Letter to NFL.

[lloyd3]

I'm done with it.

https://www.follownews.com/marine-colonels-letter-to-nfl-commish-for-allowing-national-anthem-protestsabsolutely-blazing-1uyuk

[Mike DC]

  
Meh.  

A public protest over a social justice issue is supposed to cause at least some controversy.  Some unsettling.  If it raises zero eyebrows then its not worth much.  

Every time I hear somebody getting pissed off about protests in these situations, they also usually don't think the protesters have much reason to be upset in the first place.  That's a different issue IMO.  The football players doing the protesting are not the real victims - because the real victims are dead.  Somebody else has to protest for them.



On the other hand, I agree the league is full of crap for being so inconsistent on what they do and don't allow.  

[crj1968]

From "The Fate of Empires" (John Glubb)

As Glubb explains, the heroes of an empire's people change over time as their values do. Soldiers, builders, pioneers and explorers are admired in the initial stages of the empire life cycle. Then successful businessmen and entrepreneurs are esteemed during the ages of commerce and affluence.

For example, late 19th-century middle-class Americans wanted their children to learn the values of prudence, saving and foresight as found in the stories of author Horatio Alger, whose heroes lead exemplary lives striving to succeed in the face of adversity and poverty. Intellectuals are also increasingly respected during the age of intellect.

During the last stages of decadence and decline, an empire's people often think most highly of and imitate athletes, musicians and actors—despite how corrupt these celebrities' private lives are.

[RallyeMike]

Great letter. 

[66FBCharger]

Awesome letter. I'm sure it will be ignored.

[Charger_Fan]

Great letter. 

Absolutely!

I hadn't heard of this chick before yesterday, but she does an awesome job of laying down the spank on Krappernick!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq0_nyWVXCI&feature=youtu.be

[Mike DC]

    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq0_nyWVXCI&feature=youtu.be

She actually demanded proof that any minorities have really been murdered by authorities.  

[Charger_Fan]

She actually demanded proof that any minorities have really been murdered by authorities.  

No, she demanded to see evidence of authorities getting away with murder, there's a difference. The authorities who truly did murder someone are doing time.

[RallyeMike]

It's not about what the protesters are voicing, but how they doing it. We should question our government, but by doing so from our own soapbox rather than standing on the backs of those that sacrificed so much to make it even possible. Unfortunately Goodell recently doubled down saying he supports these actions. I don't understand why these bozos aren't booed right off the field. I guess I've finally become a curmudgeon. 

[Mike DC]

No, she demanded to see evidence of authorities getting away with murder, there's a difference. The authorities who truly did murder someone are doing time.

You're right.  I missed that distinction and it affects the meaning of what she said.

It's not about what the protesters are voicing, but how they doing it. We should question our government, but by doing so from our own soapbox rather than standing on the backs of those that sacrificed so much to make it even possible. Unfortunately Goodell recently doubled down saying he supports these actions. I don't understand why these bozos aren't booed right off the field. I guess I've finally become a curmudgeon.

AFAIK the players were only protesting police stuff.  The letter writer introduced the military angle into the story.


Are the police acting on behalf of the country?  The govt?  Do we group them in with those being honored when the anthem is sung?  If so, then it logically means the anthem must be "on the table" when it comes to protesting the police/country/govt.  


As for the fact that the players are soapbox-ing during a game - I doubt anyone would be complaining if their viewpoint was something more popular.

[RallyeMike]

Are the police acting on behalf of the country?  The govt?  Do we group them in with those being honored when the anthem is sung?

No. Yes. No.

Buy a billboard, pipe up at a news conference, stand at the corner and hand out flyers, buy an infomercial, write a book, slap a bumper sticker on your Benz, or group together and sing an annoyingly repetitive song. Speak your mind but have the class to respect the sacrifices of the past instead of using it as your personal springboard.

An NFL player can't even wear unapproved socks or write something on their headband with a sharpie without getting slapped with a fine, but this flys?  It's only because it's the inflammatory issue that it is that the NFL allows it to continue. I don't expect change, so I'll just go on being moderately annoyed.

As for the fact that the players are soapbox-ing during a game - I doubt anyone would be complaining if their viewpoint was something more popular

There are few absolutes in the world, but one of them is that there is someone out there who will complain about anything   

[Charger_Fan]

There are few absolutes in the world, but one of them is that there is someone out there who will complain about anything   

That's no shit, huh?

[Mike DC]

No. Yes. No.

Buy a billboard, pipe up at a news conference, stand at the corner and hand out flyers, buy an infomercial, write a book, slap a bumper sticker on your Benz, or group together and sing an annoyingly repetitive song. Speak your mind but have the class to respect the sacrifices of the past instead of using it as your personal springboard.

An NFL player can't even wear unapproved socks or write something on their headband with a sharpie without getting slapped with a fine, but this flys?  It's only because it's the inflammatory issue that it is that the NFL allows it to continue. I don't expect change, so I'll just go on being moderately annoyed.

Fair points in there.   

[Ponch ®]

Part of what differentiates this country from others is that we have liberties to question the government.

Those who gave their lives for our country didnt give then so we can tell people to shut up, they gave them so those people can speak up regardless of how objectionable or controversial their stance is. You dont need "freedom" to waive the flag and say America is great. You need freedom to do the opposite.

On the other hand, people who stockpile guns to protect themselves against the tyrannical government and waive the confederate or Gadsden flags often call themselves "patriots" and few seem to call them out....

[Laowho]

Anybody see "The Patrick Tillman Story?" We all draw lines somewhere, but draw them big enough and you start to look elsewhere for some understanding.