Photo by Alex Brandon (AP). I’ve realized I haven’t credited all the amazing photos I use on this blog. For almost all my Raider photos I’ve gone to The Mercury News. After this weekend I think the country started realizing it’s looked past the unrest and divisions on display in professional football. I don’t need to repeat the narrative in detail. Colin Kaepernick brought attention to systemic racism in law enforcement last year by sitting and taking a knee during the national anthem. Since then some have taken that form of protest as an insult to the flag and service members. Those protesting and in support vehemently hold they have the utmost respect and only seek to bring attention to their issues with discrimination in America.
On Friday, Trump said “get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he’s fired. He’s fired!” This inflamed NFL players, owners, and fans to unite in protest. Teams sat together, kneeled together, and stood together. Trump unintentionally brought together players and owners who usually disagree on anything. Take out the motivations, I was glad to see Trumps negativity catalyze something positive. For myself, I’ll still stand for the pledge when I’m at a ball game. I did so when I saw the Dodgers take on the Padres earlier this month; however, I’m not offended by players participating in these peaceful protests. In fact I support and admire these actions.
Protest is as American as apple pie, bleeding red, white, and blue, and kickin’ ass. This is the best country in the world and I can say that with perspective. I wasn’t born here. I lived in another country for eight years of my life, and admittedly I didn’t have this opinion as soon as I got here. I still love Denmark, and it’s almost as good as America. As I mentioned, it took years to come around to this idea. It took a lot of heart break, turmoil, and maturation to become this firmly liberal North Park hipster that also proudly has the stars and stripes hanging in the living room. On Fourth of July, like Dale from King of The Hill, I’m so jacked up on America!
I love living here. There was a time in my life I didn’t and I thought about leaving. During my first two years I was unhappy and considered foreign exchange education. Going back to Denamrk was on the table. Thankful I got involved in an awesome band, fell in love, and most importantly this little group Bro Gang came around. I could have never had those things if I left. Some of my friends did leave and most look like they’ll never permanently return. Their reasons were different than my own but there’s something to be said when I know enough people that would rather live elsewhere.
I find it petty when friends, family, and strangers all pull the “if you don’t like Murika you can git out” card. It’s childish, unbecoming, and obvious sign of insecurity. They know this country isn’t perfect. They’d rather ignore these national problems. Guys, they’re protesting on the field because that’s the only time they can get your attention. Otherwise you’d still be in your bubble. I’ve found most say they don’t mind protesting yet they never like the setting. Again, most never seek to find out what’s going on in their communities or country. I include myself. I could do better too. And again would I kneel or sit, no, but I fully support these players because we’re finally hearing real conversation about Trump’s incompetence. I thank them for that.
Trump’s petulance is under a microscope and finally enough of us are scrutinizing him. New ESPN commentator Rex Ryan completely changed his tone on Trump. He support his candidacy with rallies and donations, and even he made his disappointment known. “I never signed up for that. I never wanted that” said Ryan when he spoke to his NFL Countdown colleagues. Even Tom Brady, perhaps the most famous athlete supporting Trump, said “I certainly disagree with what he said.” The tide turned against Trump’s filth yesterday, the best victory to come out of yesterdays games. He’s only strong when he’s dividing us. This weekend he brought us together.
More than ever we need to come together. Republicans are not bad people. Two of my best friends are steadfast republicans. I’m not sure how they feel about yesterday but I know they are not pleased with Trump right now. I hope we can come together after yesterday. I’ve wanted to spitefully remind them forever their party vote for this guy. I’m wrong and petty to do that. I want to put that behind us. I want to get past “she’s still worse than Trump, right?” and find unity. We have so many problems within and without America that need answers. It’s time to acknowledge we need to settle both social and economical problems that affect all of us. The best outcome of yesterday’s game came in the new potential for us to finally, as one, come together.
Disaesthetic 