JUST ONE RETIRED GI’S OPINION:

Photo from af.mil

Editor's Note:  The author was one of my Small Arms Specialist tech school instructors at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, 1979.

The United States Flag, “Old Glory” and our National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” are DIRECTLY SYMBOLIC of America…The United States of America…my Nation.

I spent 20 years plus serving our Country in the U.S. Military, defending our nations’ principles, heritage, founded Republic, and the U.S. Constitution.

I had assignments, deployments, and TDY’s to countries where I NEVER ONCE disrespected that country’s customs or national flag, nor did I show disrespect by NOT standing during the playing of their National Anthem.

I surely do not expect American Citizens, within the borders of our homeland, to so profoundly disrespect our county, our heritage, our flag, our national anthem, our elected leaders, our military women and men, and our Law Enforcement sisters and brothers.

It is my opinion that ANY person, group, or political entity showing disrespect to America DESERVES NEITHER THE FREEDOMS OR PROTECTIONS offered by this GREAT NATIONS’ defenders and enforcers.

Our Country is NOT a Democracy. But, through our Republic, and the U.S. Constitution, the mechanism of representation is in place for any and everyone to voice their opinions and have their opinion heard. If one does not like what their Representative is doing, voice that opinion to them, RESPECTFULLY. Then speak loudly through the act of voting.

Until the current disrespectful culture in professional sports has done a “COMPLETE ABOUT-FACE,” I pledge to:

~ NO longer watch ANY professional sport displaying and/or condoning disrespect to America, in any form!

~ NOT buy any NBA or NFL league or team items!

~ NOT attend any professional sporting event where denigration and disrespect is allowed toward our Nation!

~ STOP purchasing from business and companies that advertise during these sporting events that support the allowed disrespect to our Country.

As a retired military member and patriot, it is my opinion that ANY PERSON supporting the NFL, NBA or any other group blatantly showing disrespect to our Nation, our Flag, our National Anthem, our elected Leaders…then YOU TOO are supporting DISRESPECT to our COUNTRY!

Just one retired GI’s opinion.

Hoot Gibson
MSgt/FSgt, USAF (Ret.)