After reading the Room for Debate "Americans and Their Flags" the discussion between these people really had me thinking. Should people be allowed to kneel during the national anthem? Should the people who do be reprimanded for their actions? How important is our flag to America as a whole?
Sure, America isn't perfect; there's a lot of things that I would like changed in our country. However, this is the country I was born and raised in regardless of who leads it. I personally don't protest myself, but the people who choose to kneel during the national anthem are free to do so thanks to the 1st Amendment and their right to free speech. I mean really, is kneeling during the national anthem that offensive to people?
Although some may not necessarily agree with these people on their viewpoints, can they really be mad at their methods of protest? Sure, our viewpoints are different, but at lease their protests are enacted with a sense of respect. They could be flipping the bird to the flag while shouting over the national anthem to show their protest. Instead, they went with a more peaceful approach by taking a knee, to which a lot of Americans would find more rational opposed to the former. To some people, our flag is just some glorified piece of cloth. But to others, it's a symbol of freedom, unity, and the foundation of what America is supposed to be built upon. A flag of which countless of our nation's soldiers died to protect, a flag of which our parents or grandparent saw a better future for us. America may not be the most perfect country on Earth, but then again, what country is perfect anyways?
How do you feel about our country's flag? Do you agree or disagree with the people who kneel during the national anthem? What aspects of American society do you agree/disagree with?
- Joanne Marie Navarrete
I think kneeling for the flag is disgraceful, yes if technical the 1st amendment allows it. But when you said "I personally don't protest myself, but the people who choose to kneel during the national anthem are free to do so thanks to the 1st Amendment and their right to free speech." The main point I am mentioning is the part when you said you do not protect it yourself. I mention that because the flag is a symbol of our country and everything it stands for(yes pun intended). The rights that we as citizens are given our protected by the military and armed forces, when I stand and say the pledge of allegiance I think of the men and women who have served and who are serving. So when they kneel I think it disgraceful to the soldiers of America and all of Americas ideals. What does the flag symbolize to all of you? I know some of my opinions are not shared and I am curious to know how people see the flag, I do know people who think it as outdated.
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