The more I think about it, the more this anthem protest seems just plain wrong. Everyone in the stands--and all the Blazer coaches-- stand and face the flag when the national anthem is played, but the players get in a circle with their heads down? Really?? The millionaires can disrespect the flag, while the average Joe in the stands who is struggling to support a family can stand there with his hand over his heart? Really?? I don't care what a player does on his own time, but when he's representing the city of a Portland and the state of Oregon shouldn't he have to respect the American flag just like all the fans?? In other words, the people who are paying for those tickets? And please tell me why Meyers Leonard, who makes $10 million a year, has a right to protest the national anthem? Shouldn't he be kissing the ground he stands on for living in a country where a stiff like him can make incredible amounts of money??? Shouldn't ALL of the Blazers be ecstatic about their great fortune to live in a country that makes them rich beyond their wildest dreams, just for playing a game they love and getting 4 months off every year? Maybe some of you think it doesn't matter. Maybe you think it's all about freedom, and self-expression, and respecting the socio-economic plight of minorities, but I've known plenty of minorities--blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Indians--who love this country, and who fought to get here, and don't want to live anywhere else. They came here because they knew it was infinitely better than their own country, and because they had a better chance for a better life here than anywhere else. It's the same reason people from all over the world have been trying to come here for over 200 years. Anyone else feel the same way? Anyone else think that players who represent us--and are supported by us--should respect the average fan who loves his country and loves the national anthem and who feels that despite its flaws this is a pretty great country, and that it stands for something pretty great?
Your white privilege can't tell black people how to protest. You probably don't even know what the protest is about. There. Sly, please merge this with the thread that had to be moved to OT because of posts like above.
Reason it was moved: It's not really about what the blazers "did", but more about politics and OT. Moved to OT.
IF this is truly about "disrespecting" the flag, do you complain about the "average Joe" who is out in the concourse, getting his beer or talking to his friends? Do you complain about all the *actual* code violations when it comes to the US flag? Well, for starters, they aren't a representation of the city of Portland, or the state. They don't work FOR the state or the city. They work for a private business. Also, why would a players salary make a difference as to whether or not they have a right to do something? You do understand that rights apply to everybody, not just (apparently) poor "Average Joe's"? So as long a they are getting rich, they're supposed to be subservient? This has nothing to do with loving the country or not loving the country. That argument has been thrown in to try to disparage anyone who shows any kind of dissent. It's no different than when people would accuse anyone who opposed the Iraq/Afghanistan wars as hating our troops. You're completely, and utterly, missed the point. Besides the simple fact that Freedom of speech/1st amendment actually protests this exact kind of stuff. It protects the language/etc that offends you the most. This isn't about love of country, as none of these players are saying "I hate the US". They're saying "we need to fix this issue" and this is done to try to draw attention to the issue. It's just that it's being bastardized by idiot leaders who are making this into another jingoistic shit issue.
No one in the stands is required to stand and/or face flag and/or remove caps. There is no such law in this country. Fact is, no one has to ask permission to protest or make a political statement. The First Amendment is not for speech/expression everyone agrees on and likes. That does not need a Constitutional amendment. The First Amendment protects precisely the speech some people, myself included, do NOT like. So anyone can disagree with an athlete or any other citizen/resident's speech/expression but not to call for them to be punished for it.
“Well, for starters, they aren't a representation of the city of Portland, or the state. They don't work FOR the state or the city. They work for a private business. This has nothing to do with loving the country or not loving the country. “ I think the solution is simple: it’s time we stop with the National Anthem at sporting events. If our teams are no longer representing our communities and the games have nothing to do with love of country....then nix it! If you can no longer erect a Christmas tree within City Hall, then why are we sweating the National Anthem being performed at sporting events owned and operated by private companies? STOP THE DIVIDE - play ball!
I'm at the "I don't care anymore" position. This whole thing is becoming about being on one side or the other. Republican or Democrat. I just don't care. It's not even about the reason anymore. The reason why the whole thing started. And now players are feeling pressured to pick sides. It's out of control. It has strayed completely off the path.
People are so worried about how other people act, in the context of their own opinion. YOU find it disrespectful for them to kneel for the flag so YOU complain about what THEY'RE doing, which DOESN'T AFFECT YOU or hurt anyone, just offends YOU/OTHERS based of YOUR/THEIR opinion. I used CAPS for emphasis, maybe you can see why I think it's ridiculous that people get so offended and complain about those who kneel for the anthem, when they're trying to bring awareness to social injustice, or protesting the way our president acts... Even if you don't agree with the way their protesting, respect the fact that they're protesting peacefully for something they believe in, and doing so to try to bring awareness to a problem in the face of the backlash they receive. Standing for the flag is a symbolic show of respect to many, but there's REAL disrespect and injustice towards groups in the community that matters more than OTHERS symbolically showing respect for you.
It's not the fault of the players though... It's the fault of people who get so extremely offended and upset by others exercising their rights by peacefully protesting.
