Trump and the NFL Kneelers

TRUMP SAYS KNEELERS SHOULD BE FIRED

NFL AND OWNERS MUST LIKE KNEELERS

 

 

Donald Trump has done it again. Its just like wracking a hornets nest in the fall. Everybody now has an opinion about kneelers, first amendment rights and patriotism.

 

There is some early evidence that the presence of kneelers, who refuse to stand in respect for the National Anthem, has resulted in lower attendance and less enthusiasm for the NFL. While I watch it some, I can live without it.

 

Trump stated that the" Gxx damned kneelers should all be fired and removed from the field". He has exercised his 1st Amendment rights and stated his opinion. Now all hell has broken loose.

 

We all agree everyone has a right to free speech. Only one problem with the Kneelers is they are protesting on the NFL dime. What they do on their own time is one thing, but when you are working for your employer you are restricted to act within the confines of your job description. I don't know of anyone who is employed in America, that would be allowed to do political protests while on the job. Secondly they are protesting the National anthem which is a symbol of the United States. Many people, including many who would like to make changes in the country, feel respect for the flag and the country is very important.

 

We can only assume that the owners and the NFL endorse the behavior of the Kneelers. This means that they are as guilty of disrespecting the United States as the kneelers. The kneelers have no special rights to self expression while at work, which is only 4 hours a week. There are many fans who work 40 or 50 hours a week and love football and do not want to pay to be insulted and offended by the very people who are prospering greatly from the opportunity to play football in the NFL.  So the kneelers, the owners, and the NFL are all in the same boat.  Less attendance and less enthusiasm will result in less dollars for all. We still do have a free market.

 

The Kneelers should consider playing football in Cuba or Venezuela, they would probably feel right at home there. The pay may be less, but the ideology and the fans would be so supportive.

 

So, I suspect this issue will heat up mightily in the weeks to come. Some will blame all this on Trump. The reality is, as is often the case. Trump has just voiced what many have been thinking for months.