Proud of Freedoms

Sitting in Best Buy's parking lot one morning this past week awaiting its opening,  I was listening to a talk radio program. The topic was centered on that NFL quarterback who refuses to 'stand' during the playing of the American National Anthem. Several people called- in to take this fella to task over his protest method in behalf of what he believes are social injustices directed toward people of color; especially taking issue with what he calls 'rogue cops.'

One caller was particularly angry. This gent was a military veteran and he felt his patriotic service to America was under attack by this protester's disrespect. The caller ended his comment saying, "If that football player can't show respect by standing during the National Anthem, he needs to get out of MY country." Personally, I see irony in the veteran's thoughts and subsequent comments. Now before you readers get all up in a tizzy...RELAX and take a deep breath. I'll shall make my point in the most simple terms.

 First, I sincerely and deeply appreciate all vets for their service to our nation. All America is absolutely indebted to our military of yesterday and today. I find daily prayer time to petition our Lord to bless and protect those who protect America and insure her freedoms.

Having said that, we all must realize that every military persons' service to our nation not only protects but the service men and women also insure the right's of an individual to not stand for the anthem...those military folks guarantee those rights to disrespect; it's called First Amendment freedom of speech.Therein lies the great uniqueness of the United States. Secondly, whereas I truly appreciate this caller's love of country to the extent that he references it as 'MY' country but in fact it is 'OUR' country, including the guy sitting on his butt during the anthem!

On a personal 'take,' I think that one who elects not to stand during the anthem is a disrespectful jerk but I'll argue and defend his American freedom to do so!