Anthem Debate

It's certainly getting more interesting.

Jerry Jones said he expects his players to stand. The commissioner has reversed himself and said that the perception of players not standing is hurting the league's popularity. (Viewing is down a whopping 18% since the beginning of last season.) He said he now wants all players to stand, and he and the league owners will get together to figure out how to make that happen.

People are divided over the issue. (BIG surprise.)

The NFL is now in a tough space. People are threatening to boycott the NFL if they make the players stand. People are threatening to boycott the league even more (including sponsors) if the players aren't all standing soon.

My take? No one should use the National Anthem as a bargaining chip or a political tool when it comes to protest or debate.

Ever.

Because this is what will always happen.

If you're a person who thinks that political or philosophical change is needed in any area of American life, DO something tangible to change it. It doesn't take courage to stand or kneel for the anthem. Let's just say standing is expected. It shows respect for your flag and your country.

You might not like everything the government does. You might not like the military. You might not like the police. You may not agree with every law. But the processes are currently in place that allow you, and others who think like you, to change the things you don't like.

Having that ability is why you respect this country and its flag and anthem.

Now, here's the hard part. Real change takes time, effort, money, and lots of people supporting an idea. AND, this part is really important, even if you do all theses things, change MAY NOT occur.

You see that's the problem of living in a democracy, the majority get their way most of the time. That's also the biggest joy of living in a democracy as well.

Your opinion does matter, but just because YOU believe it, that doesn't make it true, valid, or feasible. If you take shortcuts (like kneeling for the anthem or calling for no-win scenario sponsor boycotts) people will hate you not because of your ideas, they will hate you because you are a coward who is not willing to invest time and money and REAL effort into your cause.

Shortcuts are for cowards and wanna' be's.

Grow up. Stop pouting. Put on your big girl panties. Roll up your sleeves and get to work.

And, for crying out loud, do some real research. Your emotions and opinions mean nothing against the facts. At least get your facts straight even if you still choose the cowardly way out.