[Hoot Gibson]

The fact that Key owned slaves was not the reason that kneeling during the playing of the national anthem became a fad among NFL players that has since spread. It is an attempt to justify disrespectful behavior after the fact.

The issue is not only about an individual's decision not to stand during the playing of the national anthem, it is also about coercing teammates into kneeling, whether or not they also disrespect the flag and the nation. Consider what happened to poor Drew Brees when he decided not to kneel. He caved and is now reviled both by the kneelers and those who choose to stand. Brees went from making a courageous stand on principle to a cowardly compromise of his principles.

The left's attempt to erase history in this country is no different than what totalitarian regimes have done throughout history. History told outside of the context of time is not history at all. Slavery once existed in this country and slavery still exists in some parts of the world. It would surprise me if there is a single living person who does not have a slave ancestor somewhere in his family tree - whether the ancestor was kidnapped in west Africa or enslaved by Roman conquerors, all of our ancestors overcame hurdles to live, raise families, and leave a legacy than includes us. Francis Scott Key was a product of his culture, just as we are products of our time.