Tokyo 2020

[MaDef]

Originally Posted by Catfish

I have always wondered how a flag is "disrespected" when athletes kneel to show respect for people having suffered wrongdoing. Nothing to do with a flag, nothing to do with politics.

Can't speak for other countries but Here in the Land of the Free, the following applies:

(a)Designation.—
The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b)Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—
(1)when the flag is displayed—
(A)individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B)members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C)all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2)when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

nothing about kneeling in there.

[Buddahaid]

Originally Posted by MaDef

Can't speak for other countries but Here in the Land of the Free, the following applies:

nothing about kneeling in there.

https://www.usa.gov/flag

Nothing here about mounting it in the back of your truck until it's in shreds, sticking it out your car window, leaving it up at night in the dark, or wearing it as a shirt either.

[MaDef]

Originally Posted by Buddahaid

https://www.usa.gov/flag

Nothing here about mounting it in the back of your truck until it's in shreds, sticking it out your car window, leaving it up at night in the dark, or wearing it as a shirt either.

2 points for deflection. I've said what I needed to.

[Buddahaid]

Originally Posted by MaDef

2 points for deflection. I've said what I needed to.

Oh c'mon! That's got to be at least worth five points!

Anyway, I woudn't call it deflection, just pointing out how 'merican flag wavers usually don't heed the rules of respect either.

[Sean C]

Comparing the person with the tattered flag waving from the back of their pickup to the multi-millionaire who only kneels during the anthem is not a good look, IMHO.

[3catcircus]

Hhere's the BLUF:

If you feel the need to show disrespect towards a nation that provided you the opportunity to compete in the Olympics by kneeling during an anthem or turning away from a flag (symbols of that nation), then you shouldn't be allowed to compete for them to begin with.

Winning Olympic gold is a gateway to fame and fortune, going all the way back to being on the Wheaties box and even before that. I'm happy to give a shot to someone else who has a greater appreciation for the opportunity they've been given.

[Buddahaid]

You do understand that the Government doesn't fund the US Olympic Committee. It's funded by private and corporate sponsors.