Why the National Anthem at Sporting Events? First of all, it's common in many countries. Beyond that...an interesting article:...

davefales Loc: Virginia

First of all, it's common in many countries.

Beyond that...an interesting article: http://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/6957582/the-history-national-anthem-sports-espn-magazine

If this article is correct (there are plenty of others which try to lead to a different conclusion), playing the anthem shows a deep-seated respect for the military who have sacrificed...for whatever reason their elected official called upon them to serve.

It has been so common for people to "thank you for your service", but I believe our education system (to include "at home") has failed to really prepare a lot of us to understand exactly what we are respecting.

That ignorance has helped to lead to the current outburst of displays of disrespect for the anthem at sporting events.

I have to wonder if these athletes (and it's sadly not limited to the professionals) would reconsider their demonstrations for their "cause", if they understood that a large number of their fellow citizens believe that their disrespect is equivalent to telling veterans: "F U. You served/fought for an undeserving cause."

Friend: would you please remove your dirty feet from my priceless sofa?

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

davefales wrote:

First of all, it's common in many countries. br b... (show quote)

Thanks Dave, much appreciated!

Phil

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I think blaming the education system for the lack of instilling a sense of morality avoids the issue. This is stuff that is taught at home. If it's missing there, it too easy to blame others for doing parental duties.
That said, I find it both annoying and frustrating to turn on my TV in the hopes of watching a competitive sport and see a bunch of millionaires protesting what the government and any person not of their color has allegedly done to them and others? The alleged reason(s) behind the protests are so generic they are laughable.

davefales Loc: Virginia

GPS Phil wrote:

Thanks Dave, much appreciated!

Phil

Salute back at you, Phil.

davefales Loc: Virginia

sirlensalot wrote:

I think blaming the education system for the lack of instilling a sense of morality avoids the issue.

Sorry. I should have anticipated that might be mis-interpreted. My choice of "at home" is intended to place responsibility also on the tribe/family to instill values (a wonderful, but probably outdated word.)

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Quite refreshing!

Just a note though. Some of the renditions of our National Anthem should be considered criminal.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

I agree Dave...respect starts at home and more and more it's not taught at home or at school. My heart just broke today when I heard what the Steelers did. Within the first hour of my life I was wrapped in a Terrible Towel..so you could say I am a die hard fan of the Roonie's and that team. But with all this mess going on and the disrespect all players are showing, just tears me up.

Our current and most importantly our fallen veterans deserve the utmost respect from every American - white, black, it doesn't matter...if you are an American Citizen then you should have and show respect for the Anthem and that flag that costs so much.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Just think my ancestors gave their ancestors a free boat ride to our country. And from then on they were treated badly. How can they be be so disrespectful. We should take a page from Hitler's book and put them in camps if someone didn't Heil Hitler. That would fix the problem. Dave

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

As a vet, it irks me mightily to watch this display of disrespect. They demand respect yet refuse to give it. How ironic. They have the right to protest on their own free time but, I believe, not while they are "at work" and with a platform others do not have. What has become of this country?

firtree Loc: Florida, USA

I find it disrespectful, not only to our veterans, but to our country and it's citizens. When I was in school, there was one boy who did not stand for our national anthem/pledge of allegiance morning rituals. He was required to go sit in the hallway. I think they should make the players who want to use the national anthem as a time to be disrespectful to our nation (or draw attention to themselves, whatever BS they're pulling) stay in the locker room, so true Americans don't have to watch them be disrespectful. Then they can quietly join their team mates on the sidelines with no fanfare, no introductions and no fuss made over them. That would at lest be a start...

firtree Loc: Florida, USA

kpmac wrote:

As a vet, it irks me mightily to watch this display of disrespect. They demand respect yet refuse to give it. How ironic. They have the right to protest on their own free time but, I believe, not while they are "at work" and with a platform others do not have. What has become of this country?

ad9mac

To top it all off the Bengals and NASCAR are being portrayed as odd, weak, out of touch for not jumping on the FU America bandwagon.

I watched my last NFL game last week. No interest in the NBA anyway so I can't Boycott them too.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

For some, it is their soapbox, and they haven't been paid much attention until they bring their protest to the scene of their fame where millions are viewing. I don't like it, but I understand it and understand the concerns over which they are protesting. I just hope they appreciate those who have served -and sacrificed - for their RIGHT to stand up and speak out. Sorry, Mr Trump, free speech should not be suppressed. The NFL would be hard-pressed legally, I suspect, even if they wanted to fire someone for kneeling, since this expression of free speech is not disruptive. And as Kaepernick has found out - they may not fire you, but they don't have to hire you! I think that the fan backlash will result in this being less of a "thing" in the near future.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

The NFL hit a huge home run with the publicity they received for their little shows this week. I'd love to see a week where their games were boycotted if their actions are viewed by the majority as inappropriate.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

kpmac wrote:

As a vet, it irks me mightily to watch this display of disrespect. They demand respect yet refuse to give it. How ironic. They have the right to protest on their own free time but, I believe, not while they are "at work" and with a platform others do not have. What has become of this country?

As a vet, I totally agree with you! I will not watch another NFL game as my method of protest. Most of these spoiled, illiterate players couldn't even articulate their reasons for their protest!