TRUMP, THE NFL AND MISGUIDED POLITICS

The President used profanity last week to bring attention to his belief that professional athletes who kneel during the National Anthem are disrespecting the Flag, our Nation and the Heroes who’ve given their lives to protect it.

NBA Player LeBron James called the President a “bum” and claimed that it was an honor to visit The White House until Trump took office. The Commissioner of the NFL stood in solidarity with players who kneel and Trump fired back in his usual fashion.

Even the so-called right wing media claimed Trump was reigniting racial tension by using the term “heritage” when claiming kneeling disrespects everything the flag and anthem stands for.

What does this mean for race relations in the United States? What does this mean for the future of our country?

It means we have a president who would rather put the athletes down in a public way and avoid the conversation altogether. Rather than inviting the professional athletes to the White House to have a frank conversation on what they feel are the motivating factors of race relations declining in this country, Trump tweets anger-filled statements to ignite a ratings boost on his part.

It means we have spoiled multi-millionaire athletes who would rather disrespect the symbol of our free nation than specifically put their time, money and celebrity to good use in drawing recognition to best practices that could help our country come together as one people.

The approval ratings of the President are down, however so are the ratings of the NFL and any athlete that kneels during the anthem.

How do we fix this?

Our President should be attempting to bridge the divide instead of speaking about television ratings and calling athletes profane names. It cannot be lost on the President that many young children idolize NFL Players.

It should also be a reminder to the NFL Players. Have they forgotten that the children who look up to them need patriotism and national pride instilled in them? I don’t imagine they would want to instill hate and unnecessary rhetoric in the minds of their young followers.

It is safe to say the entire nation should not only be disappointed in the words of President Trump and certain professional athletes. We should also be disappointed in their lack of action to fix the problem. Neither side is working to come together. Both are simply throwing the bloody stones of history in an already painful grave.

Our President should be Presidential.

Our Professional Athletes should be Professional.

Our Nation was built, and is still being improved by folks of all races, religions and orientations.

Now is the time for us to act the way we wish our enemies would, in kind.

Treat people with respect, even when they don’t show respect to you.

That is how we fix the problem of our people.

America’s heritage and the heritage of ALL her citizens are symbolized by the flag and the anthem.

There is no problem with the United States of America.

There is no honor in disrespecting the flag that covers the caskets of fallen soldiers and first responders.

There is honor in the hearts of those who defend the flag, our nation and her people.

How blessed we are to live in a nation that stands together, bound by love for country and love of each other, surrounded by the grace, selflessness and humility of those sworn to protect her.