The big national debate this past week centered around professional football players taking a knee during the National Anthem in order to protest what they view as systemic inequality in America’s criminal justice system. Many Americans, spurred on by a campaign speech by President Trump and several subsequent presidential “tweets,” expressed outrage at the protest, claiming, among other things, that it disrespects the flag and the men and women of our military who fight and die for our freedom.
Let me be clear up front: I have tremendous respect for members of our military and the sacrifices they and their families routinely make in service to our country. I believe that we, as a nation, owe them both respect and gratitude.
But the respect we rightfully owe members of our military should not be used to conflate all issues surrounding notions of liberty and freedom in this country, particularly when it comes to our civil liberties. To do so does a disservice both to history, as well as a great many everyday people who fought and died in pursuit of liberty.
Lost in the conflation of these issues is an important fact: that the greatest threats to our basic civil liberties have almost always come from within our own borders, not some foreign power or regime. While wars have been fought across the globe, the battle for civil liberties has largely been waged in our streets, along docks, on busses, at lunch counters, and in courtrooms — not distant battlefields. The people who fought and sometimes died in these struggles most often wore everyday 
clothes, not uniforms, and were seldom buried with honor or distinction. And in fact, in many cases, it was men wearing uniforms who assisted in putting them down. This is far from a uniquely American problem.
[T]he greatest threats to our basic civil liberties have almost always come from within our own borders, not some foreign power or regime.
I know a lot of people don’t like to hear this. We like our history whitewashed, scrubbed clean of unpleasant truths, complex realities, and above all, culpability. We prefer an oversimplified mythology, with clearly-defined enemies and heroes in white hats. But such a worldview simply doesn’t reflect reality, and pretending otherwise doesn’t truly honor anyone, including the men and women in our military. Mostly, it does a tremendous disservice to many others who fought and sacrificed in the long and seemingly endless struggle for civil rights here at home.
As always, thanks for reading, and my best to both those who put on a uniform in order to serve and protect, and those willing to take a stand for injustice and inequality.
– T
Tim, the truthful description of our history, and the logical assessment of our present condition couldn’t be better told. Thanks for your continued thoughtful posts.
Thanks, Walt. I appreciate the positive feedback — especially from someone who’s seen and lived through some interesting times. (PS – we’re getting overdue for lunch!) – T
Tim — I read Walt’s comment and stand up to say, I SECOND THE MOTION!
Aww – thanks, Laurie. I appreciate it!
So many good points here Tim, as always. This one stood out for me:
“the greatest threats to our basic civil liberties have almost always come from within our own borders.” I have been feeling a huge sadness for my country these past few days, weeks, and months. Your post has helped articulate my angst. Do I say thank you?
Thanks, Janet. I’ve been feeling pretty down about the state of things, too. It’s hard not to, really. Perhaps what bothers me most is what strikes me as a turn toward incivility, hostility, hatred, and intolerance in this country — and how much of it is justified by and packaged in shallow platitudes and rhetoric. “Freedom” and “liberty,” in particular, are words that have been so mis-used and misappropriated that they have almost lost their meaning in common usage. It seems we, as a nation, and in particular those of us in majority populations, could benefit from really thinking about our civil liberties, where they derive from, and how they have been denied and won throughout our history. Our oversimplified and super-sized mythologies are hurting our civil discourse and leading us down a perilous path. ‘Appreciate your support, as always. – T
Hi Tim,
I served as an officer in the Army (active & reserve components) for 30 years, to include time in war. I have never considered any peaceful demonstration an affront to my service. In fact, if I were to ever be so bold as to imagine that my humble service in any way supported someone’s right to express himself in a quiet, nonviolent way, I would feel honored.
Joan, thanks so much for dropping in — I really appreciate it :). Your service, your humility, and your recognition that the exercise of First Amendment rights by citizens, even when critical of authority, is not only NOT an affront to our military, but something our servicemen and women can and should be proud of — is admirable and uplifting. Thank you for all of the above!