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The Last Word: National Anthem

By JONAS MILLER
Managing Editor

At this point, I’m hoping you all know what’s going on with the national anthem.
A few weeks ago, Colin Kaepernick, who, at this point could be considered a “washed-up” NFL quarterback, decided to exercise his constitutional right to sit during the country’s national anthem in an attempt to make a statement regarding police brutality towards African Americans.
Well, America didn’t like that.
Then, just last week, female soccer star Megan Rapinoe, a staple of the national team, decided to – pardon my pun – stand with Kaepernick by kneeling during a national anthem played before one of her games.
Well, America didn’t like that either.
So now where are we?
We’ve got athletes exercising the rights that they were given at birth, the rights they’ve had their whole lives, and yet people are saying it’s not okay to exercise those rights. So there’s our first problem.
Our second problem – people are retaliating.
John Tortorella, the coach of Team USA Hockey, publicly stated that if any of his players sit during the National Anthem, “That’s where they’ll be the rest of the game.” See, that’s an issue because now you’re blurring the lines between a person’s job, which is essentially what being an athlete entails – working – and their ability to be themselves and act in a way that makes them feel comfortable.
Not cool. If you show up, put the work in, and get paid to do what you do, you have not only earned the right to express your religious/political/personal opinion – you should be guaranteed safety and respect when doing it.
Clearly on the same side as Mr. Tortellini, oh I’m sorry, is that not his name? Aww, I hope I didn’t hurt his feelings…. PSYCH, FREE SPEECH. In the same corner as Mr. Tortilla is the women’s professional soccer team based in Germantown, Maryland – the Washington Spirit. They watched the game film on Ms. Rapinoe’s little statement, and adjusted their defense.
Before their game against Rapinoe’s team early last week, they bumped up the playing of the National Anthem so that no players were on the field. Well played, Washington… except Rapinoe still got the best of them in her response to their statement which said they did not feel it was fair to let Rapinoe “hijack” a tradition which meant so much the nation.
Rapinoe’s response? “It was incredibly distasteful, 4 days before 1 of the worst tragedies in our country, to say I tried to hijack this event.”
Boom, roasted.
Anyways, I’m sure you’re wondering what my opinion of all of this is, unless you already caught on…
I think this is the most ridiculous thing to happen in America since D-Money Trump won the Republican Nomination, and to equate those things shows how stupid I think all of this actually is.
Think about this, save for a few round-the-clock patriots, just try and picture the millions of Americans that get home from work, plop onto the couch, and turn on the game just in time to not stand while the national anthem plays.
Now, do not confuse my jokes with my respect for the men and women who put their life on the line every day to protect our freedom. This is not a slight against our military; this is simply my attempt to point out that standing for the National Anthem has become more of a strong suggestion, rather than a mandated showing of respect.
Also, think about this, at what point in grade school did someone say, “O.K., children stand for the pledge, but only if you want to.”
Never, because we were raised with the idea that we didn’t have a choice, even though we always did, and always will. I remember somewhere around second or third grade, my friend and I were laughing at something while the pledge was being broadcasted, and we were both sent to the principal’s office for being “disrespectful.”
The National Anthem was written to celebrate our freedom, not restrict it.
Good for you, Colin, for using your fame and the blinding spotlight put on you as a platform for reform. I’m so sorry that your message is getting lost because certain people don’t agree with your actions. I’m also sorry that your career is slowly but surely ending, but hey, look on the bright side… at least you’re not Mark Sanchez!
In closing, I quote Ira Glasser, who served as the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union for more than 30 years. “You will be pleased to know I stand obediently for the national anthem, though of course I would defend your right to remain seated should you so decide.”
And that’s all I have to say about that.

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1 COMMENT

  1. The female soccer player who didn’t stand for the national anthem is disgraceful and an embarrassment. Shame on the coach and whomever else had a say in letting her play. It’s an honor to play on the national team, not a right or entitlement. If she doesn”t respect the country that provided this opportunity, she should find another country to play for. It pains me to see the direction this country is heading. I fear for the future of my kids.

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