In the wake of the Las Vegas shooting Sunday night, stunned Americans are re-examining the rights and freedoms they enjoy in this country. It’s not that they don’t appreciate what they have. They do. But it’s difficult sometimes to understand how a few misguided individuals can take advantage of these benefits to the total detriment of innocent people.
Many of these rights we are speaking of are contained in the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, adopted in 1791. One of these amendments, the second, guarantees to the people the right to bear arms. For several years, that right has been the subject of fierce debate. On the one hand, liberals argue that the federal government should institute strict gun control to get rid of firearms in the country. Conservatives, including members of the National Rifle Association (NRA), stand by the amendment and feel that gun control would succeed in putting weapons only in the hands of criminals. With the horrific Las Vegas massacre, this debate will only intensify.
The fact that Americans enjoy these freedoms is a source of pride for the country. Citizens in most other nations do not have them. But the continued enjoyment of these rights has come at a high price. Over the years, many men and women in the military have sacrificed their lives and health to maintain them.
That is why so many are voicing their objection to the disrespect currently being shown by players in the National Football League when they kneel or turn their backs on the raising of the American Flag and playing of the National Anthem before games. This all started last year with Colin Kapernick, who, by the way, is no longer a member of any team.
Most Americans would not oppose the right to peaceably assemble and protest, another guarantee in the first amendment, but they feel that it is totally inappropriate to do so during the flag raising and singing of the National Anthem. That is a time to honor America and those who have given their lives in its service.
Many fans are not attending games, buying tickets or even watching on TV. They have quit buying apparel and other team souvenirs. Those who have attended games have booed those kneeling.
The moniker NFL is looking more like it stands for “not for long” league. If owners, league officials and players don’t end this nonsense, it could wind up being “the no longer in existence league.”