#TakeAKnee

There's a lot of talk about the NFL players taking a knee during the National Anthem.  There are obviously people who are supportive and those who are not.  I have read many opinions on the subject and it's clear that there is quite a massive and emotional divide of opinions here.  I can see relevance on both sides.

My opinion - I don't think this was exactly the most effective way to get a point across.  However, they do have the right to express themselves in a peaceful way.  Though, I'm not so sure the venue is the most appropriate.  Unfortunately, like in politics, things like sports thrive based on the opinions of the people.  It seems a great majority are not in favor of this peaceful protest, as they believe it is disrespectful to the flag and those who have fought to defend it.  There is the opposite side of this where those people who have fought to defend the flag also fought for the freedom of speech and expression, which this falls under.

Now, I don't give two shits about sports.  I think those people make way too much money and there is way too much energy from the public placed on sports teams like it's some kind of religion. Our military makes less than these people and that I do not agree with.  All of that aside, it is a huge part of society.  The actions of the players on these teams have a big impact on people.  There are kids who look up to them and countless fans, so their beliefs and actions are always under scrutiny.

Systematic racism and oppression is a real thing and I honestly can't really blame them for standing up for change in whatever way they feel is right.  I may not completely agree with the execution but the fact of the matter is, it is a real issue that seems to fundamentally get swept under the rug time and time again.  There are so many people out there who think it isn't that big of an issue, or that it isn't an issue at all.  That is a serious problem. Some even think that it's all their fault, like they have complete control over how everyone else in the world treats them.

White privilege is very much an overwhelming presence in our world.  The fact that any race receives any kind of extra privilege over any other race is, and will always be, wrong.  I can't even begin to understand how any of that feels because I'm a white person.  I have experienced white privilege all my life. They are shitty people in every race; the race part doesn't matter, and shouldn't. The difference is, you don't you can be a shitty, trashy white person and still enjoy your white privilege.

So what's the bottom line here?

Historically we have stood with our hands over hearts during the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.  That's all fine and well.

I'm going to take a legal argument stance here -- What is the intent of taking a knee?  To me, it does not appear to be a malicious act with the intent of disrespecting our Nation's Heroes.  Intent matters.  Isn't it more likely that the act of taking a knee during a song meant to praise the freedoms of our country (when there is still so much oppression and racism) is to demonstrate that the pain suffered by this group of people is something that should be noticed and changed?

I think the more important issue here is the oppression and racism that still exists making people feel like this is something that is necessary to do.  The flag is, and will always be, something to be respected, as well as the heroes who have defended it.  These people taking a knee isn't going to change that.  It only does so if you choose to let it. 

People are choosing what to be upset about here.  It is a choice, remember that.