I am proud to be an American. I love this country and everything that it has to offer to its citizens. This is a place in which you can make something of yourself and choose your own destiny.
We are all so lucky, as Americans, to have these privileges in which our Founding Fathers fought and died to award to us. Now, as there have been situations that have made me proud to be an American and believe in miracles, I have also seen one particular “trend,” if one can even call it such, that has disgusted me.
The one that takes the cake is the movement of not standing for the National Anthem. I have a few “choice” words for these individuals that believe it is OK to sit during our nation’s most important theme; a song that exhibits what is so great about this country.
First of all, let us put money, fame, and publicity stunts aside — because the persons that are NOT famous athletes and celebrities are not looking for any of these “claims to fame.”
In my opinion, these individuals are seeking nothing more than the personal satisfaction within themselves by not standing for the Anthem.
Which, I do not understand at all, so let me break this garbage down for you all one piece at a time. First, this is the country's First Amendment protects the right to sit down and be disrespectful towards those who have fought and died for these rights.
Yes, I know that I just stated that these people have the constitutional rights to do this, but any sane person would think that one would show the utmost respect for one of the main symbols of this great country.
Second, in talking about those that have fought and died for this country’s freedom, how do these people that choose to sit think it makes our active duty military feel? Or our veterans? These men and women see these disgraces on the news all the time, and I am sure that it makes them feel really appreciated for their service by being mocked with a lack of respect for all they have fought and died for.
Third of all, I just cannot seem to wrap my head around WHY these people are doing this and continue to do this. What are they accomplishing? Yes, it is very disrespectful to those of us that DO respect the flag and someone like myself will even get angry about it at time, such as right now, but these people must know that just because they choose to sit during our nation’s anthem does not mean it is going to break the American spirit.
I share many of the same pro-American views as former President Ronald Reagan had, and I know that in this situation, Reagan would say that people in this country are strong and we can overcome and bypass this “dissension” that has been presented before us.
I watched a video recently, which was first surfaced about a year ago, in which an individual at an Alabama Crimson Tide football game chose to do the right thing and stand for the National Anthem. Well, there was a group of seemingly upset college kids that were expressing their First Amendment right by sitting during the Anthem.
OK, so I have a problem with this entire subject, but it is these people’s right to be seated during the National Anthem, and I get that. But, what made me angry while watching this video was when one woman that was seated during the National Anthem tried to pull the man that decided he wanted to stand back down to his seat. What right do these people think that they have to stop someone from showing the proper respect to their country? What special power do these people think they have?
So, a little word of advice for any of you that are ever caught in this situation at a sporting event: do not EVER let someone else stop you from respecting your country. Stay standing and stay respectful.
