COLUMN: To stand or not

OFF THE MARK COLUMN
By: 
Mark Spensley
Express Co-Publisher

     The NFL has a new league rule, adopted last week. All players must stand at attention for the playing of the national anthem or choose option B, stay in the locker room. If any players choose to take a knee out on the field, they will be subject to a fine.

     I’ll go on record that I believe all players, fans, etc. should always stand for the playing of the anthem. I will also be the first person to say that I believe in free speech, the freedom to protest and all the other components involved with the first amendment.

     But I personally feel there is a place and a time for formal protesting and it shouldn’t take place during the playing of our nation’s anthem.

     Our president tweeted his approval of the new rule shortly after it was announced in the press. Unfortunately he took it one step too far by suggesting anyone protesting shouldn’t be living in our country. That I disagree with. The principles of the first amendment are what make our country and its citizens who we are.

     And of course, a few players have come out vocally against the new rule, which was expected. Again, here is my two cents’ worth. If these players really want to make a change in our society, if they feel like race or religion, police brutality or racial profiling or whatever their agenda is, put your money where your mouth is.

     Do something positive to make a change in this world. Work at uniting your communities and take the time to talk to the youth in our country. Be positive role models.

     It seems like it’s a monthly occurrence where a professional athlete is in trouble with the law, for a variety of reasons. Stand up and become a positive influence for the youth of our country!

 

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