October 2, 2017 at 5:17 p.m.

Two minutes isn't too much to ask

Letters to the Editor

To the editor:

Two minutes and two seconds … really?

That is how long it takes to play our national anthem — two minutes and two seconds.

I’m a 59-year-old, mildly out-of-shape and, if I’m being honest with myself approximately 30 pounds overweight man. But I can stand on my head for two minutes and two seconds.

These are the finest athletes in the world who make tremendous amounts of money (although their careers are short), playing a game on Sunday that requires standing for an additional two minutes and two seconds … really? A league that has rules as finite as how high a player’s socks must be allows its players to disrespect our flag and our country.

The flag doesn’t represent Donald Trump, nor does it represent the Republicans or Democrats. It is not a flag for only the whites, blacks of hispanics. It is not a flag that represents only a few. The American flag is a symbol of freedom for all, our democracy, where people have freedom of choice and freedom of religion, and where human rights are protected.

I have no problem with the exorbitant salaries the NFL players make — we allow it because we support it. We consume their product.

I was never in the military and have never put myself in harm’s way. What I do know is there are thousands of young men and women who do put their lives on the line so we can wake up in a “free” country, who have left their families and children to go to a foreign country so that we can play football on Sundays.

This is not about social injustices or Donald Trump or racism. It is pure disrespect for a land and flag I love. Sure, we have our problems and different viewpoints, but we would all be better served if we worked together toward some common goals. Stop the partisan theatrics, respect our flag and above all else, respect our men and women of the military who afford us the luxury of living in this great nation.

Remember, our military is comprised of those who volunteered their services. Each one of them made the decision that what we have (freedom) is worth protecting.

So maybe standing for two minutes and two seconds is not too much to ask.

God bless America.

Rock A. Fuqua

Dunkirk
PORTLAND WEATHER

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