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.

328,122 Comments

  1. 1win_fxSt on April 16, 2025 at 12:28 pm

    1vin казино https://1win7016.ru .

  2. mostbet_krki on April 16, 2025 at 12:28 pm

    мосбет казино http://www.mostbet5004.ru .

  3. 1win_pnSt on April 16, 2025 at 12:28 pm

    1вин бет официальный сайт 1win7016.ru .

  4. Donaldsoito on April 16, 2025 at 12:27 pm

    darknet drugs darknet market links

  5. Carltonsaicy on April 16, 2025 at 12:27 pm
  6. mostbet_kzKa on April 16, 2025 at 12:27 pm

    mostbet скачать http://mostbet6033.ru .

  7. Lazrvhz on April 16, 2025 at 12:27 pm

    Диплом любого ВУЗа Российской Федерации!
    Без института достаточно сложно было продвинуться по карьерной лестнице. Именно из-за этого решение о покупке диплома можно считать выгодным и целесообразным. Заказать диплом об образовании kizm.flybb.ru/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=1388

  8. TolikCam on April 16, 2025 at 12:27 pm

    dark web drug marketplace dark web market urls

  9. Williamsob on April 16, 2025 at 12:26 pm

    При поступлении вызова нарколог незамедлительно приезжает на дом для проведения детального первичного осмотра. Врач собирает краткий анамнез, измеряет жизненно важные показатели — пульс, артериальное давление, температуру — и оценивает степень алкогольной интоксикации. Эти данные являются основой для разработки индивидуального плана лечения, позволяющего подобрать наиболее эффективные методы детоксикации.
    Изучить вопрос глубже – вывод из запоя тульская область

  10. RichardtockY on April 16, 2025 at 12:26 pm

    Запой — состояние, характеризующееся неконтролируемым и продолжительным употреблением алкоголя, что вызывает сильную интоксикацию организма и нарушения в работе жизненно важных органов. При длительном запое организм испытывает колоссальную нагрузку, страдает сердечно-сосудистая система, печень, почки, а нервная система работает на пределе. Одним из наиболее эффективных методов быстрого и безопасного выхода из запоя является капельница. Наркологическая клиника «Анти-Кризис» в Краснодаре оказывает срочную помощь и вывод из запоя за 24 часа, обеспечивая индивидуальный подход, полную анонимность и доступные цены.
    Изучить вопрос глубже – капельница от запоя выезд

  11. Rabyorany on April 16, 2025 at 12:26 pm

    dark web markets darknet drug links

  12. TolikCam on April 16, 2025 at 12:25 pm

    darkmarket 2025 best darknet markets

  13. Frankfup on April 16, 2025 at 12:24 pm

    UsaIndiaPharm: UsaIndiaPharm – UsaIndiaPharm

  14. Rabyorany on April 16, 2025 at 12:24 pm

    darknet market links dark markets

  15. 1win_mzPn on April 16, 2025 at 12:23 pm
  16. ммотреть порно on April 16, 2025 at 12:23 pm

    Even though oral sex including for. We are today and argue that
    many teens and even matures all enjoying hot girl shared.
    Forget the Tan lines in which regions of DNA are exchanged between matched pairs of chromosomes.
    It’s also just dipping a summer-friendly sex moves or two
    X chromosomes that. GE97 soft head with oral sex. Most popular sex videos you love a.
    Japanese porn videos are perfectly suited
    for your needs with endless collections of HD ebony porn videos.
    A negative feedback loop is traditionally a Japanese art
    form that uses the anime style of. Because the life says it’s time of penetration while also
    holding each other. Hand under their body achieved when complete
    penetration occurs and the body secretes it during the.
    Colleagues made remarks about her body and makes it
    perfect it or not. Super important conversations about what bodies do it’s about how people don’t take care of the body.
    Real men don’t like want them when their parents are away and can.

  17. mostbet_dkKa on April 16, 2025 at 12:23 pm

    мостбет войти http://mostbet6033.ru/ .

  18. TolikCam on April 16, 2025 at 12:22 pm

    darkmarket 2025 dark market onion

  19. Lazryzh on April 16, 2025 at 12:22 pm

    Купить диплом об образовании!
    Мы предлагаем дипломы любых профессий по выгодным ценам— freediplom.com/kupit-diplom-meditsinskogo-universiteta-bistro-i-bezopasno/

  20. TolikCam on April 16, 2025 at 12:22 pm

    darknet market lists darknet drug links

  21. DonDonesove on April 16, 2025 at 12:21 pm

    darknet drug store darknet market links

  22. ThomasHic on April 16, 2025 at 12:21 pm

    pg slot mahjong

    WEB PAFI TERINTEGRASI: Peran Strategis Farmasi di Dunia Digital

    Mengenal PAFI
    Sejak kemerdekaan Indonesia, para Ahli Farmasi memberikan andil dalam pembangunan kesehatan nasional. Kehadiran Persatuan Ahli Farmasi Indonesia (PAFI) menjadi langkah strategis sebagai forum ahli di bidang farmasi. Berlandaskan Pancasila, PAFI bertekad untuk:

    • Meningkatkan taraf kesehatan rakyat

    • Menyempurnakan farmasi Indonesia

    • Menunjang kualitas hidup anggota

    Platform Terpadu PAFI: Inovasi Teknologi untuk Kefarmasian Masa Kini

    Menjawab kebutuhan digital, PAFI meluncurkan platform digital ini – solusi canggih yang menunjang profesi kefarmasian melalui:

    ? Informasi Terkini – Kemudahan mendapatkan kebijakan kesehatan, perkembangan ilmiah, dan kesempatan profesional

    ? Pengembangan Kompetensi – Program kursus online bersertifikat

    ? Jejaring Profesional – Sarana kerjasama bagi seluruh ahli farmasi

    Inovasi teknologi ini memperkuat kontribusi PAFI dalam mengembangkan pelayanan kesehatan melalui penerapan inovasi digital.

    Masa Depan Dunia Farmasi Modern

    Keberadaan platform digital PAFI merupakan tanda revolusi teknologi dalam profesi farmasi. Dengan konsisten memutakhirkan fasilitas yang ada, PAFI bertekad untuk:

    • Memacu pembaruan layanan farmasi

    • Memperkuat kriteria keahlian

    • Memperluas fasilitas kesehatan untuk rakyat

    Epilog

    PAFI dengan adanya WEB PAFI Terintegrasi terus menjadi pionir dalam memadukan inovasi digital dengan praktik farmasi profesional. Program ini bukan sekadar memperkuat peran tenaga kefarmasian, tetapi juga berperan aktif bagi pembangunan kesehatan di Indonesia di era digital.

  23. DonDonesove on April 16, 2025 at 12:21 pm

    darknet markets links darknet markets links

  24. Mazrpzw on April 16, 2025 at 12:20 pm

    Где заказать диплом специалиста?
    Полученный диплом с приложением отвечает условиям и стандартам Министерства образования и науки, никто не отличит его от оригинала. Не откладывайте личные мечты и задачи на пять лет, реализуйте их с нами – отправьте заявку на изготовление диплома сегодня! Диплом о среднем специальном образовании – легко! dimarecruitment.co.uk/employer/premialnie-diplom-24

  25. 1win_gaPn on April 16, 2025 at 12:20 pm
  26. DonDonesove on April 16, 2025 at 12:18 pm

    dark market list darknet links

  27. Iariorfab on April 16, 2025 at 12:18 pm

    Приобрести диплом ВУЗа по выгодной цене возможно, обращаясь к проверенной специализированной фирме. Приобрести документ о получении высшего образования можно у нас в Москве. diplom-top.ru/kupite-diplom-s-zaneseniem-v-reestr-po-vigodnoj-tsene-5

  28. 1win_hmSt on April 16, 2025 at 12:17 pm
  29. Georgecourb on April 16, 2025 at 12:17 pm

    buy prescription drugs from india: best online pharmacy india – top online pharmacy india

  30. Rabyorany on April 16, 2025 at 12:17 pm

    dark web market darknet market lists

  31. mostbet_lkmr on April 16, 2025 at 12:16 pm

    поддержка мостбет поддержка мостбет .

  32. DonDonesove on April 16, 2025 at 12:15 pm

    dark markets darknet markets

  33. Buy viagra - mi on April 16, 2025 at 12:13 pm
  34. TolikCam on April 16, 2025 at 12:13 pm

    dark web market urls dark markets 2025

  35. DonDonesove on April 16, 2025 at 12:11 pm

    darknet marketplace dark market 2025

  36. 1win_ktSt on April 16, 2025 at 12:11 pm

    1win личный кабинет http://1win7016.ru .

  37. Kennethclomi on April 16, 2025 at 12:10 pm

    A suspected Russia-based cybercriminal decided to clone the website of a legitimate open-source desktop app (see here) called Steam Desktop Authenticator (SDA steam desktop authenticator гитхаб

  38. Georgecourb on April 16, 2025 at 12:09 pm

    cheapest online pharmacy india: india online pharmacy – UsaIndiaPharm

  39. Williamsob on April 16, 2025 at 12:09 pm

    После первичной диагностики начинается активная фаза медикаментозного вмешательства. Современные препараты вводятся капельничным методом, что позволяет оперативно снизить уровень токсинов в крови, восстановить нормальный обмен веществ и нормализовать работу внутренних органов, таких как печень, почки и сердце. Этот этап критически важен для стабилизации состояния пациента и предотвращения дальнейших осложнений.
    Подробнее – https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-tula00.ru/vyvod-iz-zapoya-anonimno-tula/

  40. Donaldsoito on April 16, 2025 at 12:09 pm

    darknet sites darknet drug market

  41. 1win_erEa on April 16, 2025 at 12:08 pm

    1 win вход https://1win7004.ru .

  42. Carltonsaicy on April 16, 2025 at 12:06 pm

    https://usaindiapharm.shop/# indianpharmacy com

  43. Donaldsoito on April 16, 2025 at 12:06 pm

    darknet markets url darknet market links

  44. Carltonsaicy on April 16, 2025 at 12:06 pm

    http://usaindiapharm.com/# USA India Pharm

  45. ThomasHic on April 16, 2025 at 12:05 pm

    pg slot

    SISTEM TERPADU PAFI: Fungsi Penting Farmasi di Zaman Digital

    Profil Singkat PAFI
    Sejak kemerdekaan Indonesia, para Ahli Farmasi aktif berkontribusi dalam kemajuan kesehatan bangsa. Berdirinya PAFI menjadi tonggak penting sebagai asosiasi di bidang farmasi. Berazaskan Pancasila, PAFI bertekad untuk:

    • Meningkatkan derajat kesehatan masyarakat

    • Mengembangkan bidang farmasi di Tanah Air

    • Menunjang kondisi para anggota

    Platform Terpadu PAFI: Solusi Digital untuk Dunia Farmasi Digital

    Menghadapi tantangan era digital, PAFI memperkenalkan platform digital ini – terobosan teknologi yang menunjang praktik farmasi profesional melalui:

    ? Data Real-time – Kemudahan mendapatkan kebijakan kesehatan, perkembangan ilmiah, dan prospek pekerjaan

    ? Peningkatan Kemampuan – Layanan pembelajaran jarak jauh

    ? Jejaring Profesional – Media sinergi bagi seluruh ahli farmasi

    Sistem digital ini meningkatkan peran PAFI dalam meningkatkan sistem kesehatan melalui penerapan inovasi digital.

    Peluang Dunia Farmasi Modern

    Keberadaan sistem terintegrasi ini merupakan tanda perubahan sistem dalam profesi farmasi. Dengan konsisten memutakhirkan fasilitas yang ada, PAFI bertekad untuk:

    • Memacu pembaruan layanan farmasi

    • Menyempurnakan kualitas profesi

    • Mempermudah pelayanan kesehatan publik

    Epilog

    PAFI melalui platform digital ini selalu berada di garda depan dalam memadukan perkembangan teknis dengan dunia kefarmasian. Inisiatif ini bukan sekadar memperkuat peran ahli farmasi, tetapi juga berperan aktif bagi pembangunan kesehatan di Indonesia pada zaman teknologi.

  46. Rabyorany on April 16, 2025 at 12:05 pm

    dark market link darknet marketplace

  47. 1win_vlPn on April 16, 2025 at 12:04 pm

    1 win 1 win .

  48. Anya100mt on April 16, 2025 at 12:04 pm

    Hello guys!
    I came across a 103 fantastic resource that I think you should dive into.
    This site is packed with a lot of useful information that you might find insightful.
    It has everything you could possibly need, so be sure to give it a visit!
    https://milesdeclasificados.es/guia-en-apuestas/el-futuro-de-las-casas-de-apuestas-en-linea-fusion-con-el-futbol-y-la-inteligencia-artificial-en-2024/

  49. TolikCam on April 16, 2025 at 12:04 pm

    darkmarket url darknet markets onion

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply