Athletes should find other way to make changes

THE SPORTS stadiums and arenas are filled with Americans of African descent, American European descent, American Asian descent, American Mexican descent and others. They are filled with Christians, Muslims, Jews and others. They are filled with straight people, and gay people and others. They are filled with people who agree on many things and who disagree on many things. But when the national anthem begins, they all stand in unison, remove their hats, and either salute or place a hand over their heart. They stick their chest out with pride, and perhaps shed a tear over those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to those who currently serve proudly in the military.

And recently, there are groups of employees who refuse to stand to honor the flag and country. They claim to be protesting social injustice but in fact they are spitting in the eye of the USA and for all intents and purposes burning the flag. And to those people in attendance, and watching on TV, they are slapping you in the face. The country and flag that they dishonor allows them the constitutional right to protest. Isn’t that ironic? But how will they change anything in the sports arena? ... Want change? Give up your jobs and run for office. Contact your municipal governments and offer solutions. Contact your state representatives and offer suggestions. Contact your federal reps and offer ideas. Write a letter to the editor. Spend your money to support certain groups. You are bringing politics into the sports arenas where people spend their hard-earned money to retreat from everyday problems, the news and politicians. They are paying you to give 100 percent on the playing field, not to disrespect them or their country .... ALLAN J. BRUMER Albuquerque