Some things about the United States of America repulse me. First and foremost is the killing of a million unborn babies every year. The most oppressed and mistreated people group in the nation are the unborn. How a government that purports to champion the poor, the oppressed and the needy can stand by and do nothing to help the most helpless among us is unconscionable to me. Our government not only permits abortion but taxpayer’s money is being used to perpetuate it. Despite the vehement objection of millions of concerned Americans this atrocious, barbaric practice is allowed to continue.
To express my disapproval I could emulate the practice of NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernic who refuses to stand during the national anthem to protest “police brutality against minorities”. When asked why, I could express my disgust with the corrupt system and promise to continue to remain seated during the Star Spangled Banner until there was significant change in America’s abortion policies.
As an American I have the right to protest since the freedom of speech is one of our fundamental rights. As a Christian I have the right to remain seated during the National anthem because my primary allegiance is not to the United States but to God. And while nowhere in scripture am I commanded to specifically pay tribute to a patriotic song or salute a national flag, the Bible is clear that I am required to “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13-17) Therefore, in spite of my disappointment with America’s refusal to do something to stop the carnage of precious infants, I will continue to stand respectfully when the national anthem is played.
Here are several additional reasons why I choose to do so:
1. It expresses my appreciation for this country even though it is imperfect.
In spite of its faults America is still a great country. When I stand in silence I am expressing gratitude for the privilege of living in a uniquely blessed nation. I’ve visited a number of foreign countries and while there is much to learn from every culture, I’ve not found anyplace I would rather live than the United States of America. Every nation is imperfect, but America is far ahead of whichever one is in second place. God has uniquely blessed the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Columnist Mike Gonzalez pointed out last week that Colin Kaepernick should appreciate the freedom of speech that is unique to America. He wrote, “The constitutional protections that safeguard Kaepernick’s speech and actions are limited to a minority of the world’s 7 billion residents, and are in many ways the reserve of the 300 million of those people who happily call themselves American.”
2. It shows respect for the military personnel who have sacrificed their lives for my freedom.
Jarrett Stepman wrote: “To the majority of Americans, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is a moving tribute to what the country represents: freedom, duty, bravery, and commitment to the men and women serving in the armed forces.”
Over a million Americans have given their lives to protect the unique freedoms we enjoy in this country. A host of veterans have been wounded or have sacrificed time and energy to preserve our freedom. When I stand in silence for a minute while the National Anthem is played I’m expressing my respect for their contribution to my wellbeing.
On Thursday before the San Francisco vs. San Diego exhibition football game, Colin Kaepernic again did not stand during the national anthem. Observers pointed out his act of disrespect was particularly noticeable that night since the pregame ceremonies included a tribute to our soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guard and marines, heroes who have served and truly sacrificed so all Americans can live in freedom.
3. It’s a demonstration of unity as a country.
The Bible says a house divided against itself cannot stand. (Mark 3:25) Today the cultural, spiritual, racial and economic divisions that separate Americans seem more pronounced than ever. But if we are ever attacked by an outside adversary, as we were on 9/11, we will need to put those differences aside and stand together because, as our founders reminded us, “United we stand, divided we fall.” When we all stand in silence at the playing of the national anthem it’s a reminder to me that we are still one nation under God.
4. It honors a positive tradition handed down from our forefathers.
For decades it has been the tradition for Americans to respect the flag and stand at attention during the national anthem. Some traditions are silly and need to be disregarded. But there are healthy traditions that give people needed roots and a sense of identity. The national anthem is a healthy tradition. To refuse to participate in it appears arrogant and disrespectful to our heritage.
5. It enhances my opportunity to influence others about my position instead of alienating them.
Not to stand during the playing of the national anthem is certain to anger a good percentage of the people who observe my protest. My goal is not just to express my disdain for abortion. My goal is to convince others to share my convictions. If I alienate them by dismissing their patriotism, I minimize the possibility of persuading them to my point of view. The message is lost in the method.
Refusing to stand during the national anthem may succeed in getting attention and stirring up controversy, but it seems a lousy way to make my grievances known and an even lousier way to make a difference. There are more positive ways to express my concern and motivate change, which don’t call attention to me but to the issue. I can seek opportunities to speak up at times when people will actually listen. I can vote pro-life. I can support crises pregnancy centers and homes for unwed mothers with generous gifts. That’s one of the reasons the Bible urges us, “Don’t be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good”.
Colin Kaepernick chooses to sit during the National Anthem to draw attention to the oppression of minorities. In contrast, Rashad Jennings, a black athlete who plays for the NFL’s New York Giants demonstrated support for the national anthem and the American flag. He told the New York Daily News, “It’s nice to know that we live in a country where sitting down during the anthem won’t land you in jail or worse.”
Jennings said he was proud to stand for the song and continued to explain why he supports the values contained in its verses: I figure if it was the intention of our Founding Fathers to keep America a nation of slaves, then it wouldn’t have chosen a song where all four verses end with ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave’ instead of ‘land of the free, home of the slave.’
Jennings and his teammates made a point to stand at attention for the national anthem during a Saturday night game against the New York Jets. I stand with them as fellow Americans seeking to build on the values our country was founded on and to support the symbols of our freedom.
I wish the public singing of the National anthem were twice as long and that everyone in the nation would memorize and sing the last stanza written by Frances Scott Key:
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
-Bob
P.S. Also, check out this video of Sam Kendricks, a U.S. Army reservist and U.S. Olympic pole-vaulter, who stopped midway through his run to stand at attention and express his respect for the National Anthem.
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