“I’ve served my country honorably and have a deep respect for those who have lost loved ones in combat.”
By now, almost everyone in existence is aware of the current controversy sweeping the United States and dividing family and friends; the NFL. I can’t even scroll through Facebook or Twitter searching for funny memes without seeing attacks on free speech. From UC Berkeley to the NFL kneelers, there’s a discussion happening in America that has the potential to be productive for everyone.
Some events have gone viral, while others have remained largely in the dark. For example, UC Berkeley has once again shut down conservative speech by canceling the “Free Speech Week” organized by Milo Yiannopoulos, which had been in the works for quite some time. The lineup of speakers included Steve Bannon and Ann Coulter—who was also previously shut down by UC Berkeley. I will now present to you conflicting sides of how free speech is being stifled in America.
NFL Kneelers v. President Trump
I’ve never agreed with kneeling for the national anthem. I mean, call me indoctrinated if that’s the social justice warrior way. I’ve served my country honorably and have a deep respect for those who have lost loved ones in combat. I think everyone could benefit from looking up some videos of fallen service members arriving back to American soil with a proud flag draped over them. To many families, that flag and the national anthem are one and the same. That is why I would never personally do it.
On that same note, there cannot be a defense of NFL kneelers without extending one to Milo and his lineup of provocateurs
Not everyone understands this deeper meaning. While I don’t agree with politics in the work place, I also support NFL players and their right to peacefully protest. I understand that it began as a call to action against racial injustice, which is an important cause, but has transformed into a collective middle finger to President Trump. However, it’s important to understand that the NFL kneelers also have strong convictions. We all need to engage in meaningful dialogue with one another, to include the president.
UC Berkeley SJWs v. Milo
I follow Milo Yiannopoulos on Facebook (don’t judge me), and his trolling has reached legendary status. It has also offered a glimpse into the tragic state of affairs that is UC Berkeley. Not only has the university consistently shut down conservative speakers, it has failed to stand behind its conservative students who extend invitations. In true Milo form, he showed up to Berkeley anyway. He wasn’t able to speak because some weirdo was screaming and drowning him out the entire time. He invited said weirdo to join the stage for a conversation, but the person refused—calling Milo a white supremacist.
This is such a huge embarrassment to those who identify as Democrats. How hard is it to listen to what conservatives have to say and make an intelligent counterargument? One that doesn’t include an annoying chant that only lends credibility to the idea that liberals want to shut down free speech.
On that same note, there cannot be a defense of NFL kneelers without extending one to Milo and his lineup of provocateurs. Freedom of speech doesn’t only apply to one belief system.
