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.
Всех приветствую!
Для многих людей, купить диплом университета – это необходимость, возможность получить отличную работу. Однако для кого-то – это желание не терять огромное количество времени на учебу в ВУЗе. Что бы ни толкнуло вас на такой шаг, мы готовы помочь вам. Максимально быстро, профессионально и недорого сделаем диплом любого ВУЗа и года выпуска на подлинных бланках со всеми требуемыми подписями и печатями.
Основная причина, почему люди покупают документы, – получить определенную работу. Предположим, знания дают возможность кандидату устроиться на привлекательную работу, но подтверждения квалификации не имеется. При условии, что работодателю важно наличие “корочек”, риск потерять место работы очень высокий.
Приобрести документ о получении высшего образования можно у нас. Мы предлагаем документы об окончании любых университетов России. Вы получите диплом по любым специальностям, включая документы образца СССР. Гарантируем, что в случае проверки документа работодателем, каких-либо подозрений не появится.
Ситуаций, которые вынуждают заказать диплом очень много. Кому-то прямо сейчас нужна работа, и необходимо произвести хорошее впечатление на руководителя во время собеседования. Некоторые желают устроиться в серьезную компанию, чтобы повысить свой статус в социуме и в будущем начать свое дело. Чтобы не тратить впустую годы жизни, а сразу начинать успешную карьеру, используя врожденные способности и полученные знания, можно приобрести диплом через интернет. Вы станете полезным в обществе, обретете финансовую стабильность в минимальные сроки- диплом о высшем образовании купить
casino casibom giris gГјvenilir casino siteleri casibom1st.shop
Hi, Neat post. There is an issue together with your website in internet
explorer, may check this? IE still is the marketplace chief and a large section of people will leave out
your fantastic writing due to this problem.
москва склад временного хранения москва склад временного хранения .
guvenilir casino siteleri deneme bonusu veren siteler casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.shop
мостбет войти http://mostbet6033.ru/ .
Why Online Casinos Are So Popular
More and more players are choosing online gambling for its unmatched convenience and variety. Perhaps the most appealing aspect is how easy it is to access games. While land-based casinos have restrictions, virtual casinos allow you to play whenever it suits you best.
One of the strongest attractions is the enormous range of gaming options available. Traditional casinos are often limited by space, but online platforms can host thousands of different games. Whether you love old-school slots or cinematic video games, there’s something for everyone. Want to get the hottest casino updates and promotions? Click here to follow us! – https://urls-shortener.eu/share/104484
How Online Casinos Keep Players Engaged
The abundance of promotions is one of the key benefits of playing at online casinos. Signing up usually comes with exciting perks like extra cash or free slot spins. Regular players can take advantage of loyalty programs, cashback deals, and exclusive VIP rewards. Not all casino games are about luck—some demand strategic thinking and expertise. For those who enjoy strategic play, poker offers opportunities to refine skills and increase winning chances. For those who want quick and easy entertainment, luck-based games like slots deliver pure adrenaline.Finding a Secure and Fair Casino
To ensure a positive experience, it’s vital to play responsibly and within limits. By setting strict financial limits and staying disciplined, players can prevent gambling from becoming a problem. Reputable platforms also promote responsible gaming by offering tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and links to gambling support organizations. Have you played at an online casino before? What was your experience like? Drop your opinions and stories in the discussion thread!
склад хранения вещей область склад хранения вещей область .
pin up azerbaijan pin up azerbaijan .
теплый склад для хранения личных вещей аренда москва теплый склад для хранения личных вещей аренда москва .
slot oyunlarД±nda en Г§ok kazandД±ran oyun: casino siteleri 2025 – kaГ§ak bahis siteleri bonus veren casinositeleri1st.com
buy viagra
lisansl? casino siteleri: casino siteleri 2025 – guvenilir casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.com
склад для хранения вещей москва недорого бокс склад для хранения вещей москва недорого бокс .
sweet bonanza oyna sweet bonanza slot sweet bonanza slot sweetbonanza1st.com
pin up az?rbaycan pin up az?rbaycan .
Gates of Olympus oyununda kayıplar yaşıyorum!
gate of olympus oyna, Pragmatic Play tarafından sunulan heyecan dolu bir slot oyunudur.|Pragmatic Play’in sunduğu Gates of Olympus, mitolojik bir temaya sahiptir. Oyun, Zeus’un büyüleyici dünyasında eşsiz bir macera sunuyor.
Gates of Olympus demo oyna seçeneği ile oyunun nasıl işlediğini öğrenebilir ve kendinizi geliştirebilirsiniz.
Gates of Olympus oyna demo modunda, oyunun heyecan verici mekaniklerini ve dinamik yapısını keşfedebilirsiniz. Oyunun ana özellikleri arasında çok sayıda ücretsiz dönüş ve yüksek kazanç potansiyeli bulunur. Gates of Olympus ile şansınızı deneyin ve büyük ödüllere ulaşın!
pinup azerbaycan pinup azerbaycan .
pinup azerbaycan pinup azerbaycan .
снять место в москве для хранения вещей снять место в москве для хранения вещей .
mostbest http://mostbet6032.ru .
înregistrare 1win https://www.1win5011.ru .
сайт 1win официальный сайт вход https://www.1win6043.ru .
1win aplicația 1win aplicația .
мостюет http://mostbet6032.ru/ .
Мы изготавливаем дипломы любой профессии по выгодным тарифам.– kupitediplom0027.ru/kupit-diplom-s-reestrom-po-vigodnoj-tsene/
mostbet casino mostbet casino .
1win мобильная версия сайта 1win мобильная версия сайта .
casinox: casibom guncel adres – en Г§ok freespin veren slot 2025 casibom1st.com
lisansl? casino siteleri guvenilir casino siteleri lisansl? casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.shop
мос бет мос бет .
Outstanding story there. What occurred after? Take care!
gore siteler slot casino siteleri lisansl? casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.shop
deneme bonusu veren yeni siteler 2025: casibom 1st – bahis siyeleri casibom1st.com
мрстбет http://mostbet6032.ru .
casino gГјvenilir siteler: casibom guncel giris – vaycasino casibom1st.com
казино dragon мани казино dragon мани .
casino siteleri 2025: deneme bonusu veren siteler – casino siteleri 2025 casinositeleri1st.com
casinombet: casibom resmi – superbeting casibom1st.com
buy viagra
Explore hourly rates for limousine service with flexible options. Luxury travel for events, proms, or corporate needs. Book your reliable limo rental now!
1win http://sebezh.borda.ru/?1-10-0-00000117-000-0-0-1743052058/ .
Купить диплом любого ВУЗа!
Мы можем предложить документы институтов, которые находятся на территории всей Российской Федерации.
diplomidlarf.ru/kupit-diplom-s-reestrom-po-nizkoj-tsene-bistro-i-legko/
1 win moldova 1 win moldova .
lisansl? casino siteleri: orisbet giriЕџ – slot casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.com
Sanctum.so is your all-in-one gateway to smart staking and instant liquidity on Solana. Whether you’re new to Solana or a long-time participant, Sanctum.so eliminates friction and complexity by offering an intuitive, powerful platform designed to optimize every move you make. With just a few clicks, users can stake their assets, maintain real-time access to liquidity, and enjoy seamless performance — all without giving up control. It’s the ultimate experience for those who value speed, simplicity, and full ownership of their digital journey.
Forget the old way of staking. Sanctum.so introduces a new standard where liquidity isn’t locked, where rewards flow without delays, and where one-click tools allow you to act quickly and confidently. Built to take full advantage of Solana’s speed and scalability, the platform makes staking as simple as connecting your wallet, choosing your path, and watching your assets grow. The elegant design, high-speed execution, and built-in transparency make Sanctum.so the most user-friendly Solana-native solution on the market.
Whether you’re looking to earn passive yield, actively manage your assets, or tap into Solana’s full performance, Sanctum.so adapts to your style. It offers real-time tracking, smart automation, and deep ecosystem integration that transforms staking from a chore into a strategic tool. Users benefit from deep liquidity, secure backend protocols, and an experience that requires zero technical knowledge — just results.
Sanctum.so empowers users at every level, from curious beginners to seasoned blockchain enthusiasts. Everything from asset management to reward harvesting is optimized behind the scenes, giving you more time and more return with less friction. You’re not just staking — you’re taking control of your future in a decentralized world.
In a sea of complex interfaces and fragmented tools, Sanctum.so stands out as a clean, focused, and highly effective platform for Solana users. It combines powerful staking mechanics with a beautiful, lightweight UI that just works. Fast. Simple. Reliable. This is staking reimagined for the modern user.
Welcome to a new era of staking. Welcome to a place where simplicity meets performance. Welcome to Sanctum.so — where your assets stay liquid, your rewards never sleep, and the future of Solana is at your fingertips.
Start staking now on Sanctum-sol.com
dragonmoney бонусы dragonmoney бонусы .
Спасибо огромное! Так давно искала его в хорошем качестве.
pocket option is a organization engaged in trading two-component options or investments that has been valid in https://www.crystalshk.com/trading-pocketoption/understanding-pocket-option-crypto-the-future-of/ more than one year.
Где купить диплом специалиста?
Мы изготавливаем дипломы любой профессии по выгодным ценам. Важно, чтобы дипломы были доступными для большого количества граждан. Заказать диплом университета kupitediplom0027.ru/diplom-s-zaneseniem-v-reestr-12/
cazinouri online moldova https://www.1win5010.ru .