Want players to stand? Fight racial injustice
To end protests, end racial injustice first
It saddens me that people are more upset over the fact that NFL players are protesting, than what is motivating their protests.
Yes, these players get paid millions to “play a game,” but you’re missing the point. The players themselves aren’t being persecuted; they’re using their celebrity to draw attention to issues faced by millions who don’t have a voice.
The fact that your favorite player is protesting has certainly done one thing – start the discussion.
Want players to remain standing? Send the message to your family, friends, and your government that discrimination of any type shouldn’t be tolerated in today’s society, period.
Charlie Fortanbary, Charlotte
NFL owners should stand up to players
I’m fed up with celebrities who seem to think they have rights only afforded to them. That includes those in Hollywood and pro athletes.
If political protests are allowed during NFL games, then where is the line drawn?
There’s a time and place for protesting, but not in the workplace. The football stadium is their office, and they are employees.
Owners of these businesses should have the spine to demand compliance that applies to all employees, not just a few because it is PC.
Rodger Parker, Huntersville
Game day escape? No escaping injustice
I laugh reading Forum letters that suggest the time and place of the NFL protests are bad. How dare my game-day experience be affected by protests!
I bet that all the people affected by racial injustice – you know, the ones the protesters are trying to draw attention to – would love to have a “game day” where they can just escape from all their problems.
If you find a protest inconvenient, you’re probably part of the problem. Speaking out against injustice is always worthwhile speech, even on an NFL game day.
Michael Tye, Charlotte
I want players to give 100% to football
As a sports fan, my concern is if players are spending time planning protests they are not giving 100 percent to football and are detracting from the quality of the game.
When a team loses badly or looks sloppy, fans will conclude it was probably lack of focus and preparation. Result: angry fans. At that point, any meaning or significance the protest had is lost.
Look, I’d be disappointed if professional athletes didn’t have opinions on social or political issues, but there are more effective forums for that. There’s a time and a place for everything.
Paul Correll Jr., Fort Mill
Keep players off field until after anthem
In response to “Just don’t play the anthem” (Sept. 28 Forum):
Do you really think there will ever be a consensus about a “less controversial song” to be played?
A better idea: Don’t let the players on the field until after the national anthem is played. If the people in the stands want to stand, kneel, or whatever, that is their business.
Jane Holtz, Fort Mill
My solution: lots of little American flags
My solution: lots of little American flags
As a 22-year PSL owner I am disturbed about the potential for the Panthers to disrespect the American flag and/or the national anthem. I am asking that all PSL owners bring a small American flag to the Oct. 12 game and wave as appropriate.
Joel Sadler, Charlotte
Time to ignore president’s tweets
Donald Trump is laughing up his sleeve over his “tweetdom.”
He doesn’t care what is said in his tweets, nor what the reactions are. All he wants is for the clamor to continue to focus attention on himself.
The best response would be to totally ignore his inane bluster. If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one to hear it, was there a noise?
Dave Loughran, Indian Trail
Don’t be fooled by politicians on taxes
Income tax reform is in the news, so here is some useful information: The latest IRS statistics I found (2014) show that 35 percent of “taxpayers” pay no tax.
The wealthiest 1 percent pay 55 percent of all income tax – 3 percent more than in 2013.
Politicians and the media have been known to ignore statistics, so check the facts before believing what you’re told and forming an opinion.
Joyce McLaren, Terrell
This story was originally published October 1, 2017 at 11:30 AM with the headline "Want players to stand? Fight racial injustice."