Is There Any Place We Can Escape Politics?
Will we ever return to a day when politics doesn’t infect every area of our lives?
I’m grateful to have lived when there were sacred refuges from political discussions. We could go to church or movie theaters, watch entertainment on television, and sports for their enjoyment alone. It permitted us a “sanctuary” to escape the serious matters of life.
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I love sports and used to love professional sports. Today, the incessant injection of politics by athletes, media, team leaders, and league officials has relegated me to supporting golf and rodeo. Millions of others join me. Whether we support a person, party, or issue, or not, we want politics out of sports, period.
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Yes, injustices in life have, are, and will happen regardless of our form of government because of flaws in the human heart. We can all improve our views and the treatment of others.
Our country was founded on noble ideals but implemented erratically due to man’s imperfections. History records our successes and failures as we strive to “form a more perfect union.” Perfect attainment of our ideals is impossible, but the effort is worthwhile. The result to date is the freest, fairest, and most successful country in world history.
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Political statements in professional sports took a dramatic uptick in 2016 when a player sat for the Star-Spangled Banner. When asked about his action later, he stated he would not show pride in the flag of a country that oppressed people of color.
The initial instigator was advised to kneel instead of sit for the anthem, which he did and was quickly emulated by others.
For some time, media and others confused the public reporting the demonstration was not against the flag and what it represented. Subsequent events and time have only reinforced the hatred of that player and others for our flag and country.
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I don’t mind players standing, sitting, kneeling, or lying on the field. They can do it before, during, or after the game.
My prejudice is liking players who enter the field and congregate in the end-zone before the game, kneel and say a quiet prayer. I’m sure some people are insulted by that action.
The issue then is one of timing. Why do some feel the only time to kneel in protest of our country is during the playing of our national anthem?
How stupid do they think we are when they mask their actions saying they don’t disrespect the men and women who have served, fought, and died for that flag and our country? It also insults all past, present, and future citizens who love our country.
It is ALL about their hatred for our country, and the flag and anthem that celebrate it.
Watching and listening to the kneeler’s other actions confirms their bitterness for the country that enables their wealth by playing a child’s game.
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Why should those who feel as I do continue to spend our hard-earned dollars and time supporting people who insist on subjecting us to political statements during a game, television show, movie, or other performance?
Is there anything we can do to return our beloved sports, movies, television programs, and others to pure entertainment without constant political messages?
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What Can We Do?
1. Vote with your dollars — Find activities that haven’t succumbed to political correctness and activism.
2. Vote with your feet — If you find yourself at an event that turns into a political rally or demonstration, get up and leave.
3. Vote with your voice — Let leagues, teams, and advertisers hear from you.
Hollywood survived a scandal in the 1950s where perceived communists and communist sympathizers were blacklisted from work. France recovered from The Reign of Terror in the 1790s’. This too shall come to pass.
My hope is this period passes quickly and we can return to a period where sports and entertainment are offered on their merit. When the public demands that time, it will return.
I’m casting my votes now, and appreciate your consideration of doing likewise.
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May God bless America!
Richard V. Battle is a business consultant, speaker and the author of six books including his latest award winning “Conquering Life’s Course — Common Sense in Chaotic Times.” Visit him online at www.richardbattle.com
© 2020 — Richard V. Battle
