If I'm reading this right, Sammy is condoning Kaep's behavior

[gebobs]

The song was written by Francis Scott Key after he saw the flag was still flying. He wrote it inspired by brave Americans fighting for our freedoms, like the ability to sit on the bench and pout.

It's a national, anthem. It's not a Department of Defense anthem. Sorry, but if people in or associated with the military are offended, that's their problem. What he's doing has nothing to do with them regardless of the loose connection between the military and the anthem's lyrics (which by the way is a metaphor for liberty and freedom and not to be taken so literally).

A Gold star Mom was on TV last night and she said when they handed her a flag for her Son that gave his life, it held a higher meaning to her. People should respect that and honor those who serve.

So when people decide to protest, should they check with the local VFW and Gold Star Moms to see what's not going to offend them? Who else should they check with or is it just the military that gets this exalted reverence?

[Skooby]

he was in the luxury boxes, he wasn't on the sideline for those games.

again, i'd be willing to listen to his point if he had one. he can't even enunciate what he's protesting, which makes him look like a fool in my eyes.

He is a mumbling fool, completely clueless. Whoever gave this guy $114 Million contract needs to be hung.

[Skooby]

It's a national, anthem. It's not a Department of Defense anthem.Sorry, but if people in or associated with the military are offended, that's their problem. What he's doing has nothing to do with them regardless of the loose connection between the military and the anthem's lyrics.



So when people decide to protest, should they check with the local VFW and Gold Star Moms to see what's not going to offend them? Who else should they check with or is it just the military that gets this exalted reverence?

So that's what you took from everything I said ?? Really ?? Why do they put the huge flag out and sing the anthem ?? Is it to play a game before the game or honor those who have sacrificed ?? Get over yourself man, get a clue.

[gebobs]

So that's what you took from everything I said ?? Really ??

Indeed. That is just what you said.

Why do they put the huge flag out and sing the anthem ?? Is it to play a game before the game or honor those who have sacrificed ??

Obviously, I don't necessarily agree with either point of view. Personally, it's an expression of national unity.

[Skooby]

Indeed. That is just what you said.


Obviously, I don't necessarily agree with either point of view. Personally, it's an expression of national unity.

Is the ISIS flag a social movement ?

[Novacane]

So if he gets cut should we bring him in?

[Mr. Pink]

The song was written by Francis Scott Key after he saw the flag was still flying. He wrote it inspired by brave Americans fighting for our freedoms, like the ability to sit on the bench and pout.

http://m.american-historama.org/1801...ner-lyrics.htm

A Gold star Mom was on TV last night and she said when they handed her a flag for her Son that gave his life, it held a higher meaning to her. People should respect that and honor those who serve.

And it's sung to the music of an English drinking song.



Seriously about the topic, I don't know why anyone gives a crap that Kaep sat during the anthem. He wasn't the first and he certainly won't be the last.

[chernobylwraiths]

Sammy is saying he could care less.

how much less?

[gebobs]

Seriously about the topic, I don't know why anyone gives a crap that Kaep sat during the anthem. He wasn't the first and he certainly won't be the last.

I agree. I don't really care why he's doing it. And if people want to disagree or are offended by it for whatever reason, that's their opinion. I just want to remind people that this is constitutionally protected free speech, just as their criticism is. But calling for him to leave the country is a bit beyond the pale, Mr. Trump.

[chernobylwraiths]

And it's sung to the music of an English drinking song.



Seriously about the topic, I don't know why anyone gives a crap that Kaep sat during the anthem. He wasn't the first and he certainly won't be the last.

I wonder if people realize that the Star Spangled Banner has 4 versus, of which everyone only knows the first. And the third verse mentions slaves. And that Francis Scott Key was a slave owner and staunch supporter of slavery. At least that is what the article I read said. I knew it was only verse one and don't know the other versus. Verified that the third verse mentions slaves.

[chernobylwraiths]

I wonder if people realize that the Star Spangled Banner has 4 versus, of which everyone only knows the first. And the third verse mentions slaves. And that Francis Scott Key was a slave owner and staunch supporter of slavery. At least that is what the article I read said. I knew it was only verse one and don't know the other versus. Verified that the third verse mentions slaves.

I only care what Kanye West, the entire Kardashian clan including Caitlyn, and Taylor Swift think about this.

[gebobs]

Is the ISIS flag a social movement ?

Is the Canadian flag a symbol of military pride?

[DraftBoy]

Why do they put the huge flag out and sing the anthem ?? Is it to play a game before the game or honor those who have sacrificed ?? Get over yourself man, get a clue.

Technically speaking the way the national anthem is sung and the crowd cheering it are both contrary to what was originally intended and can also be considered disrespectful. Maybe you should learn a little bit about the history of what it is you're doing before you start telling other people to get a clue.

[gebobs]

I wonder if people realize that the Star Spangled Banner has 4 versus, of which everyone only knows the first. And the third verse mentions slaves. And that Francis Scott Key was a slave owner and staunch supporter of slavery. At least that is what the article I read said. I knew it was only verse one and don't know the other versus. Verified that the third verse mentions slaves.

Wow...I didn't know any of that. Fascinating!

Indeed, as the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, he prosecuted several abolitionists for libel and sedition. On the other hand, he represented some slaves in their lawsuits to win freedom. Pro bono at that. He also worked to enforce the will of a friend who freed 400 slaves upon his death and to provide them with land once thee will was formally executed.

[feldspar]

It would be great and ironic if Kaepernick were a Patriot...you know, playing for New England. At least then I could get a few good zingers in. But this is not entertaining to me as it stands. I follow football to be entertained, not to have it be a springboard for these types of discussions.

[chernobylwraiths]

Wow...I didn't know any of that. Fascinating!

Indeed, as the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, he prosecuted several abolitionists for libel and sedition. On the other hand, he represented some slaves in their lawsuits to win freedom. Pro bono at that. He also worked to enforce the will of a friend who freed 400 slaves upon his death and to provide them with land once thee will was formally executed.

I didn't go into his history. The country back then had some great men and did some great things. But even great men don't always do the right thing as evidenced by many of our founding fathers owning humans. It's good to know that he wasn't a total dirtbag. Ha. I always thought America the Beautiful should be our national anthem though.

[Skooby]

Is the Canadian flag a symbol of military pride?

Touche.

[gebobs]

I always thought America the Beautiful should be our national anthem though.

I agree. What other country has such overtly militaristic metaphors in their anthem? Heck, the anthem of Hitler's homeland is about flowers.

How about This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie though I think the following lyrics should be kept private like the third verse of the SSB.

As I went walking I saw a sign there
And on the sign it said "No Trespassing."
But on the other side it didn't say nothing,
That side was made for you and me.

In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people,
By the relief office I seen my people;
As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking
Is this land made for you and me?

Or how about this one? I think the Party Party might go for it.

[gebobs]

It would be great and ironic if Kaepernick were a Patriot...you know, playing for New England. At least then I could get a few good zingers in. But this is not entertaining to me as it stands. I follow football to be entertained, not to have it be a springboard for these types of discussions.

Yeah, the thread should be in Bufftp.

[Bill Cody]

random thoughts:

it's cool that in the US Kaep has every right to do what he did, in that sense I fully support him

Do I think what he's doing is disrespectful? Yes Offensive? For me, yes. Call me old school on this. Utterly pointless in terms of his stated protest? Yes. Sure people are talking but will it change anyone's behavior? Nope.

I think he has some balls to do what's doing, I'll give him that. But what he's objecting to is racism in America and he won't stand for the anthem until the problem is fixed, good luck with that. He states that the 2 Presidential candidates are unqualified to hold office so who is he appealing to for change? How does disrespecting the flag in any way advance his agenda? Is this the extent of his contribution, sitting for the anthem? If so, pretty weak. What's next, if America doesn't stop being racist "I swear to God I'll hold my breath until I turn blue"? I respect anyone with a point of view that is willing to stand up for it but I give him low marks for his specific actions. If/when he gets cut there will be a debate over what impact the protest had on it. Needless to say being controversial never helps your cause as an athlete.