Nike should understand what ‘sacrifice’ truly means

America has changed. There can be no discussions … no debates … no point-counterpoint with regard to an even semi-controversial issue, without the verbal engagement quickly devolving into animositybased rhetoric.

It takes only seconds for an issue to move from mild disagreement to the usual progression of blind assertions, name-calling and charges of “racism,” “sexism,” “wacko leftism,” “Nazism,” “fascism” – and any other “-ism” that diverts attention away from the real issues and focuses animus toward personal attacks.

Civil discourse is a thing of the past.

You know the hot button issues … and the visceral taunts.

The Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Brett Ka-

vanaugh …the nominee is called “anti-woman” because of decisions regarding abortion.

Border security … President Trump is called a racist because he wants to build a wall between the southern U.S. and Mexico.

Serena Williams … despite her abhorrent behavior on the tennis court during the U.S. Women’s Open final match, tennis officials and her critics are being called sexist.

Climate change … disbelievers of the human effect on climate change are called Neanderthals because they do not agree with emotion-driven arguments supporting it.

And then there is the Colin Kaepernick controversy – an issue that has continued to be fueled for more than two years. Take a knee … and take your position on the battle lines.

Supporters called him a victim of collusion by the owners to keep him out of football. Critics called him a severely limited talent, on the way out of the NFL, who tried to focus attention on himself for monetary gain.

Pouring gasoline on the fire was the latest decision by Nike to make the outof-work NFL quarterback the face of their new “Just Do It” campaign.

And the rhetoric revved up to a new level. Buy Nike apparel in support of the campaign. Boycott all Nike products in support of the American flag.

Then, amidst all of the rhetorical cannon smoke, came a voice of reason. A sound, rational, non-inflammatory argument. Make that a “letter” of reason.

It came from Michael McHale, president of the National Association of Police Organizations. It was addressed to Mark Parker, president and CEO of Nike. It was marked, re: Colin Kaepernick and Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign.

The letter was so wellwritten, it is presented here in its entirety. Dear Chairman Parker, On behalf of the more than 241,000 law enforcement officers represented by our Association across the country, I write to you to condemn in the strongest possible terms your selection of Colin Kaepernick for Nike’s “Just Do It” ad campaign. Mr. Kaepernick is known, not as a successful athlete, but as a shallow dilettante seeking to gain notoriety by disrespecting the flag for which so many Americans have fought and died.

The inclusion of Mr. Kaepernick in Nike’s “Just Do It” ad campaign also perpetuates the falsehood that police are racist and aiming to use force against African Americas and persons of color. In reality, officers across the nation risk their lives not only protecting the athletes featured in Nike’s various campaigns, but also serve aspiring athletes across the country who use the Nike brand, through the thousands of Police Athletic Leagues, Boys and Girls Clubs and Big Brother/Big Sister programs where our officers donate their time and energy. They deserve to have the respect and full support of corporate citizens like Nike.

Adding to the insult is the image of Mr. Kaepernick from the campaign featuring the quote, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” The fact that Mr. Kaepernick is no longer a starting NFL player does not equate to him being someone who has “sacrificed everything.” To truly understand what it means to “believe in something” and “sacrifice everything,”you should look to Arlington National Cemetery, or to the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington, D.C., or to the trauma unit of a military hospital. The brave men and women of every race and color buried there, memorialized there, healing there, believed in this nation and our flag and exemplify the true meaning of “sacrifice.”

In featuring Mr. Kaepernick in the “Just Do It” campaign, Nike grossly insults the men and women who really do make sacrifices for the sake of our nation. We are calling on all our member officers, their families and friends to join in boycotting all Nike products. Sincerely, Michael McHale President Now that is an example of making a strong point – in disagreement of an issue – without diving into the gutter to do so. Congratulations to Michael McHale … for communicating with clarity.

Tony Leodora is president of TL Golf Services, host of the weekly GolfTalk Live radio show on WNTP 990-AM and host of the Traveling Golfer television show — as well as editor of GolfStyles magazine. He is former sports editor of The Times Herald. Send comments to tlgolfservices@aol.com.