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Letter to the Editor: Controversy!

I’m talking about some NFL players conducting political demonstrations during the pre-game playing of our National Anthem.

Isn’t it our right as Americans to protest if we wish? Of course it is!

But, in my opinion, this is a big mistake on the part of the players.

Why? Well, this is as divisive as it gets. Most American NFL fans see these things as a war on our cops, the judiciary, and those of us that fought to preserve our country and flag. This, by a bunch of millionaires who can only thank their lucky stars that they were able to work in our wonderful country.

No, they didn’t choose to increase awareness regarding (NFL) domestic violence, or for the countless cops and service men killed in the performance of safeguarding the rest of us.

That being said, there are two salient reasons why this is damaging the NFL big time.

Locker room chemistry. We have some NFL players kneeling, locking arms, arms in air, and those standing at attention during the Anthem. Dissent in the locker room? Of course! How about focusing on football?

And then there’s the captive audience factor. You pay north of $100 for a ticket, and you are subjected to a protest? How about a moment of silence for all the aborted babies the past week? You want to sit through that, too? How about, at that price, just watching football without all the other distractions?

The NFL is running scared. They are severely afraid of being accused of being racist if they don’t play ball, in some way, with the demonstrators. On the other hand, the players are employees, and the owners can certainly dictate their actions while “on the clock.”

These demonstrations do nothing to advance the demonstrators’ viewpoint. It just reinforces the political divide that already is in place. And it reduces the urge to tune in to the NFL.

 

Tom Felhofer

Union, Wis.

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