Disrespect is like cancer, eating away at the foundation of this country!
In lieu of war, the common man of today has substituted gaming. Anything that is competitive, combative, and fast action, the more physical the better. Some turn to video games of war and eminent annihilation, while others turn to sports to get their adrenal glands flowing. It is the latter of these groups I would like to address. In the recent year or so, the sports teams have shown a gross disrespect of our Nation’s flag, song, and standards. They have misguidedly mistaken their place of employment as a political platform, where they are to be seen by cameras intended for entertainment of all ages. Their blatant disrespect has been seen by innocent young children, who, not understanding why the action was taken, look to emulate these successful players. My knee jerk reaction to this is shame on them! But as I take a more reflective look at this problem, I see the roots go deeper than most people imagine.
It started with a player who lived a life of privilege, yet found a way to shine in the spotlight, not for his abilities on the field, but his ability for unabashed disrespect. You see, this man took no effort off the field to right any wrongs he felt his fellow-man was suffering. But if the spotlight could shine on him, he would be brighter himself. He now cries that his career suffered because of blackballing, and not for his low-level performances.
It, like cancer, spread through the NFL, and other sports teams, as some sort of malignant tumor, tainting every game played with an unease emanating from the stands. The Veterans in the stands felt as if they had just been spat upon.
These players have taken everything this country had to offer them, and still ask for more. One million dollars a game, to spout hatred and their own personal political opinions. Why do their opinions matter, because they can throw, hit, kick or whack a ball, puck or pigskin? Our children were watching while some parents sat by, engrossed in the game, not realizing what was happening to their child’s young mind and morals.
One display of dishonorable and deplorable behavior was performed by the Seattle Seahawks. They found humor in staying in their locker room for laughs during the national Anthem . They choose to dishonor same flag that ensured the freedom to play their sport game, while blood soaked the ground of the freedom fighters. In my humble opinion, if anyone still has any character out there in this world, this or any other team would be boycotted. Anyone with any concerns for their children or the future of this country, should consider this the outrage it is!
People, wake up and realize opposing views of political parties, does not make it okay to burn the American Flag, or kneel during the National Anthem. These are the things that unite us as a Nation and make us stronger! We can have likes and dislikes for people in politics, but we should be first and foremost, ONE NATION UNDER GOD! Don’t let your children idolize Olympiads, NFL, NBA, and ABA, NHL or any other associated player of any sports. They play games!!!! Is that really who you want your children to idolize? Billy Graham did more for all the people of this world in his life, than all the sports players put together. From where I sit, most athletes who took the money for playing the games, money for sponsorships, and the million dollar endorsements, are whinny, coddled, and spoiled brats, who still found something to complain about! But, hey, if that is who you want to raise your children to emulate, go for it!
As parents we need to teach our children to respect hard work, and that includes those who work hard at sports. Be careful to separate hero-worship from the hard work it took to get to a place excellence. Make your children understand what a gift freedom is, and the blood that was shed to ensure it. To never disrespect Ole Glory or the National Anthem, which are representatives of that freedom, and this Nation. Teach them that men like Billy Graham served with unwavering fidelity, to God and the Bible, whom this country was founded under! Now there is a hero!
We as authors can either be part of the problem or part of the solution to the moral corruption of this country. Complacency and a short memory is part of the disrespect going on in this country. We have enjoyed both religious freedom and ethical human rights in this country. Those freedoms and rights were paid for with blood, sweat and tears. Let us be the voice of reason and sanity in these troubled times! Don’t let the Settle Seahawks, or any other club or affiliations show such disrespect without standing up for this country and against such behavior! We must be the voice of reason! We are after all, ONE NATION UNDER GOD!!
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
I Thessalonians 5:22
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Proverbs 22:3
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
I Corinthians 15:33-34
But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.
And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.
Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
Psalms 106:35-37
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
Proverbs 22:3-4