Since as I stated I always stand during the national anthem, I'm certainly not "looking for reason to disrespect our National Anthem."

I'm simply stating facts, instead of conveniently cherry picking which lyrics to embrace...and which ones to ignore.

I've always chosen to know the whole story and to hear all sides...instead of just the one that I prefer to be true



Ditto for you on these lyrics.

Colin Kaepernick Is Righter Than You Know: The National Anthem Is a Celebration of Slavery

I personally will continue to stand for the national anthem, but I will also continue to support a persons right not to do so.

THAT'S the American way. :coolsmiley:

So today I see that this piece of garbage has infected the minds of a college and high school student football player as they took a knee during Our National Anthem. Just fantastic keep up the good work. These children don't even have a clue what's going on they are so impressionable and this guy is their role model. Thankfully they are not my kids. Their rites stop at our front door. Damn this is so upsetting!

I am with you, standing or sitting.
Sadly, far too many born and raised AMERICANS cannot explain the Pledge to you let alone a K thru 8 schoolkid. I remember feeling forced to stand and say this "ditty" for reasons I didn't understand until High School. (much like Latin prayers in Catholic school. Slapped if not learned. I made my dad take me out) We did it but never really knew why.
Then it became MY choice to stand or not. I stood. I chose to stand. Did I recite the pledge? Choice.
I make no judgement regarding someone not standing. Choice.
It makes us no less American not to follow the crowd or agree with a definition of respect.
Not knowing what miles were walked in ones shoes tells me not to judge.
The CHOICE keeps America great, always.

They already do.....nobody sits at a Springsteen Concert....:a040:

I always cheer and clap along with everyone. I don't see anything disrespectful about that.
I never heard anyone say you are to remain silent then sit.

You will never see any active member of the American Legion or VFW do it. Again, our anthem is not entertainment whether it be led by an orchestra, singer or recording. We are participants in our anthem, not merely concert goers.

I belong to the American Legion and many of my friends do as well. Many of them stand and cheer and clap.
I go to a lot of sporting events where lots of people cheer & clap after the Anthem. I'm sure a lot of them are AL and VFW members.

I'm a member of Post 854 American Legion and was a member of Post 1790 VFW. We do have members that seem to follow their own rules as well. Proper anthem ediquette instructs to remain silent after the playing. It has been since I was a member of the SAL in 1960.

I respect your views and laud anyone who is patriotic these days. I don't remember ever having been told to remain quiet after the anthem and remember often applauding along with everyone else. I know that the flag has many rules and even how to dispose of a worn flag has many guidelines. Someone trampling on it or not respecting it hurts my heart.

I have been terribly troubled over this incident with Kaepernick and I have tried very hard to understand the POTUS views on it and others as well. I believe strongly in our right to free speech, but I am shocked that someone would use this means to bring attention to excessive force by police.

I don't understand Kaepernick saying that there is oppression of blacks here in the U.S. I feel that the law protects everyone and allows all people to make decisions to get ahead and to be treated equally.

I have been so saddened by this that I was somewhat relieved to google polls on this event and nearly all of them show 75 percent feel Kaepernick was wrong in his choice of showing his views.

That's good that you have an anthem etiquette. But for a lot of us we hear the words "Play ball!" at the end with no disrespect.

Lots of Vets clap and cheer and respect.

I personally believe we should all stand for the National Athem. IMHO

America the Beautiful and GOD Bless the USA should be optional.

I personally have always be offended by sports fans that don't have the courtesy and respect for letting the singer/band finish, before starting to yell. Would it kill them to wait another 20/30seconds?

Being a big sports fan, I just don't get it!