How did a one time protest by a 3rd rate quarterback come to this? He didn’t kneel for freedom, he did it as a way to get his job! He didn’t start by kneeling either! This is ridiculous.
NASCAR Team owners have announced they will be firing people that kneel.
“Richard Childress, who was Dale Earnhardt’s longtime team owner, said of protesting, “It’ll get you a ride on a Greyhound bus.” Childress says he told his team that “anybody that works for me should respect the country we live in. So many people gave their lives for it. This is America.”
Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty’s sentiments took it a step further, saying: “Anybody that don’t stand up for the anthem oughta be out of the country. Period. What got ‘em where they’re at? The United States.”
When asked if a protester at Richard Petty Motorsports would be fired, he said, “You’re right.”
I was deciding if I wanted to keep this column. I am retired Navy and am disgusted by the blatant disrespect shown to this great country. So, John and Scott, thanks for giving me a reason to cancel.
BTW, the whole point of this was to start to an open conversation about our differences. Just because we have different opinions doesn’t mean we can’t find common ground.
John Z, When we bring back bible reading in public schools, when we admit that Judaeo-Christian roots grew the tree this nation became, when we as a nation humble ourselves, give up our wicked ways and pray to G-d for forgiveness for the lives lost since abortion was legalized [just because it is legal does not make it moral or right in G-d’s eyes], then perhaps we can find a common ground as a people.
In the spirit of civil discourse, mentioned by Mr. Zakour in reply to a previous message, I will repeat this (my reply to a previous message) here:
I am confused – kneeling is not considered disrespectful in churches (in fact, it is considered as honoring God) or as part of a marriage proposal (again – showing honor and respect). When Tim TIbow “took the knee” in the endzone, the gesture was considered a sign of honor and respect, and was vocally supported by many of the people condemning players who kneel. But when these players kneel, it is considered outrageous and disrespectful. Have you ever considered that these players are still respecting the flag/anthem/country but are doing so in a visibly different way, to call attention to very real injustices? Please, think about this.
Thank you John and Scott. More people should honor our American institutions. Free Speech is protected by the Constitution yet we have some (here and elsewhere) who seem to think that using those Constitutional rights is somehow un-American. Great Comic today and I salute you!
While they may have the RIGHT to take a knee to supposedly protest how others are being treated, disrespecting our flag in the process (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code) for details, is NOT an appropriate means to air their issues.
If the players and managers continue this to disrespect our flag, perhaps you should save your money for viewing any NFL game, attending any NFL game, or buying any overpriced NFL gear, and then sending that money to a worthy veterans charity…
You’ll feel much better and perhaps then the NFL will get the message.
I am an Army vet who served with Pride. I served to protect the People of the United States and our allies. As well as protect our Constitution that includes Free Speech. I would rather have people speak their mind. I may or may not learn something. I can also chose not to listen and walk away. We are a Great country. However we are not perfect and have made mistakes. We should not be as weak as not bear Constructive criticism. Thanks for today’s comic.
Live and let live. It shouldn’t get under anyone’s skin whether athletes kneel or stand during the playing of the national anthem. I am as patriotic as anyone and I love this country as much as anyone. I’ll tell you what bugs me. When nazis can march in the streets of this country and that’s acceptable to so called patriots. I had relatives who died fighting the nazis during WW2. Why are they even allowed in this country. My across the street neighbor has a nazi symbol and also a confederate flag planted right in his front yard. He did that the day Trump was sworn in. I try not to let it bother me. I just watch him more closely and mind my own business. Peace out.
As a veteran myself, I too approve of what these guys (even John and Scott) are doing. Since my time in the military, I was drilled to stand a certain way when the anthem was played. When indoors, at no point would my hand over my heart or would I be saluting. I just stand there in a military position. Does that make me disrespectful? When at home, watching a game on TV and the anthem plays, I do not stand up. Does that make me disrespectful? Do you stand up and put your hand over your heart when watching a game at home? Or is that only required when out in public?
Now, these players are trying to bring attention to serious issues going on across our country. They are different than our normal lives and can be scary. It’s ok to be scared, but don’t be so scared that you are unwilling to talk or listen. I didn’t grow up in those conditions. Who am I to legitimize their plight? I don’t have all the answers. But I know that answers can be found if we would all work together.
I’m confused! I guess I’m the only dumb one reading all the comments; but, what exactly are NFL guys protesting? They seem to be protesting that Trump won for President. My opinion, which may not be much for some, is that disrespect for our flag is not a way of protesting that Trump won for president. Just saying!
Some readers seem to have missed the fact that our characters are not emulating the NFL and are not kneeling. I know we can’t see their feet, but their legs are too straight to be in a kneeling position. And they are not listening to the anthem in the picture. They are just standing together.
To the folks who object to athletes kneeling: 1) What is an appropriate and effective way to protest? 2) Do you disagree the basic complaint here (i.e. many citizens do not have same rights as others)? 3) Are you willing to talk to those whom you disagree with, and resolve their problems?
There’s a proper time & place to exercise one’s right to protest.
If it’s not now already being instigated, the rider on pro sports contracts should include conforming to proscribed behavior policy while on sports property.,
First violation, a warning & fine will be imposed.,
Second Violation is grounds for immediate termination.
I will not go so far as proscribing & enforcing conforming to policy outside of sports property, but i wouldn’t mind if it was.
John / Scott: thanks for this illustration of the rights of individuals to express their opinions and to demonstrate solidarity. Regarding some of the responses today, it’s worth noting that according to the United States Flag Code, during a rendition of the national anthem, individuals “….should face the flag and stand at attention.” Note that it doesn’t say “shall” which implies a compulsory activity. The National Flag Code was constructed by representatives of over 68 organizations, under the auspices of the “National Americanism Commission” of the American Legion on June 14, 1923. It wasn’t codified as law until June 22, 1942.BTW, it also specified that the flag should “….never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever”. Seems as though that section is routinely viewed as a non-compulsory requirement.
What I find amusing as an outsider looking in, is how authoritarian the USA is in dictating the actual posture required of the citizen when having to acknowledge the coloured cloth.
The only other countries that demand that kind of devotion to the concept of the imagery of the nation are the mad and dangerous ones, where there is little freedom at all.
The argument should be about why you have to behave in a certain way for a certain piece of music, or a certain type of pattern, not how you do so.
Freedom and liberty and opportunity and fairness have nothing to do with blind devotion to a national identity, but how you behave toward one another every day.
Darsan54 Premium Member over 6 years ago
And kneel for it too.
Baslim the Beggar Premium Member over 6 years ago
Expect some heads to explode, guys!
Naturally, Ed is sleeping…
Steven Cooper Premium Member over 6 years ago
Being a sheep and disrespecting your country because some rich athletes do isn’t freedom either, ya know? Baa! Baa!
blickerw over 6 years ago
How did a one time protest by a 3rd rate quarterback come to this? He didn’t kneel for freedom, he did it as a way to get his job! He didn’t start by kneeling either! This is ridiculous.
Sportymonk over 6 years ago
NASCAR Team owners have announced they will be firing people that kneel.
“Richard Childress, who was Dale Earnhardt’s longtime team owner, said of protesting, “It’ll get you a ride on a Greyhound bus.” Childress says he told his team that “anybody that works for me should respect the country we live in. So many people gave their lives for it. This is America.”
Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty’s sentiments took it a step further, saying: “Anybody that don’t stand up for the anthem oughta be out of the country. Period. What got ‘em where they’re at? The United States.”
When asked if a protester at Richard Petty Motorsports would be fired, he said, “You’re right.”
dayle2 over 6 years ago
I was deciding if I wanted to keep this column. I am retired Navy and am disgusted by the blatant disrespect shown to this great country. So, John and Scott, thanks for giving me a reason to cancel.
Plods with ...™ over 6 years ago
Wow. The Bears look really different out of uniform.
johnzakour Premium Member over 6 years ago
BTW, the whole point of this was to start to an open conversation about our differences. Just because we have different opinions doesn’t mean we can’t find common ground.
Russell Bedford over 6 years ago
John Z, When we bring back bible reading in public schools, when we admit that Judaeo-Christian roots grew the tree this nation became, when we as a nation humble ourselves, give up our wicked ways and pray to G-d for forgiveness for the lives lost since abortion was legalized [just because it is legal does not make it moral or right in G-d’s eyes], then perhaps we can find a common ground as a people.
Alan Genser Premium Member over 6 years ago
I always enjoyed this comic but now that you have become political, I am dumping you.
Alan Genser Premium Member over 6 years ago
I always enjoyed this comic but now that you have become political, I am dumping you.
Texanna Premium Member over 6 years ago
Thank you!
drmickeyg over 6 years ago
In the spirit of civil discourse, mentioned by Mr. Zakour in reply to a previous message, I will repeat this (my reply to a previous message) here:
I am confused – kneeling is not considered disrespectful in churches (in fact, it is considered as honoring God) or as part of a marriage proposal (again – showing honor and respect). When Tim TIbow “took the knee” in the endzone, the gesture was considered a sign of honor and respect, and was vocally supported by many of the people condemning players who kneel. But when these players kneel, it is considered outrageous and disrespectful. Have you ever considered that these players are still respecting the flag/anthem/country but are doing so in a visibly different way, to call attention to very real injustices? Please, think about this.
Tempest over 6 years ago
Thank you John and Scott. More people should honor our American institutions. Free Speech is protected by the Constitution yet we have some (here and elsewhere) who seem to think that using those Constitutional rights is somehow un-American. Great Comic today and I salute you!
MR P over 6 years ago
While they may have the RIGHT to take a knee to supposedly protest how others are being treated, disrespecting our flag in the process (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code) for details, is NOT an appropriate means to air their issues.
If the players and managers continue this to disrespect our flag, perhaps you should save your money for viewing any NFL game, attending any NFL game, or buying any overpriced NFL gear, and then sending that money to a worthy veterans charity…
You’ll feel much better and perhaps then the NFL will get the message.
shamest Premium Member over 6 years ago
I am an Army vet who served with Pride. I served to protect the People of the United States and our allies. As well as protect our Constitution that includes Free Speech. I would rather have people speak their mind. I may or may not learn something. I can also chose not to listen and walk away. We are a Great country. However we are not perfect and have made mistakes. We should not be as weak as not bear Constructive criticism. Thanks for today’s comic.
bbwoof over 6 years ago
Live and let live. It shouldn’t get under anyone’s skin whether athletes kneel or stand during the playing of the national anthem. I am as patriotic as anyone and I love this country as much as anyone. I’ll tell you what bugs me. When nazis can march in the streets of this country and that’s acceptable to so called patriots. I had relatives who died fighting the nazis during WW2. Why are they even allowed in this country. My across the street neighbor has a nazi symbol and also a confederate flag planted right in his front yard. He did that the day Trump was sworn in. I try not to let it bother me. I just watch him more closely and mind my own business. Peace out.
The Howe-Itzer over 6 years ago
As a veteran myself, I too approve of what these guys (even John and Scott) are doing. Since my time in the military, I was drilled to stand a certain way when the anthem was played. When indoors, at no point would my hand over my heart or would I be saluting. I just stand there in a military position. Does that make me disrespectful? When at home, watching a game on TV and the anthem plays, I do not stand up. Does that make me disrespectful? Do you stand up and put your hand over your heart when watching a game at home? Or is that only required when out in public?
Now, these players are trying to bring attention to serious issues going on across our country. They are different than our normal lives and can be scary. It’s ok to be scared, but don’t be so scared that you are unwilling to talk or listen. I didn’t grow up in those conditions. Who am I to legitimize their plight? I don’t have all the answers. But I know that answers can be found if we would all work together.
ElGato over 6 years ago
I’m confused! I guess I’m the only dumb one reading all the comments; but, what exactly are NFL guys protesting? They seem to be protesting that Trump won for President. My opinion, which may not be much for some, is that disrespect for our flag is not a way of protesting that Trump won for president. Just saying!
Thomas Scott Roberts creator over 6 years ago
Some readers seem to have missed the fact that our characters are not emulating the NFL and are not kneeling. I know we can’t see their feet, but their legs are too straight to be in a kneeling position. And they are not listening to the anthem in the picture. They are just standing together.
NobodyAwesome Premium Member over 6 years ago
To the folks who object to athletes kneeling: 1) What is an appropriate and effective way to protest? 2) Do you disagree the basic complaint here (i.e. many citizens do not have same rights as others)? 3) Are you willing to talk to those whom you disagree with, and resolve their problems?
cosman over 6 years ago
There’s a proper time & place to exercise one’s right to protest.
If it’s not now already being instigated, the rider on pro sports contracts should include conforming to proscribed behavior policy while on sports property.,
First violation, a warning & fine will be imposed.,
Second Violation is grounds for immediate termination.
I will not go so far as proscribing & enforcing conforming to policy outside of sports property, but i wouldn’t mind if it was.
thorshamber over 6 years ago
I kneel for freedom
rmrwork over 6 years ago
John / Scott: thanks for this illustration of the rights of individuals to express their opinions and to demonstrate solidarity. Regarding some of the responses today, it’s worth noting that according to the United States Flag Code, during a rendition of the national anthem, individuals “….should face the flag and stand at attention.” Note that it doesn’t say “shall” which implies a compulsory activity. The National Flag Code was constructed by representatives of over 68 organizations, under the auspices of the “National Americanism Commission” of the American Legion on June 14, 1923. It wasn’t codified as law until June 22, 1942.BTW, it also specified that the flag should “….never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever”. Seems as though that section is routinely viewed as a non-compulsory requirement.
Just some perspective.
SackofRabidWeasels over 6 years ago
Mistress Rita just can’t keep her dominatrix tendencies in check.
No New Wars about 1 year ago
What I find amusing as an outsider looking in, is how authoritarian the USA is in dictating the actual posture required of the citizen when having to acknowledge the coloured cloth.
The only other countries that demand that kind of devotion to the concept of the imagery of the nation are the mad and dangerous ones, where there is little freedom at all.
The argument should be about why you have to behave in a certain way for a certain piece of music, or a certain type of pattern, not how you do so.
Freedom and liberty and opportunity and fairness have nothing to do with blind devotion to a national identity, but how you behave toward one another every day.