More This & That & Whatever.... The Best Of Intellectual Froglegs

[Ross]

Excellent post.

[redcliffsw]

There's nothing illegal or wrong in this country about not standing during the playing of the national anthem - at least at this time.  Socialist countries are big into citizen recognition and participation in songs and pledges and if you don't comply, you're gone - you're missing.

I don't agree with the politics of the retired Marine colonel who supposedly authored this piece nor do I agree with the politics of the football guy named Kaepernick.  It wouldn't surprise me if both of these dudes favor banning the Confederate flag.  That's how close in common they probably are. 

On September 13th 1861, Francis Key Howard, the grandson of Francis Scott Key, was arrested for being an "active secessionist" and imprisoned at Fort McHenry. 47 years earlier his grandfather wrote the Star Spangled Banner while a prisoner on a British warship bombarding Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
That was Lincoln's policy and he won the War for his cause, not to the cause of the Founders.

Shall we stand with Lincoln or the Founders?

[Wake-up!]

I just "gotta love" some of the petty blog name calling and vitriol. It reminds me of third grade.

What has separated these States from the rest of the world for over two hundred years is placing individual rights above the propaganda of the collective. There is no law requiring honoring any flag, or respecting any song. I don't know Kaepernick's politics. Frankly, I don't care what they are. He has a right to NOT honor something he does not respect. His motive is his, and his alone. He needs no one's permission. He deserves no one's denigration.

Our society is some 320 million individuals with more diversity than ever. It is a microcosm of changes world-wide. With such diversity of thought, culture, education, belief and wealth, our society has little chance of survival when individuals coerce their beliefs on others, rather than allow or tolerate differences. When I read the post written by the retired grunt, I heard only intolerance, I heard only the echo of Nazi jackboot footsteps. His thoughts represent a slave society, not a free one.

And please, if anyone knows the Colonel, if he is more than a fictional blog creation, please get him in treatment for PTSD.

[Wilma]

Kaepernick's actions remind me of a Protestant in a Catholic Church.  Even though the Protestant cannot observe the Catholics beliefs, he can respect them.  Many a time I sat while the rest of the church knelt, crossed themselves, etc.  I believe that if you cannot perform the actions of respect and honor, you should at least sit down, shut up and keep quiet and not draw attention to yourself or away from the actions of the believers.

[Wake-up!]

A Protestant's best way to respect a Catholic's mass is to not go to one. You sat while others genuflected and crossed themselves. And Kaepernick kneeled instead of standing. I see no difference, yet you justify your actions and condemn his.

What you call respect and honor, others may not. In that, you are trying to coerce your beliefs on others. Your vitriol, and the media's, is bringing all the attention. Just ignore the man if you don't like what he stands for, instead of adding fuel to the fire.

[redcliffsw]

Well said.

Will we continue to rise as commanded or expected?  Or shall we be Americans?

[Wake-up!]

Many Americans believe public school lunches are truly 'free'. Many believe the entitlements they receive have no economic downside. Most do not understand that deficit spending by 'our' central government is THE reason for poverty and disappearance of the middle class. Many people believe CNN. Too many people do not give a rat's backside as long as they have their double cheese and fries, wide screen TV, and reality shows to entertain them. Very few Americans understand the responsibility that comes with freedom.

Sigh . . . . it appears we will continue to stand on command, and otherwise kneel until called upon.

[redcliffsw]

You're right.  I agree. 

Americans have been trained - indoctrinated by their own government.  Been going on for more than 100 years.

Somebody should provide chairs for Kaepernick and his compatriots so they don't have to kneel.

Kaepernick is spoiling the partnership between the NFL and the government military.   
What a show!

Hopefully, more folks will see the light even if it looks to be too late in the "game".   

[Wake-up!]

A movement toward more freedom must overcome the inertia of the status quo. For most people, life is simply easier to just go with the flow. That, I think, is historically true. I read a while back that the Revolutionary War had only around 12% support by the citizens of the Colonies. The percent support was significantly greater for independence from England, but, apparently, many fewer were willing to fight England for freedom. The same, I believe, was true of the Irish fight for independence.

The good news in that is 12% of our population may be able to affect change for freedom. Well, I cannot confirm that percentage, so let's say a relatively small sector of our population may be able to nudge the status quo toward freedom.

I firmly believe that individuals create societies, and collectives destroy societies. So I hold hope that a new leader of freedom might emerge, someone that will appeal to the masses. I 'romanticize' a combination of Ron Paul, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Boudica, and John Galt.

[upoladeb]

Thanks Jarhead for passing it on.If the letter aint real the sentiment is right on.I'm a Chiefs fan but i'm packing it away till things change.(yea I know that guy don't play for KC)