Dear President,

Taking a knee is a simple motion everyone on this planet knows how to do or has seen been done before. Professional football players are now displaying this gesture during the time our country's national anthem is being performed, which is causing mixed feelings from many people. This problem cannot be solved; It can however be eliminated. In order to do that the NFL needs to establish a possible ruling, the problem needs to stop growing, and it needs to have consequences. The fact that some of these idolist men can not simply stand for two brief minutes to show support for our country and display unity among all americans is disrespectful to both, the United States but its inhabitants

This new found trend originated from Colin Kaepernick who plays for the San Francisco 49ers. After reading many articles I have noticed they all express the same thing at one point or another. The noticeable growth of the disrespectful action. Referring to Kaepernick this article states “Well his antics have garnered some attention. And as a result other players in the NFL have decided to follow his actions.” (Conservative Daily Post.) The kneeling has caught on like iphones did when they were first presented to the public. Now up to 13 different NFL teams from all around the country have some form of the blatant insolency occurring on the sidelines. The trend seem to have caught the attention of not only fellow NFL players, but fans as well, specifically certain high school football teams. “The entire Garfield High School football team, along with a half-dozen players from West Seattle High School, knelt during the national anthem Friday night before their game.” (Fox 25) If the tendency could be put out of advertisement it could be soon forgotten.

In some cases, fear induces obedience. In this case, a set consequence to the disrespectful direction could firmly put a stop to the protest within itself. Punishment, if used properly, is used as a tool for most to learn from their actions, but nobody seems to be keeping that in mind when it comes to our country's prized hobby, football. On September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado The Broncos played the Indianapolis Colts. During the pregame festivities on the field a fan of the Broncos sternly held a sign that read, “Brandon Marshall: Stand up or go home!!” (Oregon Live) Marshal is one of some that choses to kneel. Marshal being brought into the NFL by the broncos was getting scrutinized by his “home” fans you could say. The fans seem to be the only ones fighting back, because in the eyes of the public coaches and NFL officials are refusing to punish the acts that are being displayed. This problem may seem irrelevant to some but is strongly believed in by a lot of the current 318.9 million citizens of America. “A bombshell new Rasmussen poll found that 32% of adults that were surveyed said that they have stopped watching NFL games because of the race-baiting protests.” (ESPN) Now the officials are starting to realize that they should have never let this get to be a problem. They should have never let the disrespect leave the stadium that Kaepernick first displayed it in. If the NFL could publicly broadcast to all that there are in fact consequences to these actions, the rate of this occurrence would decrease to more of a sustainable rate.

The president is the leading figure of unity and balance among Americans. Everything our president stands for, or is supposed to stand for is basically being disregarded by these people who kneel. Whether or not they are controlled by the NFL, they are still controlled by the president, just like everyone else whether they make medium wage working at a restaurant or receive millions throwing a ball down a field. They kneel as a form of protest, making people believe that our country does not deserve them to stand proudly for, and thus the president can solve. It is a very simple solution, as basic as your mother telling you not to touch her computer as a child or a coach telling you to drop and do five pushups. They need to terminate the popularity and to do so it needs to be taken as much out of proportion as possible. Keep it out of the media, and quite frankly keep it out of the stadium. Once the reaction can be controlled, enforce a ruling saying if you are going to play a sport for our country, you need to believe in our country and what it stands for. Sudden control and a stern punishment could have no negative effect on the game or our country; There is no shortage to the people who strive to have what these athletes have and would gladly follow guidelines if they were given. As for the citizens, this would just increase their fandom more and more of the common idols who are made up of charming personalities, cunning appearances, extraordinary abilities and now a strong belief in not just their sport but who they are playing the sport for.

In conclusion, the ignorant act needs to be put to an end. The diversity it causes amongst all is not worth the point they are trying to prove. The supposed purpose was resolved long ago and even if it wasn't there is no point in bring it back now. They kneel for one reason and that reason is attention, the one thing all of the arguments have in common is the not so hidden fact they all want attention. People are encouraged to stand up for what they believe in but at some point there is a line of common courtesy and respect that should not be crossed. Well, this act is crossing it and our president can solve it.

Sincerely,

Ashley L

Citations

EndPlay. "High School Football Players Kneel during National Anthem in Protest." WFXT. N.p., 18 Sept. 2016. Web. 24 Oct. 2016.

http://www.fox25boston.com/news/high-school-football-players-kneel-during-national-anthem-in-protest/447017647

"9 Powerful Photos of the 18 NFL Players Who Protested during the National Anthem." USA Today. Gannett, n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2016.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/09/powerful-photos-of-18-nfl-players-protests-colin-kaepernick-national-anthem-social-justice

Morrison, Aaron. "Why Are Athletes Kneeling during the National Anthem? Here's What You Need to Know." Mic. N.p., 16 Sept. 2016. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.

https://mic.com/articles/154349/why-are-athletes-kneeling-during-the-national-anthem-here-s-what-you-need-to-know#.xAfI7xejb