Saluting a flag
that ignores the facts
while so many among us
slip through the cracks
with all the divisions
that lay at our feet
it's time to man-up
and challenge the elite
enough with the platitudes
meant to keep us in place
it's time to be heard
get in their face
the "rights" that we have
are meant for us all
when inequality exists
we must answer the call
the issue of race
is no lie of the mind
it's part of our fabric
cruel and unkind
the brutality we witness
from day to day
is all too real
there are no shades of grey
peacefully protesting
what they know to be wrong
no longer willing
with just going along
standing for those
whose voice has been silenced
all the discrimination
the never-ending violence
we live in a land
where they claim we are free
so what's the fucking problem
with.., taking a knee!
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The problem with taking a knee is that it does absolutely nothing to address the real issue.
Instead, it broadcasts to the world that you don't want to be part of the solution. When Americans stand for the anthem, that is the moment we come together, despite whatever disagreements we have had before. Taking a knee means you don't want us to have that moment when we come together.
That is the problem.
That's a good point and a perspective I haven't heard before. I don't know that I would say they don't want to be part of the solution, though. I think they just don't have enough of a clear and practical understanding of the issue and therefore are unable to offer a solution. That's really my only concern with their protest; in most cases, (including Kaepernick) it's a misuse of their voice.
that's ridiculous... how can you tell someone how they want to protest? you can't, especially when it's peaceful. it's done absolutely nothing you think? this is how change happens. if you're waiting for the oligarchs to change things, you're going to wait a long time brother.
I guess, we are going to have to disagree on this one...
nicely done
Thanks
Ahh this is a great one. I think we should just stop singing the statist songs before games
That's the best idea I've heard in a long time... Lets just play some football!
great line..
Cheers!
Amazing post @macksby
Thanks @munawar1235!
Me I really do not care about the politics of it. It was a damn fine poem, and I am resteeming it. Politics be damned.
Thanks @bashadow!
Watching the NFL's ratings drop like a rock.....
I hear that...
Absolutely.
wow you did it so well :)
CHEERS!
I think your poetry skills are great and you should consider entering poemchallenge each Friday. I don't agree with your point of view though. If you are patriot you should stand. If you don't like something politically, let your voice be heard after you are out of your uniform and away from the stadium.
By kneeling, you disgrace your flag and country as well as yourself.
Perhaps you won't be noticed by anyone if you kneel at home instead of on television?
I appreciate your comment.., and totally respect your point of view. I wasn't aware of a poetry challenge, I'll check it out, thanks!
Thanks I look forward to your entry. You could even enter the one you posted here. I bet you get to place in the top 3. Good luck
great post, thanks for sharing your poetry, that takes guts. anyone who is against people expressing and protesting, especially in a peaceful manner, maybe want to go to a country where there is a dictatorship, maybe you'd feel more comfortable there. this country is about protest and dialogue, that is how you address social issues and make change, it's called social justice... goes back to Jesus baby and even before, peace
Amen, brother!
Freedom and justice are very important to my life. I really like your originality
It's a shame there is so little of each, for some people.
Yes, you are right
Kind of tebowing isn't it?
Not really, as his wasn't in protest. That being said, he was also ostracized and is no longer in the NFL...like Kaepernick.