To Stand, or Not to Stand

Posted on 09.25.2017

To Stand, or Not to Stand

The controversy about professional athletes refusing to stand for the playing of our National Anthem, has reached the highest office in the land, and while I�m not sure that�s the proper venue for the airing out of such a divisive issue, sooner or later it�s going to have to come to a head, and what the ramifications will be, are still not clear at this time.

My feelings are that to respect the flag and the anthem does not mean you respect or condone every slight or injustice that takes place in the nation they represent, but, and especially in such a public venue, you are showing that you do respect the freedoms we enjoy as a people and the ones who have given and even currently risking their lives to ensure that we stay a free and sovereign nation.

In a ceremony that many times involves a military color guard, a fly over or some other symbol of our military, disrespecting the flag, the banner they fought under and the anthem that was played when they were sent off to war, cuts deep in the veteran population.

The players may say they mean no disrespect to veterans, but many veterans are not taking it that way at all, and a short hop through the internet could bear me out.

And if the protests are meant to garner support for the causes they espouse, they seem to have the opposite effect as the latest polls show and that 70 percent of the American public are not happy with the players kneeling or sitting during �The Star-Spangled Banner.�

There are even those who refuse to go to or even watch a game on television, and with the NFL�s recent ratings and attendance dip, this can�t be good news for a sport which has dominated the airwaves for a quarter century or so.

And there is another consideration.

I consider myself a dyed in the wool football fan, I watch the college games on Saturday and dive into my Sunday Ticket channels on Sunday and, work time allowing, watch Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football and chomping at the bit by the time the weekend rolls around again.

But, even a football junkie like me has to wonder if the NFL has not reached a tipping point, an over saturation, such a ready availability that any novel appeal has been rubbed off and that the broadcaster�s foray into political and social comment is an irritating pill to swallow.

Have we reached a point in America that even a sporting event has to be politicized?

We are bombarded with news reports, news flashes, news alerts, fake news, twenty-four hours a day and in this age of commentators, talking heads and guests seeking to sway opinions one way or another, we face constant sensory overload, constantly broadsided by not just the news but the dissection, coloring and spinning of the facts.

Can we not even watch a sports event, which used to be sacrosanct territory where we could escape the ever-present political blabber and enjoy a couple of hours of excitement and entertainment?

The upshot will probably not be the �killing of the golden goose,� but could well result in the severe wounding as a significant portion of NFL revenue comes from television and if ratings fall enough, since the networks, no matter how sympathetic they may appear, are in it for the money and if they can make more by dropping professional football and broadcasting a tiddlywinks tournament, they will do so.

NFL owners are also in it for the money, and if enough season ticket buyers drop their ticket subscriptions and corporate entities begin to give up their expensive luxury boxes, if TV revenue shrinks and the grandstands are only half full on Sunday, the owners will no longer afford to pay the exorbitant salaries a fiscal domino theory goes into effect, the bloom could fall of the professional football rose in a hurry.

Is this going to happen?

I certainly hope not.

Only time will tell.

What do you think?

Pray for our troops our police and the peace of Jerusalem.

God Bless America

� Charlie Daniels

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Feel free to comment on Charlie's soapboxes, but please refrain from profanity and anonymous posts are not allowed, we need a name and you MUST provide a valid email address. If you provide an email address, but leave the name as "Anonymous" we will pick a name for you based on your email address. No one other than website administrators will see your email address, not other posters. If you post without a valid email address, your comment (whether positive or negative) will be deleted. � TeamCDB

Comments

NFL

Excellent, refreshing and smart !! Charlie Daniels is an "All American Original" and in our home, we love him !!
Posted by Iplay

Disrespecting Our Flag

I know I am Only 1. I was wearing some form of Seattle Seahawks attire everyday since Aug.30th. I am 12...Huge Fan of The Seahawks. As of yesterday I can No Longer Represent Them. Disrespecting Our Flag.Our National Anthem!!!! I Can't be a Part of it. This World's in Big Trouble. I wanted to Thank YOU Mr.Daniels for Standing True ... I watched you on Tv today. You changed the words on 1 of your songs .From Pittsburgh Steelers to Dallas Cowboys.. I am no youngster,I am a Grandma and I Love Our Country. God Bless You and God Bless Our United States of America..
Posted by Susan

I will stand

I'm hoping that the NFL will come to their senses and stand for the flag and for the anthem. I believe that there are much better ways to protest. And at the same time bring our country together as one.
Posted by Rhonda

Stand or Go

Amen , Amen & Amen Charlie a well written soapbox as usual. I'm behind the President on this one, stand or be fired. In some ways it is a shame that it is being politicized, however I like what Richard Petty and Richard Childress of NASCAR said of their sport. Dale JR. has broken ranks which leaves me as sad as when I heard of his retirement. Protest on your own time and dime. You will never see Charlie Daniels making political statements at his concerts, that is what his soapbox, facebook and twitter accounts are for. nuff said God Bless Plowboy nuff said God Bless Plowboy
Posted by Plowboy

One Pittsburgh Steeler Standing for the Flag

You might need to write another verse for "In America" that talks about Alejandro Villanueva, the only Steeler to stand for the same flag he fought for. The song talks about Steeler fans, but says nothing about their cowardly, rich players, or their apparently racist coach, who thinks respecting the team is more important than respecting the flag.
Posted by Fred

To stand!

We should not forget the beheading of people in the hands of the enemy. .. people. .. who took a knee for the last time. .. really ! We live in a amazing country! How bout you think before you act!
Posted by Shawn

To Stand or Not To Stand

I agree. Thank you Charlie!
Posted by Ann

The wrong bum

The statements by our POTUS are puzzling as the kneeling prior to sporting events was not in reference to the military. The POTUS who disrespected the military by insulting a POW stating that he appreciates the soldiers that don't get caught is the true bum that should get of the field and be fired.
Posted by Paul

To Stand, or Not to Stand

As always, Mr. Daniels has offered up a thoughtful and articulate position. I couldn�t agree more � well done. Oh, and GO BLUE!
Posted by Rick

Anthem

Beautifully written. Perfect. Thank you for EVERYTHING you do.
Posted by Darrell

Stand

It is now and will always be our duty to salute, stand at attention, remove our hats and cover our hearts and shed a tear while looking at ole glory while that precious song is being played
Posted by Jim

To stand or not to stand

Nice article, the same conclusion my son and I have. I don't watch much football but do go to Green Bay occasionally. I hope calmer heads will prevail, keep praying for all !
Posted by Jon

To Stand or Not

Well done.
Posted by Annabell

Nail on the Head!

You always put everything in its proper perspective and prove a head of reason is always the wisest choice. Something this bunch of hot head, over paid yahoos who think their opinion should count for anything if they can't set great unbiased images for our youngsters who look up to them so much. For their earnings they owe it to this country and ESPECIALLY the youth of this country that the voice of reason should rule. I hate what has happened but, after being an avid Titans follower since day 1, whether they were winning or losing, that ended with this act. Everything I own (clothing, cups, glasses, car flags, hats and lots more junk) has been chucked into file 13. And I will never buy any of our mine grandsons or six sons anything with NFL or Titans on it again. They dishonored the millions of men and women who have sacrificed their sons and daughters who fought to give them the very privileged they spat upon. They dishonored all those soldiers and the families who sacrificed so much time away from their lives ones, including me who had Uncles, Father, brother, nephews, cousins, and most importantly, my sons and husband. We nearly lost 2 sons. One in Iraq and another twice in Afghanistan. So for this bunch of engrats who only fought over a ball to insult this nation while living the life styles they do by being paid the salaries they are and not show patriotism to all who did, they are gone from my life. I will teach my grandchildren to honor the true heroes in this country....our soldiers, men in blue and fire fighters. God bless the USA.
Posted by Martha

Well said!!

God Bless you Charlie Daniels! God Bless our troops and this country!!
Posted by T

Thank You

Thank you Charlie, once again you are correct. Most level headed Americans understand exactly what you said and want to say it themselves.
Posted by Buford

The nfl

I've listened to your music for some time. Well said. Thank you even more of a fan.
Posted by Chuck

Stand for America, not the NFL

The NFL contract already REQUIRES them to stand for the National Anthem. A contract every NFL player has signed. Donald Trump knows this very well. Charles Daniels is right on. Great in concert to!
Posted by Craig

Standing for respect

Agree with you wholeheartedly Mr Daniels. There are other ways. I actually live in Australia am a dyed in the eye Aussie. Love my rugby league and do enjoy thr N. F. L. On a side note I was lucky enough to have met you in the late 90s in Canberra
Posted by Peter

NFL

Charlie, you nailed it!
Posted by Ronald

False narrative

I believe all this is based on the false narrative of hands up don't shoot. Anyone who believes cops go to work with intentions to assassinate a group of people is ridiculous. Pc SJW culture has ruined everything. From Hollywood to sports. I feel bid the players want to help use your fame and fortune to help these poverty stricken area's. Kneeling might as well spit in the faces of millions who watch and pay for the game. It's absurd to think our country is more racist now than in the Jim Crow days and slavery. FBI crime stats and other law enforcement web stats don't fit the narrative the left is spewing. Reason I bring all this up is due to the fact of how all this started. False narratives and blatant lies. This is only further dividing us as a nation. I worry this will end up spinning out of control and starting a race war if it keeps going. The left have called all out war on white people., Men, religion, family values, and religion. I ask when will all this end??.
Posted by Mike

NFL

I believe the day of high paid sports athlete will come to an end soon. I was a huge NFL fan from when I was in middle school till about three years ago, I am 49 yrs old. I have been completely done with sporting event, music concerts, and movies which are all high priced. I wait till movies come out on DVD and get them free from the library. NFL has let their players go way too far and fans are not accepting it. The US is fighting itself and the only people who are getting hurt is each other.
Posted by Gail

NFL

So many people are sleeping in America. After all of the effort put into America over the past two plus centuries I think too many people are not awake to the possibility that all could be lost. The NFL is merely a symptom. I see a government that is infested with non-elected people who are not interested in the will of the people. I only hope that the people will wake up and see the problem in time to fix it. If the people do not wake up soon it could become a nightmare. GOD BLESS AMERICA! AGAIN!
Posted by Bill

Disrespecting the USA

I stand with C. Daniels on this and will not watch any sport or buy any thing with their logo on while they insult the USA.
Posted by LANIE

anthem protests

my 96 year old ww2 veteran father died one month ago and recieved his flag that he wanted for years by haveing his military funeral. It is one of the most precious things that I own of my fathers .As much as i miss my father I am glad he is not here to see the mess that is happening in sports today This needs to stop
Posted by Ronnie

To stand or not

as a veteran on behalf of myself and all the other veterans I would like to thank you for your comments you have the arena to say what many of us feel but don't have the exposure as you do. You sir are truly an American and we will all remember what you have done. Thank you again
Posted by Joe

Stand, or not to stand

Thank you Mr. Daniels for your very clear thoughts on these players intruding their political opinions on what was once a day to forget all about the problems of the week. I have greatly scaled back my NFL intake and will continue to do so until we can get back to ONLY football.
Posted by Jim

Players Kneeling During the National Anthem

I whole heartedly agree with your blog. As an American and a veteran, I'm disgusted with the NFL for supporting this behavior. While I look forward all year to football season, I love my nation more than the game and have no intention of watching professional football nor attending any games until they put a cap on disrespecting this country and all that it provides them.
Posted by Mark

National Disrespect - A National Disgrace

My skin is brown passed on by ancestors who were native to this land long before Columbus - but recognizing what AMERICA means to me, to my family, to the world I take great pride in my service as a Veteran, and my blood still runs RED, WHITE and BLUE. To those complaining about injustice and disrespecting this nation, what have YOU done to improve whatever particular situation you THINK you've seen?Sitting on your knee means nothing . If you're so concerned, quit playing games with your citizenship, spend some time to realize why so many people would give their life to have YOUR place in America and use some of your millions to affect the change you want to see. AMERICA, Ohhhhh say can you seeeee, there is NO COMPARISON So glad to be counted among her citizens, Marie
Posted by Marie

NFL

I to am a football junkie. I LOVE the college games on Saturday and watched as many NFL games as I could and even go back and watch replays on those I missed....but my ancestors came here in 1630's. My ancestors fought in every war this country was ever involved in including my Dad and late husband. I am so hurt by this I can't even explain. I would like every veteran in the families of these guys take them aside, tell them about patriotism then smack 'em in the head..real hard to get their attention. I'll be watching MLS and college replays on Sunday now. Bye Bye NFL....
Posted by Paula

Thank you

I stand by you and our flag . I grew up respecting our flag and putting it first always and for the left libs they just don't get it and they hate us for that respect we show it .
Posted by Tia

From a former National Guardsman

Well written, Charlie! Thanks for speaking out on this.
Posted by T. R. Post

The NFL post

Mr. Daniel's, Thank you for your post. I and many of my friends have decided to stop watching games until all players, coaches, and owners start respecting the flag and our country again. God bless you, God bless our veterans, God bless our troops and God bless the USA!
Posted by Dan

National Anthem

Charlie, I totally agree. I've been listening to you saw that fiddle for over 44 years and I have always applauded your unabashed patriotism. I lost my closest friend of 34 years recently. A Green Beret who served our country for over 21 years. I called him every Veteran's Day to thank him for his service. He always responded thank you for making it worthwhile. We ALL have a duty to thank them for their service and to make it worthwhile. God Bless America! And STAND out of respect!!!!!! Thank you, Sir.
Posted by Chuck

America

You have always been a true American. I thank you for speaking up..and God bless you..
Posted by Roger

anthem

STOP PLAYING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. PROBLEM SOLVED.
Posted by chris

CDB

As a fan for decades; I went to see the CDB at the Bergen PAC in Englewood, N.J. last year, with my cousin, 2 Godsons and their girlfriends. These 6 fans think you are an awesome guitarist, an amazing fiddle player, a prolific songwriter, a fantastic singer, and a dynamic performer; as well as a TRUE PATRIOT! The band is polished and incredible as well. Come back to N.J. soon Charlie!
Posted by Tom

Oops

And yet there are many veterans that are perfectly okay with this. In fact, I can point you to one who really defines what respect means and what being a soldier and veteran is. It explains why those veterans and soldiers are right. Maybe you should read what he is saying so you can know what it means too and I would task anyone who thinks he is wrong with showing how he is wrong. https://www.stonekettle.com/2016/09/respect-colin-kaepernick-extended-cut.html
Posted by Todd

Pray for the Vets

22 Veterans commit suicide every day.
Posted by Jesse

NFL

You are too easy on that bunch of losers. They need penalized.
Posted by Mari

NFL protest

God bless you Charlie. Our commitment to this country a should be almost as sacred as our commitment to God himself
Posted by Craig

NFL

Well said!
Posted by jack

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