December 20, 2011 5:54 AM

So freedom of speech doesn't apply to reflexive, meaningless gestures?

THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD

(apologies to Keith Olbermann)

Carolina Panthers TE Jeremy Shockey

“I was pretty upset when they weren’t showing respect to America during the national anthem,” Shockey said. “There were about 10 players who didn’t put their arms across their chest. This is America. They should at least give respect to America. I haven’t seen it anywhere else in the NFL, but I don’t know how you forget to do something like that.”

My first thought when I heard Shockey’s statement was that it sounds like someone needs a lesson in the 1st Amendment. Since when does being an American mean be required and/or expected to engage in a reflexive gesture in order to be considered sufficiently patriotic and “respectful” of America? Why is it that the unthinking exercise of a gesture rendered something close to meaningless is taken as indication of one’s love of country…or lack of same? When did a random exercise become something to be expected of every American?

A few years ago, Conservative politicians attacked other politicians- including the President- because they happened not to be…wait for it…wearing an American flag pin on their lapel. Evidently not having anything better to attack their opponents with, they were reduced to criticizing sartorial choices- as if the wearing of a $5.00 cloisonne pin was proof positive that one truly loves America.

Shockey had his panties in a wad because a few members of the Houston Texans didn’t place their hands over their hearts during the pregame playing of the Star-Spangled Banner. There may have been any number of reasons why the players didn’t place their hands over their hearts. While the NFL and its teams expect their players to stand respectfully during the playing of the national anthem, there’s no requirement that players place their hand over their heart- except in Jeremy Shockey’s “AMERICA: LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!!” world.

Does one REALLY need to place one’s hand over one’s heart in order to convince us that they truly love America? Does neglecting to do that mean that one is a America-hating, Socialism-spouting terrorist sympathizer who hates our freedom and wishes only for our complete and utter destruction? Of course not. Gestures, if they mean something to the person engaging in them, are fine. Whether it’s placing a hand over your hard or wearing an American flag pin, if doing so holds meaning for you, then by all means party on, Garth.

Whenever I stand for the national anthem, I fold my hands behind my back. I don’t place my hand over my heart, because doing so holds no meaning for me. I’m here to tell you that I love this country every bit as much as Jeremy Shockey; I just don’t have to reflexively engage in pointless gestures in order to demonstrate my fealty.

For Conservatives like Jeremy Shockey, it’s not about patriotism, in any shape, manner, or form. It’s about loving America, but hating Americans who don’t share their narrow world view. It’s about enforcing conformity of thought and action that means Conservatives don’t actually have to DO anything. It’s as much about patriotism as putting a magnetic yellow ribbon on the back of your SUV is about “supporting the troops”. It’s about people engaging in meaningless symbolic gestures in order that they might feel better about themselves…if not their sloth, indolence, and reflexive intolerance.

Here’s a suggestion for Shockey: why not move to Waco, TX? There you can pray at the feet of your Lord and Master, Ted Nugent, and wall yourself off from the America-hating scum you see all around you. You’ll be surrounded by people who love this country while hating those who live in it. You’ll feel welcomed by people who talk the patriotic talk, but are far too cowardly to walk the walk. And you’ll be embraced by people far more comfortable hating those- Gays, Liberals, non-Christians, vegetarians- whose belief system and lifestyle make them less than “real” Americans. I imagine you’ll feel right at home among people who love America but despise the diversity that makes America what it is.

Oh…and don’t forget your American flag pin….

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This page contains a single entry by Jack Cluth published on December 20, 2011 5:54 AM.

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