A Leader Is More Than A Messenger By Toni Smith

Have you ever thought about how much politics are involved in our lives? Or have you ever thought about how much we look up to public figures? Public figures have a huge influence on our lives, and they are now being told that they shouldn’t have the right protest standing during the national anthem because the national anthem represents the power and conquest of our country. I believe that not standing for the national anthem is disrespectful not only to our country, but to the men defending our country. In the article “ A Leader Is More Than A Messenger” Toni Smith starts out her article by stating how politics are involved in every aspect of our lives, even during sporting events because they are conducted as extravaganzas.Smith uses

Smith's argument is that public figures are forced to feel like they have to stand for the national anthem, and that people say that they shouldn't be allowed to take their own stand. For instance, Smith states, “The fact that the Star-Spangled Banner is played before every sporting event is political in itself. Regardless of what the American flag means to each individual, it is a political symbol that represents power, and conquest. It has no relation to sports, so to ask everyone to salute it before a game is more of an imposition than to not play the anthem at all”. This is a excellent piece of evidence that Smith uses because it tells us what the national anthem represents, and how it has no relation to sporting events. An example that Smith uses is, “They also use their celebrity status to support certain organizations. So why are limitations all of a sudden invoked when an athlete expresses an unpopular opinion”? Smith did a great job of using logos to convince her audience that politics have a huge impact on our lives, and that public figures should have the right to stand up for what they believe

Colin told the media the reason that he did not stand for the national anthem was because he refused to stand for a country that oppresses black people. Colin Kaepernick also stated, "To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street, and people getting paid leave, and getting away with murder”. The 49ers then issued a statement about Colin Kaepernick's decision stating, "The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem." I completely agree with this statement because taking the time to stand up for the national anthem is a way to honor those who are fighting for our country. After Colin Kaepernick chose to sit during the national anthem a lot more athletes chose to sit during the national anthem because they feel that it is the best way to exercise their