September 27, 2018: Del Rio News-Herald * OPINION * Letter to the Editor * Respect the flag
Letter to the Editor, R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Honor it! Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke campaigning for U.S. Senate was asked, “How do you feel about NFL players who take a knee during the national anthem? Is it disrespectful to this country, to the flag, to service members in Afghanistan, and those former service members, retirees and veterans?” He replied, “My short answer is no, I don’t think it’s disrespectful.” A detailed discourse followed. He concluded saying, “I can think of nothing more American than to peacefully stand up, or take a knee, for your rights, anytime, anywhere, anyplace.” A recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found a majority of voters say that it’s not appropriate for NFL players to kneel during the national anthem. O’Rourke’s comments supporting the protests went viral, earning extensive social media shares and garnering praise from Hollywood celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, who had him on her show, and professional athletes most notably bask