# Trump Magically Turns NFL Games Into Anti-Trump Rallies **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 24, 2017, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216 "2017-09-24T20:34:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 21
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/401 "2017-09-28T21:23:20Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > [man kneeling during taps at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier](https://americanmilitarynews.com/2017/09/picture-of-man-kneeling-during-taps-at-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-is-sparking-outrage-following-nfl-protests/) > > So - disrespectful? Or was he “genuflecting”? How dare someone express their voice in a manner that you do not approve of. What does he think this is, a free country? ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/402 "2017-09-28T21:47:52Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > [man kneeling during taps at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier](https://americanmilitarynews.com/2017/09/picture-of-man-kneeling-during-taps-at-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-is-sparking-outrage-following-nfl-protests/) > > So - disrespectful? Or was he “genuflecting”? I’d be interested in learning more about the origin and context of that photo. Your cite says it originated on Facebook, but the FB page that posted it doesn’t, as far as I can tell, identify where they got it from. I guess the page owner may be the one who captioned it with a reference to “my daughter”. A reverse image search for it only seems to turn up a [remarkably racist 4chan thread](http://boards.4chan.org/pol/thread/143166261/this-isnt-about-police-brutality), which appears to have been started after the image went up on FB. Based just on this photo, it’s hard to draw many conclusions about what the guy is doing or why. ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/403 "2017-09-28T21:54:47Z")
> [@Bayard](#): > > I’d be interested in learning more about the origin and context of that photo. Your cite says it originated on Facebook, but the FB page that posted it doesn’t, as far as I can tell, identify where they got it from. I guess the page owner may be the one who captioned it with a reference to “my daughter”. A reverse image search for it only seems to turn up a [remarkably racist 4chan thread](http://boards.4chan.org/pol/thread/143166261/this-isnt-about-police-brutality), which appears to have been started after the image went up on FB. Based just on this photo, it’s hard to draw many conclusions about what the guy is doing or why. [Snopes says](http://www.snopes.com/unknown-soldier-protest-kneeling-man/) the earliest version of the image they could find was posted to Reddit. They go on to say that the version posted to the Salute Media FB page was posted after the Reddit post but it appears to be a screengrab of an earlier image (I’m not sure how they made that determination). Snopes contacted Salute Media for more information: > [@Snopes](#): > > Salute Media told us that the man who whose daughter took the photograph at an undisclosed date sent it to them. (We asked Salute Media to put us in contact with the person who sent them the photograph, but we did not receive any response from that person in time for publication.) > > Without further evidence, and without being able to speak with the man in the photograph or the person who took the photograph, it’s impossible to know what is happening ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/404 "2017-09-28T22:00:47Z")
> [@SteveG1](#): > > It’s getting interesting, in a predictable way. Now people are calling for the NFL players and supporters to be KILLED. > > [Reefpoint Brew House co-owner suggests killing kneeling NFL players in Facebook comment](http://journaltimes.com/news/local/reefpoint-brew-house-co-owner-suggests-killing-kneeling-nfl-players/article_743f36e4-87f6-51ff-a64c-07319e2a6a60.html) > > People like Wisconsin restaurant co-owner John Valko have taken to Facebook to share exactly what should happen to these “ungrateful” protestors. The Racine Journal-Times reports: > The owners of Reefpoint Brew House, 2 Christopher Columbus Causeway, acknowledged the comment from fellow co-owner John Valko in a statement released on their Facebook page Tuesday evening. > In the comment, which has been deleted but appears as a screenshot multiple times in the comments on the statement, Valko advocates for the killing of NFL players who kneel during the national anthem before games, something more than 200 players did Sunday. > “Kill the idiot players,” Valko wrote. “Execute them. They are nothing but garbage. The league is screwed up if they think it is their right. It is their duty to respect our country and our flag. They should go kneel in front of a freight train. Shame on these stupid misfits of society. They need to die.” Sadly, it appears that Trump’s election victory was not the laxative that some so desperately need. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Economist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/405 "2017-09-28T22:13:51Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > [man kneeling during taps at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier](https://americanmilitarynews.com/2017/09/picture-of-man-kneeling-during-taps-at-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-is-sparking-outrage-following-nfl-protests/) > > So - disrespectful? Or was he “genuflecting”? Remind me–you were the one yapping about freedom of speech when it was the Nazis protesting, right? Apparently your devotion to free speech only reaches _this_ far (imagine someone reaching his right hand out, palm down) ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/406 "2017-09-28T22:23:29Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > [man kneeling during taps at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier](https://americanmilitarynews.com/2017/09/picture-of-man-kneeling-during-taps-at-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-is-sparking-outrage-following-nfl-protests/) > > So - disrespectful? Or was he “genuflecting”? Has anyone asked him? ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/407 "2017-09-28T22:30:41Z")
I can think of many different physical gestures to convey derision, contempt and/or disloyalty. So can any of you. Why, perzackly, is going to one knee come any where near those? Because the intent of the gesture is _interpreted_ to be disloyal? ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/408 "2017-09-28T22:41:55Z")
[84% of respondents agree NFL players have the right to protest.](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/poll-84-people-support-nfl-players-right-protest-164811638.html) In fairness, 49% of respondents say they should choose a different way to protest, but it sure makes all those loud people on social media seem a lot fewer. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/409 "2017-09-28T23:31:25Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > [man kneeling during taps at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier](https://americanmilitarynews.com/2017/09/picture-of-man-kneeling-during-taps-at-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-is-sparking-outrage-following-nfl-protests/) > > So - disrespectful? Or was he “genuflecting”? I don’t know what religion you were brought up in, but as a Cradle Catholic who did a lot of kneeling and genuflecting in his time, genuflection is PRECISELY the correct and appropriate thing to do there, a national shrine, and then, during Taps. I don’t know where your possible snark came from, beyond your obviously damaged soul. ---
**Author:** ![Okrahoma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90db22/32.png) [@Okrahoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Okrahoma)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/410 "2017-09-28T23:40:33Z")
> [@Evil\_Economist](#): > > Remind me–you were the one yapping about freedom of speech when it was the Nazis protesting, right? Apparently your devotion to free speech only reaches _this_ far (imagine someone reaching his right hand out, palm down) Huh? He is fully free to do whatever he wants during playing of Taps at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I asked if y’all thought it was disrespectful or if he was just “genuflecting”. Where do you see me denying him the right? And I noticed that everyone so far responding avoided the question. So - just stipulating the circumstances of the photo - is “taking a knee” during playing of Taps at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier disrespectful? ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/411 "2017-09-28T23:41:09Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > I can think of many different physical gestures to convey derision, contempt and/or disloyalty. So can any of you. Why, perzackly, is going to one knee come any where near those? Because the intent of the gesture is _interpreted_ to be disloyal? Because it’s being done (mostly) by black people. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/412 "2017-09-28T23:49:34Z")
I honestly can’t think of _any_ situation where kneeling is disrespectful. It’s a gesture of fealty, for goodness sakes! (There _are_ times it’s simply a bad idea, though. While driving, for example.) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2017, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/413 "2017-09-29T00:03:27Z")
I hear a bended knee is a favored stance for young men eager to ruin their lives. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2017, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/414 "2017-09-29T00:16:35Z")
I did it while sitting in a restaurant in DeKalb, Illinois. “I suppose we should probably get married,” is rarely heard without one partner being pregnant, but I’m from Minnesota and, IRL, say NOTHING directly. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Economist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2017, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/415 "2017-09-29T00:18:32Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > Huh? He is fully free to do whatever he wants during playing of Taps at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I asked if y’all thought it was disrespectful or if he was just “genuflecting”. Where do you see me denying him the right? > > And I noticed that everyone so far responding avoided the question. So - just stipulating the circumstances of the photo - is “taking a knee” during playing of Taps at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier disrespectful? Whether it’s respectful or disrespectful, or if he fell down in grief, it’s protected speech. Again, that thing you care so much about when it’s Nazis doing it, remember? ---
**Author:** ![Tee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@Tee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tee)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2017, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/416 "2017-09-29T00:26:15Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > And I noticed that everyone so far responding avoided the question. So - just stipulating the circumstances of the photo - is “taking a knee” during playing of Taps at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier disrespectful? I have family members buried in the vicinity. The last was in 2012. That scene in the photo does not suggest disrespect to me. I would have to say that being down on one knee there, during Taps, has more to do with respect than disrespect, and would be some kind of uniquely personal protest if it was a protest at all. And in general, I would be very, very careful ascribing motives to anyone at Arlington. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2017, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/417 "2017-09-29T00:26:26Z")
**Evil** , a lotta guys would look at your signature and say, “Can you be more specific about whom you are speaking?” ETA: I, OTOH, and am more accepting and believe if the water sports are mutually agreed upon, have your fun. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2017, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/418 "2017-09-29T00:32:22Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > And I noticed that everyone so far responding avoided the question. So - just stipulating the circumstances of the photo - is “taking a knee” during playing of Taps at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier disrespectful? As I explained, WITHOUT avoiding the question, a flat NO! And you are hate-filled idiot. ETA: I took a knee when I was there in '71. It was the right thing to do, you fucking moron. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Economist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2017, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/419 "2017-09-29T00:33:42Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > **Evil** , a lotta guys would look at your signature and say, “Can you be more specific about whom you are speaking?” It could be literally anyone in my family. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2017, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216/420 "2017-09-29T00:36:42Z")
Fair enough. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216.md?page=20) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-magically-turns-nfl-games-into-anti-trump-rallies/797216.md?page=22)