- We must be careful in considering a question like this that we do not paint with an unduly wide brush no matter the side of the issue we may prefer.
While it is certainly true that we need better accountability, even reform of our law enforcement in some areas, in other areas LEOs act properly. Unfortunately, the media spends all its time on the first and rarely recognizes the latter. So while that is never to excuse reprehensible actions, it does require reasonable people to be balanced in their approach and paint the point with a fine brush that goes where it needs to go. That has not happened, and as a result, the cause of reform has been set back due to a pushback by those who have always performed well. It is just human nature that when we are unjustly accused that we resist. The result has been that many of the very people who could have been influential in enacting reform have been turned off by the "wide brush" comments of many. Such was the case in the first two weeks of Kaepernick's protest. His initial comments were poorly thought out, poorly expressed, even juvenile in their development. To his credit, he began to listen to wiser voices and became more realistic and mature in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, by the time he began to listen to people other than Nessa, he had already turned off many of the very people who could effect change at the core level. Such is the case when we "paint with a wide brush."
- It is sometimes better that we not do something even though it might be allowable.
Though the Constitution clearly allows peaceful protest, how and when we do that will often impact the success of the protest. In this case, it is clear that many people were turned off by the kneeling during the anthem. Now, we can discuss whether kneeling is appropriate or not, however, it is undeniable that it is considered an offense by many who would otherwise recognize and be active in the cause of needed reform.
Let me focus on the military component: It is true that there has been support on both sides of the matter, however, the need for reform should not have split that demographic. The fact that it did points to the error in choosing the playing of the anthem as the time to protest.
Military and former military personnel are a very influential voice in America, like it or not. While we can justifiably question the efficacy of US involvement in military action, that in no way should be used to denigrate the emotional and physical sacrifice those people have made. In the eyes of a majority of the country, those people are held in high esteem and anything that diminishes their work is going to result in pushback. Such is the case with kneeling during the anthem.
Yes, kneeling appears to be protected under the 1st Amendment, however, as has been shown, it has not achieved the focus that is needed. Pro athletes have an incredible platform on which to stand. If the union, or even a small group of players had gotten together in a publicized news conference, with the support of various segments of society, it is undeniable that they could have had an impact without the form of the protest antagonizing many of the most important voices and forces of change that would be necessary to bring about that change. As it stands now, all the focus is on the form of protest with little or no coverage of the many players around the league who have given generously of their time and money to make a difference in community. That is sad.
Just my thoughts...
[ Edited by dj43 on Sep 27, 2017 at 11:36 AM ]
