One American’s Opinion On Kneeling and ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ After Meghan Linsey ‘Takes a Knee’

After taking the field to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Tennessee Titans game, Meghan Linsey took a knee.

Written by Chuck Dauphin
One American’s Opinion On Kneeling and ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ After Meghan Linsey ‘Takes a Knee’

Even though this is a country music-related website, and I myself have covered the industry in one form or another since 1991, it actually is a pop standard that is on my mind today.

“Everybody’s Talkin” by Harry Nilsson.

Because, of course, everybody is talking today. For the past year, much has been made of the decision of certain NFL athletes to take a knee during the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in a peaceful protest for social activism. For a little over a year, it has been very much a hot topic in the world of pro football. Then, this past week, President Trump made a speech where he suggested that players (“sons of bitches” in our chief executive’s own words) be fired by their owners should they decide to take the knee. The NFL rallied around each other, with several teams electing to not even send their players out on the field during the performance. That would seemingly spare them the controversy – time will tell if that holds true or not.

Then, a musician got involved.

Meghan Linsey, a former member of Steel Magnolia – as well as a contestant on The Voice – was selected by Titans brass to perform the National Anthem at Nissan Stadium before their game against the visiting Seattle Seahawks. She knocked it out of the ballpark – as expected as Linsey’s soulful stylings has made her one of the most respected artists in town. Then, at the end of her performance, the singer – in an act of solidarity with many of the players (though none were on the field at the time) – took a knee.

And, social media erupted. In just a few hours, Linsey has been either praised or torched for her actions. So, suffice to say, everyone has been talking today. And, with good reason. There’s a lot to talk about.

First of all, football players are no different than musicians – who are in turn, no different from you or I. We all have our opinions, but it seems that in the light of the comments made last week in Alabama, our differences are becoming greater than that which binds us. And, that’s a sad thing.

Perhaps the biggest example of a public figure speaking their mind was The Dixie Chicks’ comments about President Bush in 2003. Those comments don’t need to be rehashed for the 234,432nd time. We know what they are. But, instantly, they were branded America haters, Anti-Military, and banned from select companies that owned country radio stations for their opinions. And, I still say that’s wrong. As Americans, they have the right to express their opinion. Are there prices to pay for that choice? Sure. If you don’t believe that’s true, ask Hank Williams, Jr – who is on the other end of the political spectrum. Were it not for some of the statements that he has made over the years, there would be a plaque of ‘Bocephus’ in the same Country Music Hall of Fame that his father was an inaugural member of. But, yet, everyone else – left and right – have made their opinions known today, so why not artists? If they are willing to take a stand, you have to respect that – whether you agree or not.

So….(not that you asked)…..am I in agreement with not observing the flag the same way that we have done for years? That’s a tough one. Let me start by saying that I am an American citizen, and proud of it. This country – flaws and all – is still the greatest nation on the planet. We have been blessed with freedoms that have been given to us through the sacrifices of men and women – much like my retired father of 72, and my son of 19 who is in the Kentucky National Guard. If you disrespect the military and their actions, I don’t give a damn whether you voted Bush or Clinton, Obama or Trump. I disagree with you vehemently. There’s a part of me that when I see someone not giving that sacrifice the respect it deserves that makes me irate as I can be.

At the same time, let me say without question that I have never been treated unfairly based upon my race or ethnic background. The players that made the headlines have repeatedly taken these stances say they are doing so because of the social injustices that have taken place in America. For me to dismiss that sentiment is merely asinine. While I do think they are other ways to express yourself, I don’t necessarily believe that doing so is disrespectful to this country.

And, one of my jobs is as a broadcast announcer for high school football teams in Tennessee. That means I have stood – and will continue to stand – during “The Star-Spangled Banner” every Friday night since 1994. I wonder sometimes if we as Americans take the time to realize what the song is about. I think that’s fair to say.

In my opinion, true patriotism is a lot more than wearing a Red, White, and Blue shirt or turning up Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The U.S.A.” whenever it gets played.

Freedom – as defined by Webster – is “The quality or state of being free: such as the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.” So, if I am to interpret that right, freedom is being able to accept someone’s right to feel something that I don’t – perhaps something that I disagree with so powerfully that I want to run in the woods and scream. At the end of the day, if you believe in the words of the Francis Scott Key song – or the sight of a flag flying at a ball game on a Friday night – then, you must also believe in the part that you might not agree with. At the end of the day, that’s what freedom is about – you make your own choices. Nobody else.

Still, this is about as passionate of a subject as one can approach these days, and touches on so many levels. I understand that. And, I don’t think that any of these 1,167 words is going to change your mind. But, perhaps you might listen to Johnny Cash.

One night in concert, before performing his 1975 single “Ragged Old Flag,” Cash addressed the hot topic of flag burning. “I think God for all the freedoms we’ve got in this county. I cherish them. Even the rights to burn the flag, you know, I’m proud of those rights.” Fans – particularly Cash’s following in the American heartland – were thrown for a loop, beginning to boo the singer. Then, he added the final part of his opinion.

“But I’ll tell you what. We’ve also got a right to bear arms and if you burn my flag I’ll shoot you.” Watch below.

Freedom. It’s a big word. But, it means for all. Each of us – even if yours pisses me off. And, to quote Forrest Gump, that’s all I got to say about that.