To Stand or Not to Stand? That is the Question
Two days ago, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that players could continue to kneel or sit during the National Anthem without facing any penalties. The next morning, President Trump predictably took to Twitter to decry the decision: “The NFL has decided that it will not force players to stand for the playing of our National Anthem. Total disrespect for our great country!”
As I reflected on this ongoing controversy, I found myself thinking about my dad, who passed away a little over a year ago, and what he would likely say about it all.
Lt.Col. (USMC) William C. Holmberg was a bootstraps-kind-of-guy and one who loved, fought for (Navy Cross honoree; veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam ) and found a hundred-and-one ways to serve this country.
Over his 88 years he developed and nurtured an acute sense of justice and fairness. Much of that was born from empathy. As someone raised on the wrong side of the tracks and holding the short-end of the stick, Dad understood the pain, fear, hopelessness and anger that often gnaws at those whose color, economic status, upbringing, etc. can push them towards the margins.
Back before it was cool, he ruffled feathers advocating for total equality and respect for the black soldiers under his command and later throughout the entire military.
Forced to retire after a heart attack in Vietnam, Dad’s next “tour of duty” was with the Selective Service. The feather ruffling continued as he fought for the rights and honor of conscientious objectors, including perhaps the most famous and important incident of an 
athlete taking a principled stand against what he believed was injustice in America. (One can only imagine the Twitter-equivalents that would have gushed forth if Trump had been president when Muhammad Ali refused induction into the military.)
Connecting the dots between kids being raised in blighted inner-city neighborhoods and systemic poverty and crime, he started a program to place them in a more regulated and rural environment for two weeks in the summer. There, at a semi-retired military base, they lived in the barracks, experienced military style discipline and physical training from actual drill instructors (significantly dialed down and fun-infused, of course), went to school, played games, and engaged in basic-life-skills exercises. For most, it was their very first step onto the path to the the true American dream.
Finally, literally up to the day his old heart gave out, Dad did what he could to fight for the family farm, for the environment, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy….and the little guy.
So what would Big Bill say about this kneeling brouhaha?
Well, I heard his voice almost perfectly channeled in an interview with Nate Boyer, a former Green Beret who played football briefly with the Seattle Seahawks. Nate had spoken out last year when Colin Kaepernick got the whole NFL protest train rolling. Then they 
met, talked and found a very interesting and compelling place of understanding and compromise. Instead of sitting during the national anthem, Kaepernick began taking the knee.
And now, as more and more NFL players are also kneeling , Nate has spoken out again, this time in a letter to “Every Single American.”
His bottom-line?
“So please, no more lines in the sand, not at home, not among our people. No more choosing sides, no more “for or against.” I believe our Veterans will be called upon to lead the way in healing the world and solving its problems; right now our country needs that more than I can remember. So I’ll be here, standing in the radical middle, doing what I can to continue fighting for those that can’t fight for themselves. Let’s get this thing fixed together, you and me. I love you all with all my heart.”
De Oppresso Liber” (To free the oppressed)
It’s great to hear your voice again, Dad, cheering from the sidelines.
(As for my thoughts: like it or not, you introduce an element of politics into any event where The Star-Spangled Banner is played. And that anthem is there to commemorate our national creed, which has at its very heart the freedom of speech and political expression.
That speech and expression becomes most meaningful and important to the vitality of our country when it is born out of thoughtful engagement with the transcendent values of truth, justice and mercy. I know that not everybody who sits or kneels is doing it out of this type of engagement with the issues. But not everyone who stands is doing it from that place either. Personally, I think it’s great for America that there is this type of debate and reflection going on right now.
Lastly, as Americans we should applaud anyone who takes the playing of our anthem seriously rather than just going through the motions and/or following the herd. (I would that we took our other civic responsibilities—particularly voting—more seriously and thoughtfully as well.) Standing, singing along, covering one’s heart or lifting up our eyes and hands to the great hill (and, FYI, it’s not the Capitol version) from which our redemption comes is great. But so is kneeling as a sign of humility, compassion, contrition, reverence and prayer. Again, while not everyone will have hearts and minds that truly reflect their respective postures, I will choose to look at them, smile to myself and think, “Well, it’s at least a beginning.”
I would recommend that “every single American” consider doing the same.
Nate Boyer’s interesting, six-minute radio interview can be heard here.
вывод из запоя на дому в ростове вывод из запоя на дому в ростове .
вывод из запоя стационар ростов вывод из запоя стационар ростов .
I’m really impressed along with your writing talents as well as with
the format on your blog. Is that this a paid
subject matter or did you customize it your self?
Either way stay up the nice high quality writing,
it is uncommon to see a nice weblog like this one
nowadays..
Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This post posted at this website is genuinely pleasant.
can i buy generic motilium without insurance where to get motilium no prescription how to buy generic motilium for sale
can i buy generic motilium online can you get motilium without insurance where to get generic motilium pills
can i buy motilium without prescription
get cheap motilium without prescription how to get motilium prices can you get motilium without prescription
get generic motilium online how to get generic motilium pills how to get cheap motilium online
Как получить диплом стоматолога быстро и официально
Excellent site you have got here.. It’s hard to find good quality writing like yours these days.
I honestly appreciate individuals like you!
Take care!!
https://mexicanpharmacy.store/# buying prescription drugs in mexico online
Как купить диплом о высшем образовании с минимальными рисками
пример справедливого поступка
cheap aurogra price what is aurogra 100 mg tablets for get cheap aurogra price
generic aurogra pill buy generic aurogra pills where to buy generic aurogra pills
can i get generic aurogra without dr prescription
can i buy generic aurogra for sale aurogra any good can you get cheap aurogra without rx
can i buy aurogra without prescription can i purchase generic aurogra without prescription aurogra 100 mg review
swift design system – react libraries, react libraries
compose libraries – ui kit, ui kit
вывод из запоя ростов и область вывод из запоя ростов и область .
best online pharmacy india: indian pharmacy – india online pharmacy
вывод из запоя анонимно ростов вывод из запоя анонимно ростов .
вывод из запоя в ростове-на-дону вывод из запоя в ростове-на-дону .
buying generic clarinex price order cheap clarinex tablets cost of generic clarinex pills
where can i get clarinex without a prescription how to buy clarinex prices can you get generic clarinex price
where can i buy clarinex without insurance
where buy generic clarinex pill can i buy generic clarinex for sale can i order generic clarinex without a prescription
where buy cheap clarinex price can i order cheap clarinex online cost of generic clarinex online
цифровые сотрудники
http://mexicanpharmacy.store/# purple pharmacy mexico price list
is colchicine toxic what foods contain colchicine colchicine max dose per day
what kind of medication is colchicine colchicine without insurance colchicine dosage side effects
probenecid colchicine benefits
does colchicine react with xarelto does colchicine lower blood pressure does colchicine cause weight gain
colchicine how long to work max daily dose of colchicine gout flare up treatment colchicine
вывод из запоя в ростове-на-дону вывод из запоя в ростове-на-дону .
https://canadianpharmacy.win/# trustworthy canadian pharmacy
вывод. из. запоя. на. дому. ростов. [url=http://vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov231.ru/]http://vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov231.ru/[/url] .
http://dryshop.ru/ — создаём кухни, отражающие ваш стиль.
срочный вывод из запоя ростов срочный вывод из запоя ростов .
вывод из запоя в ростове [url=https://www.vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov231.ru]вывод из запоя в ростове[/url] .
вывод из запоя в ростове [url=https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov231.ru]вывод из запоя в ростове[/url] .
тренинг эмоциональный интеллект
вывод из запоя в стационаре ростов-на-дону https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov231.ru/ .
вывод из запоя дешево ростов вывод из запоя дешево ростов .
анонимный вывод из запоя ростов анонимный вывод из запоя ростов .
вывод из запоя ростов и область вывод из запоя ростов и область .
best india pharmacy: india online pharmacy – cheapest online pharmacy india
dryshop.ru — дизайн и производство мебели по вашим пожеланиям.
вывод из запоя в ростове вывод из запоя в ростове .
алкоголизм лечение вывод из запоя ростов алкоголизм лечение вывод из запоя ростов .
mexico drug stores pharmacies mexican pharmaceuticals online medication from mexico pharmacy
http://canadianpharmacy.win/# adderall canadian pharmacy
вывод из запоя круглосуточно ростов-на-дону вывод из запоя круглосуточно ростов-на-дону .
настольные игры
https://indianpharmacy.win/# india pharmacy mail order
вывод из запоя цены ростов на дону вывод из запоя цены ростов на дону .
вывод из запоя ростовская область вывод из запоя ростовская область .
Terrific knowledge. With thanks.
best online casinos bangladesh online gaming casino new usa online casino 2023
Betzula Guncel Giris
Betzula Guncel Giris is a eminent online platform that provides users with access to a broad reach of features and services tailored seeking entertainment and gaming enthusiasts. This programme has gained pregnant esteem needed to its usable interface and the variety of activities it offers.
Features of Betzula
1. Simple Interface: The undertaking of the website is peaceful to pilot, making it available in compensation both recent and experienced users.
2. Diverse Gaming Options: Betzula offers a variety of games, including slots, plain games, and room exchange options. This inconsistency ensures that every gamester can find something that suits their preferences.
3. Promotional Offers: Users can undergo benefit of diversified promotions and bonuses that increase their gaming experience. From well-received bonuses for the purpose creative members to continuing promotions for devoted players, there are wealth of opportunities to overstress winnings.
4. Secure Transactions: Betzula prioritizes the confidence of its users, implementing advanced encryption and secure payment methods through despite deposits and withdrawals.
5. Customer Prop: The dais provides sterling patron bear, with multiple channels nearby on assistance. Users can quickly clear up any issues or inquiries they may have Turkiye nin en iyi Canl? Bahis Sites
How to Access Betzula Guncel Giris
To access Betzula Guncel Giris, users obligation create an account on the platform. The registration transform is straightforward, requiring primary private information. Once registered, users can log in and traverse the intercontinental offerings available.
Finishing Thoughts
Betzula Guncel Giris stands out in the online gaming community payable to its commitment to purchaser amends and a indefinite cover of gaming options. Whether you are a haphazard better or a precarious gamer, Betzula provides an astounding and ensured ecosystem to from your favorite games. Always call to mind to gamble responsibly and take advantage of the trial!
вывод из запоя анонимно ростов вывод из запоя анонимно ростов .
вывод из запоя цены ростов на дону вывод из запоя цены ростов на дону .
обеспечивающие процессы производства