To Kneel Or Not To Kneel

The NFL kneeling issue has many sides. The problem is that folks with a political bend see only their side. And insist that the other side is wrong. First let me say that these thoughts are my opinions. If you disagree please let me know in the comments but keep it respectful as I am.

First off... the 1st Amendment guarantees that American citizens have the right to freely voice your opinions. I do not doubt that the players are sincere in the protest and that most are not trying to disrespect America, the American flag or the U.S. military. People have been and will be oppressed all over the world. It is horrible and should not happen but human nature is flawed.

The NFL is a collection of private businesses. Owned by individuals not the government. Private business can set rules for it's employees and contracted athletes. If actions taken by players have an adverse effect on that business then it has a right to reprimand or make rules to avoid the behavior. A recent example is Starbucks. A few employees gave the company a bad name so the company changed it's policies to avoid controversy in the future. Private companies have the right to do that. A private company can donate to pro-life groups or to Planned Parenthood. With the understanding that there may be business effects by doing so as driven by the free market. Private business has been under attack for some time now for their stances on various subjects.

DISCLAIMER -- OPINION AHEAD

Have any of these players that took a knee done anything in their personal time to promote the causes they wished to promote? Sure seems that would have a more positive impactful effect on their issues and causes. I agree most of the media hyped the whole thing up on both sides. The protesting players do have free speech. They can speak up and stand up, or kneel all they want when on their own time. Would an employee of planned parenthood be allowed to stand in one of their lobby's and make statements that are pro-life and anti-abortion and keep their job? Would an employee of the NRA be allowed to stand in it's lobby and shout THE NRA IS KILLING OUR CHILDREN and keep it's job? And I would not have a problem with either of those examples resulted in the employee being fired. A private business has that right.

The NFL is not evil, NRA is not evil..... but silencing free speech is. Bottom line is that private business has the right to operate and make rules that support them selves. And citizens have the right to support or not support that business. When we stop letting folks express themselves on their own time then we are doomed..... of wait. Ok guess it's too late. re: Rosanne.

I am so saddened and frustrated for what this country has become that I think to myself "why even post this". Nobody cares right? But I guess I still do.


For now.