This time, we have only ourselves to blame that one of our basic freedoms is under assault.
The NFL announced those who kneel during the National Anthem will be fined. President Trump lauded the measure and suggested those who kneel maybe shouldn't be living here in this country.
Thus, freedom of expression took a hit. Those who would express their views by kneeling during the anthem have been banned from doing so. They will be fined. Freedom of speech should mean not only the right to say what you want to say, but -- to a large extent -- to choose where and how you say it.
But, I would guess public opinion is behind the NFL on this one. Hey, ratings were down in the NFL this year, and you have to wonder if that, at least in part, was due to those who boycotted the NFL due to those taking a knee during the National Anthem.
The NFL is simply responding to the public outcry and trying to recapture lost customers. So, if free speech is under assault, we have no one but ourselves to blame.
Note: Lightly revised 5/26/18
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