Stand for the Anthem

Now comes a new topic. You see on TV now that some sports athletes will not stand during the National Anthem. Now you're getting into my "piss me off" area. I am totally aware of what reasons they are giving for doing this. And I'm aware that a lot of it has to do with Trump. Now, this is my opinion only. You have one, and I have one. Why? Because a lot of people died to give us that right. To voice our opinion. They are doing that, too. But is it the right way to do things? It sure as hell is not!

I like pro sports as well as anyone. I'm a very avid football and basketball fan. But disrespecting the National Anthem of your country? Should anyone take it that far? Having a problem with Trump is one thing. Staging a protest against an injustice is another thing. Rallying around a cause is, again, another thing. But not standing to show respect for the Nation? That's a totally different thing! Some of these so-called pro players are what they are; big kids with big bodies, and that's all they are. They haven't been around long enough to know about everything they should know. Some of them have great minds, and are educated. Others are as dumb as dirt, and just happen to be blessed with physical talents. One thing that I would ask all of them is this; Did you ever serve in the military?". "Did you ever have anyone in your family that served?" Why is that important? If you have a family member that served or is now serving, go ask them what they think. If you ask them if you're wrong to have a protest against something that is unjust, I'm sure they will say "NO, of course not!". If you ask them if it's ok to disrespect the playing of the National Anthem, I am very sure they will say, "No, it is NOT ok!.
I  heard one of them say it was not really meant as disrespect for the Anthem. It was more of a protest against the White House. Ok. I got that already. But when millions of people, especially children, see our so-called "sports leaders", taking a knee when they play the National Anthem, a song that stands for the country, disrespecting what it really stands for, then who are they to teach the kids what it means? They barely know themselves! They think they know; they might have a bit of book learning; but they have zero knowledge of the real thing first hand!
So here comes the kicker. They are trying to make it mandatory for all athletes to stand for the playing of the National Anthem, as well they should. If this happens, and they choose to continue kneeling, they will be fined. If they continue after fining, then, I say, get rid of them. Dismiss them from the league. They are a shit example to follow, and there are plenty more "athletes" to take their place. Some of them already think they are untouchable. Wrong again. Put it in their ridiculous contracts that they must not show disrespect for our flag or our country's song. Is that going too far, you say? Why? They are playing a "game". It is not life or death. It is just a "game". But the point is that many, many lives were lost to give them the right to play their "game". I bet you could ask some of the foreign players if they would kneel down against their country's anthem, and you might get a bit of outrage at the thought. 
Again, I understand "why" they are doing this. But what I don't understand is using the National Anthem as their excuse to protest. Even at the age of 59, I really liked and looked up to some of these kids playing pro ball. But my respect for them has dropped dramatically. I won't even watch any game when any athlete does that. It is very, very disrespectful, coming from kids who have never served their country in their life! Now, when I see some of them start to take a knee, I will angrily turn off the TV. It has no place in sports. It is political. I turned on the game in the first place to "get away" from all that crap. Now I have to watch them destroy sports, too. And yes, they are guilty of disrespecting the National Anthem. There is no doubt. Please go play in another country, will you, and do your politics there. If they let you. And, yes, Trump is an ass. But we knew that already. Don't turn your personal litle grudges into disrespectful actions! If you think my opinion is wrong, then keeping watching your TV; it will only get worse, and more and more young people will follow their bad example. If you believe what they're doing is right (not their reasons, but their actions), then knock yourself out! Climb a tree and chew on a nut! It will be two nuts in a tree!