NFL players can have their opinion on this topic all they like, I am a fan of this viewpoint for sure! Wasn't a Hokie fan so much until I saw this!
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Thank you, great share!
- Amen
Saw this and loved this. HS coaches should jump on this. The kids will learn and share with their other friends. Actually, maybe a few of the dads will start learning from their sons. I was kind of shocked the past baseball season...
I love this country!
Someone who won't stand for our National Anthem should not live in this country, let alone make millions playing a game. There are other ways to address issues. Seems like acts like that just escalate the problems. Veterans come in all faiths, race and economic backgrounds. Maybe everyone needs to know the history of the Star Spangled Banner.
Amen to that! That's why when I saw this I just had to share! Seems like the media allows sports figures too many opportunities to express their rights and opinions in often very inappropriate ways....but then again, that's what makes our country so much better than any other place in the world! God Bless the USA!!
Whatever do you mean "wasn't a Hokie fan"? 
What a teaching moment by Buzz (Tech's head basketball coach)!
Hokieone
PG Totally agree.
Permit me to offer a few thoughts in an effort to turn this thread to something related to our site and away from politics:
I served in the military for 30 years, so I think my patriotism cred is solid enough to withstand whatever hits I take from saying I'm not fond of coerced public demonstrations of loyalty.
Thus, I think the team's official position is correct. They encourage but don't require participation. Players may be citizens of other countries. They may have urgent pre-game matters to tend to. They simply may not want to participate. The team gives them the choice. That seems reasonable to me.
However, players who choose not to participate should do so in a manner that doesn't distract from the business at hand, which is playing together as a team to win a game.
Many players feel strongly about all sorts of political or religious issues. Presumably, they don't all agree. Calling attention to one's individual opinions moments before game time when teammates are in the final stages of their pre-game preparation is not likely to have a positive effect on the team's focus, motivation, unity, and performance. This makes the demonstration selfish.
In addition to being selfish, it's bad manners. The playing field, sidelines and dugouts at sporting events are not forums for players to express opinions on subjects unrelated to why they are on the field. The team owners invest a lot of money creating the game day stadium experience for the fans, and it is rude to hijack that experience for one's own purposes. (Also, that carefully scripted game day experience is designed to keep people buying tickets so the teams can pay the players.)
Part of growing up is learning that the world doesn't revolve around you and most people really don't want to know what you think about everything. I recently went to a religious service of a group of which I am not a member. I didn't care for it and disagreed with much of it. I suppose I could have made my disagreement known by refusing to stand or kneel at the designated times and by holding a news conference in the lobby to explain why. But I didn't. Nobody asked my opinion, so I kept it to myself and smiled politely. Would that have been too much to ask of this player?
Swampboy posted:Part of growing up is learning that the world doesn't revolve around you and most people really don't want to know what you think about everything. I recently went to a religious service of a group of which I am not a member. I didn't care for it and disagreed with much of it. I suppose I could have made my disagreement known by refusing to stand or kneel at the designated times and by holding a news conference in the lobby to explain why. But I didn't. Nobody asked my opinion, so I kept it to myself and smiled politely. Would that have been too much to ask of this player?
This generation of youths seems to have a large percentage that don't understand this.
CaCO3Girl posted:Swampboy posted:Part of growing up is learning that the world doesn't revolve around you and most people really don't want to know what you think about everything. I recently went to a religious service of a group of which I am not a member. I didn't care for it and disagreed with much of it. I suppose I could have made my disagreement known by refusing to stand or kneel at the designated times and by holding a news conference in the lobby to explain why. But I didn't. Nobody asked my opinion, so I kept it to myself and smiled politely. Would that have been too much to ask of this player?
This generation of youths seems to have a large percentage that don't understand this.
He didn't give his opinion until asked. It was noticed by an NFL TV reporter who asked his opinion - he gave it. I think he tried to make it clear he wasn't seeking publicity, but rather just doing what his conscience told him to do. I don't have a problem with that. As a veteran who actually risked his life and took the lives of others in the name of that flag, I'm proud to live in a country where you can choose to act on your own values and morals and not have it forced on you.
CaCO3Girl posted:Swampboy posted:Part of growing up is learning that the world doesn't revolve around you and most people really don't want to know what you think about everything. I recently went to a religious service of a group of which I am not a member. I didn't care for it and disagreed with much of it. I suppose I could have made my disagreement known by refusing to stand or kneel at the designated times and by holding a news conference in the lobby to explain why. But I didn't. Nobody asked my opinion, so I kept it to myself and smiled politely. Would that have been too much to ask of this player?
This generation of youths seems to have a large percentage that don't understand this.
Do you really believe that this generation of youths is different that past generations of youths in this?
roothog66 posted:CaCO3Girl posted:Swampboy posted:Part of growing up is learning that the world doesn't revolve around you and most people really don't want to know what you think about everything. I recently went to a religious service of a group of which I am not a member. I didn't care for it and disagreed with much of it. I suppose I could have made my disagreement known by refusing to stand or kneel at the designated times and by holding a news conference in the lobby to explain why. But I didn't. Nobody asked my opinion, so I kept it to myself and smiled politely. Would that have been too much to ask of this player?
This generation of youths seems to have a large percentage that don't understand this.
Do you really believe that this generation of youths is different that past generations of youths in this?
Yes, because everything is so instantaneous now with Facebook updates, Instagram, and other social media. Someone posted this awhile ago on here but I think it bears bringing it up again.
"Presently, I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles.
Therefore, every day I go down on the street and tell the passers-by what I have eaten, how I feel, what I have done the night before and what I will do tomorrow night. Then I give them pictures of my family, my dog and me gardening and spending time in my pool. I also listen to their conversations and I tell them I love them.
And it works.
I already have 3 persons following me: 2 police officers and a psychiatrist."
roothog66 posted:CaCO3Girl posted:Swampboy posted:Part of growing up is learning that the world doesn't revolve around you and most people really don't want to know what you think about everything. I recently went to a religious service of a group of which I am not a member. I didn't care for it and disagreed with much of it. I suppose I could have made my disagreement known by refusing to stand or kneel at the designated times and by holding a news conference in the lobby to explain why. But I didn't. Nobody asked my opinion, so I kept it to myself and smiled politely. Would that have been too much to ask of this player?
This generation of youths seems to have a large percentage that don't understand this.
He didn't give his opinion until asked. It was noticed by an NFL TV reporter who asked his opinion - he gave it. I think he tried to make it clear he wasn't seeking publicity, but rather just doing what his conscience told him to do. I don't have a problem with that. As a veteran who actually risked his life and took the lives of others in the name of that flag, I'm proud to live in a country where you can choose to act on your own values and morals and not have it forced on you.
I agree entirely. The greatest thing about the US is the right to feel it isn't the greatest.
As a Boomer I have to stick up for my generation. We are just as absorbed in our own opinions and activities as any generation before or after. Were we not, Facebook would not be valued over $300 Billion. (Today's kids, AKA Generation Z, are not nearly as active on Facebook, except in private chats and groups; too many old people there. They are on Instagram, Snapchat, and to a lesser extent Twitter)
roothog66 posted:CaCO3Girl posted:Swampboy posted:Part of growing up is learning that the world doesn't revolve around you and most people really don't want to know what you think about everything. I recently went to a religious service of a group of which I am not a member. I didn't care for it and disagreed with much of it. I suppose I could have made my disagreement known by refusing to stand or kneel at the designated times and by holding a news conference in the lobby to explain why. But I didn't. Nobody asked my opinion, so I kept it to myself and smiled politely. Would that have been too much to ask of this player?
This generation of youths seems to have a large percentage that don't understand this.
He didn't give his opinion until asked. It was noticed by an NFL TV reporter who asked his opinion - he gave it. I think he tried to make it clear he wasn't seeking publicity, but rather just doing what his conscience told him to do. I don't have a problem with that. As a veteran who actually risked his life and took the lives of others in the name of that flag, I'm proud to live in a country where you can choose to act on your own values and morals and not have it forced on you.
If you sit out the national anthem you are GOING to be asked, and he had his soundbite ready.
Kaepernick has a right to do this. However, people also have a right to disagree and express their displeasure with it. People can legally burn the flag. It doesn't mean I am ever going to condone it. With all due respect to Swampboy and other veterans who have given to this country, this type of behavior is despicable. I understand your point Swamp, but people also have the right to disagree with this viewpoint. They have the right to teach their kids that this is NOT the type of behavior to emulate. I'm sure you don't disagree with me.
What is most infuriating to me is this is coming from a man who is making $19 million a year. In what country are a group of people supposedly "oppressed", but can make $19 million a year?? I was flipping in and out of the VMA awards last night and saw almost NO white people. Every one of the "oppressed" people that were on the stage were multi millionaires. They all certainly have MUCH more money than me. I think this idea of an "oppressed" people is getting blown WAY out of proportion.
America remains the land of opportunity. It remains the land where if you work hard enough and want to succeed enough, you can do whatever you want. This goes for sports, music, business, trades, whatever. I just think when you have a multi millionaire protesting that his race is "oppressed", there is something wrong there...
Of course, this is JMHO, but I don't think anyone is going to convince me otherwise.
roothog66 posted:CaCO3Girl posted:Swampboy posted:Part of growing up is learning that the world doesn't revolve around you and most people really don't want to know what you think about everything. I recently went to a religious service of a group of which I am not a member. I didn't care for it and disagreed with much of it. I suppose I could have made my disagreement known by refusing to stand or kneel at the designated times and by holding a news conference in the lobby to explain why. But I didn't. Nobody asked my opinion, so I kept it to myself and smiled politely. Would that have been too much to ask of this player?
This generation of youths seems to have a large percentage that don't understand this.
He didn't give his opinion until asked. It was noticed by an NFL TV reporter who asked his opinion - he gave it. I think he tried to make it clear he wasn't seeking publicity, but rather just doing what his conscience told him to do. I don't have a problem with that. As a veteran who actually risked his life and took the lives of others in the name of that flag, I'm proud to live in a country where you can choose to act on your own values and morals and not have it forced on you.
Roothog,
Generally speaking, people do not make it clear they're not seeking publicity by granting interviews to national media and then following up with even longer interviews.
BBallMan,
Not sure exactly where you thought we disagreed. We both agree he had the right to do it. We both agree people have the right to express disapproval of it. And it doesn't look like either of us thought it was a good idea. What am I missing?
I
Swampboy posted:roothog66 posted:CaCO3Girl posted:Swampboy posted:Part of growing up is learning that the world doesn't revolve around you and most people really don't want to know what you think about everything. I recently went to a religious service of a group of which I am not a member. I didn't care for it and disagreed with much of it. I suppose I could have made my disagreement known by refusing to stand or kneel at the designated times and by holding a news conference in the lobby to explain why. But I didn't. Nobody asked my opinion, so I kept it to myself and smiled politely. Would that have been too much to ask of this player?
This generation of youths seems to have a large percentage that don't understand this.
He didn't give his opinion until asked. It was noticed by an NFL TV reporter who asked his opinion - he gave it. I think he tried to make it clear he wasn't seeking publicity, but rather just doing what his conscience told him to do. I don't have a problem with that. As a veteran who actually risked his life and took the lives of others in the name of that flag, I'm proud to live in a country where you can choose to act on your own values and morals and not have it forced on you.
Roothog,
Generally speaking, people do not make it clear they're not seeking publicity by granting interviews to national media and then following up with even longer interviews.
It wasn't the first time he had done it - just the first time it was noticed. he was asked and he gave an explanation. Once it became a big media story, follow up probably felt necessary. I'm personally glad he spoke up. We have a big time race problem in this country, especially as it concerns the legal system (which I am a part of and see every day) and the police. If the this starts conversation, then I'm all for it. Just pointing to the fact that there are some millionaire Blacks in the entertainment industry and saying, "See, there's no problem - they made it just fine," doesn't work for me.
Did I just read where someone is citing the VMA awards as evidence that "this idea of an "oppressed" people is getting blown WAY out of proportion"? Did I also read that some QB making $19 million a year supports the same argument? I'm all for making an well reasoned argument, but those two pieces of "evidence" don't quite clear the bar in my mind.
I don't think you're missing anything Swamp. I just want to to be extra careful I'm not disrespecting you in any way.
Thank you for your service. 30 years is quite an accomplishment.
I'm making the argument that if people of any race or religion want to make something for themselves, they have the opportunity to do it in this country. Athletes and artists are just two obvious examples. There are PLENTY of other examples of minorities lifting themselves out of less than perfect conditions. Ben Carson is one example. Herman Cain is another. If you are so inclined, Barak Obama is another. If minorities were systematically "oppressed", none of these people would be where they are today.
bballman posted:Kaepernick has a right to do this. However, people also have a right to disagree and express their displeasure with it. People can legally burn the flag. It doesn't mean I am ever going to condone it. With all due respect to Swampboy and other veterans who have given to this country, this type of behavior is despicable. I understand your point Swamp, but people also have the right to disagree with this viewpoint. They have the right to teach their kids that this is NOT the type of behavior to emulate. I'm sure you don't disagree with me.
What is most infuriating to me is this is coming from a man who is making $19 million a year. In what country are a group of people supposedly "oppressed", but can make $19 million a year?? I was flipping in and out of the VMA awards last night and saw almost NO white people. Every one of the "oppressed" people that were on the stage were multi millionaires. They all certainly have MUCH more money than me. I think this idea of an "oppressed" people is getting blown WAY out of proportion.
America remains the land of opportunity. It remains the land where if you work hard enough and want to succeed enough, you can do whatever you want. This goes for sports, music, business, trades, whatever. I just think when you have a multi millionaire protesting that his race is "oppressed", there is something wrong there...
Of course, this is JMHO, but I don't think anyone is going to convince me otherwise.
The ones that either have not had as much oppression or have been able to overcome it are the ones who have the voice for others. I'm pretty successful, I would venture, and yet to get here I've been accosted by white supremacists, told I was only good for nigger work, and held in my home and arrested by cops who referred to me by both racial and religious slurs...and those are the OVERT acts. The majority of racially-based actions are covert and often unintentional. I'm very lucky that I am as light-skinned as I am, because at a glance, I just look like a white guy that tans well (except in the summer,) and I know I avoid some of the 1000-meter harassment that exists. That skin allowed my family to blend in when we moved to a very non-diverse community when I was a child. Other kids and their families weren't uncomfortable with me. My first professional job was a result of those relationships.
If I (and my family) hadn't been able to do that, I would not have had the opportunities I did. Even with those opportunities, my path was still harder than my peers because of the actions of others (what would have happened to me had I been convicted of those assault charges those cops were trying so hard to hang on me? I shudder to think what would have become of me if I hadn't been able to hire a very good attorney, which isn't an option for many people of color. Without that aforementioned professional job, I would have been jailed for something I didn't do, and the domino effect of that...)
This isn't to say poor me. This is to highlight that there are plenty of people who simply don't understand that failure is not dependent on one's work ethic...many people simply get fewer chances when they do fail (which we all invariably do at points in our lives, even when we give our best effort.) The margin of error is just so much smaller when you have significantly reduced opportunities compared to others.
Matt, I'm really not saying it is easy. Especially for people who come from certain areas and neighborhoods. If most of the people in a neighborhood behave a certain way, authorities will tend to treat all from that neighborhood based on the worst common denominator. And I'm not saying there are not hurdles to overcome or that there are some people out there who prejudge people. I'm just saying that if someone truly wants to overcome the obstacles, society in this country overall, is willing to give people a chance.
I'm not a black man, so I don't totally understand. I'll admit that. But, there are plenty of examples of people out there - you being one - who have been able to overcome the odds and prejudices of some out there to be successful. I believe in personal responsibility. I don't believe in blaming "the man" for being held down...
This is a baseball website, so I think maybe I'll back off this subject right now... I apologize if I have offended anyone. That was not my intention at all.
In case anyone wonders where the real Swampboy went, I temporarily set aside my normal hardline attitude toward politics when this veered in that direction because people are being polite.
Kaepernick disrespected our national anthem and flag. Many people have sacrificed so that he could have the freedoms he has today.
He has the right to speak his mind and demonstrate. He should have chosen his own private time, away from the team and organization event.
roothog66 posted:It wasn't the first time he had done it - just the first time it was noticed. he was asked and he gave an explanation. Once it became a big media story, follow up probably felt necessary. I'm personally glad he spoke up. We have a big time race problem in this country, especially as it concerns the legal system (which I am a part of and see every day) and the police. If the this starts conversation, then I'm all for it. Just pointing to the fact that there are some millionaire Blacks in the entertainment industry and saying, "See, there's no problem - they made it just fine," doesn't work for me.
One may be excused in these cynical times for wondering if the media had help noticing it after they missed it first two times.
I don't yet see how his gesture can be constructive--the reactions so far have mostly sharpened the divisions that were already too apparent.
I wish I had a better idea what would be constructive beyond just trying to dwell peaceably in my own small circles and encouraging others to do the same.
Swampboy posted:In case anyone wonders where the real Swampboy went, I temporarily set aside my normal hardline attitude toward politics when this veered in that direction because people are being polite.
And we will remain polite ;- )
My issue is the quote...he named his issue as THE COUNTRY. Is there a race issue, yup, has been and always will be in every culture across the world. When I was in 8th grade I had to do a paper on Apartheid, for those who don't know what that was, look it up, if you think the US race relations are bad I say, it isn't perfect but it could be worse.
I am a woman in a scientific field. I've had professors and colleagues that discounted what I had to say based on my gender alone. However, I blame THEM for their ignorance, not THE COUNTRY. Until THE COUNTRY passes laws to specifically oppress a segment of the population I do wish people would leave THE COUNTRY out of it.
CaCO3Girl posted:Swampboy posted:In case anyone wonders where the real Swampboy went, I temporarily set aside my normal hardline attitude toward politics when this veered in that direction because people are being polite.
And we will remain polite ;- )
My issue is the quote...he named his issue as THE COUNTRY. Is there a race issue, yup, has been and always will be in every culture across the world. When I was in 8th grade I had to do a paper on Apartheid, for those who don't know what that was, look it up, if you think the US race relations are bad I say, it isn't perfect but it could be worse.
I am a woman in a scientific field. I've had professors and colleagues that discounted what I had to say based on my gender alone. However, I blame THEM for their ignorance, not THE COUNTRY. Until THE COUNTRY passes laws to specifically oppress a segment of the population I do wish people would leave THE COUNTRY out of it.
Which brings up another issue altogether. Why do we always treat COUNTRY as if it's a football team. We cheer it on and proclaim our country to be "the greatest in the world," "the strongest," etc. This seems to be a fairly new concept in human history.
I used to joke in law school that I wanted to open a firm that only specialized in Jehovah's Witness First Amendment issues. Almost every important First Amendment case was a JH initiated case.
The current problem is more than a racial one - it's a police issue. It just happens that the burden falls more on African-Americans than any other group. The problem, from my standpoint is the hardline taken by many. The problem isn't even the small handful of "bad" officers - the problem is actually the "good" ones. Every time a Black youth is shot and killed, the African-American community sees it as an outrage. Why? Because, so often, it is outrageous. Then what happens? The police unions and the "good" officers circle the wagons. They don't differentiate between justified shootings and basic homicide. They back their own, regardless of the circumstances. This makes it difficult for those in the communities affected to have an objective view. I can't help but think things would be different if after one of the more obvious unjustified shootings occurred, the police departments and unions would stand up and say, "This is murder. We do not condone this and something must and will be done." That attitude would go a long ways toward credibility when backing up an officer of an actual justified shooting.
How can you expect a group of people who have been systematically singled out and mistreated by the system for 400 years to forget all that and trust the system in one or two generations? It takes longer than that and it takes a longer history of transparent justice and equality to achieve that - it can't just be lip service.
For those of you who jump on the Black Lives Matter movement with "shouldn't it be 'All Lives Matter," remember this - White lives have always been assumed to matter. It might be better to think of it as "Black Lives Matter, too." That's more the point that needs to be made.
This country (and it's anthem) stands for a lot of things, including the very important aspect highlighted in the OP's link. Giving proper respect to what it stands for during anthems and such does not mean you agree with every problem issue that exists from sea to shining sea. With escalated race and police-related issues recently, many athletes of various races have stood up and done the right thing - call for everyone to come together. Many have taken the additional step, publicly or otherwise, to actively try to help make that happen.
Kaepernick has the right to do what he did. But, I think his actions are only going to have a negative affect on his supposed cause. And I think he just hasn't taken the time or put in the real effort to figure out how he can best affect those issues he is concerned with. We have reached saturation with the negative press and the protests. There is plenty of current spotlight on these issues. His action seems like just a late "me too", like so many protesters who are clearly just there to be seen instead of truly engaged in the cause. He is in the public eye. JMO, but he has an opportunity to help if he really wants, but instead he is contributing to moving things backward.
I saw an episode of "Cleveland Hustles" last night. For those who don't know about it, LeBron is involved in gathering investors to support business entrepreneurs bringing new businesses into areas of the city that could use a boost. This is actively doing something about the problem. Many others are actively engaging while out of the media spotlight. These are the things that are going to truly help get things going in the right direction. But these things actually take work and commitment - not just sitting on the anthem and causing a whole lot of collateral damage without really thinking through the consequences and ignoring all the efforts of those who have made great sacrifice trying to make this country great.
I say Kaepernick should donate all of his money to all those he says have been victims of this unjust society.
Not standing for our National Anthem does nothing to help oppression. There is no doubt we have a problem and everyone knows it. Too many senseless killings.
One thing that I have figured out over the years is that we all might have a chance to be successful in life, but we all don't have an equal chance for success. We don't all grow up having the same resources or peaceful environment. Poverty is a big problem that affects many African Americans, and it also affects many whites and other races. Where there is poverty there will be crime. When people grow up with crime all around them they are much more likely to get involved in crime.
All a person has to do is go see what poverty stricken areas look like, but be careful. Sure some escape that life, but it ain't easy and so many don't escape. It is much easier for the ordinary kid and even easier for the kid that has everything he needs.
So to me the biggest problem is economics. If you live in an unsafe environment where gun violence is an everyday problem, you think about survival first and becoming successful later. It truly is a jungle out there for many people. Not enough ever get out of that jungle. But because this is America some do.
No matter what someone believes. There are many ways for people to voice their opinions, especially if they are well known athletes or celebrities. Do your protesting elsewhere, but stand up for the National Anthem. If for no other reason, because it stands for the very freedom you have to not stand up. It is respecting those that gave us that freedom!
After all the National Anthems this guy has been through, why does he choose now to show disrespect? Sure he has the right to do it and I have the right to wish he would leave the country. Maybe go somewhere where those freedoms don't exist.
PGStaff posted:Sure he has the right to do it and I have the right to wish he would leave the country. Maybe go somewhere where those freedoms don't exist.
What this says is, "You have the right, just don't exercise it."
I respectfully disagree on not having the same opportunities. I think we all have the same opportunities we just don't have the same opportunities to good parenting.
bballman posted:Kaepernick has a right to do this. However, people also have a right to disagree and express their displeasure with it. People can legally burn the flag. It doesn't mean I am ever going to condone it. With all due respect to Swampboy and other veterans who have given to this country, this type of behavior is despicable. I understand your point Swamp, but people also have the right to disagree with this viewpoint. They have the right to teach their kids that this is NOT the type of behavior to emulate. I'm sure you don't disagree with me.
What is most infuriating to me is this is coming from a man who is making $19 million a year. In what country are a group of people supposedly "oppressed", but can make $19 million a year?? I was flipping in and out of the VMA awards last night and saw almost NO white people. Every one of the "oppressed" people that were on the stage were multi millionaires. They all certainly have MUCH more money than me. I think this idea of an "oppressed" people is getting blown WAY out of proportion.
America remains the land of opportunity. It remains the land where if you work hard enough and want to succeed enough, you can do whatever you want. This goes for sports, music, business, trades, whatever. I just think when you have a multi millionaire protesting that his race is "oppressed", there is something wrong there...
Of course, this is JMHO, but I don't think anyone is going to convince me otherwise.
BBall - This sums up how I feel quite nicely. Additionally, I don't have a problem with folks deciding to not stand for the anthem, or to salute the flag. Where I have a problem is his despicable stance against the very people that have protected his safety. These men and women put their lives on the line every day, and provide security for the very sporting events that he participates in! I think he is completely out of touch with reality, and I am really surprised at the support he is receiving.
roothog66 posted:I
Swampboy posted:roothog66 posted:CaCO3Girl posted:Swampboy posted:Part of growing up is learning that the world doesn't revolve around you and most people really don't want to know what you think about everything. I recently went to a religious service of a group of which I am not a member. I didn't care for it and disagreed with much of it. I suppose I could have made my disagreement known by refusing to stand or kneel at the designated times and by holding a news conference in the lobby to explain why. But I didn't. Nobody asked my opinion, so I kept it to myself and smiled politely. Would that have been too much to ask of this player?
This generation of youths seems to have a large percentage that don't understand this.
He didn't give his opinion until asked. It was noticed by an NFL TV reporter who asked his opinion - he gave it. I think he tried to make it clear he wasn't seeking publicity, but rather just doing what his conscience told him to do. I don't have a problem with that. As a veteran who actually risked his life and took the lives of others in the name of that flag, I'm proud to live in a country where you can choose to act on your own values and morals and not have it forced on you.
Roothog,
Generally speaking, people do not make it clear they're not seeking publicity by granting interviews to national media and then following up with even longer interviews.
It wasn't the first time he had done it - just the first time it was noticed. he was asked and he gave an explanation. Once it became a big media story, follow up probably felt necessary. I'm personally glad he spoke up. We have a big time race problem in this country, especially as it concerns the legal system (which I am a part of and see every day) and the police. If the this starts conversation, then I'm all for it. Just pointing to the fact that there are some millionaire Blacks in the entertainment industry and saying, "See, there's no problem - they made it just fine," doesn't work for me.
I have a completely different stance on the issue, and frankly I have heard enough of the race card. I believe it is more a socio-economic issue. The oppressed are really those with no money. I grew up with a single mom who had 4 kids. We lived on Welfare, Food Stamps, etc. Neither my mom, father, or siblings ever graduated high school, and I am now working on my MBA. Did I have the same opportunities as other folks? I would say definitely not. I didn't have any relatives that could give me a break here or there, I had to rise up on my own and strive to make my life better. I could have made a ton of excuses and gone down the path of 2 of my siblings.
The facts are that there are more opportunities for those with money, than those without. To put it in a way that most can understand, just look at the game of baseball. My wife and I are middle class, and we couldn't afford to send Ryno to every function that he was invited to, but we did our best. I can't imagine what it is like for those that are less fortunate...black, white, etc...
One of the drawbacks of social media is it has led many people to believe everyone should be aware of what they think.
Even on hsbaseballweb at some time or another almost all of us have stood on the soapbox and been a columnist about something.
Allow me to add yet another perspective. In 1988, I was coaching baseball in the former Soviet Union. I asked those young men why they were playing baseball and the majority told me that they were forced to play. Some said that not only were they forced to play but also if they didn't do well, they would never see their families again. The time I had there was too brief and very intense. I got close to a bunch of those young men. All of them wanted to come to America. They wanted the freedoms we have here. Many were from areas that had been subjugated.
On July 4th, 1988, some of those young men went out to the flag pole of a soccer stadium in Kaunas, Lithuania, four of those young men lowered the Soviet Flag and ran up the Star Spangled Banner to honor me and our country. They were all arrested. I have been told one died as he was sent to Afghanistan. Kapernick states that people are oppressed in America. He has no clue.