As someone who was born and raised in India, I have a deep sense of respect and affinity for the American flag. I have deep gratitude for the opportunities this wonderful country has created for my family. My innate love for the American way of life – its troubles included – leads me to believe that America is still the greatest country in the world. Till today, the singing of the star spangled banner gives me goose bumps and an occasional lump in my throat.
It baffles me when pro athletes refuse to stand for the national anthem because they want to exhibit their opposition to the outcome of the recent election, or because they feel the need to demonstrate against the deep racial divide. Shameful, unacceptable, behavior by any standards.
I just don’t get it. Maybe if these self appointed soldiers of social causes donated their multi-million dollar salaries to support their cause, or fought for this country — and shed their blood — then they can sit on the bench for the anthem.
They have the right to show their displeasure — I have the right to to tell them to grow up and not behave like imbeciles. Juvenile behavior is the wrong way to fight for a cause. If they are disrespectful to the very symbol of our freedom, they should be sent with a one-way ticket, to a land far, far away.
About Hemant Rustogi