Honoring America and our National Anthem

Over the last week we have seen America in action in the face of Hurricane Harvey. Not any of those reaching out to help or to be helped in Texas or Louisiana cared about the gender, color of skin, or politics of the person that touched their lives. In times of trouble, Americans come together to help those in need. It’s that tribute to the better nature of our citizens that we rise to honor every time we join together to sing our National Anthem. 

Of course, our country can always be improved, but our Anthem and Pledge speak of America’s aspirations as a people. It doesn’t in any way condone or endorse its abuses-past or present. At the same time, such shared patriotism helps us acknowledge how far we have come.

Columnist Shawn Mitchell summarized it well: “Yes, America has slavery, Jim Crow, and discrimination in its history. But consider that America and England led the global fight against slavery. Consider that this nation fought a Civil War, adopted three Constitutional Amendments, passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and established Equal Opportunity Offices in state and federal governments across the land, all to spot and prosecute unlawful discrimination.”

Once again, Colin Kaepernick’s choice to kneel during the national anthem and his failure to be picked up by any NFL team is in the news. Other players have kneeled or raised their fists in protest. There is talk of fan boycotts and counter-boycotts supporting Kaeprnick or opposing the growing protest.

There is no question that football players and citizens have the right not to stand for our National Anthem. But tolerance does not require approval.

Read more at Townhall