Excerpts from Gold Dome legislation

From Georgia Senate Resolution 673, passed Feb. 1:

A RESOLUTION Denouncing the National Football League for its rejection of the AMVETS advertisement urging Americans to stand for the National Anthem; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the sport of American football has been beloved by generations of patriotic Americans and represents the very best of American meritocracy; and

WHEREAS, the National Football League requires in its operating procedures that members of its teams stand respectfully when the Flag of the United States of America is saluted by the playing of our National Anthem; and

WHEREAS, the National Football League has disregarded its own operating procedures by allowing, and in some cases condoning, shows of disrespect and contempt for the unifying national symbol of the United States of America

WHEREAS, the leadership of the National Football League has attempted to justify its behavior by wrapping itself in the American ideals of free speech and dissent; and

WHEREAS, the respected veterans’ organization AMVETS National Service Foundation attempted to purchase advertising in the official program of the Super Bowl calling on all Americans to stand when the National Anthem is played; and

WHEREAS, in contradiction of its own pious and self-serving declarations about free speech and dissent, the National Football League rejected the AMVETS advertisement, denying this veterans’ organization the opportunity to express its views on the subject; and

WHEREAS, the National Football League has abandoned even the pretense of supporting free speech and dissent, silencing a major veterans’ organization while condoning organized disrespect and contempt for the Flag of the United States and the National Anthem.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body denounce the National Football League for its hypocritical actions to silence the AMVETS National Service Foundation and suppress its message that Americans should respectfully stand for the Flag and National Anthem of the United States of America.

From Georgia Senate Resolution 711, passed Wednesday:

WHEREAS, February 3, 2019, will mark the first time that the Mercedes Benz Stadium hosts the Super Bowl; and

WHEREAS, this grand occasion will showcase Georgia’s assets to millions of people across the world and will generate approximately hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact; and

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia aims to produce the greatest Super Bowl of all time and to host the Super Bowl many times again in the future; and

WHEREAS, the work of the Atlanta Super Bowl LIII Host Committee will shine a positive light upon Georgia’s high quality of life, hospitality to visitors, and outstanding business climate.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize the handoff from the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee to the Atlanta Super Bowl LIII Host Committee, celebrate our status as the next Super Bowl city, and commend the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL for bringing its showcase event to the greatest football stadium in the nation.