CrimsonPhantom
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SEAL Explains Exactly Why Many Americans and Veterans Disagree With Anthem Protests
Quote:Eli Crane, Navy SEAL combat veteran and CEO of Bottle Breacher, indicated to IJR that the love he had for the country had won over the love he had for the game:
After hearing the news that many NFL players are thinking about new ways to protest during the national anthem I know that I am not alone when I say I am so over the NFL and don’t care if I ever watch another game. Thirty years ago, I doubt anyone would have ever predicted my level of disgust with the game I have loved my entire life, seeing as how I was addicted to the sport for most of my life.
I’ll never forget the feeling of being the only kid wearing a Broncos jersey after three major super bowl let downs. Two-a-day practices in my home town of Yuma Arizona, often the hottest place in the country taught me a thing or two about mental toughness and team work.
“I knew at the time that taking my game to the next level would be a long shot, what I didn’t know was that much later in life I would turn my back on the game that consumed much of my time and passion in favor of the country and flag I loved so much more,” he added.
The pain of seeing players protesting while the flag was on the field — the same flag that had been draped over friend's caskets — was what made Crane stop watching games:
It wasn’t Commissioner [Roger Goodell] who made me stop watching games, Colin Kaepernick didn’t do it either. It was the pain I felt inside as I watched so many of these players protest something they can never see through the eyes of someone who has said “Send me.” Some sat on the bench while Old Glory waved on the field while others took a knee.
It doesn’t help that several of my brothers will never watch another game either. Not because they are pissed like I am, because they are dead. They came home covered by this very flag. If you’ve never stood up and said “send me,” you might not understand how it feels to see others take a knee.
The reason I think it bothers me so much is because we weren’t fighting for one group of people. We fought for the freedoms and liberties of all Americans. We didn’t care if your name was Mohamed, Jerome, or Juanita. We could care less if you originated from Nigeria, Mexico City or Sweden. We fought so that more Americans wouldn’t die in sky scrapers or anywhere else going about their daily business trying to live in peace.
“Like these players we were not allowed to say whatever we wanted without consequences. If their employers allow them to hang out in the locker room and protest then have at it. I won’t be tuning in to see it,” Crane continued. “I believe that the most important time to protect and defend the 1st Amendment is when we disagree with others. It’s really easy to preach freedom of speech when we are all in lock step.”
Part of me wants to be angry about what I saw last season and the rumbles I'm hearing about similar protests coming this year. Part of me wishes it didn’t bother me so much, but most of me wishes I could transport these talented young athletes oversees and imbed [sic] them within a combat unit made up of men from all backgrounds and all walks of life to show them what real brotherhood looks like, that freedom isn’t free and that were [sic] all on the same team when we wear that flag on our shoulder.
“I am not sure what my brothers who came home in caskets under that flag would say if they were here to discuss it. What would Charles Keating, Patrick Feeks, JT Tumilson, Adam Smith, and all the rest of them think about this? Would they understand? Would they be angry and feel the hurt,” Crane pondered.
“I know for one thing is sure they would all stand up again and say, 'Send me,'” he said.
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07-27-2018 03:02 PM |
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SuperFlyBCat
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RE: SEAL Explains Exactly Why Many Americans and Veterans Disagree With Anthem Protests
Protesting the Anthem/Flag which can also be a representation of the 1st Amendment is stupid.
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07-27-2018 03:40 PM |
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UCGrad1992
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RE: SEAL Explains Exactly Why Many Americans and Veterans Disagree With Anthem Protests
I think the saddest thing in all of this is the fact that a veteran has to even explain it. That and those protesting the anthem don't care and won't listen anyway. I agree that fans can "vote with their feet" if they so choose and walk away from the NFL.
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07-27-2018 04:32 PM |
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olliebaba
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RE: SEAL Explains Exactly Why Many Americans and Veterans Disagree With Anthem Protests
I'm proud to say that I didn't even watch one game last year. The Cowboys, who by the way are America's Team and for good reason will not take a knee. The boss has spoken and I'll wait until the season starts to see if they stick to their guns. If yes, I might just watch ONLY cowboys games. Problem is the other side will have these suffering snowflakes probably kneeling. That's gonna burn.
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07-27-2018 07:49 PM |
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