Will Blazers protest the anthem this year?

[Binx]

The more I think about it, the more this anthem protest seems just plain wrong. Everyone in the stands--and all the Blazer coaches-- stand and face the flag when the national anthem is played, but the players get in a circle with their heads down? Really?? The millionaires can disrespect the flag, while the average Joe in the stands who is struggling to support a family can stand there with his hand over his heart? Really??

I don't care what a player does on his own time, but when he's representing the city of a Portland and the state of Oregon shouldn't he have to respect the American flag just like all the fans?? In other words, the people who are paying for those tickets? And please tell me why Meyers Leonard, who makes $10 million a year, has a right to protest the national anthem? Shouldn't he be kissing the ground he stands on for living in a country where a stiff like him can make incredible amounts of money???

Shouldn't ALL of the Blazers be ecstatic about their great fortune to live in a country that makes them rich beyond their wildest dreams, just for playing a game they love and getting 4 months off every year?

Maybe some of you think it doesn't matter. Maybe you think it's all about freedom, and self-expression, and respecting the socio-economic plight of minorities, but I've known plenty of minorities--blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Indians--who love this country, and who fought to get here, and don't want to live anywhere else. They came here because they knew it was infinitely better than their own country, and because they had a better chance for a better life here than anywhere else. It's the same reason people from all over the world have been trying to come here for over 200 years.

Anyone else feel the same way? Anyone else think that players who represent us--and are supported by us--should respect the average fan who loves his country and loves the national anthem and who feels that despite its flaws this is a pretty great country, and that it stands for something pretty great?

 

[Mediocre Man]

Your white privilege can't tell black people how to protest. You probably don't even know what the protest is about.


There. Sly, please merge this with the thread that had to be moved to OT because of posts like above.

 

[Strenuus]

Reason it was moved: It's not really about what the blazers "did", but more about politics and OT.

Moved to OT.

 

[julius]

The more I think about it, the more this anthem protest seems just plain wrong. Everyone in the stands--and all the Blazer coaches-- stand and face the flag when the national anthem is played, but the players get in a circle with their heads down? Really?? The millionaires can disrespect the flag, while the average Joe in the stands who is struggling to support a family can stand there with his hand over his heart? Really??

IF this is truly about "disrespecting" the flag, do you complain about the "average Joe" who is out in the concourse, getting his beer or talking to his friends?

Do you complain about all the *actual* code violations when it comes to the US flag?

I don't care what a player does on his own time, but when he's representing the city of a Portland and the state of Oregon shouldn't he have to respect the American flag just like all the fans?? In other words, the people who are paying for those tickets? And please tell me why Meyers Leonard, who makes $10 million a year, has a right to protest the national anthem? Shouldn't he be kissing the ground he stands on for living in a country where a stiff like him can make incredible amounts of money???

Well, for starters, they aren't a representation of the city of Portland, or the state. They don't work FOR the state or the city. They work for a private business.

Also, why would a players salary make a difference as to whether or not they have a right to do something? You do understand that rights apply to everybody, not just (apparently) poor "Average Joe's"?

Shouldn't ALL of the Blazers be ecstatic about their great fortune to live in a country that makes them rich beyond their wildest dreams, just for playing a game they love and getting 4 months off every year?

So as long a they are getting rich, they're supposed to be subservient?

Maybe some of you think it doesn't matter. Maybe you think it's all about freedom, and self-expression, and respecting the socio-economic plight of minorities, but I've known plenty of minorities--blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Indians--who love this country, and who fought to get here, and don't want to live anywhere else. They came here because they knew it was infinitely better than their own country, and because they had a better chance for a better life here than anywhere else. It's the same reason people from all over the world have been trying to come here for over 200 years.

This has nothing to do with loving the country or not loving the country. That argument has been thrown in to try to disparage anyone who shows any kind of dissent. It's no different than when people would accuse anyone who opposed the Iraq/Afghanistan wars as hating our troops.

Anyone else feel the same way? Anyone else think that players who represent us--and are supported by us--should respect the average fan who loves his country and loves the national anthem and who feels that despite its flaws this is a pretty great country, and that it stands for something pretty great?

You're completely, and utterly, missed the point.

Besides the simple fact that Freedom of speech/1st amendment actually protests this exact kind of stuff. It protects the language/etc that offends you the most.

This isn't about love of country, as none of these players are saying "I hate the US". They're saying "we need to fix this issue" and this is done to try to draw attention to the issue. It's just that it's being bastardized by idiot leaders who are making this into another jingoistic shit issue.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Reason it was moved: It's not really about what the blazers "did", but more about politics and OT.

Moved to OT.

Not at all

 

[crandc]

No one in the stands is required to stand and/or face flag and/or remove caps. There is no such law in this country.

Fact is, no one has to ask permission to protest or make a political statement.

The First Amendment is not for speech/expression everyone agrees on and likes. That does not need a Constitutional amendment. The First Amendment protects precisely the speech some people, myself included, do NOT like. So anyone can disagree with an athlete or any other citizen/resident's speech/expression but not to call for them to be punished for it.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

No one in the stands is required to stand and/or face flag and/or remove caps. There is no such law in this country.

Fact is, no one has to ask permission to protest or make a political statement.

The First Amendment is not for speech/expression everyone agrees on and likes. That does not need a Constitutional amendment. The First Amendment protects precisely the speech some people, myself included, do NOT like. So anyone can disagree with an athlete or any other citizen/resident's speech/expression but not to call for them to be punished for it.

You were soooooooo right until the last sentence.

 

[BoomChakaLaka]

“Well, for starters, they aren't a representation of the city of Portland, or the state. They don't work FOR the state or the city. They work for a private business.

This has nothing to do with loving the country or not loving the country. “


I think the solution is simple: it’s time we stop with the National Anthem at sporting events. If our teams are no longer representing our communities and the games have nothing to do with love of country....then nix it!

If you can no longer erect a Christmas tree within City Hall, then why are we sweating the National Anthem being performed at sporting events owned and operated by private companies?

STOP THE DIVIDE - play ball!

 

[Natebishop3]

I'm at the "I don't care anymore" position. This whole thing is becoming about being on one side or the other. Republican or Democrat. I just don't care. It's not even about the reason anymore. The reason why the whole thing started. And now players are feeling pressured to pick sides. It's out of control. It has strayed completely off the path.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Having our GM named Kneel means we're in a constant state of protest.

 

[TradeNurkicNow]

I sure hope they do

 

[Strenuus]

I'm at the "I don't care anymore" position. This whole thing is becoming about being on one side or the other. Republican or Democrat. I just don't care. It's not even about the reason anymore. The reason why the whole thing started. And now players are feeling pressured to pick sides. It's out of control. It has strayed completely off the path.

Thanks Trump!

 

[santeesioux]

I'm at the "I don't care anymore" position. This whole thing is becoming about being on one side or the other. Republican or Democrat. I just don't care. It's not even about the reason anymore. The reason why the whole thing started. And now players are feeling pressured to pick sides. It's out of control. It has strayed completely off the path.

It has become a sideshow pretty much.

 

[Strenuus]

Having our GM named Kneel means we're in a constant form of protest.

Its even worse that his last name is olshey.

"Olshey can you see"

:MARIS61:

 

[Natebishop3]

Thanks Trump!

He definitely made it a million times worse.

 

[Natebishop3]

Its even worse that his last name is olshey.

"Olshey can you see"

:MARIS61:

But what's his middle name? Hashtag?

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

I sure hope they do

I sure hope they wanna get rid of some of those American dollars. I'll use them, I'm not particular.

 

[stampedehero]

I'll bet at least two team members will do it.

 

[BonesJones]

People are so worried about how other people act, in the context of their own opinion. YOU find it disrespectful for them to kneel for the flag so YOU complain about what THEY'RE doing, which DOESN'T AFFECT YOU or hurt anyone, just offends YOU/OTHERS based of YOUR/THEIR opinion.

I used CAPS for emphasis, maybe you can see why I think it's ridiculous that people get so offended and complain about those who kneel for the anthem, when they're trying to bring awareness to social injustice, or protesting the way our president acts...

Even if you don't agree with the way their protesting, respect the fact that they're protesting peacefully for something they believe in, and doing so to try to bring awareness to a problem in the face of the backlash they receive.

Standing for the flag is a symbolic show of respect to many, but there's REAL disrespect and injustice towards groups in the community that matters more than OTHERS symbolically showing respect for you.

 

[BonesJones]

It has become a sideshow pretty much.

It's not the fault of the players though... It's the fault of people who get so extremely offended and upset by others exercising their rights by peacefully protesting.

 

[BonesJones]

It's not the fault of the players though... It's the fault of people who get so extremely offended and upset by others exercising their rights by peacefully protesting.

For example: Trump.

 

[BonesJones]

Anyone else feel the same way? Anyone else think that players who represent us--and are supported by us--should respect the average fan who loves his country and loves the national anthem and who feels that despite its flaws this is a pretty great country, and that it stands for something pretty great?

No, the players should not lose their first amendment rights because they play in the NBA.

 

[BonesJones]

The politicians and the government of this country are shady, and it's people are extremely divided. This is a great country because of the freedom and rights given to its people, but other than that...

 

[SlyPokerDog]

People are so worried about how other people act, in the context of their own opinion. YOU find it disrespectful for them to kneel for the flag so YOU complain about what THEY'RE doing, which DOESN'T AFFECT YOU or hurt anyone, just offends YOU/OTHERS based of YOUR/THEIR opinion.

I used CAPS for emphasis, maybe you can see why I think it's ridiculous that people get so offended and complain about those who kneel for the anthem, when they're trying to bring awareness to social injustice, or protesting the way our president acts...

Even if you don't agree with the way their protesting, respect the fact that they're protesting peacefully for something they believe in, and doing so to try to bring awareness to a problem in the face of the backlash they receive.

Standing for the flag is a symbolic show of respect to many, but there's REAL disrespect and injustice towards groups in the community that matters more than OTHERS symbolically showing respect for you.

I'm offended that you're protesting using capital letters.

 

[Paine Tablet]

I sure hope they do

To protest what exactly? That 94% of those incarcerated that are men? The per capita rate of police murder that is higher for the mentally ill than black men? The seven black female police shooting deaths vs. the 300 white male police shooting deaths since 2015? Poverty that effects people of all races? I remember as a poor white 10-year-old contemplating writing Clyde Drexler and asking him for money to help out my mom. Intersectional theory wasn't being taught in elementary school back then, so I didn't realize my privilege at the time. Luckily, I didn't embarrass myself by asking for that help. That would've been extremely tacky and racist.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

To protest what exactly? That 94% of those incarcerated that are men? The per capita rate of police murder that is higher for the mentally ill than black men? The seven black female police shooting deaths vs. the 300 white male police shooting deaths since 2015? Poverty that effects people of all races? I remember as a poor white 10-year-old contemplating writing Clyde Drexler and asking him for money to help out my mom. Intersectional theory wasn't being taught in elementary school back then, so I didn't realize my privilege at the time. Luckily, I didn't embarrass myself by asking for that help. That would've been extremely tacky and racist.

Fuck!!!!! Ten year old me had his autograph. All I needed was some checks. Fuck fuck fuck.

 

[Paine Tablet]

People are so worried about how other people act, in the context of their own opinion. YOU find it disrespectful for them to kneel for the flag so YOU complain about what THEY'RE doing, which DOESN'T AFFECT YOU or hurt anyone, just offends YOU/OTHERS based of YOUR/THEIR opinion.

I used CAPS for emphasis, maybe you can see why I think it's ridiculous that people get so offended and complain about those who kneel for the anthem, when they're trying to bring awareness to social injustice, or protesting the way our president acts...

Even if you don't agree with the way their protesting, respect the fact that they're protesting peacefully for something they believe in, and doing so to try to bring awareness to a problem in the face of the backlash they receive.

Standing for the flag is a symbolic show of respect to many, but there's REAL disrespect and injustice towards groups in the community that matters more than OTHERS symbolically showing respect for you.

I don't give a fuck about the flag. I hate their cause because at its core it's racist and disingenuous. When you make police violence, incarceration, and sentencing solely a race issue when there is greater disparity correlated to gender and mental health then it becomes a racist movement. I've been downvoted to hell for making this argument elsewhere, but no one has given me a satisfactory explanation for why despite being more correlated with discrimination, mental health and gender aren't considered at least at the same level as race is. As far as I can tell, no one is protesting the 66% longer sentences that men get for the same crime as women. They protest because black men are being sentenced longer than white men, despite that gap not being nearly as big as the gender gap. The same thing happens with the mentally ill in police shootings, only this time, the mentally ill are shot and killed by police at a higher per capita rate than blacks are. It's only the race angle that plays, otherwise these spoiled athletes don't give a fuck about these problems.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I'll bet at least two team members will do it.

I'll be disappointed if it's not more.

 

[MARIS61]

There is absolutely no protected right to disregard your job description or rules of your workplace while you are on the clock and receiving pay for it.

The NFL quite clearly states exactly how players are to act/perform during the National Anthem. It also prescribes fines, suspensions, and loss of draft picks for any and all violations. Every player, coach and team that has violated these rules needs to be punished or the NFL will be setting a legal precedent that will prevent them from ever being able to discipline any employees for anything in the future.

Demonstrating/making political statements at work is not a protected right, in fact it can be in violation of quite a few Federal Workplace Laws. Burning a flag at work is no different than burning a jewish dummy in effigy at work. Hate crime against a particular culture.