Saints players and other key sports and public figures are angry at Drew Brees for his anthem comments (1 Viewer)

[sammymvpknight]

But the flag issue does push people apart. Wouldn't it be smarter to eliminate that issue and find a better way? I'm all for stopping injustice of any kind, but lets leave the anthem and the flag out of it. Think how strong we could be if we were able to get past an issue that divides us.

But it’s important that people show empathy and love toward others. You have to be a little bit more sensitive when people are suffering emotionally. And who is suffering? We all are. In the past few months we’ve endured a historically unique challenge with COVID, then witness a horrific display of police brutality (which shook up America, and especially the African American community), then we have to live through countrywide riots. It’s just exhausting, and it’s completely reasonable for African Americans to be absolutely spent at this time. So why unnecessarily pile in? I’m not saying that the flag debate should forever be forgotten but there is a time and place for everything. I’m a bit disappointed that Drew decided to comment on the topic...it’s just not the time. But I don’t hate Drew, nor do I hate police officers, nor do I hate those who are rioting/looting. I’m a veteran, I love my country. And I believe that our country deserves a moment to breath and just develop a better understanding of everyone and more love.

 

[Usmfan84]

Are you seriously trying to say cancel culture isn't a thing? Do we have to remind you of Kevin Hart and the groupthink that propagates on Twitter?

Yeah I'm actually confused as to what he's arguing about with me. Is he claiming that Drew Brees should stop it with the dog whistling?

Because I'm not dog whistling anything. I just simply stated that people are looking to end a good man. If he's claiming that "cancel" culutre doesn't exist he's very wrong. Many people have lost jobs over the last 2 years becauuse of things they said or beliefs.

 

[Heathen Saint]

So first off, we all can engage in thoughtful dialogue without getting too caught up in an emotional response. I respect Drew's opinion and see why he may think the way he does. Having said that, I could not disagree more with Drew Brees.

"I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America"

First off, it may be a worthless cloth to some or a symbol of everything that everyone who ever fought and died for America to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. But when Brees talks about 'disrespecting' an object, I feel that he is not getting it -- that he is already missing the point.

It has been explained time and again that there is no disrespect at all wanted to go to any military or citizen member that has pride in the flag. The goal was never to disrespect anyone. In fact, Kaepernick himself explained to a soldier back when he was playing that he wanted to protest but wanted to do so in a respectful manner, thus the kneeling.

It really is telling that in America today we are outraged over a few men kneeling more so than the plight that Black Americans continually go through and try to address. Every protest is or call to action is met with mocking disapproval by huge numbers of white Americans who both don't want to hear about it in 'their sports time' (since when did it become about you, sunshine?) and aren't open to the FACT that black Americans still suffer unequal treatment. This wouldn't even be a story if people stood in solidarity with those protesting instead of antagonized it.

We should also note that Sean Payton is a big advocate of players protesting, just to get some context. I don't know if it's that Brees can't get past his emotions tied to the gesture and song or what. It's a bit surprising.

 

[DerrickB]

Here we go

 

[football]

But it’s important that people show empathy and love toward others. You have to be a little bit more sensitive when people are suffering emotionally. And who is suffering? We all are. In the past few months we’ve endured a historically unique challenge with COVID, then witness a horrific display of police brutality (which shook up America, and especially the African American community), then we have to live through countrywide riots. It’s just exhausting, and it’s completely reasonable for African Americans to be absolutely spent at this time. So why unnecessarily pile in? I’m not saying that the flag debate should forever be forgotten but there is a time and place for everything. I’m a bit disappointed that Drew decided to comment on the topic...it’s just not the time. But I don’t hate Drew, nor do I hate police officers, nor do I hate those who are rioting/looting. I’m a veteran, I love my country. And I believe that our country deserves a moment to breath and just develop a better understanding of everyone and more love.

I agree and the media just love a good drama story and we are all taking the bait for it.

 

[SystemShock]

Are you seriously trying to say cancel culture isn't a thing? Do we have to remind you of Kevin Hart and the groupthink that propagates on Twitter?

And where is Kevin Hart now?

 

[sm504]

I have to say - I don't think Drew understands what the kneeling is all about. It's my understanding that Kaepernick consulted with a retired green beret about how to best protest while still respecting the flag, and kneeling was advised. This shows he was thinking critically about the best way to handle it while still honoring those who sacrificed so much for this country.

And really - since when has kneeling become a sign of disrespect? We kneel before God when we pray. Are we disrespecting the Almighty?

Now if players grabbed their crotch or turned their backs on the flag, I would feel differently. I respect his regard for our nation, his family, and our vets, but Drew doesn't seem to be contextualizing this properly at all. This just made me sad.

I understand that Kaep was well intentioned by consulting a veteran, but I do think it’s a bit like the “my black friend is cool with me saying the n word” argument. Speaking as a veteran, I don’t think we’re the authority on what is or isn’t offensive, but I just don’t like the argument about one vet saying it’s fine so it must be. That being said, I do think it was a little tone deaf for Drew to not have a more nuanced take given current events.

 

[KCWhoDat]

I remember a few years ago when a lone Pittsburgh Steelers came out alone to stand for the flag and he was heavily criticized for that. Piss me off that people have to follow a trend or else be out casted and label something else.

I agree. He was chastised...a former special forces soldier.

 

[nola0723]

I would imagine Drew has earned at least a phone call for everything he's done for MT, the city, the team, and the cause itself. I love how the rest of the interview is being completely ignored as well. That isn't "kid gloves" to me, that's simple respect for a friend and teammate.

Even disregarding the "not asking anything of Drew" like he hasn't given the better part of 20 years and millions of dollars for this city when it was at it's lowest point, when he's honestly giving an honest and what was just 2 weeks ago a completely reasonable answer to a question, he shouldn't be treated like this.

Not asking anything of him regarding this issue. I'm not cancelling Drew. I can see a man for more than a 20 second sound bite. Especially this man. But I can also acknowledge that in THIS instance, it's necessary to ask more of him. Maybe he should be picking up a phone to listen to his teammates right now. His love for flag and country is well-documented. His respect for our troops is second to none. But in THIS moment, he should listen. And not fall for the bait from the media regarding kneeling...which no player even does anymore.

 

[Heathen Saint]

Astonishing how everything he's done for New Orleans is just dimissed so abruptly. Over a simple matter of personal opinion that I'm sure black players all over the league share.

Interesting. Would you mind posting some names of all these 'black players all over the league' that think the kneeling is disrespectful?

 

[mither_rome]

I was debating whether to post this, but I think everyone is ignoring the one problem. Feel free to move this post if needed.
Trump will move and twist any form of protest to fit him and his re-election campaign.
Until he’s out of office, he’ll use any opportunity to help himself.

Any form of protest, and people will complain. The only thing that some folks will be pleased with is silent acquiescence to their cultural advantage, which has never won a right or a war for anyone suffering oppression in the entirety of world history.

 

[sammymvpknight]

So first off, we all can engage in thoughtful dialogue without getting too caught up in an emotional response. I respect Drew's opinion and see why he may think the way he does. Having said that, I could not disagree more with Drew Brees.



First off, it may be a worthless cloth to some or a symbol of everything that everyone who ever fought and died for America to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. But when Brees talks about 'disrespecting' an object, I feel that he is not getting it -- that he is already missing the point.

It has been explained time and again that there is no disrespect at all wanted to go to any military or citizen member that has pride in the flag. The goal was never to disrespect anyone. In fact, Kaepernick himself explained to a soldier back when he was playing that he wanted to protest but wanted to do so in a respectful manner, thus the kneeling.

It really is telling that in America today we are outraged over a few men kneeling more so than the plight that Black Americans continually go through and try to address. Every protest is or call to action is met with mocking disapproval by huge numbers of white Americans who both don't want to hear about it in 'their sports time' (since when did it become about you, sunshine?) and aren't open to the FACT that black Americans still suffer unequal treatment. This wouldn't even be a story if people stood in solidarity with those protesting instead of antagonized it.

We should also note that Sean Payton is a big advocate of players protesting, just to get some context. I don't know if it's that Brees can't get past his emotions tied to the gesture and song or what. It's a bit surprising.

One day I’ll discuss why many find it to be offensive, decisive, and ultimately not in the best interest of our country...but it’s not the time.

 

[neurotik]

The National Anthem is a patriotic song that symbolizes America’s core value: freedom. Therefore, it’s important for men and women to know the rules established under US Code 301 for showing respect in conduct when it is performed.
Proper Anthem Protocol Order for Civilians
(military personnel see this)

• Stand
• Face the Flag
• Remove Your Hat
• Place Right Hand Over Your Heart
• Did You Know?
• National Anthem Lyrics

Stand
Before the National Anthem begins, crowds will usually be asked to stand. Why stand? It is a sign of appreciation for our nation and its core values. Is standing for the National Anthem a law? No, it is not mandatory. But Americans owe a great debt to those who have paid the ultimate price to win and protect our freedom, which is why it’s important to follow proper etiquette and stand for the Anthem. The entire Anthem should only last for a couple of minutes, so standing isn’t going to leave you “winded.”
Face the Flag
Many people assume that they should face the person who is singing the National Anthem, but this isn’t necessarily true. If there’s an American Flag being displayed — and there usually is — you should face it instead. If there is not a flag on display, you should face the person whom is singing the National Anthem, giving them your full attention.
Remove Your Hat
If you are wearing a hat, you should remove it for the duration of the National Anthem (unless it’s being worn for religious purposes). This tradition goes back more than a century, a time when wearing a hat indoors was considered rude.
Place Right Hand Over Your Heart
Next, place your right hand over your heart. Assuming you are wearing a hat, remove it with your right hand and place it over your heart.
What About Military Service Men and Women?
Military service men and women should perform the military salute at the beginning of the National Anthem, holding this posture until the end.
That concludes the steps you need to do to show respect when the national anthem is played.
Did You Know?
Here’s a fun fact that not many people know: the Star Spangled Banner had been around for 75 years before it became the National Anthem. It wasn’t until 1889 when Secretary of the Navy Benjamin F. Tracy signed an order to make the Star Spangled Banner the official tune for raising the American flag. Fast forward to 1916 and President Woodrow Wilson declared the Star Spangled Banner to be played at military events and other occasions as well.

"The National Anthem is a patriotic song that symbolizes America’s core value: freedom."

A country isn't free if a portion of its population is being discriminated against by law officers that are paid to protect them. Until those people are treated equally, the gesture of standing during the anthem is an empty one.

 

[jrdbrn]

Im assuming Mike is saying that we have it wrong and he is not attacking Drew.

MT was literally tweeting as soon as a DB tweet was posted by the media.

 

[Heathen Saint]

But the flag issue does push people apart. Wouldn't it be smarter to eliminate that issue and find a better way? I'm all for stopping injustice of any kind, but lets leave the anthem and the flag out of it. Think how strong we could be if we were able to get past an issue that divides us.

I also wonder for those who think taking away the whole national anthem before games thing is unthinkable -- are they just as adamant about making schools stand for the pledge of allegiance again?

I don't know, man. I love this country more than any other, but I get a sense of contrived nationalism sometimes from all this.