(08-17-2018, 05:00 AM)JUNGLE CAT 2017 Wrote:

(08-12-2018, 05:17 PM)JaguarKick Wrote: This is so silly.  Standing for the flag is not an act of honoring first responders, nor should it ever be.

People should be allowed to protest if that's what they want to do.

Re-read the announcement. The Dolphins stipulated to the union partners that they would require all players to participate in the national anthem. The union is effectively PROTESTING the Miami Dolphins. 

If first responders feel standing for our flag is an act that honors them who is to judge their worthiness to be honored?

Standing for the flag is a act of honoring first responders. Keep in mind that typically first responders are devoted, civic-minded servants of We, the people, and their bravery day in and day out is a source of patriotic pride for all of us. Many are actually former U.S. armed forces personnel. Many maintain their military training as national guard reserves.

Over the years I can recall UNARMED first responding fire and rescue personnel brave live rounds being fired at them as they attempt to save lives. 

Maybe you don't share the sense of appreciation like me. Perhaps you've never appreciably needed the professional first responders like me. They come when you need them.

If first responders care to express standing for the national anthem brings them honor as it does for our uniformed armed service personnel, the vast majority of American don't have a bunch of hang-ups which might prevent them from participating in the national anthem devotional.

I don't know that it was stipulated to the PBA, but ownership triggered a bunch of hullaballoo before the owner meetings in making a public statement that they would require players to stand, in support of the league mandate that those on the sideline must stand, and any sitters, kneelers, nosepickers and daydreamers would have to stay in the locker room.

The league stepped back on the mandate at the conclusion of the owner meetings.

I have a feeling the PBA read into the statements more than anyone had a direct conversation with the owner or GM regarding how players would conduct themselves before purchasing a block of tickets for their association.

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