Save flag from bigotry

Being a veteran and a retired U.S. Navy petty officer, I did not vote for Donald Trump because he is a draft dodger. And all draft dodgers are cowards. And all cowards are liars. These are self-evident truths I have come to trust.

The past seven months have proved my judgment sound. Now the draft-dodger-in-chief claims there are some “fine people” among Nazis and Ku Klux Klowns rioting in the streets. Clearly, the man is unfit for duty. My core values, as a veteran, are offended beyond recovery.

But as disgusting as this is, I am also dismayed to see the opposite side setting out to further divide our nation. I am speaking of one NFL player’s plan to disgrace his team by sitting during the national anthem. And I fear a replay of last year’s Razorbacks parroting this display. Ballplayers, know that when you “sit it out” or “take a knee,” you are surrendering your flag to the Ku Klux Klowns and alt-right thugs. You also abdicate your voice as your act will close down those you are trying to reach.

As a Navy corpsman I have seen more than a few men, black men and white, give their life for that flag. I guarantee you will lose my ear forever if you dishonor our flag.

But what if you, the players, hold that flag yourself? Parade the colors and post them at the opening of the game? Then lead the anthem. Forcing all eyes to recognize that you have as much right as any to hold and possess that flag. That you are not going to surrender it to some slobbering fool carrying a swastika in one hand and a pacifier in other.

To stand and tell America that you are holding, and keeping, your flag safe from those that would defile it with bigotry.

Don’t let the draft-dodger-in-chief win and take your flag away. He would also love to see us further divided; please do not abet him. BUDDY BOYD Eureka Springs