Thread: NFL Plagued by Empty Seats

Originally Posted by krystian

No one is forcing patriotism, its a sign of respect. When a judge enters a courtroom, regardless of how you feel about that particular judge or even the law itself, everyone is told to and expected to stand.

If you're dining in our 'house' and enjoying the benefits of our country the least you can do is mind your table manners.

Well, I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t know which one is mandated by law. Is standing in respect for a judge a law? I believe that a sheriff can make you leave the court room but there may not be a fine. I think everyone SHOULD stand in respect for the flag, but if they refuse, I’m not sure how it should be handled. One thing I do know is, people can stop watching & going to games (and they have).

Now, burning the flag is another story. Maxine Waters’ protesters burned the American flag in front of her office a few weeks ago at a anti trump rally in California.

Originally Posted by Pentecali

Well, I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t know which one is mandated by law. Is standing in respect for a judge a law? I believe that a sheriff can make you leave the court room but there may not be a fine. I think everyone SHOULD stand in respect for the flag, but if they refuse, I’m not sure how it should be handled. One thing I do know is, people can stop watching & going to games (and they have).

Now, burning the flag is another story. Maxine Waters’ protesters burned the American flag in front of her office a few weeks ago at a anti trump rally in California.

I'm OK with that too. Go ahead and burn it. Whenever I see that I'm reminded of the great liberties that this nation was founded on.

Originally Posted by John

I'm OK with that too. Go ahead and burn it. Whenever I see that I'm reminded of the great liberties that this nation was founded on.

There should be no penalty for a Congressman having the flag burned?

Originally Posted by Pentecali

There should be no penalty for a Congressman having the flag burned?

The remedy is expressing oneself in the voting booth.

Originally Posted by John

The remedy is expressing oneself in the voting booth.

Hear Hear

Originally Posted by Pentecali

You don't think the kneeling has anything to do with it?

I actually don't know. As far as the local teams are concerned, the ticket prices
are enormous, so only fans who are actually fanatical about the team are going
to the games anyway. I can't imagine they'd be put off by a one-minute kneel before the
game begins.

Originally Posted by Pentecali

There should be no penalty for a Congressman having the flag burned?

Actually, the Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that burning the flag cannot be prohibited under the law.
It's a form of political speech, protected by the first amendment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_v._Johnson

I understand the protection of the Constitution, but as the wife of a Viet Nam veteran, I have zero respect for those who choose to show such disrespect for our country. If people hate this country so much, they can go elsewhere.

Originally Posted by curly sue

I understand the protection of the Constitution, but as the wife of a Viet Nam veteran, I have zero respect for those who choose to show such disrespect for our country. If people hate this country so much, they can go elsewhere.

Yep, the last time I went a round or two with flag desecrators was during the Elian Gonzalez fiasco. I was working in Miami at the time and many people were desecrating the flag, flying it upside down, etc. so when I had opportunity to meet the people who were doing it I asked them what would happen in their home country if they did that? I would get a quizzical look and then a reply .. something about jail ... and then... an apology.

I'm free to give you a rash if need be.

Originally Posted by curly sue

I understand the protection of the Constitution, but as the wife of a Viet Nam veteran, I have zero respect for those who choose to show such disrespect for our country. If people hate this country so much, they can go elsewhere.

I understand what you're saying, but I wouldn't necessarily assume that the people doing this
hate the country. It's possible that they love the country but strongly disagree with some of the
things that it is doing. In the 60's, a lot of people strongly disagreed with the Vietnam War, for
example, as I did.

I guess an analogy would be "loving the sinner but hating the sin."

Of course they could find a better way of expressing their disagreement.