(09-25-2017, 05:04 PM)B2hibry Wrote: Oh, the irony of protesting the anthem of a country that worked to establish independence and abolished slavery, then you stand respectfully during the anthem of a former ruling country that introduced it to the Americas. How twisted.

America endorsed slavery and used slaves from its inception.  England didn't.

England abolished slavery before America did.

Even after slavery, it was another 100 years before black Americans had equal rights.

It's literally been a single generation since African Americans were granted equal rights.  Black communities still suffer the after effects of being forced to live in poverty by oppressive policies.  The idea from many seems to be "Yeah, we enslaved you, but we also set you free.  You should be thankful and stop talking about it so much!"  It's a little bit more difficult to get over than that.

There are deep issues still at the heart of what's going on in America, and peaceful protests of millionaire athletes are now creating more dialogue about that than ever.  They have every right to protest.  Yes, exercising your freedom of speech at work carries consequences, but it's clear their employers are supportive of their actions.

I respect Villaneuva's right to do the opposite just as much as I respect the rights of all the players to protest.  That's what's so great about this country--that nobody can silence you.

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