9-28-17 The National Anthem
There is a tremendous amount of controversy, derision and division surrounding protests taking place during the National Anthem. From time to time, there have been protests over the years during the National Anthem. None of them have been popular by the majority. Respect is always the overriding issue-the Veterans Administration estimates that some 650,000 of 42 million who served our country have died in battle since the Revolutionary War. They gave their lives that we as citizens can enjoy the benefits of freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. The National Anthem represents our country, the bravery of the men and women who have fought for it, and God's miraculous hand on America.
When people protest during the National Anthem, their message appears to be that something is drastically wrong with our country. They are using the National Anthem to draw attention to what they believe is wrong. To many, there can be nothing so wrong with our country that a time of solemn reverence for those who bravely defended our nation and the many blessings of God upon this country should be interrupted. Many believe there can be no logical connection between what is being protested and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The question often is asked, 'Under what dire circumstances is it appropriate to interrupt such a solemn moment to protest?"
Others say that it doesn't matter because of freedom of speech-that those who sacrificed their lives for our country did so to preserve the very essence of the First Amendment. Certainly, the avenue of protest should always be open. That's one of the ways that we draw attention to wrongs committed in a free society. It's what leads to the preservation of equal rights under the law. The current protests during the National Anthem have gone beyond protesting a "wrong" in our society by becoming a politically charged, party line battle, and the issue that started it is seemingly lost in the rhetoric. The effect has been to divide, arouse anger, name calling, and, as often is the case, alternative agendas.
Here are some observations: Logic, facts, and the venue need to make sense when deciding where, what and how to protest. For love of God and country, and out of respect for those who sacrificed that I may enjoy the benefits of our freedom, I want these protests to end. Also the very true story should be told as to how the protesters are working with law enforcement in their communities to actually solve the problems they are protesting. Leaders in times like these should be statesmen and try to solve issues rather than inflame them. I'm reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God." The argument over the National Anthem's use as a protest venue will never end. Agree or disagree, we need to come together and heal as one nation under God.
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