To Stand or Not to Stand

I’ve seen recent suggestions that we eliminate the national anthem at sporting events. I like the anthem at events. It reminds of all the freedom and opportunity we have as a country. And sports is a prime example of that, where participation and success is (mostly) directly tied contribution, effort and teamwork. It’s literally “an even playing field”.

I don’t like the politicizing of this topic. Its a complicated one though. This is a business, so owners have the final say. That said, players are the product, so they have the right to exercise the right to voice their opinion on the topic (and endure consequences that accompany those actions). In the end, the fans have the most influence here, as they pay the bills (directly and indirectly through advertising); fans are understandably divided over this topic, so that creates a bit of chaos. The folks that should not really have a strong voice here are politicians, particularly the one that is called upon to represent all Americans. I’m pretty independent in my views, except when it comes to divisive and hyper-political nonsense…there’s no place for that in our world.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23582533/nfl-owners-approve-new-national-anthem-policy