Josh Howard: Unpatriotic Because He's Black?

Kyle Jensen by Contributor Written on September 17, 2008
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Sports and politics should never really be related. Just because someone doesn't celebrate his/her country doesn't mean I'll disown the person; I might even be friends with him/her if I like the person's other qualities. I don't let differing beliefs get in the way of a relationship.

If you haven't heard, there is a new video of Josh Howard on YouTube talking into a video camera about the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner is going on right now. I don't even celebrate that sh**. I'm black." 

Take it how you will, but because he's black, he doesn't celebrate America?

The first amendment allows him to say this, and that is OK. Let me rephrase, in a bit of irony, this country was founded so that he could utter those words.

So he doesn't celebrate the country that gave him the rights to say this, he doesn't celebrate the country that allows him to make millions of dollars to play basketball.

But wait, he said he's black as if that can justify his reasoning for not being able to celebrate his country.

Again, to remind you, it's OK if you don't celebrate this country, it's OK that Josh Howard doesn't celebrate this country.

But when you utter those words, and the only reasoning for your beliefs is that you're black? That's just pure insolence.

You are a public figure, whether you want to be one or not. You can do what you want. But come on now. I may not celebrate other countries, but I respect them. So if you don't celebrate my country, or even your own country, the least you could do is be respectful.

This, I hope, will be my only article that does not relate to sports more than it should.

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written on September 17, 2008 Opinion

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