To The Reader’s Forum:

A Jamestown grade 9 football player recently “took a knee” during the national anthem. Was this inappropriate and immature copycat behavior? Perhaps it was lack of knowledge in how to demonstrate proper respect toward our national anthem? Did anyone rebuke him? Did the coach say to him, “The choice is yours. Stand in respect for the anthem or you’re off the team”? Apparently, no.

The superintendent remarked that the player’s action presented an “opportunity for a learning moment among our students.” Could there have been a more wimpy response-especially from a history major? Learning moment?! Who learned the most from this unsavory incident? The immature boy! He came out a winner in his eyes.

It certainly was a “learning moment” for the community. Two men are in district leadership roles. Did either one exhibit role model traits that the community has a right to expect of educators and that students might emulate? Again, no. Instead, we learned that the coach apparently said not a single word to the youth about his disrespectful behavior. Was it the coach’s job to educate him about proper behavior when the national anthem is played? Well, yes, of course it was.

This incident was a test of leadership. Sadly, what we saw was weakness at the helm-at least in this particular incident. These were two educators who apparently lacked the courage to make a strong statement about respect for our nation, our flag, and our national anthem. It was very disheartening to hear the superintendent say that it’s not required to stand during the anthem nor to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school. Is it any wonder that groups such as Antifa, BAMN, and other liberal fringe groups get a foothold?

Our nation is paying a high price for lack of attention to strong civics and history teaching about our country, its founding, and pride in being an American.

Deann Nelson

Jamestown