Dear Mr. President,
I totally agree with you that Americans should respect and honor the flag of the United State of America. However, that loyalty, like love cannot be demanded and indentured.
I believe that the men playing in the National Football League have every right to sit, kneel, or stay in the locker room if they please. Don’t hear me say that I agree with them. Frankly, if these grown men cannot share a tiny bit of gratitude to the country that gives them the opportunity to earn millions of dollars playing a game, you certainly cannot demand it from them. If I were their coach, I would, in the same way in which “volunteer workouts” are “not required,” I would ask them to “volunteer to sing the National Anthem.” Further, I would reward them similarly.
America is still the greatest country on the planet. To blast off a Tweet that is demeaning and far from presidential isn’t helping America grow through her present divisive state. It is hurting. I am begging you to place all of your efforts on things that make us a better land. Please place your efforts on strengthening our economy, securing our place in the world order, fighting global terrorism, or even strengthening our ability to tackle the most challenging problems with civil discourse, spiritual wisdom and gracious, servant leadership. Spending your “presidential time” on men that play a boys game isn’t matriculating the national ball down the field (sorry for the pun.)
Yes, they should honor our flag. Yes, they should show respect for this great land, and her flag. I’m sure that many of these men aren’t in their profession as a result of their superior intellect. Don’t make it more challenging for them to do the right thing. Yes, that was a cheap shot. Most of the guys that play this game have bright and competent minds. I find it interesting that those seem to be the guys that are already standing for their country’s flag.
You are welcome to disagree with me. As a matter of fact…you have every right to disagree. Everybody has the right to be wrong. If you are wondering where my position is grounded. It is grounded in my belief that just because you can say something, or do something, doesn’t mean that you should. 1 Corinthians chapter 6, from the Message, says; “Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims.”
In my mind, this is foolishness. Players – Stand up and honor your country!
Mr. President, please stop the silliness of Twitter battles over things that simply aren’t essential. Let the coaches, coach. Let the players play. Let the presidents lead presidentially, with liberty and justice for all.
–AChuck
