Some say that NFL players are not patriots when they kneel in front of the flag.
Let’s say they are correct.
As a solution, they suggest the NFL should make those players stand.
Let’s say that is what happens.
The new situation is then that all players are forced to be patriots and stand in front of the flag. Kneeling not allowed.
It’s not an improbable scenario. If enough people decide that kneeling at the wrong time is enough good reason to not watch the NFL, then it would make economic sense for the NFL as an organization to order players to stand.
Yes, we have the first amendment. We have the freedom of speech.
Let’s see what the first amendment exactly says:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
If you insult your customers by telling them what you think about them (free speech), your boss can still fire you for delivering bad customer service. You can always express your opinion, and no law (made by Congress) can prevent you from doing so. However, the First Amendment does not protect you from the consequences of your actions.
That’s not the problem that I have with the whole patriotism discussion.
The flag is the symbol of a free country. People have died for the freedom to say, pray and be whatever they want.
Ordering people to be patriots is, therefore, an utterly unpatriotic act.
And that’s my problem with the discussion. Think about what kind of countries force their citizens to show off their patriotism?
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. – Evelyn Beatrice Hall (not Voltaire)