American gold medalist kneels during national anthem at the Pan Am Games

[SummerMadness]

American gold medalist kneels during national anthem at the Pan Am Games

American gold medalist fencer Race Imboden knelt as the national anthem played Friday at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, to protest racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants and President Donald Trump.

"We must call for change," he tweeted afterward along with a photo. "This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze. My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants, and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list.

"I chose to (sacrifice) my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change," he said.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

"empowerment" is often a change for the worse.

 

[Lost4words]

Its only a National anthem! People get so worked up about these things.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Such a disgrace. The flag and anthem are not meant for politics. They are used to remember the sacrifice that soldiers have given throughout our history so we can exist. I wonder if he can be stripped of medals. In the end he does make america look bad considering he's at an event that is supposed to be about sportsmanship.

 

[SummerMadness]

Such a disgrace. The flag and anthem are not meant for politics. They are used to remember the sacrifice that soldiers have given throughout our history so we can exist. I wonder if he can be stripped of medals. In the end he does make america look bad considering he's at an event that is supposed to be about sportsmanship.

No it's not, it's not only about remembering the sacrifice of soldiers throughout history, a lot more people that have lived and died in the United States have died without putting on the uniform. The suffragists, fugitive slaves and civil rights leader have done the most for this country, it's not just about the military.

 

[Nithavela]

Such a disgrace. The flag and anthem are not meant for politics. They are used to remember the sacrifice that soldiers have given throughout our history so we can exist. I wonder if he can be stripped of medals. In the end he does make america look bad considering he's at an event that is supposed to be about sportsmanship.

The flag and anthem are all about politics, and have been since flags and anthems were invented.

Every country identifies its flag and anthem with what they think their country stands from. A symbol of progress and science? Of equality and democracy? Of peace and order?

It's fitting that you view the US symbols of state in a warlike manner, considering the history of the USA.

 

[Speedwell]

Such a disgrace. The flag and anthem are not meant for politics. They are used to remember the sacrifice that soldiers have given throughout our history so we can exist. I wonder if he can be stripped of medals. In the end he does make america look bad considering he's at an event that is supposed to be about sportsmanship.

No, it's not a disgrace. He knelt respectfully. Behaving disrespectfully or disruptively would have been a disgrace.

 

[mala]

Such a disgrace. The flag and anthem are not meant for politics. They are used to remember the sacrifice that soldiers have given throughout our history so we can exist. I wonder if he can be stripped of medals. In the end he does make america look bad considering he's at an event that is supposed to be about sportsmanship.

hilarious rant there. trump goes hugs the flag (without its consent) every chance he gets.

 

[section9+1]

In these games you represent your country. If you kneel at the flag or anthem you do not represent your country. Makes no difference what he says. He doesn't belong there.

 

[Speedwell]

In these games you represent your country. If you kneel at the flag or anthem you do not represent your country. Makes no difference what he says. He doesn't belong there.

What law requires us to stand for the National Anthem?

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

No, it's not a disgrace. He knelt respectfully. Behaving disrespectfully or disruptively would have been a disgrace.

It was/is dishonorable.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

What law requires us to stand for the National Anthem?

Honor.

 

[Silverback]

American gold medalist kneels during national anthem at the Pan Am Games

He chose to sacrifice his moment at the podium because he wants the attention...good, or, bad.

It was all about him, just like Kapernick, and Smolet and the stunt he pulled.

if supporting these causes benefits them, then they will act childish. But it's about them first, and anything that comes after that, comes after that.

 

[Speedwell]

Honor.

OK, so I decide that the most honorable way to respond to the national anthem is to kneel respectfully while it is being played. What do you have to say about that?

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

OK, so I decide that the most honorable way to respond to the national anthem is to kneel respectfully while it is being played. What do you have to say about that?

That's wrong.

Apparently being sarcastically wrong, on purpose.

 

[mala]

Honor.

that's not a law. and let's be real it's not about honor. what you are trying to say is that it's about pride. pride in that you are made to look like a fool in your own mind. and that's all that matters to you in the end. maybe you might want to check where pride goes in order with the fall then shouldn't you.

 

[Ophiolite]

Its only a National anthem! People get so worked up about these things.

Depending on your age you may remember a time in the UK when the national anthem was played at the end of all cinema performances. The consequence was that as soon as the credits began to roll patrons would make a mad dash for the door to avoid the expectation of standing for the anthem. Lack of respect? No, just its pragmatic application.

As soon as the first strains of the anthem began people would stop and stand to respectful attention. One or two individuals might continue walking, but withering stares from the rest would freeze them. People recognised the anthem was a symbol and an important one - but still only a symbol - not the abstract concept it represented, therefore it merited respect . . . . . up to a point.

It seems to me that, for many Americans, that point was reached some time ago.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

No.
Honor is not pride.
Honor is not known to those opposed to Christ Jesus.

that's not a law. and let's be real it's not about honor. what you are trying to say is that it's about pride. ....

 

[Speedwell]

That's wrong.

Apparently being sarcastically wrong, on purpose.

Who has decided that it's wrong? It's just a matter of custom. If you want it to be wrong, pass a law like China did. In the meantime, there is no reason not to tolerate any form of respectful behavior during the playing of the anthem.

 

[section9+1]

Many things are symbols and they are extremely important to us. They represent what is dear to us and are not to be disrespected.