What is the controversy surrounding #takeaknee

[Brian37]

Kneeling is not a sign of protest or rebellion.  It is a sign of supplication and asking for mercy.  If I was going to protest during the singing of the national anthem I would never take a knee.  I would simply stay seated and eat a hot dog and ignore the whole thing because it would be irrelevant to me.  

I was going to mention something similar, but I felt my opinion would be dismissed.

Kneeling, for me, as you have mentioned, is a sign of supplication.  One kneels to pray; therefore, kneeling during the anthem could be considered a sign of respect for the anthem.

Sitting it out would be the real disrespect.

Um no. I think sitting or kneeling are not the social norm, sure. But doing anything even locking arms isn't what we see normally. I don't see any "disrespect" kneeling, sitting, locking arms, or even flat out ignoring considering the ritual is voluntary and not mandated by the government.

I hate the word "respect". Not just on this issue, but most of the time even in mundane life. Far too often it means, "know your place" or "don't bruise my ego'. 

I don't use that word. I say "value" and the only thing I value are rights, not claims, not bad logic. I value your right to kneel, stand, sit and even ignore when it comes to a voluntary ritual.

What frightens me is that we have a sitting president vilifying anyone who does not partake in voluntary ritual.