Answering Hate Mail on the National Anthem Protest Blog

The other day, I wrote about my disapproval of the four Miami Dolphins players who refused to stand for the Star Spangled Banner on 9/11.

To say the least, I was not happy. These American symbols, in my opinion, are off limits. Some people agreed with me and that is nice, but I would like to address my detractors. Here is what they had to say followed by my response.

BTW - I QUOTED THESE PEOPLE DIRECTLY COMPLETE WITH SPELLING AND GRAMMAR ERRORS.

Will Peluso - Remember, they have the right to not stand. That's what freedom means.

Yes, Will, they have that right. No one is disputing that. They have that right, because that right is being defended by those they are disrespecting. Nothing new, this is not uncharted territory. If you are important enough that people will listen, then there is another way you can do it without crapping on the memory of our heroes.

Chris Beisser - it make people talk and discuss what rights really mean

Yes, Chris, we are having a dialogue. This, however, is a dialogue we were having before Colin Kaepernick decided to kneel during the National Anthem. We are having a dialogue that is going nowhere, because people are using American symbols to serve their agendas. This will divide. I believe wholeheartedly that race, class and sex relations in the last few years have taken a HUGE step back. There is another way to address them. If you watch the reaction to these protests, you will find more division than you will progressive discussion.

Ryan Morgan - These constitutional rights have gone too far! Seriously?

Again, Ryan, these guys have the right. No question. Using the Anthem and flag are the cheap, easy way to start a conversation. That conversation is obviously pushing people further apart. That is undeniable.

Richard Gerry - I disagree Lou. Dissent is healthy. Dissent is American. Dissent is Patriotic. These men and women not only have a right, perhaps they have to a duty to highlight injustice. They aren't robots, and we shouldn't expect them to be. I totally understand people getting upset when these protests occur. Just understand why they're doing it.

Dissent is healthy, sure. I say again, how is this starting a healthy conversation? If I am a young black man who has been harassed unfairly by the police, maybe I feel like I support Colin Kaepernick. Colin, and those who follow him, have done damage to their message by offending veterans and patriotic American's who may be sympathetic with their message and or cause. The execution to raise awareness here is sloppy and misguided. It sure did get people talking. People are not, however, talking about how to make it better. They are, instead, talking about how what the other side said is nonsense.

Mat Lewis - Lou quite doesn't understand what being an American is. Try reading Constitution

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression from government interference.

I understand this language and its meaning. I have read it many times. Where some Americans get confused is between their right and what is right. I can say whatever I want on my radio show. I can say it, because I have Freedom of Speech. I also know that saying things that are not completely thought through have consequences. Trust me, I understand that better than most people can fathom.

Just because it is your right does not mean that you won't catch a bag of hell. Colin Kaepernick, and those that are falling in line behind him, are going to find that they have support and they have people who disagree strongly. However, if their goal was to affect positive change, they screwed up.

Mike Weidl - I'm now boycotting i95 due to this statement

No, no your not. I've heard that so many times before. You're not only going to be listening tomorrow, but you are reading this now. Nice try, Mike. This is not my fist rodeo.

I will always listen to and engage people that disagree with the things that I say on my show or in my blogs. I have no problem with that. I do respect most people's opinions. Some people cannot be talked to, and those people can go pound sand. As for the people I just addressed directly. I have no problem with the things you said or the way you said them. Let it fire. As much as I love people agreeing with me, nothing makes me happier than people disagreeing. That's fun and American.