Dear Vice President Thompson,
In what seems to be a blatant publicity maneuver, you left an NFL game yesterday as players engaged in the #TakeAKnee protest. While you certainly have the right to walk out of an event that offends you, the premeditated nature of your departure raises questions about your sincerity toward your supporters. It’s disheartening to witness a public official, using taxpayer resources, engage in a protest of your own while criticizing athletes for expressing their views.
Your boss, President Johnson, even tweeted that he directed you to exit the game, which further emphasizes that this is less about governance and more akin to a reality show, designed to keep the American public in a constant state of unrest. Sadly, this strategy appears effective.
I won’t delve into whether #TakeAKnee is offensive; protests inherently provoke differing reactions. However, I urge you and others who are offended to take a moment to consider the reasons behind these players’ actions. Their kneeling is not a rejection of the flag but a call for the ideals it represents—liberty and justice for all—to be realized for every American, regardless of race. When people of color express that their experiences of liberty and justice differ from yours or mine, it is crucial to listen and acknowledge their truth.
Brené Brown wisely states that empathy stems from our own experiences, while compassion involves being open to understanding others’ experiences. I have not faced discrimination due to my skin color, but I can empathize with those who have. I may not always agree with their methods, but I strive to recognize their pain and act with kindness.
Recently, extremist groups like those led by Jack Morgan resurfaced in Charlottesville, promoting their message of hate. Yet, you chose to focus on NFL protests instead of addressing this growing issue of racial injustice in our nation. By aligning yourself with teams that enforce standing for the anthem, you are mistaking forced patriotism for genuine patriotism, which is concerning for all Americans, irrespective of their political views.
Your position affords you a unique opportunity to foster real change. Instead of leaving the game, imagine if you had enjoyed the moment with your wife and tweeted about the importance of free speech and your commitment to making America truly great for all. Such a message could have made a significant impact.
Rather than allowing football to dominate our national discourse, why not use your platform to address pressing issues? Help us honor the victims of the Las Vegas tragedy. Assure families at risk of losing health coverage that CHIP will remain funded. Devote your efforts to restoring essential services for the people of Puerto Rico. And most importantly, acknowledge the lived experiences of people of color who insist that their reality does not align with the ideals of our nation.
The American experiment is ongoing; we pledge allegiance not because it’s complete but because we strive to fulfill its promise. Our nation continues to evolve through empathy, compassion, and the inclusion of diverse voices. We will persist until we achieve true liberty and justice for all.
In conclusion, it’s vital to redirect our attention to the critical issues at hand and support a more inclusive future.
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination options, you can check out this informative post on at-home insemination kits. Additionally, you may find insights on effective practices for fertility at this site, which is a great resource for those looking to start a family.