To me this is really simple.
Standing up during the presentation of this nation's colors should transcend petty politics and some undefined perceived slight.
You stand because that flag and our anthem represent the country that gives you the right to be there on that day, whether you are in the stands as a fan or on the field as a player, coach, owner or member of the press. It doesn't represent democrats or republicans, blacks or whites. It represents the freedom and liberty that has been forged over the last 241 years.
It hasn't always been a smooth process. There have been bumps along the way. It hasn't always been perfect. But show me another nation in the history of the world that has been as willing and able to adapt to changing societal norms. Show me another nation on this earth that works as hard to protect the freedoms and proclivities of its citizens.
You stand because this is your home country, this is the only country on the planet where the issues and ills that plague you can be legitimately and effectively addressed.
You stand because that flag represents the freedoms that allow you to safely play or attend a game and somehow believe that it is important in the grand scheme of things in any way whatsoever.
You stand because this is truly the only country in the world where your voice matters.
You stand to honor the country. You stand to respect the history and struggle that has gone into making this the greatest civilization that has ever existed.
You stand to honor the men and women who fought and died over the years to create a nation where leisure activities are a part of our daily routine; where our fight isn't for food or shelter but over frivolous things like football supremacy.
You stand because this is America, the world's bastion of freedom and the one and only place on this planet where you know that most people at least try to do the right and honorable thing.
You don't kneel to advance your own agenda.
When my president lied to me and claimed 4 of my comrades were murdered because of a video insulting Muslims...I didn't take a knee.
When my president shipped pallets of cash to my sworn enemy...I didn't take a knee.
When my president failed to identify Muslims as terrorists and Islam as an enemy of the state...I didn't take a knee.
When my president claimed that a man who tried to kill another man who lawfully defended himself could be his son...I didn't take a knee.
When my president defended a thug who bum rushed law enforcement...I didn't take a knee.
When my president ordered businesses to spend unnecessary funds to appease a minority of people who need mental intervention far more than they need their own toilet...I didn't take a knee.
When my president ordered that words 'one nation under God' be removed from the pledge of allegiance...I didn't take a knee.
When my president lied to me and said I could keep my doctors and my premiums would go down...I didn't take a knee.
When my president spent my tax dollars in foreign lands to interfere in their elections...I didn't take a knee.
While my president sat by passively and enabled ISIS to emerge as a stronger force dedicated to spreading Islamic ideals by committing murder, rape and torture...I didn't take a knee.
When my president allowed dictators and murderers to violate his red lines and continue to murder women and children with chemical gas...I didn't take a knee.
When my president chastised law enforcement for their actions but ignored the violence in our streets...I didn't take a knee.
When my president identified the weather as the greatest threat to America's safety while Muslims worldwide are murdering innocent people...I didn't take a knee.
While my president's insistence that pacifism and reform in numerous areas of the globe would bring peace but instead led to the strengthening of those that seek to destroy us...I didn't take a knee.
When the election of my president broke barriers never thought possible in America ended up being the high point of his eight years in office...I didn't take a knee.
In all that time I never disrespected our Country, our Armed Forces and Veterans, or our Nation. I remained vigilant. And I got a new president