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.
darknet links darknet links
darkmarkets dark web market list
order cheap imitrex pill
Virtual gambling platforms have modernized the way people enjoy gambling. Featuring incredible availability, they make it possible for users to access their favorite games on their schedule. With an endless selection of choices ranging from video slots to live-streamed options and traditional favorites like Texas Hold’em, these platforms satisfy every level of experience.
Internet-based gambling hubs have changed the gaming world, delivering a level of ease and breadth that conventional casinos are unable to replicate. Throughout the last ten years, a large audience internationally have chosen the thrill of internet-based gaming thanks to its ease of access, thrilling aspects, and continuously increasing catalogs of games.
If you’re new with the world of virtual gambling or seek to discover proven options, why not engage with our dynamic online hub? It’s a hub where gaming aficionados post tips, helping you to enjoy more of your casino activities. Explore the connections and start your journey now: .
One of the strongest selling points of digital gambling sites is the incredible diversity of games at your disposal. Whether you enjoy spinning retro one-armed bandits, diving into theme-based video-based games, or exercising tactics in card and board games like poker, virtual venues feature limitless entertainment avenues. Many casinos moreover introduce live casino options, making it possible for you to connect with live hosts and fellow gamblers, all while enjoying the engaging environment of a real casino from anywhere you want.
Three leading scientists at the University of
California at Los Angeles from the Eli and Edith Broad Center for Regenerative
Medicine and Stem Cell Research presented new data on potential clinical achievements in treatment
of autism, sickle cell.
Also visit my blog – https://StemCellCostCheck.com/
darkmarket 2025 tor drug market
onion dark website https://github.com/nexusdarkrtv1u/nexusdark – darknet markets url
dark web sites darkmarket link
dark web markets darknet drugs
Kamagra Kopen: Kamagra Kopen – Officiele Kamagra van Nederland
darknet markets links https://github.com/aresonioncq0a7/aresonion – dark markets 2025
dark market link dark market 2025
dark web market urls darknet market
best darknet markets darkmarket url
how can I start playing at casino 1win Lucky Jet with
cash?
dark markets https://github.com/nexusdarkrtv1u/nexusdark – dark markets
dark markets darknet drug links
tor drug market https://github.com/aresonioncq0a7/aresonion – darknet markets onion address
darknet websites dark market link
dark web link https://github.com/aresmarketdarknetl9khn/aresmarketdarknet – dark websites
водка казино водка казино .
Открой для себя самые популярные товары Apparel X, которые завоевали сердца спортсменов и любителей активного образа жизни. Эти вещи созданы для того, чтобы вы могли играть на максимуме теннисная экипировка купить
http://tadalafileasybuy.com/# cialis for sale
can i purchase generic allegra how to get generic allegra without rx how can i get generic allegra without a prescription
order generic allegra pills can i buy generic allegra no prescription where to get cheap allegra online
where to buy generic allegra prices
where to buy allegra pill can i purchase cheap allegra without a prescription can i buy cheap allegra without dr prescription
where to buy generic allegra price buying allegra online can i buy cheap allegra without rx
dark markets 2025 darkmarket link
darknet markets onion darknet markets 2025
РедМетСплав предлагает широкий ассортимент высококачественных изделий из редких материалов. Не важно, какие объемы вам необходимы – от мелких партий до масштабных поставок, мы обеспечиваем оперативное исполнение вашего заказа.
Каждая единица продукции подтверждена соответствующими документами, подтверждающими их соответствие стандартам. Дружелюбная помощь – то, чем мы гордимся – мы на связи, чтобы улаживать ваши вопросы и адаптировать решения под особенности вашего бизнеса.
Доверьте потребности вашего бизнеса профессионалам РедМетСплав и убедитесь в гибкости нашего предложения
Наши товары:
РљСЂСѓРі молибденовый Р’Рњ РљСЂСѓРі молибденовый Р’Рњ – это высококачественный металл, используемый РІ различных отраслях благодаря СЃРІРѕРёРј уникальным свойствам. РћРЅ обладает отличной прочностью Рё термостойкостью, что делает его идеальным для высоких температур. РљСЂСѓРіРё РёР· молибдена широко применяются РІ производстве электродуговых печей Рё РІ аэрокосмической промышленности.Если РІС‹ ищете надежное Рё долговечное решение, купите РљСЂСѓРі молибденовый Р’Рњ. Наши продукты соответствуют высоким стандартам качества Рё обеспечивают отличную производительность. РќРµ упустите возможность использовать передовые материалы РІ СЃРІРѕРёС… проектах!
darknet markets onion address dark websites
darknet markets links darknet drug store
1 win pro zdorovie.forum24.ru/?1-7-0-00000231-000-0-0-1742818050 .
darknet sites https://github.com/aresmarketdarknetl9khn/aresmarketdarknet – darknet marketplace
darknet drug links https://github.com/aresonioncq0a7/aresonion – darkmarket
dark web market list https://github.com/abacuslink4jjku/abacuslink – dark market url
best darknet markets https://github.com/aresmarketdarknetl9khn/aresmarketdarknet – dark markets 2025
Открой для себя самые популярные товары Apparel X, которые завоевали сердца спортсменов и любителей активного образа жизни. Эти вещи созданы для того, чтобы вы могли играть на максимуме купить форму для тенниса Apparel X
https://generic100mgeasy.com/# buy generic 100mg viagra online
darknet markets links darkmarket 2025
bitcoin dark web dark web market urls
dark markets https://github.com/darkwebsitesyhshv/darkwebsites – dark market url
мостбет промокод https://ashapiter0.forum24.ru/?1-19-0-00001444-000-0-0-1742819001 .
dark web market urls darknet drug links
darknet drug store https://github.com/darkwebsitesyhshv/darkwebsites – dark web market list
darknet drug links dark web market links
веб-сайт мега ссылка
dark web marketplaces https://github.com/nexusdarkrtv1u/nexusdark – bitcoin dark web
darknet market links https://github.com/abacuslink4jjku/abacuslink – darknet market lists
darknet websites https://github.com/darkwebsitesyhshv/darkwebsites – dark web link
darkmarkets https://github.com/darkwebsitesyhshv/darkwebsites – best darknet markets
darkmarkets darknet drug links
darknet site darknet markets 2025