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.
1win 1win .
1xbet bonus Г§evrim ЕџartlarД±: casibom 1st – deneme bonus veren siteler casibom1st.com
https://blogcamp.com.ua/ru/2025/04/igry-dlja-devochek-volshebnyj-mir-fantazii-i-veselja/ игра манджоги играть сейчас бесплатно без времени во весь экран
Приобрести документ университета можно в нашей компании. Мы оказываем услуги по производству и продаже документов об окончании любых университетов Российской Федерации. Вы получите необходимый диплом по любой специальности, включая документы Советского Союза. Гарантируем, что при проверке документа работодателями, никаких подозрений не возникнет. diplomass.com/vnesenie-diploma-v-reestr-bistro-i-nedorogo-2/
Drop the chip and watch it bounce—Plinko never fails to entertain!
lisansl? casino siteleri: casino siteleri – lisansl? casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.com
https://sweetbonanza1st.com/# sweet bonanza demo
купить аттестат с проводкой купить аттестат с проводкой .
Заказать диплом ВУЗа!
Мы предлагаем дипломы любой профессии по приятным ценам— diplomt-nsk.ru/kupit-attestat-za-11-klass-v-moskve-bistro-i-udobno-6/
pinup azerbaycan pinup azerbaycan .
Seeking BMW and MINI owners in Vilnius, find a accurate and skilled improvement servicing is essential as a remedy for maintaining the doing and longevity of their vehicles. Specialized adjust services not just tumble to the intricacies of these премиум brands but also provide tailored solutions seeking every need. This article explores the advantages of choosing specialized repair services to go to BMW and MINI vehicles in Vilnius.
Why Choose Specialized Improvement Services
Expertise in БМВ and MINI
Specialized mend shops focus solely on BMW and MINI vehicles, implication their technicians are extraordinarily trained and experienced with the distinct needs and technologies of these brands. This mastery ensures that any repairs or maintenance services are performed to the highest precept, using the swiftly tools and techniques designed for BMW and MINI models.
Access to Original Parts
One of the informative benefits of specialized mend services is their access to genuine parts. Undisputed BMW and MINI components are elemental for maintaining the rectitude and performance of the vehicle. Specialized fettle shops typically possess established relationships with authorized suppliers, ensuring that single high-quality parts are used during repairs.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools
БМВ and MINI vehicles are equipped with polished technology that requires unique to diagnostic tools looking for accurate assessments. Specialized set right services are equipped with the latest diagnostic paraphernalia, allowing technicians to quickly pinpoint issues and yield telling solutions. This in vogue technology can significantly abate diagnostic tempo and lift repair accuracy.
Extensive Services
In addition to timber repairs, specialized shops often proffer a major range of services tailored to BMW and MINI vehicles, including:
– Customary http://techwriter.be/blog/?contact-form-id=15&contact-form-sent=285411&_wpnonce=1b0dc43c4f#contact-form-15 Continuance: Grease changes, filter replacements, and variable checks.
– Motor Repairs: Addressing fulfilment issues and internal component repairs.
– Transport Services: Ensuring calm gear shifts and certain performance.
– Discontinuation and Steering: Repairing or replacing components to optimize handling and ride comfort.
– Electrical System Repairs: Dealing with issues ranging from battery replacements to complex electronic malfunctions.
Signed Customer Service
Specialized repair services often snobbery themselves on providing individualized guy care. They sympathize the value of their clients’ vehicles and slog away closely with owners to get across the high-priority repairs, maintenance schedules, and future upgrades. This prone of notice fosters assurance and comfort amidst BMW and MINI enthusiasts.
Conclusion
For БМВ and MINI owners in Vilnius, choosing a specialized repair maintenance is a smart investment in the longevity and dispatch of their vehicles. With wizard technicians, access to candid parts, and advanced diagnostic tools, these services put up the calmness of mind that comes with sly your conduit is in adept hands. Whether it’s customary maintaining or more extensive repairs, specialized shops insure that your driving experience remains exceptional.
1win nigeria http://1win14.com.ng/ .
Мы готовы предложить дипломы психологов, юристов, экономистов и других профессий по приятным тарифам. Мы готовы предложить документы ВУЗов, которые находятся на территории всей России. Дипломы и аттестаты выпускаются на бумаге высшего качества. Это дает возможности делать настоящие дипломы, которые невозможно отличить от оригинала. vieclamangiang.net/employer/archive-diploma
Мы можем предложить дипломы психологов, юристов, экономистов и любых других профессий по выгодным ценам. Мы готовы предложить документы техникумов, расположенных в любом регионе России. Документы выпускаются на бумаге высшего качества. Это позволяет делать настоящие дипломы, не отличимые от оригинала. wiki.rumpold.li/index.phptitle=Решение_вопроса_с_дипломом
online viagra http://www.cheapviagrausaonline.com .
register with 1win website http://1win14.com.ng/ .
Где заказать диплом по нужной специальности?
Мы оказываем услуги по изготовлению и продаже документов об окончании любых ВУЗов РФ. Документы производятся на подлинных бланках. Рєwp.nootheme.com/jobmonster/dummy2/companies/premialnie-diplom-24
1win online http://1win14.com.ng .
Быстро и просто приобрести диплом любого института!
Купить диплом университета по невысокой цене возможно, обратившись к проверенной специализированной фирме. Заказать диплом: good-diplom.ru/kupite-nadezhnij-diplom-sejchas-proverennoe-kachestvo
Мы изготавливаем дипломы любой профессии по приятным ценам. Мы предлагаем документы техникумов, расположенных на территории всей Российской Федерации. Документы печатаются на бумаге самого высшего качества. Это позволяет делать настоящие дипломы, не отличимые от оригинала. t3arof.site/read-blog/71_kuplyu-diplom-s-provodkoj-v-vuze.html
buy viagra online http://www.cheapviagrausaonline.com .
sports betting 1win http://1win14.com.ng .
Где приобрести диплом по актуальной специальности?
Приобрести диплом института по невысокой цене можно, обратившись к проверенной специализированной компании.: kdiplom.ru
mostbet kg https://mostbet6011.ru .
sweet bonanza oyna: sweet bonanza oyna – sweet bonanza yorumlar sweetbonanza1st.shop
1 win bet http://www.1win14.com.ng .
1 вин вход в личный кабинет https://1win6044.ru .
заказать диплом заказать диплом .
bahis siteleri slot oyunlarД±: casibom resmi – yurt dД±ЕџД± bahis sitesi casibom1st.com
buy viagra
мостбет кыргызстан скачать мостбет кыргызстан скачать .
1 win 1 win .
Мы можем предложить дипломы любых профессий по невысоким тарифам. Дипломы изготавливаются на подлинных бланках государственного образца Быстро и просто купить диплом об образовании diplomt-v-chelyabinske.ru
Скажите мне, пожалуйста – где мне узнать больше об этом?
netent ar ocksa kand for sina avancerade jackpotspel, vilket able for att fa enorma vinster. Genom att registrera dig for game break kan du kan hitta en avstangningsperiod pa 1 30 dagar/ manad till permanent avstangning, en https://atvgrup.ru/nya-casino-utan-svensk-licens-upptack-de-hetaste/ det hjalper spelare vinna beroende av vadslagning antingen forhindra henne.
Где заказать диплом по актуальной специальности?
Полученный диплом со всеми печатями и подписями отвечает стандартам Министерства образования и науки, никто не сумеет отличить его от оригинала – даже со специально предназначенным оборудованием. Не стоит откладывать собственные мечты на продолжительные годы, реализуйте их с нашей компанией – отправляйте заявку на изготовление диплома сегодня! Диплом о высшем образовании – не проблема! career.finixia.in/employer/premialnie-diplom-24
pinup azerbaycan pinup azerbaycan .
sports betting 1win https://1win14.com.ng .
mostbet kg скачать на андроид mostbet6011.ru .
wan win wan win .
pinup azerbaycan pinup azerbaycan .
2025 yatД±rД±m ЕџartsД±z deneme bonusu veren siteler: guvenilir casino siteleri – casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.com
sweet bonanza: sweet bonanza giris – sweet bonanza giris sweetbonanza1st.shop
pin up azerbaijan pin up azerbaijan .
1win online 1win6007.ru .
Академия «Арчибальд» занимается обучением грумингу. Вы можете совершенствовать собственные навыки на живых моделях до бесконечности. Преподаватели на все вопросы отвечают. Дарим методические материалы, учебники, а также видеолекции. Окунитесь в атмосферу, с которой расставаться не хочется. Ищете курсы груминга в москве недорого? Grooming-dream.ru – тут реальные отзывы клиентов представлены. Мы выпускаем отменных груминг-специалистов. Предлагаем во время обучения инструменты. Если вам интересна новая профессия – Арчибальд, вот то место, которое вам подойдет.
1win играть https://1win6007.ru/ .
Где купить диплом по нужной специальности?
Наша компания предлагаетвыгодно и быстро купить диплом, который выполнен на бланке ГОЗНАКа и заверен печатями, водяными знаками, подписями должностных лиц. Диплом пройдет лубую проверку, даже при помощи профессионального оборудования. Решите свои задачи быстро с нашей компанией. Приобрести диплом о высшем образовании! officaldrp.forumex.ru/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=604
sweet bonanza oyna: sweet bonanza demo – sweet bonanza 1st sweetbonanza1st.shop
1вин 1вин .
1wi https://www.1win6007.ru .