Here’s why we should respect our flag and the national anthem. The respect we give to the flag and the national anthem is a silent thanks to this person who is sitting there feeling a need to protect you. Think of it like a contract. You are able to stay safe at your home and sip your coffee because someone is patriotic enough to man the gates. These people have sworn to protect your life with their life, whether the threat comes from other humans or volcanoes, rivers, animals.
The one and only thing that would make them take such a drastic oath is patriotism. These people would make their bodies a bridge and would never let you drown because they care about their country so much. The world is a brutally dangerous place. These patriotic people provide a facade of calmness for you, so that you might have the comfort of asking this question.
At times of anarchy, when patriotism evaporates, you will see the world in its real form. Look up the history of failed states or lands with no organized societies. Armies would loot, plunder and rape. A professional army that is built on patriotism would seldom do that. When you look up your flag with respect, you are somewhat satisfying your side of the contract. Thus, when you stop paying respect to your nation, while still expecting to be protected like any other citizen, you are just being a hypocrite, (excerpt from Quora.com written by Balaji Viswanathan, an engineer).
NFL organizations and players are hypocrites by allowing the disrespect to continue! The NFL wants to be protected so they can sip their lattes and reap their large salaries but fail to acknowledge the people who provide those protections. Honoring our national flag and anthem honors the people who put their lives at risk every day for everyone.
I have watched and supported the NFL since I was a very small boy and my father would cheer on his team with me on his knee. For 60 years, I have thought of NFL players as heroes demonstrating to our youth that they, too, can accomplish so much. I am a veteran and served for eight years in the Air Force.
Now, for the first time since I started to watch the NFL, I feel betrayed and ashamed to watch any NFL game. You no longer have my support!
Ed Barnett is a resident of Kailua-Kona.