If you’ve ever read any of my “riveting” blogs…not really….you’ll notice that I’m not in the habit of writing about things that are deep or controversial. I try to keep it light and funny, because lets face it, I deal with a lot of bad news or heavy subjects on a daily basis in my job. Now comes the but…
There is a topic that has gained a lot of national attention lately and it’s one I can’t ignore. Maybe it’s the age I grew up in, but I’m having a really hard time with all these athletes taking a knee during the National Anthem, I just don’t get it. In my opinion, it’s disrespectful and somewhat hurtful to the memory of the people that forged this nation more than 200 years ago and especially the people that held that flag when they went into battle to fight for our freedoms. I really wish they would find a better way to express their cause. It’s the American Flag, the National Anthem, the cornerstones of our country.
I know your first reaction is “well, we are a free nation and those athletes have a right to express their freedom by not standing for the Stars & Stripes”, ok I see the argument, but really where do we draw the line at showing respect? Personally, as a mother, if I saw my child take a knee on the sideline or court I would come down from the stands and yank them up in front of everybody while I stood next to them. I hope that I have taught my children to show respect, whether they agree or not with a person or a principal. I’m disappointed many of the coaches of these teams, from high school to professional, have not stepped in and set a rule that if you don’t stand, you don’t play. But I guess they are worried about losing their jobs in this politically correct world.
This whole issue on both sides really comes down to “the Golden Rule” – do unto others…treat people the same way you want to be treated. Respect is earned.