Dont believe in national anthem protests? You dont believe in the land of the free

[workinclasszero]

Don’t believe in national anthem protests? You don’t believe in the land of the free
BY JENEÉ OSTERHELDT SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 6:25 PM

Some blissfully ignorant and privileged folk think Kansas City Chief Marcus Peters should explain himself better. You know, “whitesplain.”

Others say a highly paid athlete should just collect his check and do his job. Lots called him disrespectful. Many think politics aren’t for the field.

On Thursday, the cornerback sat on a trainer’s bench for most of the national anthem before the game against the New England Patriots. Hey, people, he was protesting brutality, inequality and injustice.

No, he does not have to shut up and play football. Leave his politics at home? Nah.

Each and every person coming for Peters is part of the problem. Few people want to talk about America’s systemic racism, xenophobia or all-around inequity and injustice. But plenty of people want to tune into a game.

http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/jenee-osterheldt/article172737306.html

[Solly Mack]

1. K&R

[Initech]

2. I find it hilariously ironic that the people who say celebrities shouldn't be involved in politics..

Will heartily endorse Kid Rock, Donald Trump, and Ted Nugent. I got news for you republicans - they are all celebrities! So it's apparently OK when your side does it but not ours? Get the fuck out!

[workinclasszero]

3. Yeah they only want progressives to shut up

And especially black males which is a large part of the NFL ya know?

Their damn side can do anything.

[Initech]

4. Bill Maher is right. The republicans are the democrats' crazy ex girlfriend.

It doesn't matter what we do, they go ballistic simply because we exist. That kind of misguided rage can't be good for anybody.

[unblock]

5. I think it was John Oliver who pointed out

That people don't have much of a problem with violence, arrests, and felonies. Maybe sit out a game or two but then welcome back.

But sitting or kneeling during the national anthem makes someone irredeemably toxic.

[Wounded Bear]

6. This veteran really likes that opinion on this issue is starting to turn...

I never hid that I supported Colin Kaepernick, even though he played for a hated rival team, because if that emblem to the left really means anything, it means that I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution...including a person's First Amendment Right to speak out, especially against injustice, violence, and bigotry. That oath, believe it or not, did not disappear into the ether when I was honorably discharged back in the 70's.

I'm frankly glad that some positive press is getting out there in place of the mindless jingoism of those willing to suppress free speech because it points out things about or society that some people don't want to see.

[HughBeaumont]

7. I don't get what the message is with these people.

"Muh forced jingoism is the stuff of dictaters . . . buuuuuuuuuuuuuut muh forced jingoism."??

If the only reason any of us are standing for this anthem is routine indoctrination so we don't get verbally or physically assaulted by the Angry Red Hat Klan, that is in no way, shape or form "FREEDOM".

Not to mention they forfeited their right to tell me what patriotism and "taking your country and veterans seriously" once they put a serial sexual assaulter Fascist in charge of our country.

Just don't play it before sporting events. Problem solved.

[Iggo]

8. Of course I believe. I've seen 'em with me own glazzies. (n/t)

[Aristus]

10. You viddy horrorshow, O my brother.

You viddy horrorshow...

[Iggo]

11. Oh, thank goodness. I thought I'd be the only one.

[onethatcares]

9. is clear channel playing the Dixie Chix yet?

and would the shrub come back and tell us what "freedoms" we're fighting for in Afghanistan?