Progressive star, Afghan war veteran and former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander had some thoughts last fall -- which he retweeted today -- as more and more NFL players knelt during the national anthem to draw attention to the epidemic of police shootings of unarmed African-Americans:
Patriotism isn't about making everyone stand and salute the flag.— Jason Kander (@JasonKander) September 24, 2017
Patriotism is about making this a country where everyone wants to.
Apparently bullied by demagogue Donald "Rump" Trump (a.k.a. draft-dodging Cadet Bone Spurs), today's decision by NFL team owners to penalize teams for not standing will undoubtedly be challenged as a violation of the players' free speech protections. But what a disgrace that these plutocratic owners don't understand what Kander does -- and what he fought for.
BONUS: Friend Feline Mama points us to a former NFL player who has his comment on the NFL's hypocrisy.
BONUS II: Friend Diva notes that Jets owner Christopher Johnson has offered to pay fines associated with his players kneeling. Respect for the First Amendment still flickers in the NFL.
BONUS III: Philadelphia Eagle star Chris Long --
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) May 23, 2018
BONUS IV: The New York Daily News takes a stand (or a knee) --
Another quote coming from former NFL QB, Sage Rosenfels : "Forced patriotism is the opposite of freedom". Good post (Rawstory)
ReplyDeleteF.M. -- Thanks for pointing us there!
ReplyDeleteJets owner will pay the fine for any player who wants to kneel.
ReplyDeleteDiva -- Hopefully his decent action will inspire some other owners. Not holding our breath.
ReplyDelete