A Simple Salute

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

    The truth is that we are hearing of the many protests that are happening through the National Football League (NFL). Some players are standing, sitting, kneeling, or some are even remaining in locker rooms, refusing to be present when the anthem is being played and the American Flag is raised. These protests have been on-going, rooted from the Colin Kaepernick silent kneeling.  The most recent protests and criticism were sparked through the comments that President Trump made at his speech in Alabama, where he cited the dis-respect for the American flag by the NFL players. The comments received criticism  from NFL and NBA team, with a response from LeBron James.

​     So I heard and I listened and thought what a mess. In fact my very thoughts became a mess. I wasn't sure where and how to comment. However, the issue demands attention, and the urgency to write became once more. Before I write what I think - I will respond to both President Trump and LeBron James. The use of the vulgar language by both is absolutely unacceptable in the public sphere. For both, words were broadcast, or in the news media at the national and eventually disseminated to the international level. Whether we choose to like what these two very prominent figures stand for - we have to remember that they are people of influence. Young minds are listening, rather than delivering a negative impression, let us think how we can deliver a message of concern without vulgar language. So here are my points:

  *There is a deep irony that President Trump would call out the NFL protestors as compared to his approach to the White Supremacist, KKK and Neo - Nazi protests that took place. The difference in his responses allow us to think and even assume that there are personal prejudices that are being projected by President Trump.

   *I think about the many individuals that have died for America, so that everyone else could live and breathe free, for the very people who are receiving a prestigious wage. We have to think, how protests of kneeling against the flag might be affecting families who have already lost so much, not to mention the veterans who might be suffering from physical and mental illness.

   *The protest that took place in the U.K. NFL game yesterday were particularly disappointing. When an American  team is abroad they are representing their team, as well as their country. We have to think: what kind of message are we conveying at the international level?

   *The issue of race, and equity is one that deserves attention, and demands a conversation. We are living in the 21st century where there have been so many societal shifts, points pf progress, processes of de-colonization, the black lives movement, and also many other protests that take place. We have to remember that many protests are funded by rich and wealthy democrats, that act as obstructionist for the new administration.

   *I can't speak for every one, but I do know that for my visits to the USA, I have felt proud of a nation, and also felt a deep sense of belonging.   

  To Conclude my thoughts I don't support the kneeling of the flag at the NFL games. I also don't support how President Trump handled the matter. I also do believe that sports have the capability to impart and influence an opinion, but I also do know that many fans go to watch a game as part of a leisurely activity, or to support their team. Rather than kneeling or sitting out during the playing of the anthem, I think that there needs to be a conversation, or dialogue between the NFL team owners and their players, about what is deemed acceptable or not. Some owners support the protests and some do not. The question is complex, nevertheless deserves a discussion.

   We have seen so much damages to land, if not anything I think that this is a time where there is much needed solidarity and unity at the national and international level from the NFL.

     At the deeper level
Lets think about our flag. What is a American flag? It is a beautiful piece of cloth that is stitched together. If anyone has had a chance to look at the stitched flag closely it is really quite beautiful. Alone a flag is a symbol for a nation, in this case, symbolizing America. What we think, act, and how we behave towards the flag  is derived through the meaning that we assign to it. And yes these meanings are partly driven from our experiences of being human. We can think of allies, how do they view the flag? We can think of enemies, how do they view the flag?

With the flag arrives the singing of the anthem, and quite frankly I could not be more prouder to stand, sit, or even kneel with one knee or two for the flag. There are injustices, issues of inequality that have to be dealt with and talked about. But remind yourselves why you are standing, or even the privilege of playing for the NFL? It is a privilege and an honor earned. The least anyone can do is to take a moment to remember those who have and are sacrificing so much, and the very reason why America is the land of the brave and free. 

​Dedication: The words of this human being are dedicated to all who serve, and continue to serve and sacrifice for the nation of America. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on September 24th 2017.
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