You might have seen an NFL game or two over the weekend. You may or may not have noticed some of the players kneeling during the national anthem. Players are doing so to combat issues such as racial discrimination and police brutality. While many support this cause, the other side is appalled by the kneeling and believe it's a complete show of disrespect towards the United States and its troops. One of those opposed is president Donald Trump. He took to Twitter to express his opinion, stating that kneeling was "not acceptable". While president Trump has every right to comment and express his opinion its coming at a time where we're on the brink of war and Puerto Rico is in need of serious attention.
I personally believe that Trump should allow NFL players to protest how they want and make actions to help solve the issues being protested, instead of turning the issues on them. He argues that they shouldn't be able to protest at work, but I believe they should use their platform to spread awareness. I also believe he should be focusing on our issues with North Korea and helping Puerto Rico after the devastating hurricane.
Do you think Trump should be calling out protesting players? Should the players be banned from protesting at work? What should President Trumps main focus be on right now?
3 comments:
The right to kneel during the national anthem is protected under the Constitution, and just because one is at their place of work does not mean they've waived that right. Regardless of what he should be doing (and with respect to that, I completely agree with you), he can't restrict them from their freedom of speech, because freedom of speech applies to symbolic speech as well.
A common argument made against kneeling during the anthem is, "people shouldn't put politics in sports." First of all, they seem to ignore that the defense department has paid the NFL millions to put on patriotic displays. Second of all, if politics don't belong in sports, then tell Trump to be quiet! Kneeling during the anthem had died down before his tweet and speech, but exploded as an issue afterward.
I agree that Donald Trumps main focus right now should be North Korea and Puerto Rico. If people want to raise awareness for what is important to them, then they legally have the right to do so. Their rights are protected as freedom of speech. Donald Trump should focus on Puerto Rico and raise awareness for a country that could possibly go without water and power for a year.
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