.
At the end of the day, perhaps the best solution for everyone is for the Department of Defense to pull their money from the NFL. Their pro-military marketing strategy would be better received elsewhere. Plus, lets be honest– government doesn’t have the best track record of getting involved with private organizations and businesses anyway.
Where’s the context of why many are taking a knee in the first place?
So, $ buys respect? Narrow and shallow argument…at best.
I don’t watch sports. I never have in my 66 years. I didn’t play them either. No motive involved they just don’t interest me.
Therefore I don’t have the option of boycotting them just to have the pleasure of it.
The Department of Defense ‘wasting’ Tax Payer money by giving it to the NFL’s billionaire owners. It’s all to promote the disease of Nationalism and hope their lagging recruitment goals are met.
“A pro-military marketing strategy” means the Department of Defense has to sell the idea of War to the public. And of course the wealthy healthy fighting age Trump kids of America never serve. Donald finagled 5 draft dodges when his country called on him.
Demi doesn’t seem to have a clue about the power of the NFLPA either.
I think that conservatives and anyone who is upset about the way NFL players are disrespecting the flag, anthem, and military should contact the NFL sponsors and boycott their products until the players find another way to protest whatever it is that they are protesting. Don’t just boycott but let the sponsors know why. This boycott needs to be nationwide coordinated. Don’t just boycott the games but the sponsors. If we do this, I’ll bet the protests would stop immediately.
Sorry guys! The draft was over when Trump reached age. Try again.
Civitas: don’t cancel Plotthound. Reform, if needed.
“Could President Trump have found a better, more respectful way to urge players to respect the country and our military?”
This article should have focused on trump’s (t) statement not attempt to refocus the issue on military respect. Less you forget NCCivtas, the flag represents the good and the bad.
Athletes DO NOT have any so-called right to protest when they are at work on company time!
http://www.breitbart.com/sports/2017/09/26/robert-barnes-no-nfl-players-not-right-kneel-boycott-american-anthem/