Why EMS Stands for The Flag

America is the best country in the world.

“Proud to be an American” is more than a catchy slogan.

It’s our way of life.

If you or someone you love serves our country in the armed forces, you get my instant respect and gratitude. No discussion or debate required.

And here’s the best part: I believe most Americans share this viewpoint. Most Americans respect and appreciate those who serve now, and those who served our country in the past.

Why NFL Stars Should Get Off Their Knees

Why should National Football League (NFL) players get off their knees and stand for the national anthem?

Because standing is about respect.

Standing for the national anthem is about showing respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for this country. It’s really that simple.

Stand to show respect.

NFL players who kneel before football games do so to draw attention to racism in America. But they disrespect everyone who ever served in uniform by doing so.

NFL players don’t see it that way, because they don’t really see anything through the same lens as regular people. NFL players believe in their cause and believe it’s their right to kneel if they choose.

And you know what? They’re absolutely right. It is their right to kneel.

The constitution and first amendment guarantees this right to every American. The irony is the service men and women who died to give them this right — is the group they’re disrespecting the most, by kneeling. That’s the rub, or at least part of it.

The bigger rub is how NFL players are completely out of touch with average Americans. How NFL players believe their opinions are somehow more valuable than the average American’s opinion.

Newsflash: the average American thinks football players should stick to playing football. The average American thinks NFL players are overpaid and out of touch with reality. The average American thinks kneeling during the national anthem (for almost any reason) is unpatriotic.

But none of that explains why kneeling during the national anthem is stupid.

Why Kneeling is Stupid

Is shining a spotlight on racism important?

Yes, of course.

But bringing attention to racism by disrespecting every American who ever served or died for our country, is a stupid way to do it.

But don’t take my word for it. How do you know kneeling during the national anthem is a stupid way to draw attention to racism? Easy answer. The NFL already proved it.

Colin Kaepernick, a free agent quarterback famous for kneeling before football games, can no longer find work in the NFL.

Why can’t Colin Kaepernick find work? Why won’t an NFL team hire him?

The answer has nothing to do with Colin’s skills as a quarterback. The answer is that Colin Kaepernick is damaged goods. No team will take him because of all the bad publicity that comes with hiring him.

The Cleveland Browns also proved how stupid it is to kneel during the national anthem. You can read how Paramedic and Police unions boycotted the Cleveland Browns opener for kneeling during the national anthem.

Watch the NFL Take a Stand This Week

If you’re bothered by all of this, stand-by for a little poetic justice to come your way this week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers forced the issue center stage.

The entire Pittsburgh Steelers team, except for Alejandro Villanueva, ex-Army Ranger, stayed in the locker room for the national anthem before their game with Chicago.

The backlash was quick and severe.

The American public is irritated and threatening to boycott the NFL. Now the NFL commissioner and team owners really have no choice but to start talking about the issue publicly. Even the president commented about the owner’s lack of control over the situation.

Stand-by to see the NFL commissioner and team owners ‘patriotism’ shine through like no other week this season. Now that their revenue is threatened, you’ll see a whole new appreciation for those who served.

Why EMS Stands for The Flag

It’s easy for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to stand for the flag.

Why?

Because EMSers are patriots. EMSers live in the real world. EMSers work hard for a lot less money and appreciation than the average NFL player.

But those aren’t the only reasons.

EMSers identify with our service men and women.

EMS is different than serving in the military, but it is about service.

Service is the bond the two communities share.

It’s time for NFL players to stand with EMS and their fellow Americans. It’s time to give respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and paid for our freedoms and privileges with their lives.

What do you think? Should NFL players stand for the national anthem? Is it disrespectful not to stand? Leave a comment below. It’s important and we appreciate your input.