Not a huge surprise the funding for a more "patriotic NFL" came in 2008 after years of the most unpopular war in US history.
They respect the players right to protest. That's it. They fail to take the moral high ground and support the players protest and give it further voice. And I'm sure you'll ask me again to explain why the NFL should do that, so......because we all should stand up for injustices that occur in our country. If we don't make our voices heard on whatever the "problem du jour" is, then we allow it to continue and become complacent and part of the problem. Case in point: the NCAA and N. Carolina and their transgender bathroom bill.
I've watched this thread, and my FB feed be consumed with this sad debate. I'd just like to make a few points 1. I've served for 20 years for freedom. Freedom is always said to end when one's fist meets another's nose. You can spit in my eye and I'll still do my job for you and yours with the same dedication. 2. The liberal crowd is quick to be offended and just as quick to tell you that you can't be offended, yourself. You don't get to pick how your freedom of expression is received by those you are exercising it on. 3. Freedom isn't free. It was earned, and continues to be protected. It's every use could cost it's user. There are limited protections afforded by the Constitution. Your freedom is your responsibility. Semper Fidelis
Sincerely, thank you for your service. I'd be careful painting broadly with one brush here. This sentence could also very easily read: The conservative crowd is quick to be offended and just as quick to tell you that you don't be offended. #Millennial #Liberal #Obviously An apt thought for both sides.
While I may sound cynical, it's because they're making a killing. The path of least resistance for them ensures they continue to make profits from a game without having to put themselves out there.
And in all reality, they shouldn't have to. They are in the business of entertainment, not politics. I really don't understand why everyone thinks they HAVE to "pick a side" here.
Actually they ARE quite heavily involved in the business of politics. They have special exemptions from the monopoly laws as well as being involved with fund raising in cities through tax levies for their new stadiums as just a few examples. But, I digress. That's an argument for another day.
Hey, you emotional American bastards need a peaceful, calming Canadian to arbitrate this conversation for you!
I like what Jim Brown has to say and before anyone says anything against Mr. Brown they should first recognize the real work he has put in ghettos around this country. Jim is the real deal on this kind of thing and he never did it for attention which is what I think Kapernick did. “I’m going to give you the real deal: I’m an American,. I don’t desecrate my flag and my national anthem. I’m not gonna do anything against the flag and national anthem. I’m going to work within those situations. But this is my country, and I’ll work out the problems, but I’ll do it in an intelligent manner. If you have a cause, I think you should organize it, present it in a manner where it's not only you standing or sitting on one knee, but a lot of people that is gonna get behind each other and do something about it. If I ask you one question: Who is Colin calling on to follow what he's talking about? Colin has to make up his mind whether he's truly an activist or he's a football player. Football is commercial. You have owners. You have fans. And you want to honor that if you're making that kind of money… You have to understand there's intelligence that's involved, OK? I can't be two things at once that contradict each other. If I sign for money, then the people I sign with, they have rules and regulations.”
"Rabble rabble this country is going to hell in a handbasket glad I won't be around to see it rabble rabble" - every old dude ever
Same as the OWNERS of the teams above doing what they want in their private life... The players can and do the same. What I am saying is the NFL as a whole is a capitalist endeavor, they don't have to pick a side on a political issue. How would you even decide what side to go to? You may have 16 owners on one side of the issue and 16 owners on the other, so how do you decide which side to make a statment about...NOW, once that entity has made their decision in the owners meeting, now you have to go to the NFLPA and get their input... This is just silly saying that the NFL has a responsibility to make a statement about a political issue.
You're very welcome, I'm happy to do it. All of your responses ring true. I don't choose to pigeon hole myself by claiming any political affiliation. I have some pretty severe liberal leanings as well as pretty severe conservative leanings, but there are things about each party that truly turn my stomach. On this particular topic, I honestly don't see a win for their cause. The rioting and violence got attention, but that's criminal behavior and should be strongly opposed. I would think that this silent, peaceful, protest would draw less ire, I mean that. No fire, no rocks, and no blood. In my mind it's methodology. What's working? What is logical? People know by now that protesting the national anthem draws anger. What benefit has it drawn? Is the juice worth the squeeze?
