In Part One, Two, Three and Four – I share my unique view of Alejandro Villanueva’s journey to the NFL. Almost a year later I augment with Part Five – National Anthem.
So much dialogue and diatribe has accomplanied Colin Kapernick’s recent self-expression during the National Anthem. America is a land of the free and home of the brave.
I think the best we can do is ask ourselves: “Do we cherish our country-given freedoms and do we show bravery each day standing up to defend those freedoms?” If America is truly the land of the free and the home of the brave, this question should be one we ponder each day.
The best part of this question is that each and every American citizen can arrive at the answer “yes” and have a completely different reason.
In my opinion, if we get mad at someone for not standing for the national we show an extreme short sightedness. I liken it to the person who yells at others for not speaking English on American soil. “This is America, speak English!” : Ignorance DEFINED.
American pole vaulter and 2LT Kendricks in the Olympics during his approach to a vault in Rio heard the American National Anthem start playing and IMMEDIATELY aborted his approach to begin what could be seen as a desperate attempt to locate the flag and stand at attention facing the flag. For an outsider observing him, his actions were very hard NOT to understand – almost impossible. His intentions very clear – all through his self-expression.
http://www.foxsports.com/olympics/story/usa-olympics-sam-kendricks-pole-vault-national-anthem-082116
Kapernick’s self-expression is defended and protected. His intentions however are clearly unclear to many. He can do whatever he wants in regards to bringing attention to an injustice he feels strongly about. He seems to be dealing with people who are unclear as to what the intentions of his actions are due to where and when he is choosing to act.
I submit that Ali understands this more than most. As a teenager he chose to attend the United States Military Academy. He chose to branch infantry, become a Ranger and serve three tours of duty in Afghanistan. He did not chose to receive a Bronze Star for valor, someone else decided to give that to him.
http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=17415674
As Ali approached graduation from the USMA back in 2010, there were voices out there that knew he had the goods to play professional football. He chose to not pursue that path. You want to know why? I’ve heard him say it:
“I just want to do my part”
He knew what he was called to do. It was purely his choice and self-expression as to exactly how he wanted to do his part.
I still encourage anyone who has not experienced it in person to sit quietly in the bleachers at the edge of the Plain at West Point in front of the barracks at 4:55pm. Take a moment and absorb what happens in the next five minutes. You will see some pretty powerful self-expression. Actions will not be confusing.
Selflessness DEFINED.
God Bless America.