re: Zach Ertz tried to take out Erid Reid today. It did not go as planned.

Because it's really not even a political issue. He is insulting America. The political aspect, which should be viewed as separate and distinct, is based on a laughably fictional, contrived issue, and one that pales in comparison to other issues afflicting his community. What makes matters worse is that he's joined forces with a buffoon who hates law enforcement and call them pigs.

But his method to voice his opinion, again a separate issue, is an affront to all Americans IMO and certainly justifiably offensive.

Also, I like how people get off to the standard tripe, "Hurrr the military is protecting his very right to protest!!" So did Vietnam veterans, but they were treated disgracefully by protestors. Just because your right is protected to do something, and it isn't illegal, doesn't mean it can't be outrageous or wrong.

Lastly, I couldn't care less about his playing days at LSU and his contributions to the 2011 season because I'm an adult and realize that watching sports is entertainment. I feel sorry for those that actually let that weigh into their opinion of them in a meaningful way. What a terribly dull existence you must lead if you only care about football games.

Again, Reid’s position is not my position, but there is a discussion he feels should be had related to how various groups are treated in this country. If their position has merit, then perhaps change is required. If their position is determined (after open and honest evaluation) to be baseless, then having the discussion at least addresses it in an open forum. One thing I’m sure of is that minority groups rarely get anyone to pay attention without ruffling feathers. Majority groups are usually fine with the status quo.

Non-violent protest must cause discomfort to whoever is in position to effect the desired change. Otherwise, there is no reason to listen. Reid’s position, which is held by a large number Americans in minority demographic groups, is that there are systemic problems the country has thus far not addressed. I can understand them targeting the flag and anthem as the symbols of the government they are requesting to listen.

“For most of us, those that really do stay on point our police & ,military & America as a whole & represented by the flag has freed more oppressed people around the globe & done more to destroy slavery than any country on the planet.”

I believe this statement. That said, America is not—and has never been—a perfect nation. I don’t believe any nation has gotten closer to perfection, but the highlighting of problem areas in our execution that are incompatible with our Constitutional ideals is the responsibility of all citizens.

“So stop ridiculing those of us who respect our flag our anthem our military & our country.”

I’m not ridiculing you, only highlighting that your position on Reid is flawed if you support open dialogue and America’s successful past in handling issues nonviolently.

I choose to simply view Reid as a great Tiger that helped us beat Bama and acknowledge his right to peacefully bring forward an issue he cares about.

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What do you say to the majority of military who feel disrespected?

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Where are you getting that from?
I have several friends and family members who are active, retired, marines, special forces, etc... and not one of them is offended whatsoever. As a matter of fact, they support his right to free speech even though most of them don't really "agree" with his stance... That's what they fought for, FREEDOMS and not just YOUR freedoms, everyone's freedoms. I'll tell you what does piss them off though, people wearing American flags on clothing who aren't military, that is INFACT a disrespect of the flag... but ya know, fake patriotism loves attention.

Kneeling with clenched fists is NOT open dialogue.
What's sad about you is your arrogant, self-righteous attempt to "correct" my "flawed " thinking.
And because you support this moron simply because he played at LSU & helped beat bama??
Do you support Drake Davis beating the shite out of his girlfriend? He played for lsu.
Your thinking is flawed.
They do not want discussion.
And you know it.
Wearing his jersey today?

Yea myself along with about 10 of my closest friends are not a fan of it. We all served. Is it the end of the world? No. When you have witnessed what we have you hope someone could find a different time to make a stand(get it).

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Kneeling with clenched fists is NOT open dialogue.

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Technically, neither is sitting on a bus, drinking from the “wrong” water fountain, or the sit-in at the Woolworth’s counter. The open dialogue comes after you raise attention. Each of these acts was followed by dialogue.

"Nothing will change unless you talk about it," said Reid, "So we're going to talk about it.
We're going to continue to hold America to the standard it says on paper, that we're all created equal, because it's not that way right now.”

Again...you don’t have to agree with him, but he’s not really doing anything all that disrespectful. In the mind of many, he’s speaking out for things needing change. He’s clearly not just kneeling...he IS initiating discussion.

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Do you support Drake Davis beating the shite out of his girlfriend?

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Of course not. That’s a cowardly, illegal act of someone in a position of power against someone who can’t defend themselves. I honestly can’t think of a more apples to oranges comparison.

Look, no one is trying to pick a fight with you. Hell, I’m not even going personal in response.