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.
Greetings!
Try the sweet and fun-filled sugar rush game demo today. Experience colorful gameplay and tasty spins with no risk. The sugar rush game demo is perfect for learning the features. Spin the reels and discover what makes this slot so popular. Start playing now with the sugar rush game demo.
All information is available via the link – https://avtohelp.org
sugar rush game online, sugar rush game online, sugar rush game casino
sugar rush game slot, [url=https://avtohelp.org/]sugar rush casino game[/url], sugar rush casino game
Good luck and profits!
Сайт о питании при беременности http://edamam.ru/ .
где купить аттестат за 11 класс в череповце где купить аттестат за 11 класс в череповце .
https://ivercarepharmacy.shop/# IverCare Pharmacy
https://bitapex-ai.com/da/
site web jaxx wallet
Сайт о питании при беременности http://edamam.ru/ .
vovzon5947
Asking questions are actually good thing if you are not understanding anything entirely, however this
paragraph gives fastidious understanding even.
click to read more https://web-jaxxliberty.com/
discover this info here jaxx app
Get More Information https://jaxx-liberty.net/
Exodus Wallet lets you send, receive, and manage crypto like a true blockchain wizard. Hat optional. Secure storage mandatory.
exodus wallet owner
Охотно принимаю. Вопрос интересен, я тоже приму участие в обсуждении.
all list maybe to get acquainted in catalog “promotions on the state platform of the betwinner https://tinapr.com/the-world-of-sports-betting-strategies-and/ shop. bookmaker provides to you large choice of methods payment.
navigate to this web-site jax wallet
Utopia Bedding provides soft, durable bedding products designed to improve your sleep experience. From plush comforters to breathable sheets, every item is made with care and quality fabrics. Refresh your bedroom today by visiting https://utopia-bedding.com.
купить проведенный диплом купить проведенный диплом .
click https://jaxxlibertyweb.com/
my link https://web-breadwallet.com/
Why people still use to read news papers when in this technological globe all is existing on net?
1win tikish qanday qilinadi https://www.1win3065.ru
https://bitapex-ai.com/
What’s up to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from this site, and your views are fastidious in support of new
visitors.
Мы предлагаем документы ВУЗов, расположенных в любом регионе РФ. Приобрести диплом ВУЗа:
купить аттестат об окончании 11 классов в екатеринбурге
посмотреть на этом сайте https://kra37at.at/
Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing.
The clarity in your post is simply cool and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming
post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
وی ایزوله ویسلی، پودری
با 6 گرم BCAA و 14 گرم EAA در هر سروینگ
است که با روش میکروفیلتراسیون جریان متقاطع تولید میشود.
have a peek at this website jaxx liberty wallet
pgesrp1996
купить диплом о среднем специальном образовании купить диплом о среднем специальном образовании .
view website https://web-jaxx.com/
Read Full Report https://jaxx-liberty.net/
my review here https://web-jaxx.com/
kupit-gotovyy-pogreb-247.ru .
Visit Your URL https://jaxxlibertyweb.com
за сколько можно купить аттестат за 11 класс за сколько можно купить аттестат за 11 класс .
купить аттестат за 11 класс 1998 года купить аттестат за 11 класс 1998 года .
It’s going to be ending of mine day, but before finish I am reading
this fantastic piece of writing to increase my knowledge.
дренаж участка под ключ цена ленобласть .
visit site jaxx wallet
drenazh-pod-klyuch-811.ru .
Сайт о питании при беременности https://edamam.ru .
купить аттестат 11 классов госзнак купить аттестат 11 классов госзнак .
купить проведенный диплом всеми купить проведенный диплом всеми .
Аудиопоздравления — это современным способом передачи тёплых пожеланий друзьям и знакомым. Озвученные поздравления являются всё более востребованными благодаря удобству и нестандартности.
Почему пользователи отдают предпочтение аудиопоздравлениях
Голос настроения выражает то, что сложно донести слова?ми. Самобытность интонаций делает такие поздравления особо трогательными и неповторимыми. Кроме того, звуковое исполнение даёт возможность эффект личного визита даже на другом конце света.
Варианты аудиопоздравлений
Сегодня можно выбрать самые разнообразные варианты:
• Музыкальное поздравление с именем получателя
• Обращение от известных артистов
• Запись от друзей или близких
• Оригинальные розыгрыши
• Вдохновляющие обращения
Адресаты https://sms-otkritka.ru/ всегда восторгаются такому необычному поздравлению, ведь это остаётся в памяти на годы.
Где заказать аудиопоздравление
Множество интернет-сервисов предлагают услуги по подготовке аудиопоздравлений по шаблону. Профессиональные дикторы умеют озвучить ваше пожелание с особыми интонациями.
Преимущества аудиопоздравлений
• Персональный подход
• Яркие эмоции
• Оригинальность
• Быстрая доставка
• Возможность отправить по разным каналам
Озвученные пожелания помогают сделать любое событие особенным!
Discover why Kaizenaire.cօm is Singapore’ѕ favored ѕystem for the most recent promotions, deals, аnd
shopping opportunities fгom leading companies.
From Orchard Road tо Marina Bay, Singapore embodies ɑ shopping paradise ѡheге citizens stress oveｒ the most up to date promotions аnd irresistible deals.
Playing tennis аt recreation center is ɑ stylish
fave fοr energetic Singaporeans, аnd remember to remaіn updated ߋn Singapore’ѕ ⅼatest promotions ɑnd shopping deals.
OSIM markets massage therapy chairs ɑnd health devices, valued by Singaporeans fߋr their stress-free
home health facility experiences.
Ᏼeyond the Vines creates vivid bags and clothing lah, valued Ƅy
vibrant Singaporeans fⲟr tһeir fun, functional layouts lor.
SCS Butter improves ѡith velvety dairy spreads, valued fⲟr smooth salutes аnd baking
delights.
Don’t ƅｅ careless mah, mɑke Kaizenaire.com your routine for promotions lah.
Feel free tօ visit mʏ website – Jurong Bird Park Promotions
look what i found https://web-jaxx.com
you could try this out https://web-breadwallet.com/
Подробнее здесь https://kkrak36at.at
https://quantum-ai.cc/sv/