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.
Как не стать жертвой мошенников при покупке диплома о среднем полном образовании
наркология вывод из запоя ростов наркология вывод из запоя ростов .
купить диплом повара в москве
купить диплом в махачкале
https://mexicanpharmacy.store/# mexico drug stores pharmacies
анонимный. вывод. из. запоя. ростов. [url=http://vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru/]http://vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru/[/url] .
вывод из запоя на дому ростов круглосуточно вывод из запоя на дому ростов круглосуточно .
вывод из запоя анонимно ростов [url=http://www.vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru]вывод из запоя анонимно ростов[/url] .
Betzula Guncel Giris
Betzula Guncel Giris is a important online policy that provides users with access to a to the utmost range of features and services tailored for pageant and gaming enthusiasts. This party line has gained historic repute due to its explicit interface and the multiplicity of activities it offers.
Features of Betzula
1. Usable Interface: The visualize of the website is mild to captain, making it accessible in compensation both strange and seasoned users.
2. Different Gaming Options: Betzula offers a collection of games, including slots, table games, and end dealer options. This diversity ensures that every thespian can bargain something that suits their preferences.
3. Promotional Offers: Users can undergo benefit of individual promotions and bonuses that enhance their gaming experience. From invited bonuses for the purpose creative members to ongoing promotions for trustworthy players, there are plenty of opportunities to oversell winnings.
4. Immovable Transactions: Betzula prioritizes the custody of its users, implementing advanced encryption and probable payment methods in behalf of deposits and withdrawals.
5. Client Promote: The platform provides excellent buyer underwrite, with multiple channels nearby on assistance. Users can despatch resolve any issues or inquiries they may have Hosgeldin bonusu veren casino siteleri
How to Access Betzula Guncel Giris
To access Betzula Guncel Giris, users obligated to create an account on the platform. The registration transform is straightforward, requiring primary slighting information. In the good old days registered, users can log in and survey the extensive offerings available.
Last Thoughts
Betzula Guncel Giris stands to in the online gaming community owing to its commitment to alcohol payment and a gross range of gaming options. Whether you are a casual player or a serious gamer, Betzula provides an invigorating and ensured locale to enjoy your favorite games. Perpetually keep in mind to hazard responsibly and get a kick the trial!
анонимный. вывод. из. запоя. ростов. [url=https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru/]vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru[/url] .
нарколог на дом вывод из запоя ростов нарколог на дом вывод из запоя ростов .
вывод из запоя цена ростов вывод из запоя цена ростов .
вывод из запоя вывод из запоя .
диплом швеи купить
https://indianpharmacy.win/# online pharmacy india
вывод из запоя ростов на дону вывод из запоя ростов на дону .
Покупка диплома о среднем полном образовании: как избежать мошенничества?
вывод из запоя дешево ростов на дону вывод из запоя дешево ростов на дону .
вывод из запоя цены ростов вывод из запоя цены ростов .
вывод из запоя дешево ростов на дону вывод из запоя дешево ростов на дону .
https://canadianpharmacy.win/# canadian pharmacy 24h com safe
http://canadianpharmacy.win/# canada drugs reviews
вывод из запоя на дому ростов вывод из запоя на дому ростов .
вывод из запоя стационар ростов вывод из запоя стационар ростов .
http://canadianpharmacy.win/# canadian drugstore online
вывод. из. запоя. на. дому. ростов. https://www.vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru .
[url=https://forum.zaymex.ru/forums/fludilka.14/]смотреть онлайн бесплатно[/url] – займ, взять займ
вывод из запоя дешево ростов вывод из запоя дешево ростов .
вывод из запоя цены ростов на дону вывод из запоя цены ростов на дону .
вывод из запоя вывод из запоя .
purple pharmacy mexico price list: mexico drug stores pharmacies – buying from online mexican pharmacy
быстрый вывод из запоя ростов [url=http://www.vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru]быстрый вывод из запоя ростов[/url] .
вывод. из. запоя. анонимно. ростов. [url=http://www.vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru]http://www.vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru[/url] .
нарколог на дом вывод из запоя на дому нарколог на дом вывод из запоя на дому .
Thanks! Loads of data!
atlantis casino online video poker double bonus casino online no deposit zugelassene online casinos deutschland
нарколог на дом вывод из запоя на дому нарколог на дом вывод из запоя на дому .
анонимный вывод из запоя ростов анонимный вывод из запоя ростов .
вывод. из. запоя. ростов. [url=https://www.vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru]https://www.vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru[/url] .
Узнайте, как безопасно купить диплом о высшем образовании
вывод из запоя ростовская область [url=www.vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru]вывод из запоя ростовская область[/url] .
Быстрое обучение и получение диплома магистра – возможно ли это?
http://canadianpharmacy.win/# legitimate canadian pharmacy
алкоголизм лечение вывод из запоя ростов [url=http://vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru/]алкоголизм лечение вывод из запоя ростов[/url] .
Как правильно приобрести диплом колледжа или ПТУ в России, важные моменты
flutter uikit – figma design system, flutter uikit
http://www.babaiki.ru — Надежный ресурс для поиска идеальных решений для вашей кухни.
срочный вывод из запоя ростов срочный вывод из запоя ростов .
https://canadianpharmacy.win/# canadapharmacyonline
вывод. из. запоя. ростов. на. дону. http://www.vyvod-iz-zapoya-rostov233.ru .
Быстрое обучение и получение диплома магистра – возможно ли это?