Most
people know I am (or used to be) a football fanatic and fantasy football
addict. While living in Seattle, I attended many Seahawks games in the
Kingdome thanks to my parents owning season tickets. Even after moving to Southern California I
flew up there for a few games. Thursday
nights, Sundays and Monday nights I was glued in front of the television … fantasy sheets spread in front of me and
pizza ordered – but thanks to grandstanding and ungrateful players, those days
are gone, and my Seahawks jersey hangs in the closet, gathering dust (and I
am seriously considering burning it).
Now,
don’t get in a huff. I am a strong
proponent of free speech and have done my fair share of demonstrations … however,
during the National Anthem on the field is not the time or place. Fans
turn on the television or enter the stadium gates to watch FOOTBALL. Those in the stadium could care less about
politics during the course of the game…it’s a time to escape the craziness of
this politically fueled world. None of
us should have to bear witness to players kneeling or raising their clenched fists during the National Anthem
.. disrespecting our country and those who serve.
I
find it interesting players are demonstrating against oppression as they
collect million dollar paychecks and live in mansions. I find it interesting the only time they
speak out is during football season.
Where are they off the field?
Yes, there are some that walk the walk.
Players like Ben Watson and Philip Rivers are out there calling attention to
the impoverished or marginalized not only off-season but also during the season as
well and guess what? They STAND for
the National Anthem.
Taking
a knee during a football game does nothing but create division. It demonstrates nothing but ingratitude
towards the country that didn’t oppress them but gave them the opportunity to
rake in millions. Taking a knee on the
field doesn’t stop oppression, feed the poor or clean up the inner cities
… standing up and DOING something
does.
For those players taking a knee or raising a clench fist as a statement against racial oppression....you are are missing the mark. If you were out there in the
oppressed areas, you would notice abortion clinics are strategically located
there. If you were cognizant of what is
happening in the “real world” you would know black children are aborted at more
than three times the rate of white children.
This is worse than oppression, fellas … it’s GENOCIDE and taking a knee
won’t help that either … but standing up and speaking out in front of abortion clinics will.
Think
about it.
