RESPECT FOR OUR FLAG

RESPECT FOR OUR FLAG

An open request to the President, DoD, Veterans Groups, Chiefs & Sheriffs: Please do not allow your troops to be part of any flag disrespect spectacle. Prohibit your honor guards, on-duty personnel from attending in any official capacity any such event. Refs & coaches should consider boycotting as has already been done.

Take a Stand, Not a Knee!

First, An open request to the President, DoD, Veterans Groups, Police Chiefs & Sheriffs: Please do now allow your troops to be part of any flag disrespect spectacle. Prohibit your honor guards, on-duty personnel from attending such disrespectful events in any official capacity. Please review compliance with the Flag Protection Act of 1989 (USC Title 4), DoD Directive 1344.10 and various state laws on respecting the flag or use of taxpayer funds for political purposes. As most these events are by For-Profit corporations, prudent judgement and legal advice should be exercised before expending public dollars. Refs, coaches, staff should consider boycotting as has already been done.

To All Concerned Persons:

Contrary to news reports, there is absolutely no inherent legal right to free speech in the workplace, whether in the military, sports, or McDonalds.

“One often-heard, but inaccurate, refrain among the talking heads was that the athletes had a "legal right" to peacefully protest in football stadiums across the country because the US Constitution guarantees freedom of speech...The fact is, these athletes do not have the "right" to protest at football games unless their employers consent to the conduct. Their private employers have a legal right under the US Constitution to fire or suspend players who engage in acts of protest on the field during the playing of the National Anthem and the display of Old Glory.”

www.cnn.com/2017/09/26/opinions/first-amendment-football-protest-callan-opinion/index.html

Folks, think this through… if they have a free speech right then it is a right! So the league can’t control which actions (rights) are appropriate or inappropriate. Remember the suspension of the baseball player in the World Series for a racist action? Is that a right? Can any spoiled uneducated brat on the field engage in any free speech; racist, sexist, Pro-Trump, Anti-Trump, sit on the flag. Is there no limit? Let’s keep politics out of sports.

I don’t think these rich spoiled kids know what they are protesting. Thus far the symbolic actions seem to be anti-police and pro Black Lives Matter. An insult to not only veterans but to our thousands of dedicated police officers who daily put their lives on the line. These actions may inspire attacks on the police. Remember Dallas, Texas or have you already forgotten our loss? In 2016, 146 officers lost their lives in the line of duty: real human beings, family members, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. Shame on the NFL, shame on MLB, same on the advertisers!

As this issue spirals out of control I will exercise my rights by not attending any games that disrupt the sport, disrespect the nations’ flag, veterans, dedicated law enforcement officers and ideals that I, my father, and grandfather all fought for. As a VFW life member I’ll pass the word, boycott any team or sponsor and vote with my wallet. I urge others to do the same!

I also don’t rule out exercising my free speech rights on public property to protest and advocate a boycott of any teams and advertisers that support such disrespect. I’ll urge all military and veteran organizations to do likewise. Perhaps your “Military Appreciation Days” actually appreciate our money, not our service. I urge others to consider actively protest at these events.

Not being opposed to compromise, any player not willing to show proper respect to the flag, national anthem and the ideals (however imperfect) of our nation, players and others should simply remain out of sight and off field until the intro ceremony is completed. These that chose to kneel, sit on ice chests, do handstands, spit, stand on their heads, eat, do hula-hoops or who knows what- will not see any of my money.

Again, teams have a right to establish rules of conduct, I have a right to boycott and protest, and a compromise is to allow the member to stay off- field during any ceremony.

We recognize and fought for the rights of spectators to disrespect the flag.

Write these leagues and teams and let them know your thoughts. Vote too with your wallet and yes, cling to your flag and consider organizing active protests in your community at such events. Whether NFL or local sports let them know. Hockey, Soccer, College, High School sports; let them know. Don’t forget the MLB baseball that has thus far remained silent and thus far allowed a player to take a knee. Major or minor league, national or local advertiser, let them know!

Remember too the NFLs indifference to the serious issue of Domestic Battery. It would seem to me that the NFLs only concern is income.

Again this is a slippery slope and if such spoiled brat actions are a right then Katy, bar the door!** Finally I ask the police and veteran groups to show some backbone and take a stance and voice their concern. I thank AMVETS and #PleaseStand for their support on this issue.

Sincerely,

Jeff Church

Retired Police Sergeant & VFW Life Member

*Views those of author, not necessarily those of the VFW, Trump Campaign or any other organization (although they should be!).

** The idiomatic phrase "Katy, bar the door!" (a warning of the approach of trouble).

 

RESPECT OUR FLAG