To Stand Or Not To Stand, Should Not Be A Question

Few times exist where this country of ours has been more divided than it is right now. Well, there was the American Civil war and plenty of times of racial discourse, when we actually fought each other and people died. But, other than that, we are extremely divided, right now.

It seems as if there is a movement gaining momentum across the country where some people have decided to not stand for the National anthem or pledge of allegiance. Before I go any further, let me make myself clear: Not standing at attention or holding your hand over your heart for our country's song is disrespectful not only to the American Flag, but also to all of those who fought and died for it.

Now, before you get your panties up in a bunch, I'm not one to take away anyone's rights. People who decide to not stand for the National Anthem have the right to do so if they choose, even if it disrespects the people who died for this country. They are entitled to express themselves however they see fit as long as they're not harming anyone—which is why you never see anyone getting arrested for burning the American Flag.

However …

… It is very, very disrespectful to burn the Flag. It is also moderately disrespectful for those of you who don't stand for the anthem. Why? Because the song is about the Flag. After all, it's entitled The Star Spangled Banner, for a reason. Furthermore, we have that beautiful Flag (that stands for freedom) because the land is stained red with the blood of the American patriots who died for it. Why disrespect this free land, and the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who died for it? Why disrespect the Flag that represents freedom when there are other ways to get your point across?

I don't deny that there are issues and plenty of racism out there. Many of my black friends have shown me the problems they face with employment and getting pulled over for DWB (driving while black). I get it. But there has to be another way to protest that doesn't involve violence or picking on the Flag and its Anthem.

I digress …

Now, there is some history behind the anthem. Some speculate that its writer was writing about slavery in the third verse. I'm not here to disagree with that, or to say that slavery never existed or that it's right. There are several theories about what he was writing about when he wrote that verse. I encourage you to research it for yourself to see what you think. I was not there, so I cannot say for certain.

But, because it has parts which have a cloudy meaning, we only sing the first verse. Honestly, most Americans don't even know that there is more to the song than they were taught in school. The part that we sing is nothing more than a celebration for American victory, which should transcend all race, background, and ethnicity. If you're a citizen of this country, pride should fill you whenever you hear it.

I, personally, still get goose bumps on my skin when I hear it, like I did when I watched this phenomenal young woman sing it. In fact, I even had some stuff fall into my eyes that made them blurry, burn, and even get a little wet.

What it means doesn't only apply to folks with a lighter colored pigment. It's for all citizens of the United States of America—regardless of race or color.

The truth is, we can never know what Francis Scott Key meant when he wrote the song, other than what we know to be blatantly obvious, like the Flag still being there after the battle was over. It was victorious. It was a battle song for the war of 1812. Because it is about the flag, is it disrespectful to those of us who were willing to give all for your right to sit while it so loudly plays, for all of our enemies to hear.

As usual, please let me know if I'm over reacting in the comments below. Then, make sure you sign up for Gun Carrier's FREE Newsletter, so you never miss a shot.