Trail Blazers huddle during national anthem as display of unity

[Wheels]

The vast majority are not committed to this issue, I will guarantee you.

That's fine. But I didn't ask what about the vast majority of fans that are committed to this issue...

 

[rasheedfan2005]

No I think he's right. I probably am. I thought "Freddie Got Fingered" was an enjoyable movie.

"Daddy would you like some sausage?"

 

[Wheels]

Yeah, it's a slap in the face to every Blazer fan who loves this country and what it stands for. Totally disrespectful and totally self-centered behaviour by a bunch of millionaires who don't know how lucky they are.

This is where it gets obnoxious. This implies one has to hate his/her country just cause they don't get irate by this?

So if someone doesn't stand for the National Anthem for religious reasons, does that automatically mean they don't "love" their country? Or is it possible to love the country, but just not put above everything in their mind?

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I love your sarcastic attitude towards everything. Its a very under appriciated skill these days. It takes a true scholar to offend everyone equally, yet somehow we manage. High fives. Fist bump, bro?

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

This is where it gets obnoxious. This implies one has to hate his/her country just cause they don't get irate by this?

Why do you assume there are only two genders bro?

 

[Nate]

Clapping or cheering after the anthem is disrespectful. But I guess it's okay since it's what everyone else is doing. But doing something different, even if it's a strong, positive message, well that's just wrong isn't it? For fucks sake.

You're telling me to deal with it? You're the one complaining because there not falling in line with society and what everyone else does. They do something different and people like you get offended, think they're disrespectful and say shit like "Why don't they just stand for the flag like everyone else and appreciate it?"

If anything, they appreciate it by what they're doing, and using the anthem to send a message. Many people could robotically stand there and look at the flag but that doesn't mean they appreciate or respect it. But if that's more acceptable to you then so be it.

How is clapping or cheering after the anthem disrespectful?

 

[Wheels]

Why do you assume there are only two genders bro?

Dammit I thought I could get through this 100% politically correct! I am ashamed!

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Of course someone thinks this is disrespectful.

"You'll stand up straight and stare at the flag like your great granddaddy did!"

 

[PDXFonz]

No I think he's right. I probably am. I thought "Freddie Got Fingered" was an enjoyable movie.

Hilarious movie. Right up there with Pootie Tang on the list of "So stupid it's hilarious"

 

[Mediocre Man]

The brave men and women who faught for the freedom to protest would be proud.

As for unity, having black and white players TOGETHER saying shit needs to be addressed and changed is awesome.

My next door neighbor is black, and a former Marine, and we have talked about this since Kaepernick knelt. The flag means a different thing to him. The words of the Star spangled banner were written by a bigoted slave owner, so land of the free wasn't meant fir everyone. FS Key believed black people were inferior.

So while the thought of paying ancestors of slaves is completely laughable, there needs to be some serious reform when it comes to the oppression that is still faced today.

 

[BonesJones]

How is clapping or cheering after the anthem disrespectful?

That's what my dad always told me. He was a major in the army.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

That's what my dad always told me. He was a major in the army.

Major Bones!

 

[rasheedfan2005]

Yeah, it's a slap in the face to every Blazer fan who loves this country and what it stands for. Totally disrespectful and totally self-centered behaviour by a bunch of millionaires who don't know how lucky they are.

I dunno im pretty right leaning politically and i dont see it as a slap to the face. Silly sure, maybe a little misguided, but much more respectful of a message than kneeling because cops are the enemy.

 

[rasheedfan2005]

View attachment 10268

Thats what happens, you get all uppity, and then you get a dick in your mouth.

 

[Eastoff]

What this is really about is equality. White men are not treated equally to black men. White men commit similar crimes and then don't get the same punishments as black men. This is not about percentages of population. It's about sentencing.

This is about black men being shot for having a perceived weapon, while white men can carry a rifle in a towel to a courthouse and just be arrested.

This is about our countryis best quality; continual improvement. We should strive for a better world where equality is for all. That's not the case yet.

 

[Orion Bailey]

They can do anything they want. I'll celebrate their right to be disrespectful but I'm not going to celebrate them being disrespectful. I get that they're not trying to be (duh), and they probably actually believe that their actions are doing something worthwhile, I just happen to disagree. It's not like I'm going to stop being a fan or lose any sleep over it. Maybe I really am an idiot, I just think it's misguided and disrespectful.

It's pretty amazing how these days it's almost like being patriotic is a bad thing. It's much more hip to be self-loathing and hate 'the man'.

Do you think "the man" is a new revelation?
It's not.

You have your right to protest their protest, but then when does it stop?
I'm protesting your protest to their protest.

Someone will protest my protest to your protest about their protest.

Nothing is perfect.

Kaperprick is an ignorant man who had a great idea. He failed to express that idea in a way that all would be appeased, but then how do you?

The bigger picture I see here is the fact the Blazers UNITED to do this. Not a few guys doing one thing and another doing something else.

They were going to do something and im just happy they did it together.

 

[Orion Bailey]

the constitution says that all white americans count as 1 body during a sensus count and all others are 3/5ths of a body. Meaning Blacks and every other minority.
The people who wrote the national anthem and the constitution were racist in their own right. How much pride should we take in it?

 

[Binx]

The bigger picture I see here is the fact the Blazers UNITED to do this. Not a few guys doing one thing and another doing something else.

Hey, I have an idea! What if all the Blazers just stood in line, listening to the national anthem respectfully, and united, as a team? Wouldn't that be cool?

 

[Orion Bailey]

Hey, I have an idea! What if all the Blazers just stood in line, listening to the national anthem respectfully, and united, as a team? Wouldn't that be cool?

No. It would be the same ole same ole.


If some of you actually think the NBA, a predominately black sport, is going to let this go without making waves... your bound to be disappointed...

They said they would and they ARE doing something. I'm just happy, again, that it is in unison and not some haphazard kneejerk hasty action.

Some people will always find a negative in something though...

 

[SlyPokerDog]

If everyone moves during the anthem, standing still will become the protest.

Problem solved!

 

[BlazerWookee]

This is what makes our country great. And you should be celebrating the ability fo them to do this. Not condemning.

Its like the right wing Jesus freaks that want to ban certain movies....
Banning things like this is what will derail our country.
What makes our country great is the freedom to CHOOSE to watch said movie. Or CHOOSE what you want to support without being tossed in a cement box for it.

There is nothing here to celebrate other than how great our country is and the fact that we all have the ability to protest without being condemned.

The fact the Blazers did it together is the best thing yet and the fact that anyone is upset, offended or annoyed is mind boggling.

Second, there are many citizens of this country who have felt the wrath of our past mistakes and don't feel as patriotic as some of us do. Another great thing about this country!! You don't have to worship it to live here!!!!
For those with their militaristic, narrow lines of what we should and shouldn't do. Keep that mindset in mind the next time someone forces you to do something you disagree with.


Oh that doesn't happen to you because you live in a free country? Then don't do it to others! Don't tell others how to protest and don't tell others how to respect the flag. Everyone's opinion and viewpoint is different.

Just sayin...

Freedom of speech is not freedom from condemnation. It's the freedom from governmental repercussions.

As for the National Anthem, it's about national unity, not team unity. Shut the fuck up, take off your hat, and stand at attention, or prepare to be criticized.

 

[Binx]

If some of you actually think the NBA, a predominately black sport, is going to let this go without making waves... your bound to be disappointed...

They said they would and they ARE doing something. ...

I'm curious. What are they doing about the 40 or so murders of black people that happen every month in Chicago alone? Murders that are committed by other black people, by the way. Where is the outrage about that? Where are the national protests? I guess if you're a black person killed by another black person you're just shit out of luck. No protest for you!

 

[Orion Bailey]

Freedom of speech is not freedom from condemnation. It's the freedom from governmental repercussions.

As for the National Anthem, it's about national unity, not team unity. Shut the fuck up, take off your hat, and stand at attention, or prepare to be criticized.

But as for the national anthem, it WAS written with the thought that it was a WHITE unity.
I find it fairly offensive that anyone can be offended by the protest when it is done in unison of whoever is in attendance.

I think its pretty ignorant as well as arrogant for us to get pissed at blacks or any other minority who does not want to pledge alegiance to our flag, based on the words used in the pledge itself.


I pledge allegiance to the flag, FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD....


These are all statements that could be offensive.

First, for which it stands... well when it was written it stood for whites. not slaves.
One nation.... again.. one nation for who? Not slaves....
Under God. Um we started this country on the premise of having separation of church and state, yet we put God on our currency. in our pledges, etc... hypocrisy is rampant.

And yet we want to get pissed at those who are showing a peaceful protest to the current racial inequalities by NOT pledging allegiance to our flag? A flag that represents a country that was founded and created its wealth on the backs of slaves?

Come on now. Stand up straight and shut the fuck up????
Seriously?

It's pretty obvious many who have ruffled feathers over this are largely ignorant to how this nation was really created, and who our rights were meant for when we wrote them down...


Now I will say this:

The protests are all fine and dandy and have a positive meaning, but will it change anything? No.
Why? Because its a mass showing that is a temp movement.

You want to know how and what will actually make a change?

Treating each other like we would like to be treated on an individual level. Give respect to each other.
Help thy neighbor raise thy barn.

Its the only way we will see a change and this change will take a long time. No movement or law will help. Its up to each person individually to treat each other equally and respectfully.

Until this happens there will continue to be problems....

 

[BlazerWookee]

But as for the national anthem, it WAS written with the thought that it was a WHITE unity.
I find it fairly offensive that anyone can be offended by the protest when it is done in unison of whoever is in attendance.

I think its pretty ignorant as well as arrogant for us to get pissed at blacks or any other minority who does not want to pledge alegiance to our flag, based on the words used in the pledge itself.


I pledge allegiance to the flag, FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD....


These are all statements that could be offensive.

First, for which it stands... well when it was written it stood for whites. not slaves.
One nation.... again.. one nation for who? Not slaves....
Under God. Um we started this country on the premise of having separation of church and state, yet we put God on our currency. in our pledges, etc... hypocrisy is rampant.

And yet we want to get pissed at those who are showing a peaceful protest to the current racial inequalities by NOT pledging allegiance to our flag? A flag that represents a country that was founded and created its wealth on the backs of slaves?

Come on now. Stand up straight and shut the fuck up????
Seriously?

It's pretty obvious many who have ruffled feathers over this are largely ignorant to how this nation was really created, and who our rights were meant for when we wrote them down...


Now I will say this:

The protests are all fine and dandy and have a positive meaning, but will it change anything? No.
Why? Because its a mass showing that is a temp movement.

You want to know how and what will actually make a change?

Treating each other like we would like to be treated on an individual level. Give respect to each other.
Help thy neighbor raise thy barn.

Its the only way we will see a change and this change will take a long time. No movement or law will help. Its up to each person individually to treat each other equally and respectfully.

Until this happens there will continue to be problems....

If you don't want to say the Pledge, fine, don't say the Pledge. But shut the fuck up and show some respect while others are saying it, or don't be surprised if you're criticized.

And until rioters are no longer called "peaceful protesters," this (or any other) movement has zero credibility.

 

[blue9]

I don't care for these type of "protests" because they don't really do anything ...

They've got millions of people talking about an issue that we've swept under the rug for far too long. I'd say that's a pretty big first step towards something.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

the constitution says that all white americans count as 1 body during a sensus count and all others are 3/5ths of a body. Meaning Blacks and every other minority.
The people who wrote the national anthem and the constitution were racist in their own right. How much pride should we take in it?

This is factually incorrect. The constitution differentiated between free persons and slaves, not white and non-white. The reason for this was not because the founding fathers were racist, or to codify black people as lesser than whites, but to lessen the overall impact that slave-owning states would have on the government.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-Fifths_Compromise

Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.

 

[Orion Bailey]

If you don't want to say the Pledge, fine, don't say the Pledge. But shut the fuck up and show some respect while others are saying it, or don't be surprised if you're criticized.

And until rioters are no longer called "peaceful protesters," this (or any other) movement has zero credibility.

I love how you ignored most of my post.

This is factually incorrect. The constitution differentiated between free persons and slaves, not white and non-white. The reason for this was not because the founding fathers were racist, or to codify black people as lesser than whites, but to lessen the overall impact that slave-owning states would have on the government.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-Fifths_Compromise

Its been years since I was studying, or discussing this, so my wording was not exactly correct. The point being is it still holds truths. When we wrote the constitution, not all were treated equal even though it says we were created equal.

Yes, whole free persons and 3/5ths for everyone else.
Who owned slaves? The Chinese? Blacks? The Native Americans?
No. White euro transfers did.
So yes,my wording was not correct, but the implication of the wording is still there.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

This thread is about the Blazers and their display during the national anthem. All the other stuff is going to get moved to the OT section.

 

[Pinwheel1]

And until rioters are no longer called "peaceful protesters," this (or any other) movement has zero credibility.

I am having flashbacks to the 60's and early 70's. The same argument was made then. Hell Hoover even planted agitators in the protests so they lost credibility. Not saying they are doing that now, but this issue is going to get worse before it gets better.
It is a complex issue. Arguments can be made on both sides, but change has to come from both sides. Keeping the conversation out of sports would be nice, but ignoring the problem and hoping it is going to go away has not worked.

I think most of the players are being pressured into the limelight because of Ali, Brown and Kareem. I doubt they really want the attention. But I would not say the movement has zero credibility. They are forcing more dialogue, and in this situation that can't be bad. What is the alternative? Obviously walking or driving around with a weapon is not smart, but shooting a suspect 15 times because he has a knife or is running away is not the answer. Sure the police need the ability to protect themselves or we won't have a police force, but still.....there needs to be a better alternative than what is happening. From both sides.

 

[illmatic99]

Keeping the conversation out of sports would be nice, but ignoring the problem and hoping it is going to go away has not worked.

This^

I still have not heard one valid reason why the anthem is played before sporting events in this day and age.

It's completely manufactured and artificial patriotism that belongs nowhere near the arena. You don't say the pledge or start your day at work by honoring the flag in any school or workplace any longer -- why keep forcing that down people's throats at sporting events?