The Star-Spangled Banner

Citlaly Silveira 2/9/2016 Mr.Recinto English 9B Should Citizens have the right to refuse to serve in the armed forces? Yes, because based on our moral freedom as human beings. People in the military said that is not good to serve "Since Americans involved in wars usually have nothing to do with "serving your country" or "defending your freedom"".(1)Citizens should have the right to refuse because, one's bot prepared, their family needs them. They are not prepared, according to the white…

You know that feeling when your stomach drops and you instantly feel nauseous? When I heard that my brother was getting deployed on a nine month long deployment to Afghanistan I felt exactly that way. With tears pouring out of my eyes I couldn’t help but to think of the worst case scenario possible. My brother joined the Army in 2013. In fact, he joined the Infantry Branch. Also known as the people who are on the front lines. After being in the Army for two years, he was getting deployed for…

President Donald Trump believes the National Football League (NFL) is “disrespecting our great country” by refusing to stand for the National Anthem and wants to force players to stand. Even though Roger Goodell, the Commissioner of the NFL, believes the players should stand, he will not force his beliefs on the players. President Trump’s argument is invalid because it is an appeal to the respect Americans have for our military authority. This example of appeal to authority has many risks,…

Abraham Lincoln once said “ A house divided against itself cannot stand”. Today America is truly divided on all fronts. We can no longer debate and hear both sides, people abuse their rights and the saddest thing of all people want to limit free speech the very thing so many people have fought and died for. Even with all these problems their is always hope if just one person believes we can change. Today we have many great controversies in our country. One of which is NFL players taking a…

For many years rising and standing for the flag has been like ritual in most athletic event and schools. Many people don’t abide to the flag because they feel like they have to but what they don’t know is that it isn’t mandatory for them to rise for the flag they have the right to stay seated. Standing for the flag should not be mandatory nor should be forced. People of any race in this country have the freedom to stay seated. it is written in the laws. If no pride is felt towards the country…

Pledging the flag is not a Law Kaepernick rebelled and no longer will honor the American flag. According to Colin Kaepernick from an article in NBC Sports, “To me this is bigger than football and it would selfish on my part to look the other way (Florio). Kaepernick did not want to be uncivil, but wanted this issue to be known for his reasoning. Furthermore, people should not stand for the pledge because discrimination, religion, and it is forcefully. First, pledging the flag should not…

It is necessary for a team or league to make a code of ethics for its fans but I don’t think they are very effective. While it is good for teams to promote a positive fan experience for everyone that attends games, the unfortunate truth is that most fans don't read the code of ethics nor do some try to follow them. For some fans, yelling foul language or making abusive gestures is just apart of their experience. If you’ve ever seen or been to New York Jets games, you know what I’m talking about.…

September 1, 2016, a revolutionary and highly controversial event occurred which divided the country. On that day San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled along with safety Eric Reid during the national anthem. This was supposed to be a peaceful protest against police brutality and inequality towards African-Americans, but what it quickly turned into through the media’s spectacles was disrespect for America and the flag. Soon the country was separated into those who believed…

Is is acceptable to allow professional athletes to protest events taking place today? Professional athletes should absolutely have the right to use their status to protest events and causes taking place today! On the other hand, some people strongly believe that athletes take it way too far, and it is unreasonable for them to protest in a way their heart desires. Also, they don’t appreciate the creative mind of an athlete coming up with unique ways to express their beliefs. Using status to…

In recent discussion of the National Anthem, one controversial issue has been the NFL players taking a knee during it. In the article, “They Took a Knee” by Megan Garber, The take the knee movement is a movement where athletes and famous artists are taking a knee during the National Anthem to protest against the injustice that people of color are faced with in the United States. On the one hand, people argue that these athletes are patriotic since they are protesting against police brutality and…