The Sacrifice

It was January 2004 and we had been down here in Florida for two years. We were at the church we attended at that time, attending a baby shower for another member. Outside of the church, however, it was somber and filled with grief. And we all knew that we would go out to share in that grief.

Next to the church was a funeral home and a service was being performed that attracted media from all over the Tampa Bay area. It was for a fallen soldier. Chief Warrant Officer Aaron A. Weaver, a pilot of the Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter in the 82nd Airbourne, was killed when the medevac Blackhawk he was a passenger of was shot down.

Chief Warrant Officer Aaron A. Weaver

He had led an extraordinary life that made his death all the more resonating. He was a part of the Battle of Mogadishu and his helicopter hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Thankfully he wasn't injured. Another Blackhawk wasn't so lucky and it went down. Eighteen soldiers died in that battle, and it was memorialized in the book and movie Blackhawk Down.

His next battle was testicular cancer.  After a year of treatment and in remission, he pushed his superiors to allow him to return to

Savannah Weaver

combat. At the time he was ineligible for combat duty, but they eventually said yes if he got monthly check-ups in Baghdad. That's why he was on that Blackhawk medevac. He was going to get his medical check-up.

Eventually, we went outside to stand as witnesses to his procession - first to the high school field for a public memorial, and then to his final resting place. It hit me in the gut...and when I think of it even now, as I'm typing this, I have tears in my eyes.

If you've ever seen a military funeral procession, you will know that there is a lot of symbolism. His flag-draped casket was on a horse-drawn caisson. The flag placed with the stars over his heart. The horses on the left had riders, while those on the right are saddled but don't have riders. This is because,

Cheif Warrant Officer Aaron A. Weaver's
Funeral Procession.

at one point in our past, the horses on the right would carry ammunition. Behind the caisson followed a soldier leading a riderless horse, with boots in the stirrups placed backward to symbolize how the fallen will never ride again. Behind the caisson and the riderless horse was his family, friends, and fellow soldiers who walked behind, followed by a procession of cars. 

He was only 32-years-old, same as I was at the time, he had a wife, Nancy, a one-year-old daughter, Savannah, and a ten-year-old stepson, Austin. Both of his parents were there, as well as his

Nancy Weaver with their children
Savannah and Austin

siblings. One of his brothers, Ryan, was also serving as a pilot in Iraq. After his brother died, he couldn't go back into combat and spent the rest of his time in the military training soldiers at a base in Alabama.

Though I did not witness this, graveside, the fallen can also have a 21-gun salute, an old tradition to show that their guns were no longer hostile. The three-gun salute came from battlefield ceasefires when both sides collected the fallen. It was used to signify that the dead were cleared from the battlefield and their remains properly taken care of.  

This was one of the most emotional experiences I ever had and it made the war real to me - not something that was on the 6 -o'clock news. That family walking behind the caisson grieving deeply and their lives were torn apart. That soldier would never see his kids grow-up, he would never enjoy being in remission from cancer. That he gave his life for his country when he didn't have to shows how dedicated he was to serving our country. I never looked at

Clutching our flag before
the presentation.
.

another military death the same again. And it was all the more amplified when my Uncle passed away and we had him interred at Bushnell National Cemetery. I again experienced the strong symbolism and the resonance of it as a Navy officer kneeled in front of me and handed me the American flag. It really means something and affects people deeply. I did not agree with the war, I still don't. But I support our military 1,000%

I came across an article written by Nancy Weaver, Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver's wife, on the day she was notified.

The Day Men in Uniform Came To Notify Me by Nancy Weaver

It should come as no surprise then, that recent events regarding the death of four soldiers in Niger have left me angry to the point of tears. The only thing I have to say is that nobody, and I mean NOBODY should have talked about Trump's call to LaDavid Johnson's widow, Myeshia. It was insensitive and disrespectful and took attention from the lives and deaths of four decorated soldiers. Grief is highly personal and sacred and it is to be respected, no matter what, and our government should know better.

I would like to know what happened that took their lives, of course, because it seems that no one knew that we even had military in that region of the world. And yet, even that, in the grand scheme of things, doesn't matter. The mistakes made in Niger will never bring them back. And even if they died in some colossal screw-up made by Intelligence, they still died defending their country. 

What does matter is that four soldiers were killed, four families devastated and forever changed. So I thought I'd write about the

The riderless horse in a funeral procession in
Washington D.C.

four soldiers who were killed. I have spent the last few days looking up who these men were. I wanted to write about each of them, as my way of paying tribute to them, their lives, their families, and their sacrifices. 

I hope in some tiny way, I have given them a measure of respect and reverence for who they were and what they represent. 

Staff Sergeant Bryan Black, Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Johnson, Staff Sergeant Dustin Wright, and Sergeant La David Johnson. They gave their lives for this country, they deserve to be honored.

Staff Sergeant Bryan Christopher Black, at 35-years-old, was by all accounts a true competitor. Upset that his older brother won an award for chess, Bryan set his mind to learning it. He spent the summer doggedly persisting at the game. By the time he was six, he dominated scholastic chess in Washington state, was second nationally and could play well against adults. That determination he displayed extended to other things he set his mind to like poker, carpentry, roofing, home repair, the stock market, martial arts,  medicine, and being a Green Beret.

He competed in wrestling during high school, even competing through heat exhaustion while at a wrestling camp. He paid for college by buying and selling rare coins and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Sgt. Black did what a lot of kids do when they graduate college - got a job that had nothing to do with what he majored in. He got a job as a ski instructor in the winter and a construction worker during the off-season in Mammoth Lakes, CA. While there, he met his wife, Michelle Richmond Black. They married in 2005 and became the parents of two sons, Ezekiel and Isaac.

Sgt. Bryan Black joined the Army in 2009 and loved the discipline and challenges it provided and wasn't disappointed as he made his way through Basic training, Ranger training,  Special Forces training and other courses. While going through training, he also attended medical courses at night. He was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (Airborne) out of Fort Bragg. As a Green Beret, he was a natural leader who helped other soldiers meet their full potential. As a Special

Forces Medical Sergeant, he learned three languages so he could better help the local people, Not only did he speak French and Arabic, he learned the local dialect Hausa, making him a valuable asset in Niger. He earned a Ranger Tab and a Special Forces Tab, signifying that he had graduated from further education in those specialties. Other commendations and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Marksmanship Qualification - Sharpshooter with Rifle Badge. 

A Wake was held on October 17, 2017, at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville, NC and a Celebration of Life at Northwood Temple Church where the public was welcomed. His permanent place of interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Michelle, two sons Ezekial and Issac, parents Henry (Hank) and Karen Black, brother Jason Black and Grandparents Harold and Gerry Ericsson. May God wrap them in His healing embrace. 

Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Wayne (J.W.) Johnson - Born in North Carolina, he moved to Springsboro, OH to be near his mother in his early 20s. Before joining the Army in 2007, he owned and operated his own business. His niece, Carrie Gomez, described him as "...wild and outgoing. Always on 100; always making you want to pull your hair out." 

She also said he was the uncle that everyone should expect. He could be hard on her at times but was also there for her when she needed him.

Staff Sergeant Johnson had many hobbies that included riding motorcycles, smoking cigars, customizing and forging knives and enjoying the outdoors with his family. He was loyal to the

people he loved and the country he served.

He was stationed at Fort Bragg and assigned to work with the 3rd Special Services. He was what is known as a "74D," a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist. He loved the Army and his ultimate goal was to be a noncommissioned officer, according to a former neighbor.

He received many commendations, a few of which were the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, and Marksmanship Qualification - Expert with Pistol and Rifle Badge.

In the immortal words of SSG Jeremiah Johnson: "WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!"

Staff Sergeant Johnson is survived by his wife of 15 years, Crystal, their two teenage daughters Addie and Elisa, his parents J.W. and JoAnn Johnson, Debbie and Ray Gannon, his sister Jennifer Johnson, and his step-brothers Ben Powers, Tiff Gannon, Michael Gannon, and step-sister Jennifer Gannon. May God embrace them in His healing arms.

Staff Sergeant Dustin M. Wright - This Green Beret comes from a long history of military service in his family. In fact, it goes back to the War of 1812. However, out of that long line extending back into time that includes his brother Will and his parents, Staff Sargeant Dustin Wright was the first to fall serving his country.

As a boy, he was short and chubby who grew to a very tall man of 6'4" that played an offensive and defensive lineman on his high school football team. The third of four brothers, he was known as a gentle giant, who, according to one of his cousins, 

was known for really big hugs. Thirteen months younger than his brother Will, the two were very close and often finished sentences and quotes from comedies. The brothers last spoke ten days before Staff Sergeant Wright's death and the last words they said to each other was "I love you."

He was also the class clown and would give his last dime to help a person. Accompanying his brother Will and a friend on a ten-day trip sailing down the Intercostal Highway from Norfolk to St. Simons Island off the coast of Georgia, he loved going to the beach and boating. Last summer at a country concert he attended in Myrtle Beach, he met THE girl and was planning on moving closer to her when he got home, where he was going to ask her for her hand in marriage.

After high school, he attended Georgia Southern University in Statesboro and Fayetteville State University in NC. For a time, he was a partner with his Papa Rick Grisham in Southern Rain Control, later assuming sole ownership. His desire to serve his country, however, won out and in 2012, he signed up for the Army.

He completed Advanced Individual Training, he completed Army Airborne Training School at Ft. Benning and went on graduate Special Operations Preparation Course at Fort Bragg where he stayed on so he could take Special Forces Assessment and Selections Course and the Special Forces Qualification Course. Due to his tenacity and commitment, he earned his Green Beret in 2014. He was on his third tour of duty, his second in Africa when he was killed in action as a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant.

His awards and decorations include Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, and Parachutist Tab.

His place of rest is at Harden's Chapel Cemetery where his family plot is. Over half of his relatives interred there were veterans.

He is survived by his parents, Arnold E. Wright and Terri Criscio (A.J.), brothers Arnold Wright IV, William C. Wright, Zachariah Wright, and Steven Criscio, grandparents Rustin (Rick) and Sue Grisham, Arnold Wright Jr. and his wife Elaine, and maternal grandmother Elaine Trull, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. May God embrace them with His healing arms.


Sergeant La David T. Johnson: Sergeant La David Johnson was known for his light-hearted attitude and optimism in his native Miami Gardens.

His real mother, Samara, passed away when Sgt. La David Johnson was five years old. Luckily, his aunt, Cowanda and her husband Richard stepped in and raised him with lots of love.

When he was five, he met a beautiful little girl. They remained best friends throughout, and in August 2014 he married Myeshia. Together they started a beautiful family and at the time of his passing he had a six-year-old daughter Ah'leeysa Jones, two-year-old La David Johnson Jr., and Mrs. Johnson is expecting their third child, a daughter named La'Shee. To Staff Sgt. Dennis Bohler, his best friend, and supervisor at Fort Bragg, he was so excited to see his baby girl, constantly saying "Sergeant B, I'm having a girl!"  Family meant everything to him and not only did he talk constantly about them, he had Myeshia's name tattooed on his chest, over his heart.

He was involved in many activities in school, including participation in the 5000 Role Models of Excellence, an organization begun by then-school board member United States Representative Frederica S. Wilson after she noticed how many school-age boys were ending up in trouble. Her program pairs up boys between the ages of 9-19 years with specially trained professional men who provide advice, guidance, and educational assistance.


He attended ATI Career Training School, studying mechanical engineering, and became a social media star for his unusual method of going to work. Known as "Wheelie King 305," he would commute to work on a bicycle missing the front tire. Balance and taking it slow was the key, he said.

Before enlisting in the Army in January 2014, he worked in the produce department of Walmart where he is described as having a cheerful work ethic, working full-time from 5:00 am - 2:00 pm. He thought that shife was, in his words, "a sweet schedule." He

loved going to church and believed in doing right, and woke up each day with the desire to be better than he was the day before. In a post on Facebook, he wrote this: "I don't drink nor smoke, never got arrested, gotta job."

He served in the 2nd Battalion Airborne who, along with the 3rd Special Forces Group (Green Berets) were a part of the "Bush Hogs." Lt. Col. David Painter, Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), said of Sgt. Johnson: "The Bush Hog formation was made better because of Johnson's faithful service and we are focused on caring for the Johnson family during this difficult period."

Staff Sergeant Dennis Bohler, his best friend, and supervisor said that Sergeant La David Johnson moved up the ranks quickly, from Private to Sergeant in 3-years, with his can-do attitude. He caught onto things quickly and only had to be told once to complete a task. Staff Sgt. Bohler noted that he was highly regarded by his superiors. Just like at home in Miami Gardens, he was that one soldier that wanted to better himself every day. He utilized the skills he learned at ATI and was a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic.

His medals and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Parachutist Badge, the Army Air Assault Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Personal Development Ribbon, Marksmanship Qualification Badge - Sharpshooter with Rifle, and Driver and Mechanic Badge.

Sergeant La David T. Johnson was preceded in death by his mother, Samara Johnson and is survived by his wife Myeshia, daughter Ah'leeysa, son La David Jr., and soon La'Shee; parents Richard and Cowanda Johnson and father Terrence McGriff; grandparents Barbara Jones, Joann Johnson, and Richard Johnson Sr; sisters Torneisha, Angela and Titana Ghent; Quanika, Richshama, Richshawnda, and Samara Johnson, Terkema and Terkiya McGriff; brothers Tajmaus, Christopher, and Richard Johnson; Keon Richardson; Shavarious Brown, Terrence, Turkeil, and Teshard McGriff; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. May God embrace them in His arms.

In the process of researching for this blog, I came across probably a branch of the military that no one ever thinks of, unless they have to directly deal with them. The people who serve in these positions don't do it for the glory, they do it for their fellow soldiers and the families that will never see those soldiers again.

They are responsible for removing remains from the field, tentative IDing, cataloging personal effects, placing them in transfer cases packed with ice, and escorting them to Dover Air Force Base, where all fallen soldiers are taken to be prepared for their final resting place with the utmost respect.

They are the Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Specialists and they handle everything from collecting the remains to providing any assistance the family may need.

I can't imagine the horrors they have seen. All of the death they see is nothing that is natural. These are casualties of war,  the platform when humans get to show off their amazing ability to invent objects to rip apart and burn another man's body. Sometimes the only thing that can be returned to the family fits into a sealed plastic bag wrapped in blankets with the uniform pinned to it. Sometimes there isn't enough for that and the only thing in the coffin is an empty uniform. And yet they volunteer over and over again to work there because they want to help Gold Star families as much as they can, and they want to help bring them home where they belong.

I was going to write about their jobs and their nightmares, but I found articles that say it more eloquently than I ever could and choose three to share.

The first is very long, but worth every minute spent reading it. It details the life and death of Sergeant Robert Joe Montgomery and his journey home to Seymour, IN.

Joe Montgomery Military Funeral - The Things That Carried Him

Sergeant Robert Joe Montgomery

The second article is written about Staff Sergeant Gerald Peckham. a Casualty and Mortuary Affairs soldier and his journey through nightmares, depression, PTSD, and finally healing. When he's retirement he plans to volunteer with the Army's suicide prevention program, talking to soldiers and their families.

Confessions of a Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Soldier

Staff Sergeant Gerald Peckham

The final is on the personnel at Dover Air Force Base and Port Mortuary, and the stress it takes on them.

Emotions Run Deep For Military Mortuary Workers

It would be so easy to just grab a flag, but
this soldier kneels in respect as he selects
the one that will be given to the family.

Wall of Fallen Heroes
Charles C. Carson Center of Mortuary Affairs
Dover Air Force Base

Below are various pictures I found online.

Military Crosses for six slain soldiers.

Folding the flag graveside.

A Bugler paying his respects.

Making sure the flag is tucked in perfectly.

Two Mortuary Assistants build an improvised
area, where they prepare remains for the transfer case
and drape it with an American flag.

A mortuary soldier measuring a uniform jacket for
exact preciseness. 

A Final Salute - the battlefield has been cleared,
the dead properly taken care of.

An Honor Guard.

The Folding of the Flag Ceremony.

A Mortuary Soldier chooses a uniform.

Luminaries lit for Memorial Day

Luminaries lit for Memorial Day

Luminaries lit for Memorial Day

Casualty and Mortuary Training

Lowering the casket.

Ironing out the flag for a soldier's coffin

A wall full of badges and uniforms.

Remains being transported in transfer cases.

Personal effects are given special treatment so
they can be returned to the family. Every little thing
counts.

An Honor Guard presents the flag to a young boy.

Making sure that everything is perfect.

Performing one of the last things these soldiers will
do - placing the flag on the coffin before the remains
will be transported to their family.

Soldiers selecting a flag to prepare for a funeral

Soldiers being welcomed home.

                                                                                                       

May God embrace them in His arms...

Patriotism in the United States

What do you remember about the Revolutionary War? How about what caused it? A series of Acts were placed on the colonies, in the 1760s and 1770s. Needless to say, these were not too well received. Americans considered the taxes an abuse of power and resented the lack of representation they had in Parliament, These acts included the Townshend Act, the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, and the Tea Act. A Congress was formed that represented the thirteen colonies and it was agreed to refuse any imports from England. Parliament repealed many of these Acts but it didn't stop the inevitable. 

Tensions were high between the colonists and the British military stationed there to enforce the taxes imposed when on March 5, 1770, it all came to a head. British soldiers, coming to the aid of a Sentry being harassed, fired upon the crowd. Three men were killed outright and two died later from their wounds. The Officer in

Charge, Capt. Thomas Preston and eight of his men were charged with manslaughter. John Adams and Josiah Quincy, in order to prove the impartiality of Colonial courts, represented the men and all but two were eventually acquitted. The two found guilty received a branding on the hand. However, Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson had to remove the British troops out of the city to prevent further insurrection and violence, proving how ineffective the Empire was in controlling her colonies when dealing with organized resistance.  


In 1773, the Tea Act was passed to assist the East India Tea Company financially. It adjusted the tax on tea to undersell all other companies and even smugglers. East India Tea Company then chose consignees in New York, Charleston, Boston, and Philadelphia and shipped out 500,000 pounds of tea. The consignees faced enormous pressure to refuse the tea, and none accepted it except for Boston. The chosen consignees there (two of Lt. Gov. Hutchinson's sons and his nephew,) refused to turn it away

and in late November, three ships with around 90,000 pounds of tea arrived in the harbor. Patriots continued to try and talk the gentlemen into turning it away but received their final answer on December 16th. Their next course of action was to protest...and it worked. The colonists, led by Sam Adams, dressed as Native Americans and taught the English something: Boston Harbor comes with two lumps of sugar. It took almost three hours, but they dumped every last bit into the Harbor. If that doesn't make you want to toast Sam Adams with a Sam Adams, I don't know what will! And yes, Sam Adams did start THE Sam Adams, but I digress.

Britain's response was the Coercive Acts (or Intolerable Acts) of 1774. Boston Harbor was closed until restitution was made for the tea, and demoted Massachusetts to a Crown Colony and placed it under military control and into the hands of General Thomas Gage, taking away their ability to hold town meetings. Other Acts that affected all the colonies: any soldier who committed an atrocity in the colonies were guaranteed a trial in Britain. Governors and Officers were allowed to take any unoccupied building to quarter their troops, among other things. Obviously, this was Britain's attempt to gain control back, and it obviously failed as these Acts brought about the formation of the Continental Congress, and one of our most revered documents...

The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

Working on the Declaration of Independence

Armed conflict began in 1775 with the first shot in the Battles of Lexington and Concord. We fought on until 1783 and we won. Luckily, we landed on our feet and thanks to our Founding Fathers' foresight, we are still here. The very foundation they laid down for this country is the very same foundation we still follow. In 1787, the United States Constitution was ratified and went into effect two years later in 1789.

Constitution of the United States of America

Constitutional Convention.

So why did I start off with the history lesson? Because we've forgotten it. It there could possibly be any silver lining in having Trump as president it is that he has brought the Constitution back into the forefront. It's also clear that he doesn't know much about it, has constantly challenged it, whether that is by trying to deny freedom of speech and freedom of press or bringing out things like the emoluments clause, the 25th Amendment, impeachment, the three separate houses of government, and more recently, declaring how upset he was that he couldn't order the FBI or Department of Justice. Mr. Trump evidently thought that he would have ultimate control of the federal government. Apparently, he never heard of the Separation of Powers, the foundational basis for the Constitution. 

The fact is, our patriotism has turned into a hypocrisy. There is no other country in the world that is as patriotic as the United States. No other country goes as far in granting freedoms than the United States. But it seems as if we only believe in our Constitution as long as it applies to us individually, We fail to recognize that those same rights apply to all American citizens. And at the very foundation of our society - the election process is being threatened and infiltrated. Instead of possibly working with Russia to win the election or claiming that millions of people committed voter fraud, President Trump should be bringing us together as a country, not dividing us. I can't comprehend the hatred and vitriol that people use the words "liberal" and "conservative" 

like it's an insult and that by belonging to the opposite "side" makes people behave in a generalized way involving ignorance, stupidity, and hypocrisy. The only "side" we should be on is on the side of our country. Remember? The United States of America? What's more frightening is that there are a lot of issues that should be bipartisan that are now being politicized. To the detriment of this country.

I grew up in one of the most Republican counties in the country, and one of my earliest memories was tearing around the Democratic Headquarters while my Mom volunteered for Jimmy Carter's campaign. The Republicans worked right next door. There was no animosity. There was no fear of putting campaign signs in front yards. And if there wasn't campaign headquarters to run around, there were family gatherings. If anyone ever wonders where I get my strong opinions and stubbornness from, I credit three things, and they're all family.  

Our First Amendment says:

Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

There's a reason why this is the First Amendment, and it's grounded in what I wrote above about right before the Revolutionary War.

European settlers came to North American because they were being persecuted for their religion. It was a time when religion was sanctioned by the country and people were forced to follow it. If

not, then they faced the risk of being declared a heretic, and at the very least lose any property or get thrown in jail and at the worst, executed. That's why the Constitution is so adamant about freedom of religion and equally adamant about no establishment of religion. Under British rule, Colonists didn't have freedom of press, speech, and protests. This became especially true when the Colonists started protesting. When they violated that, the British dealt with them harshly. The Founding Fathers were determined that any country they were going to be a part of would grant those freedoms.

So back to present day. We have the President of the United States

declaring that any NFL players that kneel are sons of bitches and

should be fired, causing so much controversy that teams either kneeled or didn't come on the field at all for the National Anthem at the next game in a show of unity for the six players that were still kneeling before Trump's comment.

Speaking of Mr. Trump, let's look at his patriotism throughout the years. It's really quite remarkable. In an interview, he said he remembered being at Wharton, waiting to see what number he would get in the draft and being given a high number. Only the lottery didn't start until 18-months after his graduation. And by the time it did come out, as his Selective Service records show, they 

Trump with his Military Record.

wouldn't have drafted him due to a deferment he had received for a foot spur. He had received four for being in college, and the fifth was medical. What doesn't make sense is that he said it was very minor, and he couldn't even remember which foot. I would think that for a medical condition to be serious enough to be rejected by the military when they are calling a draft to conscript men would have to be painful and more than minor. Yet he was able to play football, tennis, squash and was starting to play golf. Dr. Harold Bornstein, Trump's doctor of more than 30-years, when he claimed that Donald Trump would be the healthiest president ever mentioned a routine appendectomy Trump had when he was 10, but nothing about a condition that was bad enough to get him out of serving.

Many, many years later, Trump told Howard Stern that avoiding sexually transmitted diseases was "his Vietnam." As of 2008, 58,220 men were killed in Vietnam. Those that were lucky to make it home had a hard time readjusting to life back home. It didn't help that they came home to a chilly reception from a country that blamed them for the "police action." They were spat on by anti-war protesters and called "baby killers." Their homecoming wasn't noticed, except by their families Even veterans of Korea and WWII looked down on them because they didn't win. Increasingly

they became isolated while they tried to deal with what they had witnessed. Is there any similarity between a sexually transmitted disease and the Vietnam war?  How disrespectful is it to the men who died, and were injured both physically and mentally? It's a well-known fact that the wealthy got deferments while the middle-class and poor got hit with bullets. If he was so worried about dying a violent death because of a sexually transmitted disease, then he should've kept it in his pants. Furthermore, he tried to get homeless Vietnam vendors thrown off of 5th Avenue because it hurt the image of Trump Tower. If he wanted them off the sidewalk, then maybe he could've helped them out financially. 

Within the first two or three weeks of his campaign, Trump declared that Senator John McCain wasn't a war hero because Trump preferred his war heroes to not be captured. Ironically, Senator McCain got captured serving our country in a war that Trump's father probably paid quite a bit to keep his son out of. There are a lot of things I don't agree with John McCain on, but I admire him as a person, and I sure as hell think he is a war hero.

John McCain could've avoided the Vietnam war too. He could've easily hidden behind his father. John McCain - a Four-Star Admiral in the Navy. McCain volunteered for combat duty and became a combat pilot. He narrowly escaped death once when his plane was accidentally shot by a missile on board the aircraft carrier, causing explosions and fires, killing 134. In 1968, he was shot down over

Senator John McCain, a true American War
HERO.

Hanoi. Badly injured with a broken leg and two broken arms, he was captured and held at the Hanoi Hilton. For five and a half years he was tortured. After learning that he was the son of a high ranking officer, the North Vietnamese wanted to release him. He refused. He wouldn't leave unless ALL of the POWs were released. As a result of the torture and injuries from the crash, he has permanent physical disabilities to this day.

Trump has never apologized for those abhorrent comments. He did call Senator McCain after he was diagnosed with brain cancer. However, I question his genuineness in the call. At the time, the healthcare bill was about to be voted on, and McCain's vote was significant. During that particular time, Trump couldn't say a bad thing about the Senator. When John McCain voted no, he went back to attacking him, viciously.

It's painfully obvious that Senator John McCain is an upstanding American and a war hero. He was raised with knowing duty, honor, and country. Trump was raised to be an entitled brat who had everything handed to him and believes that he should be allowed to do what he wants and thinks that there is nothing more important than himself, including this country. 

At a rally in Virginia, a veteran presented Trump with a Purple Heart Award. It wasn't the one the soldier was awarded but a representation. In response to what was a very great honor, Trump said: "I always wanted a Purple Heart, this was much easier." First off, if he hadn't gotten daddy to buy him a deferment, he might have earned the award. Purple Hearts are awarded to American service members who are injured or killed by enemy combatants.

Senator Tammy Duckworth posted a picture of herself in the hospital after losing both legs and partial use of her arm when her helicopter was hit by enemy fire. Her caption was: "This is how one usually looks when you are awarded the Purple Heart. Nothing easy about it." Another injured in Iraq, who was running at the time for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Delaware, Sean Barney, stated: "As someone who fought for our country in Iraq, was injured, and was awarded the Purple Heart, I can tell you, no one should ever 'want' to get the Purple Heart."

Trump is a known racist and Islamaphobe. He believes that all Muslims in this country are the enemy and wants to kill Americans, not stopping to think that they are Americans as well. At the Democratic Convention, an American lawyer named Khizr Khan and his wife Ghazala came up to the podium with Mr, Khan speaking. He and his wife were a Gold Star family, having lost their son, Capt. Humayun Khan, who was killed in the Iraq War in 2004. He questioned Trump's patriotism, the Muslim ban, how little he knew of the U.S. Constitution (showing his well-worn pocket U.S. Constitution,) and how little he knew about diversity in this country He suggested Mr. Trump go and walk among the graves of those that have sacrificed everything so he could see the men and women

Captain Humayun Khan

of every faith and race that made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the U.S. and ended it by saying that Trump had sacrificed nothing and no one for his country. Trump's response was to attack, insult, and make derogatory comments about Islam. It continued for 2-3 days with the Democrats excoriating Republicans for not withdrawing their endorsements and denouncing him, And that wasn't the last of his Gold Star family attacks. In early October 2017, four soldiers were killed in Niger. When Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sergeant LaDavid Johnson, received her call from the president, she placed it on speakerphone in the car that was taking her to meet her husband at the airport. Along with family, a family friend was also present...Representative Frederica Wilson. I want to stop here and

Sergeant LaDavid Johnson's widow, Myeshia 

say that I felt that Representative Wilson, by talking to the press about the phone call, politicized it and that she should not have mentioned it in the first place. But she did, and Trump responded. If she nothing had been said, it would not have gotten out of hand and the family wouldn't have had to face the insults and insensitivity that Trump is so well known for. It was predictable what was going to happen, and Frederica Wilson played into that. 

The four soldiers died under suspicious circumstances, especially in the case of Sergeant LaDavid Johnson, and there are many unanswered questions. But there was also the case of the death of 

Senior Chief Petty Office William Ryan Owens
Navy SEAL on January 29, 2017. 

Navy SEAL William "Ryan" Owens, the first casualty under Trump. The attack was planned under Obama, but he never signed off on it and it was on hold because there were too many risks. So over dinner, Trump approved of the action that sent SEAL Team 8 in to gather information. The enemy was tipped off and Owens was killed in a rare boots on the ground attack. Fourteen of the enemy were killed and 20 civilians, including women and children. Naturally, blame fell on Trump, as it should, who then turned first to his Generals (he had placed them in charge of all decisions.) and accused them of screwing up, and then Obama, for his part in it - even though he didn't sign off. Part of the objectives was to gather intelligence, what they brought back wasn't of any use.

And he banned transgender people from joining the military. Luckily, Separation of Powers is working and two judges have thrown it out.




In the 2015/2016 pre-season, Colin Kaepernick, then a backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, sat during the National Anthem for the first pre-season game and no one noticed. Nor did any notice at the second pre-season game. It wasn't noticed until the third pre-season game. In response to the questions from the press, he said "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder." He may have phrased it wrong or harshly and he made a mistake, in my opinion, by specifically putting it all on police officers. The focus should have been more on social injustices done against minorities, and that is what it has become. And certainly, that is what his foundation supports. The reaction was swift, with threats, racial slurs, etc. Though that hurt his image, it also kept the reason why he was doing it in the forefront as well, with athletes from middle school to professionals also taking a knee.

Enter: Former Green Beret Staff Sergeant Nate Boyer. If I were asked who a good example of an American is, I would point to this man. He has led a fairly incredible life and epitomizes what I think

an American should be, not by his actions but by his heart, compassion, and a willingness to listen and effort to understand and help. After high school, he worked at coaching autistic kids through therapy sessions. However, he didn't feel like he was doing enough for other people, so he paid his way to volunteer at a refugee camp in Darfur at the time the U.N. declared it one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world - and few foreigners went because of the danger.  When he got home, he signed up with the army and became a Green Beret serving multiple tours of duty in Iraq in five years. He then transitioned into the National Guard where he became a college student and served two more tours in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Bronze Star for serving with distinction. Not having played a second of football,

he walked onto the University of Texas' football team to try out AND MADE THE TEAM as a long snapper. In 2015, he was signed by the Seattle Seahawks for off-season and practice. He was never signed for the actual season, though. He now spends his time working with charities.

He has an amazing sense of empathy when he heard about

Kaepernick's protest, he reached out through an open letter in the ArmyTimes.com. He said that he understood it in some ways, but not in others. And that if he had looked over and seen a teammate sitting, he would have been angry. Kaepernick invited him to come out to the last preseason game in San Diego. Staff Sergeant Boyer accepted and met with Colin Kaepernick and teammate Eric Reid for 90 minutes. During the course of the conversation, Boyer said he hoped that Colin would stand, but if not, would he consider demonstrating for his cause and show his respect for the flag by kneeling? Kneeling, he explained, was what soldiers did during memorial services at bases. While the remains are sent home, a Battlefield Cross is usually put up where the soldier killed was stationed, so the soldiers grieving have a place pay to their respects. Kneeling is usually what the Honor Guard presenting the flag does in front of the fallen man or woman's next of kin. 

SSG. Nate Boyer's letters (there was one he released in October of 2017) are here:
Nate Boyer's First Open Letter
Nate Boyer's Second Open Letter

The 3 biggest religions kneel for prayers

People kneel basically for three reasons, and none are disrespectful in any way. The first is for religious reasons. We kneel to receive Communion, to pray to God and to show reverence. We kneel in submission. For example begging. As a form of gratitude for a kindness done, or in
humility, or you are hoping for something positive. The third would be kneeling in grief and show respect and honor for a loved one that has passed away. The idiom of "Fall to One's Knees" is "1. Literally, to kneel down, usually as a show of respect, fealty, subjection, awe, or reverence. 2. By extension, any extravagant or elaborate display, or expression of praise, adoration, or reverence.

Battlefield crosses usually are found on military
bases and installations so soldiers who have lost fellow
brothers or sisters have a place to grieve and honor -
often by kneeling.

 I am not against standing for the United States Flag and National Anthem. In fact, I would never even think of sitting during it. What I am against is that in our "patriotic" zeal, we are encouraging the denial of First Amendment rights to those that are expressing opinions contrary to ours. It is a right for everyone to disagree with what someone else thinks and feels The problem is when those opinions are outright racism, threats of violence, and cries of punishment against them. And I fail to understand why kneeling is considered

A romantic Medieval
depiction of a chivalrous
warrior becoming knighted 

disrespectful. To me, that has always been a sign of respect. I don't like sitting, and yes, I think that's disrespectful. However, just because I don't agree with it doesn't mean that I'm calling for them to be fired. I can disagree with the action, but still, respect what they are trying to do at the same time.

There are at least two Supreme Court cases that influence current law concerning freedom of expression.

On June 14, 1943, the Supreme Court issued a decision in the case

of  West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette. West Virginia contended that if a child didn't give the correct respect for the Pledge of Allegiance, they were to be expelled and considered unlawfully absent, subjecting their parents to possible criminal charges as their child was declared a delinquent. The punishment was a fine and possibly one year in jail.

Marie and Gathie Barnette were students, and also Jehovah Witnesses. It was and still is, against their beliefs, which are based on Exodus 20:4-5, where God commands His people to not make any idols or worship idols above Him. Jehovah Witnesses considered any patriotic observances to the country to be above God. They filed suit before a three-judge U.S. District Court against the West Virginia State Board of Education. The court ruled in their favor and the state appealed. It was accepted to be heard by the Supreme Court. 

The Court ruled that, in a 6 to 3 decision, it was unconstitutional to compel a student to salute for the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. In the decision, it stated: "If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein." Writing the Majority Opinion, Justice Robert H. Jackson wrote that while the flag is a U.S. symbol, it

Justice Robert H. Jackson, not only was
the first Justice to also serve as Solicitor
General and Attorney General, he
temporarily took a leave of absence when
Truman appointed him U.S. Chief
Counselor. He helped write the basis for the
War Crimes trials in Nuremberg and served
as chief prosecutor.

should not be placed on a great pedestal. The only thing that gives a symbol power is what a person believes about it and that "which one man's comfort and inspiration is another's jest and scorn." In the Concurring Opinion, Justice Hugo Black and Justice William O. Douglas wrote in part: "Words uttered under coercion are proof of loyalty to nothing but self-interest."

The next case was in regards to desecrating, specifically, burning a U.S. Flag, was illegal. Trying to subvert a 1989 Supreme Court decision in Texas v Johnson where the court ruled that states could

not make it illegal to desecrate the United States flag because it violated the First Amendment, the 101st Congress passed a law that made desecration of a flag a federal offense. Naturally, there were protests all over the country and people who burned the flag were arrested. Most were dismissed by courts under Texas v. Johnson. U.S. Attorneys appealed directly to the Supreme Court and the cases were combined as the United States v. Johnson in 1990. In a 5-4 decision, the Court ruled that flag desecration is an expression, fully protected under the First Amendment. It also stated that even if a symbol's physical manifestation is destroyed or disfigured, it does not diminish the meaning of the symbol. And finally, the government can't prohibit certain acts because it is considered offensive or disagreeable. 
                                                       

Colin Kaepernick kneeled for the rest of the season. He kneeled respectfully for our country and for our military but he also did so

because he believed very strongly in what is an extremely important issue that this country MUST deal with. His protest was for the disproportionate number of African Americans and other minorities who suffer racial injustices on almost a daily basis. 

He never disrespected the flag or the National Anthem. He didn't break any rules with the NFL...they don't have any rules regarding 

the National Anthem except that the teams are to be on the sidelines. In fact, before 2009, it was optional and almost every team spent the National Anthem in the locker rooms. Yet I don't remember NFL fans complaining about that. In the absence of any rules a private company (NFL) has regarding the flag and National Anthem, the First Amendment right to freedom of expression takes precedence.

Senator John McCain and Senator Jeff Flake about the amount of money the Department of Defense paid to sports teams in order to honor one soldier's service, or have a soldier sing the National Anthem, to have a militarily themed day or tables for recruitment. And it wasn't a small chunk of change. The DOD paid out millions so they would have a presence at a professional sporting event. I fail to see the patriotism in that.  Patriotism would be if the NFL told the military not to worry about it, it would be their honor to pay for a soldier to sing the National Anthem. Or to reunite a soldier that came home with their family. Because, yes, DOD paid for THAT too.

Kaepernick had success with his protests - across all sports and all levels. He started a foundation that gives worthy charities in intercity neighborhoods donations in $25,000 increments to four charities a month as a part of his million dollar pledge, and there is an accounting of where the money went to, and what exactly it was spent on (it's called the "Million Dollar Pledge.") He also has what is called a "Know Your Rights Camp" all over the country. The goal is to teach inner city kids what they need to know to be a success in life, and once they are taught, they are to share it with other kids...helping at a grassroots level. There are ten points from the program: *You have the right to be free. *You have the right to be healthy. *You have the right to be brilliant. *You have the right to be safe. *You have the right to be loved. *You have the right to be courageous. *You have the right to be alive. *You have the right to be trusted. *You have the right to be educated. *You have the right to know your rights. (www.kaepernick7.com)

Please re-read those ten points. I, for one, was never told I had the right to live or to be loved and I don't remember any of my friends being told that either. The camp, including Colin, educates kids on what resources there are in their neighborhoods and how to utilize them to the fullest, where to go to for help, and how to communicate with police officers. and other things especially important to them. These kids are growing up in neighborhoods where violence, addiction, abuse and not a place

where police are trusted. where they live in neighborhoods full of violence, addiction, and abuse. Hearing bullets, seeing people killed or injured, or OD is so common it doesn't seem to phase them and many have PTSD. The goal is for these kids to go out and pay it forward, teaching their friends and schoolmates what they learned. It is an organization designed to help these kids succeed. The seminars, held around the country, are paid for by Colin Kaepernick.


Colin Kaepernick was not signed by a team this year.

During the 2017 season, Kap's protest became legit when
Trump started criticizing players that kneeled.

 He felt so strongly about social injustice and police brutality that he was willing to give up his career for it. He put his money where his mouth was and it cost him a promising career and millions of dollars from salaries and sponsors. And if he wasn't an African American professional football player, he would get the respect he deserves.

Not that he hasn't gotten respect. He has received several accolades including the NFLPA's "MVP of the Week, " GQ's "Citizen of the Year," and won the Sports Illustrated Mohammad Ali Legacy Award this year and is in the running for Time's "Man of the Year." BECAUSE of the attention he received and the negativity that it caused, Colin Kaepernick became a household name whether you supported him or not or believed in his cause. All the hate spewed and racism used to shame him, and how ironic it is that he has won these awards and is being considered for Time's "Man of the Year." Hate will get you no where.

Colin is trying to spread the message that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and for people to recognize that the rights granted to us are granted to everyone. Muhammad's widow, Lonnie Ali stated “Like Muhammad, Colin is a man who stands on his convictions with confidence and courage, undaunted by the personal sacrifices he has had to make to have his message heard. He has used his celebrity and philanthropy to benefit some of our most vulnerable community members. I know the Ali family joins me in congratulating Colin as he receives the 2017 SI Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.” SI's Executive Editor, Stephen Cannella stated that Kaepernick is only one of a few athletes that truly encompasses Muhammad Ali's example of philanthropy. 

Why are we vilifying a man whose only goal is to help better the

lives of underprivileged Americans who desperately need help? That's what he RESPECTFULLY kneeled for. Has he committed a violent crime, taken drugs, and beat his wife like other NFL players? Why, in the name of God, is his passion to help other people and to demonstrate it by kneeling before the flag worse than those players who actually intentionally hurt or killed another person?

We stand for the flag in order to honor and recognize a symbol of our American ideals, right? The ideals that were written in the Constitution and for which our soldiers gave their lives for. Isn't helping others one of those ideals? Colin Kaepernick and all other athletes that followed him and kneeled did so not out of disrespect.

but to bring about awareness to what is a very serious problem in this country. If the flag truly is an American symbol, then the fact that they chose it as a forum to makes their grievances known in a completely respectful way should have been a call to action, not threats, racism, and harsh judgments.

If we can unify together during national disasters and mass shootings, we can come together to help fellow Americans to left them out of abject poverty, extreme violence, and crawling past doors because if a bullet goes through it, it's usually higher. No matter how much they try to build a better life, they can't, for several valid socioeconomic reasons. 

The meaning our flag has for each one us is different. If someone

Naturalization Ceremony in Washington DC

else disrespects it, does it diminish what our meaning of it is? Does it diminish Americans or this country? Part of that meaning for us may be the men and women who have served our country, and for a lot, died. I know that I'm not going to feel the same about our flag than a soldier who survived the war and saw his buddies blown up. However, we have to remember that our military

The oath each person takes
when they join the military.

takes an oath to protect the U.S. Constitution. That's what they gave their lives for and that's why they serve. Not the flag or the National Anthem. The Bill of Rights protects an American's right to sit, stand, or kneel during the Anthem. The Constitution is a living document that grants us all the very same freedoms. If we disrespect and make threats against someone else who is expressing their right to peaceably assemble, we are ultimately disrespecting the soldiers that served, continue to serve and those who gave their lives. Without the Constitution, they have nothing to protect.

There is no reason to attack protesters that you disagree with, send

death threats, make racial slurs or claim they don't have the same rights that you are enjoying to spout vile filth. Instead of judgments, slurs, and narrow-minded focus on their actions, listen to what they're trying to say. Be constructive, not destructive.

People say that the players should be fired. As previously mentioned, the NFL does not have any rule regarding the Anthem except to be on the sidelines. Until they change the rules, it would be a violation of the players' Constitutional rights to fire them.

People say that it's the not right time or place to protest. When would be a good time? In the middle of the night with quiet whispers? The whole idea of a protest is to be controversial and/or inconvenient in order to bring attention to their actions in order to get a point across. How are people going to make their their cause known otherwise? Rosa Parks refused to move, and college students sat at a lunch counter. It brought an attention to segregation that just drinking out of the "white only" water fountain wouldn't cause. Our independence was not had by the Colonists protesting at the time most convenient and where they wouldn't attract attention. They dumped 90,000 pounds of tea into the Harbor and they didn't go about it quietly.

When is it the right time for black people to protest?

Another common theme is that they are on their employer's time, on the fans time, and are rich so they should be thankful and get in line. Yes, it is done on their employer's time, and if their employer had a rule against it, there would be consequences. There isn't, there aren't, and possibly the crowd could show their patriotism by

concentrating on their own individual patriotism and displaying that patriotism proudly. I've read the Constitution, and it doesn't say anywhere that someone who makes a lot of money loses any of their rights granted to everyone else. I'm sure the players are very thankful for their jobs and salaries. To tell them to shut up and

enjoy their money, considering the reasons, is incredibly racist. It's as if people are saying that they'd be in a ghetto if it weren't for the NFL. The NFL wasn't there when those players made the decision to play football and concentrate on school instead of hanging with friends on the corner, getting in trouble, being exposed to gangs, drugs, and violence. Some beat incredible odds and were able to get into college and get an education despite horrible circumstances. The NFL had nothing to do with that. They earned the right to be in the NFL all on their own. Now they're in a position where they can help kids growing up the same way they did. NFL players are incredibly involved in charities geared to help the neighborhoods they escaped from. Most have their own foundations and they give their time and money towards others on their own time and for the NFL.

And in specific regard to Colin Kaepernick. Yes, he was adopted by a white family when he was five weeks old. And grew up in an area that was prominently white. His parents were able to give him a comfortable childhood, a lot of love and he attended good schools. Do you really think he had it as easy as that? He had to endure questions from his white classmates on why he was so dark. And in college, African Americans labeled him "Whitewash" as soon as they heard him talk and wouldn't have anything to do with him. In his statement, he said that he would stand WITH the oppressed, not that he was oppressed. And he doesn't have to have ANY association with them in order to do so. Those memes that make snarky remarks about him being "oppressed" and showing him in pictures with his family, are not only ignorant, it shows a stunning lack of understanding to what he said, and a unsurprisingly example of racism. To imply that a biracial man raised in a white household doesn't have the right to want to do something to help African Americans and other minorities simply because of how he grew up is, well, it's just not only racist but really stupid. People who make those kinds of comments do not make Colin Kaepernick look bad, they make themselves look like racist assholes.

Besides the issue of players kneeling for the Anthem, there is the issue of the U.S. Flag Code, where standing up during the anthem is one of them. In the U.S. Flag Code, all practices concerning the flag and the National Anthem is listed. Funnily, standing before what is largely loud sports events is the only one we follow. I can only make guesses, but are there are too many? Inconvenient? Aren't popular? Takes the fun out of things? Let's go through them.

*The flag should never be flown upside except as a signal of dire distress, in instances of extreme danger to life or property. 

~My Comments: To both sides of the political spectrum, it is not an emergency if you don't agree with where the country is headed. Political dissent is not a valid reason. To the veteran who is flying a flag upside down in Flint, MI...yes, Ma'am, you ARE in dire distress. 

*The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

~My Comments: Or when parachutists land in sports fields and race tracks with a large flag streaming behind.

*The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

~My Comments: The military often carries large field flags during the opening ceremonies at sporting events and parades. Why is this wrong? I did some digging. What I mostly found were opinions of veterans on what it means. I don't have direct facts, but all of these are extremely logical?

1. By lying flat, say on a field, one half of the crowd is viewing the flag upside down, which is a sign of dire distress.

2. It says the flag should always be aloft and free. But a flag carried flat is not aloft or free. It is bound, constricted, and kept from flying free. Therefore, it doesn't symbolize America's freedom.

U.S. Flag Code No-Nos.

3. A horizontal flag is only acceptable for one occasion. If it is covering the coffin or transfer case of a soldier killed in combat or a veteran. That is their right. And when it is raised above the coffin during the flag folding ceremony.

The union or blue star field should be on the upper left-hand side, over the soldier's heart.

*The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. Is should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red,

Not just "No!" But "HELL NO!"

always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping in front of the platform, and for decoration in general.



~My comments: No, it's not patriotic for a woman in a bikini contest to wear an American flag bikini. Or wrap yourself up in one. Use it as a poncho (cutting a hole in it,) or worn as a shawl

NO

(making armholes,) as a bandana on a sweaty head, or hanging out of someone back pocket...that is located over a butt cheek, or on a guitar or other musical instrument. Yet, it is done all the time in the name of patriotism.

*The Flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

*The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

*The flag should never have placed upon it, nor any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.  

Very, very cool...but alas, no.

~My Comments: No matter how cool it looks, it is against the Code to use the flag in any artwork, whether patriotic or not. In the unlikely event that they update the Code, I'm sure there will be a nice long discussion on the Internet.

*The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

*The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs, and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

~My Comments: Buying and using napkins, paper plates, paper cups, or decorations featuring the flag for such holidays as Independence Day or Memorial Day can easily be thought of as disrespectful because such items are made to be discarded. That includes those cute little U.S. flags that are stuck in cupcakes and any cakes where the red, white, and blue is icing and meant to be eaten.

This protester is using a desecrated flag to demonstrate
around Confederate monuments in Gettysburg. 

*No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

~My Comments: This includes any sports team that has patches on their uniform, hats, or helmets.

*The flag, when it is in such condition that is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. 

~My Comments: You can bring your flag to the American Legion, VFW, or similar organizations like the Boy Scouts and they will

take care of that for you. They usually have flag-burning ceremonies on holidays such as Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and Independence Day.

It has to be noted, of course, that the US Flag Code is not law and not binding. It is just advice if you want to follow it. And this is just how to respect the flag. There's how to display the flag, what to do during ceremonies involving that flag, etc. The one for the National Anthem is what is expected - stand to face the flag, remove any hats and place the right hand over the heart until it is over. 

So why, if we place such an emphasis on correctly respecting the flag before a sports event, do we not pay attention to the other codes? For that matter, how many other events actually play the National Anthem before they start? If everyone stands for the Anthem, does that cancel out a large field flag carried out or

This is against the Code.

parachutists landing with the flag touching the ground? We do more to disrespect the flag on a daily basis. Are people showing respect towards the flag if they are sitting down on the couch before the game? How about walking around outside.  

And the clothing. How can it be acceptable that there are people in the crowd probably wearing flag skivvies perfectly okay when

Sarah Palin, Kid Rock, Ted Nugent are all outspoken
Conservatives. And the skivies with that poor
eagle. The other woman was at the RNC.

peaceably protesting by kneeling during the anthem isn't? Think of it, flag flatulence is occurring and that's considered to be more respectful then kneeling?

Is it really that bad to use paper plates, napkins, cups, etc? I mean, really, how disrespectful can it really be? But it is apart of the US Flag Code, same as standing for the National Anthem. So yes, by that standard, it is as bad. You are throwing away an image of the American Flag, or using it to drink beer, wipe your mouth, or hold your roasted wiener on it. The flag that we stand for as it is flying free should not endure that kind of treatment.

Under the U.S. Code, even Uncle Sam is a big no-no and it's made worse since the Armed Forces used him in advertising! Out of all of the codes, standing and with hand over heart is probably the easiest and more agreeable. But to pick that one to follow and ignore the rest is hypocritical. If we are going to as a country expect people to stand for the Anthem, we should also observe the other codes as well.

I also find it extremely hypocritical that NFL players who kneel during the National Anthem are vilified and singled out because they are "disrespecting the people who served and died for this country." If we want to honor the people who served this country, how about doing something to actually help veterans? There are so many that are
suffering from physical and psychological injuries, and they don't get the help they need. They fall between the cracks. There are 22 veterans/active duty soldiers that kill themselves each day. And how about the families that are left behind? There are lots of charities that help veterans, but there shouldn't be a need for any charities because they have earned the right for their country to help them return to civilian life and assist them in any way possible. 

As far as I'm concerned, we absolutely DO NOT get to pay lip service to our veterans and active service members by standing for one or two minutes before a rowdy sports event and then cross the

road so we don't have to walk by a homeless veteran begging for money for food on the way to the car afterward. Our veterans are forgotten, disrespected, hungry, cold, wet, and killing themselves and the rest of us worry about NFL players kneeling because "it disrespects the military." Really?

It's not even about kneeling anymore. It's about race and something else I don't understand. The New Orleans Saints kneeled, and got

New Orleans Saints kneeling to
honor a moment of silence for a
fallen police officer as the crowd boos them.

booed. What's new about that? They were kneeling in respect for a moment of silence observed for a slain New Orleans Police Officer. And the booing was done during that moment of silence. That shows where the crowd's thought processes were, and those thoughts weren't on the fallen police officer, either. Ignorance of the

tribute isn't an excuse. It was announced. After the "moment of silence" was over, the team all stood for the National Anthem and cheers erupted. "Officer who?" If the crowd boos during a minute of silence to honor a police officer that died on duty then I'm pretty sure they also boo during the National Anthem as well. So who are being more disrespectful - the players kneeling in respect for the flag and military while demonstrating against social injustices on minorities or the crowd loudly booing their actions during the time that they are supposed to be standing with their right hand over their heart, facing the flag and singing. Then it becomes more than players kneeling for the Anthem. 

If someone who feels that it's wrong for a peaceful protest during the National Anthem, they should keep quiet at least through the National Anthem. Instead of booing the players, they should be doing exactly what the expect from the players: to stand with hand over heart and sing. Or  maybe they should get out of the concession line to where you can see the flag, stop drinking beer, talking loudly, texting, or slouching in their chairs. If the players are to be held to the standards for the National Anthem and Flag, then so should the the crowds. These are guys who are protesting what is an American problem. They are kneeling, respectfully, facing the flag. They aren't walking back and forth chanting some snappy slogan, trampling it on the ground, tearing it up, throwing paint, and other liquids, or setting it on fire. Peaceful protest.

It's compulsory patriotism. We are taking our beliefs and forcing it on others because we only see our way as the "correct" way. That is why Trump's comments were so irresponsible. As president, he has to hold himself to a higher standard and realize that sharing his

opinion regarding Constitutional issues with the country. He took an oath to uphold the Constitution, not cause dissension that encourages racism, hatred, and threats.  Have we created an environment where people only stand so they won't get yelled at or worse? Have we created mandatory patriotism where you MUST stand, no matter what? Are we a country that makes a villain out of a biracial football player simply because he knelt during the National Anthem to bring attention to the injustices, violence, and abuse that a good chunk of our population lives under, but pretty much accepts the white men who have been accused of sexual assault? Does it matter that they victimized minors and  reaches the highest office in this

country? I find it frightening that people are willing to vote in men that have been accused of sexual assault against girls but never, ever for a biracial man who gave up his career to stand up for his convictions and help his people who aren't as blessed as he was. Are people standing for the National Anthem or reciting the Pledge because they are scared of what will happen to them or just wants to fit in? To me, I would rather they just sat down. We're supposed to stand in respect. If they are standing just to fit in or out of fear, they're not showing reverence or respect. And if they are standing out of fear or to fit in, then we have done them a huge disservice. We denied them their Constitutional rights to free expression because we bullied them. And that is not okay.

If someone believes that people must stand for the Anthem and observe all patriotic holidays, then they are living in the wrong country. Perhaps they might want to live in a country where dictators are heads of state. Totalitarian regimes where people aren't given choices to think and live freely.

This country is a Democracy. And the men who founded this great country wrote out a Constitution that gave people unalienable rights like freedom of expression. We elect our government and instead of bowing down to a leader, we elect one. Separation of Powers was created that keeps one house from gaining to many powers or the whole country. It's not perfect, but it has kept this country together for 228 years, where it went into affect on March 4, 1789. 

Colin Kaepernick or any of the other protesters don't need to leave the country for being unpatriotic. The ultimate honor an American can give to those who have served our country is to exercise our freedoms granted by the very thing they took an oath to protect. If their actions bother people too much, then those people are more

than welcome to leave instead. Colin Kaepernick isn't hurting anyone. He isn't hurting this country, the flag, Anthem, or military. In fact, he has always gotten quite a bit of support from veterans who understand that the reason why they fought was to protect Colin's right to kneel a right granted by the Constitution of the United States. He talked the talk and walked the walk. Even now, when he doesn't have a job, he is active in giving out $25,000 a piece to four charities a month, does the "Know Your Rights" camps all over the country, raises over a million for aid in Somalia. He even took a prized collection of Nike shoes - that were kept in a garage converted into a shoe closet - and gave them away, along with hats, clothes, and other athletic gear. An estimated 500 pairs, at least. And he doesn't do it for the attention. In fact, he hasn't done any interviews for at least 8 months. He genuinely wants to help people.

And please don't get me wrong, I am not implying that anyone who thinks that people should stand up for the Anthem, they are racist. I

am saying that it is a contributing factor in this matter. It was a factor when Native Americans were protesting the Dakota Pipeline. It is a factor when African American professional football players are making a stand in order to help minorities who really are oppressed. We need to stop thinking off the cuff and stop to contemplate why.

If we are to be judged by our actions, who is going to be where - the person yelling, cursing, and threatening a professional player protesting during the National Anthem in a peaceful way. Or someone like Colin Kaepernick, who has a message of humanity to tell and a strong desire to selflessly give himself to a cause that improves lives. And he does it quietly, preferring not to be in the spotlight. I have a feeling who would get the accolades.