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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, August 29, 2016

The National Anthem and Our False Patriotism



Break out the torches and pitchforks. It's time to lynch an American for acting like ... an American. I refer to NFL back-up QB Colin Kaepernick (he must be an Irish Muslim), who had the temerity to refuse to stand like everyone else and pretend to be a patriot during the singing of the meaningless National Anthem during an equally meaningless preseason game that his team lost. He should show respect to the Flag, they say. Move to Canada, they roar. Kaepernick was simply exercising his First Amendment rights, something a lot more important than a song penned by a bigoted slave owner while the British were burning the capital to the ground. It probably should be scrapped.

I am always leery of these forced displays of false patriotism. A true patriot does exactly what Kaepernick did. A true patriot goes to government meetings or gets involved in his community. He informs himself before voting and is willing to take unpopular stands if he thinks he is right. A false patriot condemns those who follow their conscience.

When I was growing up, I remember quite clearly how people vilified Muhammed Ali for courageously refusing to sign up for the draft. He was stripped of his title, prosecuted and condemned. Except by one loudmouthed Jewish broadcaster who himself happened to be a WWII vet - Howard Cosell. Cosell then realized and said that what really had people fired up about about Ali is that "he was black and he was boastful."

And so it goes with Kaepernick, another black man (his father is black) who does not know his place.

Oh but he disrespected the Flag, you say. How dare he! This reminds me of another time, when America was in its infancy, and Pennsylvania Revolutionaries required everyone to take a loyalty oath. Whiskey patriots would ride throughout the Lehigh Valley, looking to line their pockets with the assets of Mennonites, Moravians and Quakers. In 1778, for example, eleven wealthy Mennonite farmers were herded onto Northampton County Court and ordered to swear their allegiance. Because their religious scruples made that impossible, they refused. Their assets were declared forfeit and they were ordered to leave Pennsylvania. Of course, most of the money ended up in the pockets of a few officers.

And let's talk for a moment about the real verses in Francis Scott Key's Star-Spangled Banner. At that time, the British military was recruiting and using runaway slaves. Key, who in fairness did think slaves should be treated humanely, writes gleefully about slaves being killed by American bombs.
Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The Star-Spangled Banner became our National Anthem because Woodrow Wilson, another bigot, issued an edict making it so. Congress eventually rubber-stamped Wilson's decree.

There is nothing remotely American about that song, unless you want to emphasize the ugly American. Nor should we be required to pledge allegiance every time we fart.

The whiskey patriots say otherwise, but any real patriot would understand and respect what this quarterback did.

167 comments:

Anonymous said...

Standing for the national anthem is an expression of patriotism and respect. A person like you who does not even respect himself can never understand this concept.

Anonymous said...

Kaepernick is an overrated, underachieving whiner who now finds it convenient to blame the same country that gave him the opportunity to play professional football for his own sorry failings. Let him sit on the bench and sulk. He is embarrassing his teammates, his coaches and the owner who signs his checks. I have lost all respect for that ungrateful diva.

Bernie O'Hare said...

And he expressed himself under the First Amendment, which is a tad more important than a song written by a slave owner that is happy about blacks being killed.

Anonymous said...

Wasn't this nut job raised by white foster parents? His steady decline in skills has made him irrelevant. Guess this is a way for him to get attention. Ungrateful diva.

Anonymous said...

Niners should cut him. He is a declining quarterback whose ego has embarrassed the whole team. Kick the bum off the team. He can play Canadian football where he won't be offended by our national anthem.

Bernie O'Hare said...

You'd make a great whiskey patriot.

Anonymous said...

Kaepernick is half white. His mom. But now he is an apostle for BLM. His new hairdo and convoluted logic for not honoring his country shows how nutz he has become. He was a promising quarterback who lost his starting role and has become bitter and resentful. He is hardly the martyr that O'Hare do glowingly portrays in this crappy story.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Lynch him!

Anonymous said...

This POS makes himself untouchable. If punished by the team, the NFL, traded, cut or forced into retirement, it's racism! Why don't he put his money where his mouth is: Donate 95% of his salary [believed to be 16 million per year] to the erstwhile BLM or the New Black Panthers as his personal protest. Will see how long this lasts.

Bernie O'Hare said...

How long should the rope be?

Anonymous said...

Out from under their rocks the sunshine patriots come.
Hateful.Pathetic.Predictable.

Peter J.Cochran said...

Barbara Diamond stated the correct position in her post over weekend. The big problem is having contempt for a government that allowed these overpaid morons their take home pay. Set the pro game guys at 99,000 max a year they would still play -because they have to.Put the difference in education for the worthy .

Anonymous said...

I think you are on to something here Bernie. I happen to disagree with his position on a few points, that said, he has every right to his position. What the Hell is point of the Constitution if you are condemned if you speak your mind? The law is for th3e protection of the minority opinion as much if not more so than the majority opinion.

I also agree with the militarization and jingoism of sports in America today. Ike was right to fear the Military Industrial Complex. President Kennedy was the last President to buck the system. Since then they have ruled our policies and the "new" patriotism. With the end of the draft and our new "Poor mans military", we depend on those with limited opportunities to fight our wars. We also depend on all those defense jobs to prop up our economy in many sates. So we have to foster a sense of nationalism that praises shows of patriotic fervor. We must decry and deride any who question the ever in creasing militarization of American life.

After Vietnam the powers that be realized they had to take most parents out of the mix and finish off the civilian based Army with the professional soldier. If anyone's son or daughter could be subject to a war, too many questions would be asked and too much scrutiny would be applied to all our adventures.

However, with just a small percentage of Americans at risk in todays military, we can all hide behind American flag pins, military displays and uniforms at every sporting event and continuous non-stop shows of patriotism with out even realizing what it means to be an American patriot.
In some peoples minds it means to shut up and agree with anyone who sings a song, waves a Flag and tells you not to disagree with the generals. Test is truly sad, since in many cases it means just the opposite.

The gadfly

Anonymous said...

All those concussions will make you do stupid, career-ending actions such as this.

Anonymous said...

If he cares so much about poor blacks, why doesn't he donate his salary to Black Lives Matter?

Anonymous said...

Mr. Kaepersmack ... How about you showing us what a great guy you are and give away all your millions received as a result in living in this free society to those poor oppressed people?

Now he has every right to sit down during the national anthem. And I have every right to wipe my ass with his jersey.

Anonymous said...

This is about the dumbest post ever, and for this blog, that's saying something.

Nobody is challenging his RIGHT to sit during the National Anthem, or advocating for him to be thrown in jail (as would happen in some countries). Many are challenging his DECISION to do so. That is their First Amendment right to comment and act as they feel appropriate, as much as it is Kaepernick's to sit during the anthem.


Personally, I feel his "protest" is misguided, and is the sports equivalent of wearing a lapel pin. This is a guy who is making eight figures per (16-game) season to play a game. I get it if you want to pretend to be down with the struggle, but I do think there are more effective ways to do that. Why not donate those eight figures to programs that help inner-city youth? Why not donate those eight figures to orphanages, since Kaepernick was himself an orphan?

Given his play lately, he might be heading toward unemployment. Thinking of that, maybe he does have a plan. He might soon be able to identify with his inner-city brethren who suffer from high unemployment under their democrat masters.

Scott Armstrong said...

Bernie,

The English recruited slaves the same way they recruited native Americans, it served their purpose to do so. Don't ever forget it was the same British who brought the slaves here.
In the meantime; when I turn on the NFL I don't want a lecture from any of the players on anything but football. It really is that simple.

Anonymous said...

This football employee showed great disrespect to those around him who are grateful to be living in a land that affords freedom and opportunity.

A place that millions upon millions have chosen to make their home. Who willingly join together to share a space, sometimes at great peril. Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, even strangers walking by. An extremely brief moment in our daily life when most others graciously pause for reflection. To be sad, but still grateful through it all.

Everyone has attended public funerals, sometimes not really knowing the recently departed. But yet, we honored a moment that has great significance to others. We paused with decency and grace, NOT to interfere or draw attention to ourself. THIS gathering was for others, not for just one.

Your message this morning, Bernie, is disturbing. I am disappointed in your interpretation.

Fred Windish

Scott Armstrong said...

By the way Bernie,

No land, country, or people, are guilt free, America is no exception. Yet when one studies history one can see the exceptionalism of America. People have flooded here for a reason over the centuries, and in those times their are examples of good and bad, but in the final analysis the world and humanity are a better place thanks the the founding fathers and the United States.

Anonymous said...

It's not just this incident of him sitting down during the national anthem. It's been found that Kaepersmack has a history of radical posts on his Twitter account. A look at Kaepernick’s Twitter account reveals a high number of anti-American tweets and quite a bit of race baiting.

https://twitter.com/Kaepernick7

I understand Mr Kaepernick, probably better than most of you. My son was a high profile athlete at Trexler and later Central Catholic, and received a university athletic scholarship after he graduated. He played well until a knee injury ended it his dream of being a pro. He finished his college degree and now works for IBM as a systems engineer. But while he was an athlete, he was pretty much pampered all thru jr high ,high school and college. The further he went along the athletic track, the more and more pampering he received. Especially in college where as a scholarship athlete, he was very much in his own world, away from most of the other students, living in a dorm which reminded me more of a luxury hotel. Coaches did his class registration and furnished all of his needs, books, students, and also his relationships with the public. That's the environment that Kaepersmack experienced and the bubble that he lives in today. Kaepersmack has no idea what living in our society is like, however, his bubble is about to burst and will find out. The real world is a bitch ain't it

Anonymous said...

He has his right, and fans have their right, and teams have their right to enforce contract clauses that require players to not bring negative attention to the team. He will be an MVP in the Cuban Football League.

Anonymous said...

He has every right to sit. But it's hard to take his whining about this country when he makes 19 million to underperform and sit in the bench. Perhaps he should try plying his trade in another country. But he probably wouldn't start there either.

Anonymous said...

Colin has a right under the First Amendment to not honor our battle colors. But mixing social justice with business will find those employing him to not want to employ him. The machine of which he is raging is the machine that fuels lucrative endorsement deals.

I haven't watched a football game since I was a teenager. I didn't know Colin existed until he became a headline. For the sake of those who own his football team I hope the replacement that they pick stocks to football and leaves the social justice to the under employed and low skilled.

Anonymous said...

I know it must be a surprise to many of you. But some of us really don't give a damn about the NFL or Colin Kaepernick. I never heard of this guy before this incident, and really don't give a damn what happens to him either. I enjoy football, but my college team means far more to me than the pros do.

NFL players are simply paid performers on the field to do a job, make money for the owners, the stadium employees and the networks. They might as well have advertising on their uniforms like Soccer players do in Europe. This guy will likely get cut before the first game and you'll never hear from him again. Dumb shit. You can't upset the money machine and not pay a price. The NFL will go on, Kaepernick will be tossed off faster than you can burn his jersey or whatever. Remember T. O?

Anonymous said...

Bernie
I get your point but I heartily disagree with some of your analogy. You call our National Anthem (in so many words) a Anthem adopted by bigots, etc. etc. Still, it is our National Anthem. You may be missing one point. Even if the country would change our National Anthem to "America The Beautiful", (a move I happen to agree with) this would mot have changed the quarterback's actions. He used the moment to express his personal opinion and would have done the same thing no matter what our National Anthem was. By doing so angered and offended every American Serviceman who fought and/or served in the military that give him that right.

Anonymous said...

bullshit get out of our country then!he has no problem with the money he makes here,he can take a hike!

Anonymous said...

Bernie you have become a sniveling wimp

Anonymous said...

The pledge is the same BS. Meaningless platitudes.

Michael Laws said...

Bravo Bernie , Bravo

Anonymous said...

Blind patriotism will and has left many dead in it's wake. Stand for something or you stand for nothing!

Anonymous said...

Wow this one thing took Trump off of all your bigoted lips, if he does not want to stand, who cares? What difference does this make in Your life?

Anonymous said...

Kap is trying to get out of San Fran and he knows Chip Kelly does not like controversy and will use this as a way to force a trade/relase

Although i believe he does hold these beliefs and he has every right to express them in this manner under the 1st amendment, this is more about getting out off the 49'ers and to a team where he can be a starter.

Anonymous said...

Love it or leave it...all over again. been here..done this..already. The sixties are over. Already fought this generational battle and moved on.

Anonymous said...

Means to an end? Quite possibly it is.

Anonymous said...

Kap will get his opportunity to start again in the Canadian Football League. No NFL team would take the bum. In the CFL he can proudly stand during "Oh Canada" since there are no bigots, racists, rogue cops or discrimination in that country.He will be a hero there, not a bench warming scrub as he is on the Niners.

Anonymous said...

spoken like a true liberal asshole!

Anonymous said...

An admitted bigot here the other day and today it's the so called whisky patriotism shining through, and through. I'm struggling with separating him from the story? Who will he be tomorrow?

Anonymous said...

@8:04 You must not have spent a lot of time in Canada. Plenty of all of the above there, they just don't like to talk about it. Lots of Anti-US feeling also, lots of times they look down their noses at us to the south. They can take their stupid version of football also

Anonymous said...

Kaepernick is a dunce whose infantile protests are based on the Black Lies Matter movement. He has bought into the narrative that all cops are racist, that they are poorly trained, and are murderers of innocent black men. He has been eating the BLM pablum for years. This is a guy who is half white, was raised by white foster parents, is a millionaire and has had every privilege afforded to our pampered professional athletes. He is a disgruntled diva looking for attention by acting like an ass.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"In the meantime; when I turn on the NFL I don't want a lecture from any of the players on anything but football. It really is that simple"

You didn't get a lecture.He simply refused to participate in a racist song that no one gives a shit about until someone doesn't stand and act like it matters. It's really that simple.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Fred, I don't really give a shit what disappoints you. I give a shit about the First Amendment, which gives everyone the right to make unpopular points. That matters a lot more than a racist anthem that should be scrapped, an ode written to extol the killing of blacks, among other things. You are willing to abandon the constitution when a NFL football player does not know his place. Your reaction is precisely the same as the reaction when Ali followed his conscience and refused to sign up for the draft. I wish I could say I was disappointed in you, but I'm not. I expected you to ignore the constitution.

Anonymous said...

the sad part was for awhile the NFL got paid to be patriotic.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nfl-agrees-reimburse-u-s-taxpayers-720k-paid-patriotism-n577031

"the Pentagon had "inappropriately" paid up to $6.8 million to both professional and college sports teams to allow rah-rah patriotic displays and performance at games.

Anonymous said...

Sad you think that its forced patriotism.. I guess when you sing a communist countries anthem or be beheaded you'll figure it out-

Bernie O'Hare said...

"I get your point but I heartily disagree with some of your analogy. You call our National Anthem (in so many words) a Anthem adopted by bigots, etc. etc. Still, it is our National Anthem. "

No song that glorifies the killing of slaves should be our national anthem. I respect what this guy did. It took courage.

Albert Brooks said...

My question to you would be "Who made you the arbitrator of what is patriotic or not?" Are only vets true patriots because they walked the walk and talked the talk? You seem to confuse patriotism with respect. Even if you think the First Amendment trumps a song you still have to respect the nation that allows you to work for change from within.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Sad you think that its forced patriotism.."

Of course it's forced. Most of you phonies don't vote,don't go to meetings and don't give a shit. You're no different than the Sadducees who wore their religion on a sleeve and were rightly condemned by Pharisees and Jesus. You are all for the first amendment so long as you agree with what is being said.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Albert Brooks, Mouthing the words of a racist ditty does not make you a patriot. Serving your country makes you a patriot. Most Americans are whiskey or sunshine patriots, and our history has made that clear. I resent the notion that we Americans must take loyalty oaths every five seconds and how that song became our national anthem is quite disturbing. As a patriot, I plan to lobby for its extinction.

Bernie O'Hare said...

" I guess when you sing a communist countries anthem or be beheaded you'll figure it out- "

Yeah, lynching is so much more American. Go build a wall.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Love it or leave it...all over again. been here..done this..already. The sixties are over. Already fought this generational battle and moved on. "

The '60s are alive and well, as illustrated by the comments here.

Anonymous said...

Boy are you living in the past Bernie. Lynchings? Are you serious? Crawl back into your bottle you Irish potato eater.

Albert Brooks said...

As a retired vet (does that make me more patriotic than you?) I'm pretty sure you have a long and lonely task ahead of you. However, this country allows you to do that task if you choose but that doesn't mean you are correct.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Boy are you living in the past Bernie. Lynchings?"

He has already been figuratively lynched, as the video above demonstrates.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"As a retired vet (does that make me more patriotic than you?) I'm pretty sure you have a long and lonely task ahead of you. However, this country allows you to do that task if you choose but that doesn't mean you are correct."

No, the first amendment does not give you the right to say things everyone agrees with; it gives you the right to take stands (or in this case, sits) that are extremely unpopular. I defend that right. I defended that right as a vet. I happen to be a vet, so try playing that trump card somewhere else.

Anonymous said...

10.29
so you have jan 20th
from the self styled patriot ted nugent.
"Obama & Clinton, thats who. They should be tried for treason & hung. Our entire fkdup gvt must be cleansed asap."

so what is the definition of living in the past?

Anonymous said...

Bigot, racist, all planned by dems to distract from the real issues, and cover Hillary's corruption. according to Bernie's definition, I guess every white person in America is now and has always been racist and bigoted. Maybe it is time to just give up and declare yes, if that is the definition, we are all racists, lets get on with total segregation so we can all be happy. we can have a black football league and they play what ever they want. sit or stand and us white folks can have our league and do it our way. Utopia, at last. obviously the race card will be played until the end of America as we know it, it will never go away.

Bernie O'Hare said...

So am I to understand you support a national anthem with racist and pro-slavery lyrics?

Anonymous said...

so the Dem's planned on a football player for a distraction?
gee they are pretty crafty.
you need
http://www.reynoldskitchens.com/heavy-duty-foil

and
http://www.ehow.com/how_2049858_make-tinfoil-hat.html

good luck

Albert Brooks said...

Sorry, you brought up "Serving your country makes you a patriot." If that is true than the more you serve the more patriotic you must be based on your logic. Not that I agree nor do I agree that only those who serve can be patriotic. We may have a better understanding of the cost but not of the value. In any case, I wish you no luck at all in your quest.

Anonymous said...

No, Bernie.

My comment in response to a message YOU put forth to generate reactions, was simply that. One reader's contribution to an open discussion by invitation. You know, a big reason message boards were created. Sorry to interfere.

Have a nice life.

Fred Windish

Bernie O'Hare said...

Fred, What you are trying to do to me is what you are trying to do to this QB- you are trying to force us to pretend to be patriots. I won't play that game and I will not allow you or anyone to try to manipulate what I say or write. I don't give a shit what disappoints you, especially since we now know that you support a national anthem even though it contains racist and pro-slavery lyrics. Go build your wall.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Albert Brooks, Serving your country does make you a patriot, but there are many ways to serve our country. Military service is one way, but there are others. One way is to scrap a national anthem with racist lyrics.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"He has every right to sit. But it's hard to take his whining "

That's the whole point of the first amendment. It does exist so you can listen to speech with which you agree.

Bernie O'Hare said...

7:06, I am sorry to hear of your son's injury. If I were your son, I'd be embarrassed at how my father demeaned me. I have looked at the Twitter account, and it looks as though we have a rare athlete who is willing to take positions on social issues. Good for him.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Scott, read Hamilton.

Anonymous said...

It takes a special kind of loser to actually state that the national anthem has racist lyrics....a celebratory song for winning the war of 1812, it honors the flag that was still there.

Speaking of winning that war, where would you be today if that war was not fought? Doubtful that you would be inside your hovel spewing bigotry, racism and hatred from a keyboard, without a care in the free world.....

And, as far as Kaepernick failing to stand, maybe he should reflect on that same thought....without that war, he would not be earning his many millions of dollars in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The rewriting of history and outright rejection of facts is why the social justice warriors that you love so much cannot gain any momentum from the rational side of the table. BLM is a socially engineered domestic terrorist organization whose only goal is to praise those who kill cops, block highways, burn down cities, burn down cars, loot, steal...and believe that sheer uncontained violence is the answer to their fake quest for equality. Their penchant for anarchy and creating a race war is endorsed and supported by Hillary and Obama, which is the precise reason Trump will be elected.

Albert Brooks said...

So when exactly did you decide you didn't like the National Anthem? Somewhere in the past 40 years of your adult life this should have come up up previously or is it just a recent ploy to illicit responses on your blog? You've had this blog for awhile, where else did you bring this up? I mean if it is so important it shouldn't just be a one time mention.

Peter J.Cochran said...

Bernie, how is the National Anthem bigoted or racist.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Albert Brooks, I had never heard anything more than the first verse of the anthem until last night. When i read verses 3 and 4, I was totally disgusted at its blatant racism. Had it not been for this NFL that you and everyone else is bashing, I would never have known. Now that i do, I can no longer in good conscience support that anthem and will seek to have it replaced by America the Beautiful. The reason I became aware is bc someone exercised his first amendment rights. Up until last night, I have been standing during the anthem like everyone else.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Peter, read verses 3 and 4. Read my post. I can only do so much.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"It takes a special kind of loser to actually state that the national anthem has racist lyricsd praise....a celebratory song for winning the war of 1812, it honors the flag that was still there. "

It takes a special kind of loser not to recognize the truth when it is hitting you in the face. The lyrics extol the killing of slaves and praise free men. Take off the blinders.

Peter J.Cochran said...

I don 't think so F.S.Key i think was expressing issue of kidnapping Americans into British Navy or 'impressment' NO Yes.

Anonymous said...

Not too long ago, social media patriots took issue when a black, female gymnist stood at attention during the National Athem instead of placing her hand on her heart. As you can imagine, the comments were not kind. It was ironic when two American shot put medalists did the same exact thing and not a word was mentioned. It would be wonderful if more people show up at Memorial Day events.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Wrong, Peter. Read the lyrics again, and read a little about Francis Scott key.

Bernie O'Hare said...

12:13, They don't. They don't show for any of these events like Armed Forces Day or the retirement of flags. False patriots.

Anonymous said...

Curious, did Tim Tebow's praying during the game bother you ?

Bernie O'Hare said...

Of course not.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure you approve of this

http://abcnews.com.co/obama-executive-order-bans-pledge-of-allegiance-in-schools/

Albert Brooks said...

While putting words in somebody's mouth "Had it not been for this NFL that you and everyone else is bashing..." might work a few days after I stopped reading this blog. It doesn't work when you are caught red-handed (another racist term you can stop using). I haven't bashed anything so including me is propagating another falsehood although this one doesn't seem to count because you are the one doing it I suppose. Please show otherwise or else stop making up things.

While being able to change your mind at your age might be admirable the fact that you reached that age without reading the National Anthem in total is not.

Scott Armstrong said...

Bernie,

There certainly was a lecture.

""I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

Anonymous said...

Pledging Allegiance & Anthems Nonsense:
I didn't take it seriously when Germans paid tribute to Hitler. Russians or North Korans either. Most do it to go along so they can get along in order to survive another day. The real threats are from fellow citizens in those and this country when they or we start to take this country right or wrong crap turning on each other.

I'm still trying to figure out why in the 60's I was supposed to kill Vietnamese farmers who probably didn't know where the United States was on a map. Why we wanted to poison their crops. Kill their village families or drop napalm on them and their kids. The only allegiance I owe is to my fellow man. Not a country nor it's leader. My conscious is clear. Which one do you think matters if there comes a day of judgment?

As far as this footballer, he's right. most of these particular cops get rewarded by weeks off with pay. How many are ever charged? It maybe be cool to say 007 had a license to kill. Not so much with what's going on in the courts. BUT these cops represent less then a fraction who make it bad for 99% of the other cops who's lives have been placed at risk because of them.

West End Jim said...

this made me pause Bernie, but in the end i think he used the wrong forum , right or wrong. I dont know his character.

Can i ask you Bernie, what are your thoughts about Tim Tebow praying on the field.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

What is is worse than "Blind Patriotism" is "Blind Anti-Americanism".

Anonymous said...

We become aware at different times in our lives to the real America we live in. Some never receive the insight. Some prefer to live in darkness rather than face the truth of our countries history and it's ugliness. Having served my country and having left that service due to my decision to not kill others is my vantage point now. Patriotism is a very dangerous thing in the wrong hands.under the wrong circumstances. Colin's motives are his own..my motives are mine. I respect his decision to sit when others stand out of duty or habit or something else. I salute the flag and stand but I would never condemn another for doing less.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Albert Brooks, it's pretty clear to
Me you are bashing this guy. You're certainly not here to defend his first amendment rights. Also, I venture to say that very few of us were aware of the third and fourth verses of the national anthem, including you.

Bernie O'Hare said...

2:44, there is nothing un-American about standing up for the first amendment to you and your lynch mob mentality.

Anonymous said...

I believe Bernie refers to this: http://www.theroot.com/articles/history/2016/07/star-spangled-bigotry-the-hidden-racist-history-of-the-national-anthem/

Bernie, I get it, but take a chill pill pal!


VOR

Anonymous said...

Yawn.

Bernie O'Hare said...

After 90 comments, the yawn is a little late. Should have tried that ploy sooner.

Bernie O'Hare said...

VOR, I specifically linked to several articles supporting what I say. And I daresay that people who have been outraged by this are disrespecting this country and its first amendment far more than that QB did.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Can i ask you Bernie, what are your thoughts about Tim Tebow praying on the field."

Jim West, I have already answered that question. The first amendment is the first amendment. It gives Tebow the same rights as Kap. And there is nothing about a football field that suspends that very basic right. It amazes me that all the 2d amendment defenders are not rallying to Kap's defense, but they don't like his message. That is not the point. The point is free speech.

Bernie O'Hare said...

" We become aware at different times in our lives to the real America we live in. Some never receive the insight. Some prefer to live in darkness rather than face the truth of our countries history and it's ugliness. Having served my country and having left that service due to my decision to not kill others is my vantage point now. Patriotism is a very dangerous thing in the wrong hands.under the wrong circumstances. Colin's motives are his own..my motives are mine. I respect his decision to sit when others stand out of duty or habit or something else. I salute the flag and stand but I would never condemn another for doing less. "

That is my sentiment, but I am having second thoughts about the anthem.

Albert Brooks said...

You have a strange idea what bashing is as I have not said one word against him. It's a small blog so surely you can show where I did or quote it. I'll wait. However, you are right, I am not here to defend his rights, the Constitution does that just fine and there is little I can add to it.

You'd be wrong again in assuming what I was aware of. We sang those verses on more than one occasion at the school I went to. The same as we sang all the verses to America The Beautiful (You do know that there are four verses for that too don't you?)
Don't have any problem with:
"Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!"
That was the original version, or is that OK because you like this song?

Seemed normal enough at the time (60-67) since I had nothing else to compare it to. Do not try to impose your limitations on others, it doesn't always work.

Bernie O'Hare said...

12:49, Obama's Order relates to the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment. As I've already indicated, I am already leery of any form of loyalty oath precisely bc I am an American who believes in free speech. I frankly would suspend the national anthem first, but I understand why the pledge should be changed, too. I'm not sure I would do it because "under God" could be interpreted to mean whatever your belief system is. Also, Obama's move will infuriate the false patriots.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Albert Brooks, You certainly are implicitly if not explicitly bashing this football player. In your very first comment, you suggested he was disrespectful. Thus, I classify you as one of the bashers, even if you are not ready to lynch hm. Wwe'll never know whether you are being truthful in your assertion that you always knew about verse 3 and 4. But I doubt it. You can't even say who you are, and there's inherent dishonesty involved in assuming the name of another person. Also, the "whiter jubilee" in America the Beautiful has nothing to do with race and is taken from the Bible. You are now throwing out red herrings in an effort to justify a national anthem that clearly is racist.

Albert Brooks said...

The pledge post is totally false. Do some research.

So do you think you are the only Bernie O'Hare on the planet?

There is no phrase "Whiter Jubilee" in the bible.

Jeez, you aren't doing to well are you?

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Albert Brooks," the term "whiter jubilee" comes right out of Revealations. It's funny you don't know that but have known all four verses of the anthem since infancy.

Anonymous said...

Good job gadfly at 5:41. The constitutional guaranteed right seems to be great until someone goes against the grain and utilizes their constitutional right.

Albert Brooks said...

Easy to prove Bernie, show me the quote or the link. I'll stand by the claim that there is no phrase "Whiter Jubilee" in the bible.
https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=Whiter+Jubilee&qs_version=KJV

Actually it was about 3rd grade. Education can be a wonderful thing.

Anonymous said...

Kaepernick's "statement" is about as welcome as the cross in the urine jar is artistic and Anthony Wieners sexting.

Yes, you have the right to free speech. But when you exercise that right, you also need to be prepared for the blow back that can come at you in response to it.

Anonymous said...

So now we are expected to do away with the flag, and the national anthem, I suppose the "International" would do fine and the Crescent flag or hammer and sickle, no racism there. Its all a bunch of bullshit, Kapernick is a poor soul, who was given equal opportunity and blew it, his career is over, not because of this but it is a symptom, what team will want this distraction for their team. He must feel he is guilty because he is half black and raised by white parents. We will see where he ends up, not because of his sitting, but because of poor performance and a burden to the team.

Anonymous said...

Kaepernick is a disrespectful, elitist. He needs to get over himself and start to play football. Oops! He can't play football. Just maybe, he should start practicing and working on his game.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Albert Brooks, i simply don't believe you for the reasons already stated. I will provide a link. There are sctually several, and I am not going to get into tangential debates with you. . https://differenttogether.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/america-the-beautiful-and-the-whiter-jubilee-who-defines-meaning/

Albert Brooks said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Peter J.Cochran said...

Bernie, are we as Americans going to 'indite' everybody from 150 years ago. Are we going to remove the figures of history. It is was it was once. Where do we stop. Look, I went over your issue about my blinders on you know I.m a card carrying member of the NAACP and have been for years.I say your wrong . I say that Lawyer Scott Key was a friend of the depressed 'Black Man 'at the time. Where are comments made by Pres. JOHNSON ,Senator Reid and yes our VP and Bill Clinton,about reference to Afro-Americans derogatory to them. HILLARY evan referred to black youths as 'super predators'.in 1996 . so where do you drop the line.

Anonymous said...

Stand for something or fall for any democratic dysfunctional shitstorm brewed too blue juice served up by the honeydippers!?

Anonymous said...

Seems strange that people die trying to get to the United States where they can live better than where they were before. Especially since we're so oppressive here.

Bernie. If you could live in another nation, where would you want to live ?

Bernie O'Hare said...

5:49, I do stand for something. I stand for the First Amendment. I stand for the Constitution. It has nothing to do with either party. You stand for authoritarianism, in which people damn well better stand straight and pledge allegiance or put their handover their heart. Nothing in the Constitution requires this, but you are outraged at a black guy who dares speak his mind. How uppity of him, eh? How insecure you must be! The wall will make everything better.

Bernie O'Hare said...

5:54, I'm not the one who wants to make America great again. And I only briefly looked at the substance of what was said. I am interested in his right to say it. And you are off topic.

Peter J.Cochran said...

Anon 5;54 agreed. We should send some 'emissaries' back to 3 world nationions and have them report how it;s going.Screw them-your either with us here or your not.If you think your above the constituents then move out --it's a free country.I can imagine when the Brits brought the descendants of our Afro- American community here that they paid the price for the descendants that now enjoy an 'opportunity' to prosper with education and not being slaughtered like what goes on in central African venues as i type this. We as American's generally have no clue what atrocities are presently occurring in Africa.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Peter,I never suggested that we dig up Francis Scott Key and indict him. He is a product of his times. I do suggest that, in these times, that should not be our national anthem. The third and fourth verses make that very clear. It should no longer be played before athletic events.

Anonymous said...

This doesn't disrespect anyone.The members of the military that have given their lives did so defending the US Constitution so that all Amerucans can express themselves freely. You might not like what he did, but be happy that he can do it, because it means YOU can freely express YOUR opinion one day.

Hank_Hill

Bernie O'Hare said...

Albert Brooks, I entertained numerous comments from you, but am deleting you now bc you are obviously a troll. No more comments from you will be entertained.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"This doesn't disrespect anyone.The members of the military that have given their lives did so defending the US Constitution so that all Amerucans can express themselves freely. You might not like what he did, but be happy that he can do it, because it means YOU can freely express YOUR opinion one day. "

Bingo.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Kaepernick is a disrespectful, elitist. He needs to get over himself and start to play football. Oops! He can't play football. Just maybe, he should start practicing and working on his game."

The first amendment protects disrespectful elitists who can't play football. Sorry.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"So now we are expected to do away with the flag, and the national anthem"

I have not suggested anywhere that we do away with the Flag. But that racist ditty is just as bad as the Confederate Flag.

Anonymous said...

Your alternate view on this matter did make me think a bit. I'm siding with the majority who love America and feel an obligation to respect our great nation and its cultural traditions. Just look at the faces of the men and women in the service during the national antham. It makes me proud of my nationality. I wouldn't be suprised if Kaepernick is just frustrated with his demotion and is blaming racism for the fact that Blaine Gabbert won the starting QB job. Kaepernick ego is hurt and in his mind he is better. I hope he remains seated (on the bench) all season.

Peter J.Cochran said...

Bernie, Why is this ball player not funding a group to upgrade his race. Why does he not understand that what he did may influence a million kid impressionable. In effect turn them on the U.S. from here, where they were born. You and I both would like to see fair chance at jobs for minorities and see them progress ----and pay taxes,LOL- we both love to see them get out and move up. RIGHT.

Bernie O'Hare said...

6:27, If the majority love America, as you claim, they should love the First Amendment and respect this football player's rights. This is blatant authoritarianism. Nothing less.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Peter, I'm not here to defend what he said, but to defend his right to say it and express his frustration with this country. We are all hypocrites in our own way, although you may be a rare exception. That's too easy. What people miss is his first amendment right, and i am really troubled by the nat'l anthem. Too many people are false patriots. You see that, Peter. You act as a color guard at numerous events. How many people show? Hardly anyone. There you are on a holiday, in full uniform. And the false patriots are at home nursing hangovers from the night before, or getting ready to hit Walmart. But let some poor bastard deliver a message, and they start burning his Jersey. Phonies.

Scott Armstrong said...

Bernie, Isn’t it time to stop blaming today’s problems on people like Francis Scott Keys, a man who lived two centuries ago. The poverty that is ubiquitous in our Democrat controlled inner cities is not the Star Spangled banners fault. The cause of this problem should be laid at the feet of the corrupt elected officials and their patronage cronies/community leaders who live the good life while misdirecting their constituents as to who is to blame for their lack of opportunity, lack of quality education, blighted neighborhoods, high crime, high incarceration rates, out of wedlock births, high abortion rates, high drug and alcohol abuse…Now apparently instead of blaming the guilty we tar and feather someone from a history book. Oh Yeah! And don’t we feel enlightened doing it. This is really lowest common denominator thinking.
We are a screwed up country, a very stupid country. We can no longer even see the obvious.

Anonymous said...

I also support the First Amendment and Kaepernick's freedom of speech. If he wants to sit down while everyone else in the stadium stands up, that's his right.

Then it is also my right to use profanity whenever I wish and in front of whomever I wish as well, if you think it's offensive, that's just too bad.

Also, I should be able to label people with racial and ethnic epithets as well, in public freely no matter who is offended. Why should I be censored by someone who doesn't care for them?

If Kaepernick has his right to act like an idiot in public, then we should all be free not to act correct "Politically". Correct ?

Peter J.Cochran said...

Bernie, is that setting an example. [don't have question marks on my board anymore]Ist Amendment is as important as 2nd but still minorities are not able to exercise their rights in N.J. and you know lots of minority families are good folks in some of those Plainfield areas and can't get out. So they live in fear for their kids all the time. Evan Jessie Jackson in 1996 said '' There is nothing more painful to me..than to walk down the street and hear footsteps and start thinking about robbery---, then look around and see somebody white and feel relieved.''Wow- why isn't he fostering a new group of youths that are not deemed as a threat. All that money he scraped off at PUSH.

Anonymous said...

@6:58 I'll bet they're Trump supporters, correct Bernie ?

Anonymous said...

@6:56. What is offensive to one person, is not offensive to others.

That is what we are seeing here with this stupid football player and his protest.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Scott, There you go with your incessant need to blame everything on Democrats. Can't you ever give your partisanship a rest? I am calling out a racist national anthem. Now. It's something I never knew existed. It really needs to go. I see no reason why any black person would want to stand and pay respect during a song that glorifies slavery and the murder of slaves. It is simply outrageous and I suspect that the only reason black people aren't outraged as well is that most of them have no idea, as I did not until last night. It has to go. This is not in the past. This is our current anthem.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"@6:58 I'll bet they're Trump supporters, correct Bernie ?"

Stop trying to bait me. At this point, I am requiring readers to ID themselves bc I am unable to handle the hate and simultaneously prepare my stories for tomorrow.

Dave said...

You know Bernie, opening day for the NFL is September 11th.

There is a significance about 9/11 that overrides Kaepernick's "protest".

We shall see if (1) he is still in the NFL on 9/11 and (2), if he chooses to sit on his ass while the National Anthem is being played on that day of remembrance.

Unknown said...

BERNIE ,Key was not referencing murder of BLACK SLAVES he was referencing the guys that the Brits highjacked into the British Navy, it had nothing to do with Black folks. Call Scott Reda who is working on a film about the War of 1812.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Peggy, Read this link: http://www.theroot.com/articles/history/2016/07/star-spangled-bigotry-the-hidden-racist-history-of-the-national-anthem/

Francis Scott Key was upset about a battalion of runaway slaves calling themselves the Colonial Marines. He was badly beaten by them in a battle, and this upset his notion of white superiority. In his third verse, he gloats about the "gloom of the grave" for these slave.He gleefully writes that their blood washes out the pollution of their footsteps. It really has to go.

Bernie O'Hare said...

dave, while you wish for bad things to happen to this football player, it completely escapes you that we will be playing football on the day that terrorists hit this country and changed it forever. I fund that far more disrespectful than anything this football player did. Most Americans will be glued to the gladitorial games. Few will remember 9/11.

Dave said...

I never heard of this jerk before the controversy. Not everyone likes the NFL. I much prefer my college team (which is in the SEC) to the Eagles or the pros. I agree he had the right to express his opinion has he believes it. But then as a public performer, or gladiator if you prefer, he shouldn't be surprised about all the shit he's catching because of it..

The actuality is by Halloween, no one will remember this clown or what he did. Frankly, I don't give a damn about his little meaningless protest anyway.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Yet here you are, 135 comments in, telling us you don't give a damn.

Patriot2 said...

I seriously doubt that this overpaid QB has ever heard the 3rd or 4 th verse but simply deciding to be an asshole. He should leave the country rather than disrespect it & find out how much he is worth in the rest f the world before he kills he golden goose. NFL is 63% black & no one can say that racism is prevalent in America except the white athletes less talented then their black counterparts. Maybe the NFL should enact formative action to balance the scales for white athletes to put this guy in the unemployment line.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Your comment demonstrates the very racism that you deny exists.

Patriot2 said...

You mean NFL racism against white athletes?

Bernie O'Hare said...

No I mean you.

Scott Armstrong said...

Berni

Why the name calling? I freely admit to be a partisan, that however doesn't undermine the thesis of of argument that the national anthem has nothing to do with the state of poverty that exists in America's urban areas. Francis Scott Keyes lived two centuries ago, he and his like are no longer controlling America's cities. Those who label themselves as the champions of the poor and "under served" are,and have been for some time, and hence one may draw the logical conclusion that they are to blame for the blight, high unemployment, high crime and murder rates, high incarceration rates, high abortion rates,high drug and alcohol abuse rates,crappy local schools... that are rampant in these communities. They hold the levers of power and for the last eight years this leverage has extended to the white house. Yet what has improved for those who live under the "tutelage" of those who exempt themselves from any responsibility and instead point fingers at names found in history books while they enrich themselves and are made to feel important.
By all means continue to denigrate all the names in every chapter of America's history, but ask yourself, is this a productive exercise that will improve the lives of single parent minority children forced to attend bad schools in blighted neighborhoods? I don't see the logic in that. Sorry Bernie. Feel good about yourself for pointing out the foibles from America's past, but ask yourself what is the real purpose here.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I engaged in no name-calling. I called you what you freely admit you are - a partisan. Your attempt to switch this to a discussion of poverty in urban centers is ridiculous. My discussion is focused on two things - the First Amendment and a completely racist national anthem that you attempt to minimize. It frickin' attempts to glorify slavery, for Christ's sake! The anthem is here and now. Also, your attempt to suggest that I am blaming society'sills on names found in history books is complete nonsense. This is a racist song and it is brought out before every athletic event and every time someone farts. As an American, I am insulted to learn that it is a stew of hatred for free blacks. I see no reason why your hatred of Democrats should prevent you from agreeing. If anything, the reverse. Francis Scott Key was a member of Andrew Jackson's kitchen cabinet. Jackson is the first truly democratic president. He is the monster who brought the patronage system. A disgusting man. You are actually supporting one of his boys.

Scott Armstrong said...

NO BERNIE! Colin won't stand for the national anthem because, as he said,it is "racist". "
I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
So you agree with him the the "anthem" is the problem, or at best, a symbol of the problem. Earth to Bernie! That isn't the problem! Neither Francis Scott Keyes or his ditty are remotely responsible for the situation that confronts African Americans is today's Democratic controlled cities.
Wake up and smell the coffee Bernie, or join the legion of others who would rather point fingers at history book biographies rather than address the real issues. Shame on you in the process!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Excuse me, but your reaction by itself demonstrates precisely what is the problem. It is racism, and if anyone should be ashamed, it is you. The reason an anthem that glorifies slavery does not trouble you, and why you think blacks should just forget about it, is because of your own not very latent racism. You want blacks to blame themselves for everything. It does not trouble you that the lyrics actually delight in the death of free blacks. You should be ashamed of yourself. Not knowing that the anthem is racist is excusable. But now that you know,you still skirt around and say i am blaming names in history books,etc. No. This is our current national anthem and it is a racist pile of garbage. Talk about waking up and smelling the coffee. On top of that, there is an authoritarian tone to your thinking, as is the case with most of the comments here. Of course there are many problem. But your refusal to recognize or attempt at minimizing this racist garbage demonstrates that you are very much part of the problem. Our whole mindset needs to change. I am hopeful for the next generation. But people like you are too bigoted to see your own flaws.

Scott Armstrong said...

Bernie,

You are a very angry person. You are also a slanderer. You calling me a racist is the cheapest of shots.
You go through these episodes from time to time. I have learned from experience it will pass and you will move on. Yet I will always remember your ugly post.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Scott, I am certainly not angry, but am frustrated by your refusal to see what is as plain as the nose on your face. And the reason for that is that you are a racist. You can be insulted at that, but I called myself a racist just a week ago. Our next generation will do better. If you were black, there is no doubt in my mind that you would be outraged that this racist piece of garbage is our national anthem. But you are white so you look for excuses. There is no excuse. Please always remember this post bc it shows what is ugly about all of us.

Anonymous said...

It is no surprise that Bernie O'Hare would defend this scumbag. O'Hare attacks the flag and the anthem as well as Mr. Trump. Hopefully a real American like Mr. Trump will once again restore the love of country we have lost to those like Mr. O'Hare. In the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln Donald Trump will forge a new life for African Americans that have been victimized by the progressive liberal left Democrat Party of slavery.

Bri8ng back the real America!

Scott Armstrong said...

Bernie,

According to you I am a racist because I am "white"? Or I am a racist because I refuse to accept that as a "white" I am automatically one and can't help it?Interesting how you write that as a black I would feel differently. So Bernie, you are speaking for blacks and are you saying all blacks think alike? Seems that way. Bernie, the truth is all blacks don't think alike. Another truth is that it is well past time to get back to looking at our fellow human beings as people and not categorize them by skin color, race, ethnicity, gender...and assume their thinking is formed by those distinctions. You may not think you are angry, but you come off that way, and you also come off as rude and extremely judgmental/offensive. The old adage may apply, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
One more thing, at one time we shared the notion that people could disagree and do so with respect. That certainly isn't the case any longer.

Anonymous said...

Hokie Joe asks???????
What would you suggest we adopt as our National Anthem. "America the Beautiful" is now being sung in almost every major league baseball game during the seventh inning but that won't be acceptable to the religious zealots because it has the words "God shed His Grace on thee" in it, Just like the National Anthem has the words "In God Is Our Trust" in the forth stanza (although most Americans never get that far). Kinda like taking the cross out of the Lehigh County "Seal". I would suggest the great Polka tune "In heaven there is no beer" but that mentions a religious place which wouldn't be acceptable. How about "Take Me Out to The Ball Game". After all, Peanuts and cracker Jacks are an American symbol of obesity and baseball an American pastime. Can't get more patriotic than that. Sorry Bernie, I just couldn't resist the temptation.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Scott, I could say you are a racist for several reasons. I'll confine myself to your remarks here, in which you attempt to defend the use of a national anthem that actually glorifies slavery and delights in the death of free blacks. That is racism, and is not even latent racism. I don't really care how I come off to you or anyone else, especially when you try to defend the indefensible. I'm not trying to be your boyfriend. I have been blogging since 2006. Has it taken you until now to discover that I am extremely rude and offensive? I am, and I do agree that if you can't stand the heat, you should get out of the kitchen. But I can stand it, and have done so for 11 years. I also know that when I make people very angry,as this post did, it's because I've struck a nerve.

Bernie O'Hare said...

The comment at 4:34 am comes from Tricia Mezzacappa, a Trump supporter who, according to an Easton police report, called her next door neighbors "ni--ers" who "should have stayed in the projects." http://lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/2011/12/wwwe-files-wicked-witch-and-beeping.html

Anonymous said...

Bernie, being rude and name calling isn't an argument,it is what it is.By the way, my argument was not to defend the anthem but to point out it isn't the right issue or the villain. For this you call me a racist. Scott Armstrong

Bernie O'Hare said...

Scott,You are always rude to people who disagree with you, so it's a bit hypocritical of you tao take me to task for giving you some of your own medicine. Also, calling you a racist is entirely accurate, and I explained why. Several times. The shoe fits. And as insulting as it sounds,we are all racists, at least in my generation and probably yours. You actually did defend the anthem in a back-handed way by attempting to distract attention and by minimizing, but I am glad to see you finally make clear you are not defending the anthem. It is indefensible and really needs to be scrapped.

Anonymous said...

So, according to you, I am a rude racist. This says far more about you Bernie than it does about me. And yes it is sad and disappointing. Scott Armstrong

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Bernie O'Hare said...

Sorry, but I am allowing no anonymous personal attacks. Scott holds no public office. ID yourself.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Scott, You're certainly rude, as any reader of this blog is aware. You demonstrate that nearly every time you offer an opinion. It is part of your charm. And yes, you are a racist. Like i said,so am I. Get over yourself. I refuse to apply any salve to your ego. Now instead of discussing your bruised feelings or what the "real" problem is, which always boils down for some reason to Democrats, discuss (1) the First Amendment or (2) whether the national anthem is racist. Or don't. I don't really care, but I now insist that you stay on topic. If you have a personal issue with me, send me an email or call. But quit cluttering up this thread with your bruised feelings and disappointment.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, sorry you don't appreciate the practical utility of our exchange. I'm sure others did. I found it very revealing and have not the slightest bruised feeling as a result. Scott Armstrong

Bernie O'Hare said...

The practical utility I see is that you now acknowledge that our national anthem is racist.

West End Jim said...

This has been an interesting post to read and the comments. I did some introspection on my own thoughts. In the end Kaepernick was wrong simply because he was at his Job, representing his Team, and the NFL. Just because you have First Amendment rights, does not mean that you can say whatever you want at work. I have a company car and cannot put a bumpersticker on it say "Hillary for Jail" just because i believe it. He has brought negative attention to the time, right or wrong and should be fired or strongly fined.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Each employer is free to set his or her own standards. It is only when government controls speech that there's an issue. You do agree there is a first amendment right, independent of the substance. You did not address the anthem. I was really shocked to see those lyrics.

Scott Armstrong said...

Bernie,

The practical utility was frankly not that.

West End Jim said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
West End Jim said...

I didnt address the anthem, although i believe what you said is true, it really has no place in this article, it is a separate issue. I would be very surprised if he knew what you, just recently , discovered. IF it was a different song and our Anthem, he would have still done it. If he did know about the songs history, and it was the reason he was sitting out, OK, but it wasnt, it was about the Black Lives Matter argument. Which is a whole other matter entirely.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Nikita Khrushchev was correct. Our democracy is going to destroy us.

Scott Armstrong said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Bernie O'Hare said...

Scott, I made clear that you are no longer welcome to clutter up this thread with your bruised feelings and told you to confine yourself to the first amendment or the anthem. This is not a place for you to grouse repeatedly about my rudeness or how disappointed you are. So I deleted you. There is no appeal.

Scott Armstrong said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.