When Should Equals Must, but Can Does Not Equal Should

In the world in which I work, "should" equals "must".  Government Auditing Standards, the Standards under which I primarily operate, have fairly stringent requirements.  Lest there be any confusion, if they say you "should" do something, then do it.  By definition, the word "should" indicates some level of judgement is being applied.  Like you can make a decision whether or not to do something.  In this world, your judgement has been removed and it is fairly obvious what you are expected to do on an audit.

In the world in which I grew up, with respect to the American flag and the National Anthem, should also equaled must.  "When the flag passes you should stand at attention, with your hand over your heart" can be appropriately translated into Rodgers-speak as "Stand there with your hand over your heart."  Hear the "must" in that sentence?

I'll take it a step further.  "Stand there, with your hand over your heart, and don't move until it is over."  I learned that last part the hard way.  While I can't tell you exactly how old I was when I was taught this lesson, I'll never forget the day. 

Ole Main High School football stadium.  Daddy and I were on the back row, last section of the bleachers, home team side.  (I know I was in junior high or younger as I marched in the band during football season in high school.  I don't think I was in elementary school but I don't know when Daddy started carrying the chains for the football games.  So, it was either a special event and I was older, or Daddy had not yet joined the "chain gang".)  We were standing up for the anthem.  I placed my soft drink on the back wall, turned to face the flag, placed my hand over my heart, and stood there. 

For some reason that still escapes me, partway through apparently I thought I was going to die of thirst and turned ever so slightly, picked up my cup, took a sip, replaced it and continued to sing.  Before the applause died after the "home of the brrrraaaavvveeeee!!!!", but not before that last note, Daddy turned and gave me The Look (some of you know it) and let me know in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS that I was never again to move during the National Anthem and with the flag present.  Standing at attention meant just that. 

Lesson learned.  You still won't catch me even moving an eyeball during the Star Spangled Banner.  (Side note, during the Olympics a video went viral of an Army Reservist pole vaulter who stopped mid-run, laid down his pole, and stood at attention when he heard the National Anthem start in the arena.  He couldn't actually find the flag and his eyes were darting everywhere trying to find it.  He even turned completely around once to scour the other side of the venue.  Always at attention, though.  Even Daddy would have let that one go.)
Just because I could turn and get a sip of cola during that time certainly did not mean I should have.

Colin Kaepernick has the right to not stand at attention during the football games when the flag is presented and the anthem played.  He can disrespect them both, if he chooses.  I can choose not to like it when he does so, and speak out about it.  Freedom of speech is one of those freedoms represented by that flag he despises so much.

But just because you can do something does not mean you should.  Simple.

Many fellow NFL football players are joining in his protest.  You see, Colin feels that our national symbols are not those of freedom and sacrifice but more of oppression.  That the policies of the United States of America are oppressive to its black citizens.

I do agree that there are many policies and programs that are hurting American's minority citizens way more than helping them.  I do doubt, however, that Colin and I would agree on what those are.  We obviously disagree on our means of protest as well.

The country has seen a lot in its 240 years of existence.  Much has changed.  Men and women of all races, ethnicities, creeds, political preferences and sexual orientations are free under the laws of this land.  Men and women of all races, ethnicities, creeds, political preferences, and sexual orientations fought and died for our rights to be so.

Being disrespectful is no way to make a point, in my opinion.  I think you end up looking petty and disingenuous.  How about going to your elected officials?  Holding a press conference with your views?  Writing a letter to the editor even?

Mr. Kaepernick is a mixed race male, adopted by white parents, making millions of dollars playing a game.  In a sense, he could represent all that is right with this country.  That anyone, no matter their background, heritage, social standing, race, creed, ethnicity, or any other defining factor can be anything they want, and be successful.  All they have to do is have a dream and work hard.

Instead, he chooses to act like a petulant child who has been wronged by the world and all his toys taken from his toy box.

He COULD be the poster child for all that is right.  He SHOULD be someone that young men could emulate.  He COULD and SHOULD be thankful all the opportunities that this country has afforded him.

He is one example of where "could" should equal "should".

He has every right to have his voice heard but to have it taken seriously he MUST find another way to express himself. 

Our national symbols represent so much more, and deserve so much better.

 
(see - even Doozer can do it)

Loss of a Champ: Person, or Persona?

I've stayed kind of quiet today about the passing of Muhammed Ali.   Those who haven't known me forever don't know I come from deep boxing roots.  I think I was in high school before I realized other girls were not spending Friday nights at the NLR Community Center at the matches.  My uncle, Ray Rodgers, is legendary in the boxing world - amateur and professional.  He has worked with some of the greats, both before and after they became "great".  He has his own boxing club in Little Rock and has helped many a young boy become a man.  He has stringent rules in his club and if you don't follow, you are out.  First and foremost are education and proper behavior.  No vulgarities are allowed. No skipping school.  His efforts were recognized a few years ago when he was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.  He has been similarly honored by both the National Golden and Silver Gloves organizations.

He got my dad into boxing at a very young age, and Daddy stayed in it for many years, well into college.  My cousin, Michael Rodgers Sr., Ray's son and also known as The Honkytonk Hitman, also boxed professionally and has followed in his dad's footsteps by having his own boxing club in Tennessee.and helping young men grow into better adults.

So, I grew up in and around and watching boxing.

While no one can ever discount Ali's athletic ability, Daddy never cared for his demeanor.  All the bragging and boasting.  Not Daddy's style.  And the way Ali got out of military service- not a fan of that.  So we didn't grow up huge Ali fans.  Ali just didn't conduct himself as Daddy wished he would.

At that time.

But I think Daddy shook Ali's hand today in Heaven.  I think he would see that Ali taught the world to live with dignity in the face of adversity.  What worse fate than for a champion athlete to lose control of his body to a disease like Parkinson's?  To have the one thing that he always prided himself on slowly taken away from him.  Some might say Karma.  Others would say tragedy.

But is there anyone who did not get chills when Muhammed slowly made his way up the ramp to light the Olympic flame in Atlanta in 1996?  And to hear the clips that follow of Ali giving of himself to the next generation, I think Daddy would be good with that.  He changed from the man he was towards the man he should have been.

I like to think that in Heaven all is made clear and all is forgiven.  A perspective change, if you will.

In any event, my heart goes out to the Ali family tonight.  While the world lost a champion, they lost not only that but a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend.

Been there, done that.  They have my prayers.