The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings ta ever one in western Illinois and all readers of "The Quill."
Some area around these parts received over 3 1/2" rain this past week.
Others had high winds with some damage and hail.
The cricks are now run'n and the ground is well watered fer now.
Last week's column concern'n discrepancy and the NFL brought the follow'n contributive comments.
The first letter reads as follows: Subject: An Extra 8 Hours per week
Letter to the NFL,
God Bless America!
My father was in WWII, I have family that were in Vietnam, and each of them fought and sacrificed for the right of free speech and freedom of expression.
After what took place this weekend with the NFL has given me some clarity. I will start by stating that I have been a Steelers fan for about 60 of my 62 years.
I have coached football and probably spent 8 hours a week watching the NFL, the NFL Today, Monday night football, etc.
But I am sure that the events of this weekend have Art Rooney spinning in his grave.
I would wager if he were still alive, he would gather the team and say something like: listen men, you are all performers on a stage, my stage, and as long as you wear one of my uniforms, you will respect our fans, employees, and the hard working people that fund your salaries.
If you want to protest, I have no problem with you doing so after work, on your own time, and once you are out of uniform.
On my field, you will stand and salute or pack up and leave, it is up to you.
At our jobs, we all have to adhere to dress codes, codes of conduct and employee manuals that have rules for sickness, absenteeism and what we can and cannot do at work.
Freedom of speech ends when we go to work and resumes again once we leave the office.
Even if there were not employee handbooks, common decency should govern human behavior.
While these guys are at work they should be made to respect the people in the stands and in front of their TV sets.
The cowardly and chicken way that the team hid in the locker room to avoid the National Anthem was the final straw for me.
God Bless Villanueva for having the grit to stand on the field with his hand over his heart. His teammates are all overpaid cowards.
I truly hope that each of these players goes bankrupt, or at minimum has their citizenship revoked. It should be viewed as treason.
Perhaps it would be enough to at least make sure each goes through an IRS audit.
It warms my heart to know that Kaepernic is unemployed.
As for me, I got back a $100 credit on my NFL Live Subscription refund, so this morning, I sent a check to the Wounded Warrior Project for $100.
I think it is a much better investment for me and I have now got about 8 hours a week freed up to spend time with my family, work on the farm, do volunteer work, take a long walk, etc. etc..
Next step is continue my protest by avoiding any of the products that support or endorse the NFL, starting with Gatorade, Under Armor, Ram trucks, etc., etc..
I can protest in my way, it may not make an impact to AB's salary or Roethlishberger's bonus, but I will sleep better at night knowing that I am not supporting the degradation of the USA.
Thank you NFL for giving me an extra 8 hours a week.
The second letter reads as follows:
Anheuser-Busch is considering ending their NFL sponsorship
Anheuser-Busch is considering ending their sponsorship of the NFL, and they have published a hot line for those to express the concern about these players who are disrespecting the flag. This is official protest phone line 1-800-342-5283. Press 1. Let them know your opinion.....
"Drop your sponsorship of the NFL"
The third comment is a letter as follows:
My Favorite NFL Player
Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle, Alejandro Villanueva, became my favorite NFL player when he proudly stood alone at the opening of the tunnel for the playing of the national anthem prior to the NFL game rather ironically played at Chicago's Soldier Field Sept. 25. Meanwhile, all his teammates stayed in the locker room to avoid any conflict. So much for team unity.
Villanueva attending West Point, was commissioned as a U. S. Army officer, and subsequently served three tours of duty in Afghanistan as a U. S. Army Ranger.
Undoubtedly the Steelers coaching staff and players were torn between two lovers.
After the loss, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made it a point to emphasize that the team's decision was a unified one and that he has the "utmost respect for our troops and those that serve this country."
I guess Big Ben doesn't realize that a picture is worth a thousand words.
The fourth letter with comment reads as follows:
Subject: I No Longer Watching NFL Football
Gentlemen,
I have something I was thinking about a couple of days ago. I was thinking about a very famous coach by the name of Vince Lombardi.
I can only imagine what he would have done if the Green Bay Packers team members had even attempted to do what those punks did before that game a few days ago.
I think it was on Monday Night football or maybe Thursday night football-I'm not sure because I no longer watch NFL football games.
Going a step further, can you even imagine what the great Knute Rockne would have done, had even one of the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame taken a knee during the playing of the National Anthem? I think the Four would have immediately become The Three Horsemen of Notre Dame!
It was reported by a local news program that the Packers players were inviting the fans to lock arms also during the playing of our beautiful National Anthem.
Last evening I watched a local news program and they showed video of the fans response to the players childish request and antics.
The fans were booing and jeering, while some wearing their military Veteran's hat, were saluting the flag and also booing.
Flag protocol allows Veterans the option of removing their hats and covering their heart with it, or wearing it and saluting the flag.
I am honored to stand at attention, wear my hat and salute our flag.
And I am not embarrassed even the slightest, if a tear or two runs down my cheeks during the Anthem in honor of those who fell in battle for our Grand Old Flag.
On the new program they had a statistic. There has already been a 17% decline in ticket purchases.
In Boston, a couple of nights ago, a large group of former fans had a "Jersey burning" party, protesting the Patriots team members actions.
Many people at the party held flags, while NFL team jerseys were thrown on a large campfire. Hooray to all of those folks!
Meanwhile Roger Goodell and the league does not know what to do. Most of the team owners do not know what to do.
Art Rooney would have known what to do! Goodell and the owners should have. You either believe in money, or you believe in this country! Without this country, where is your money!
God Bless America!
Well there ya have it then, four view points expressed with strong opinions.
The boys and I are a gonna have ta dwell on them comments for a spell.
Hope'n ta see ya in church this weekend.
Remember, whatever ya are, whatever ya be a do'n "BE A GOOD ONE!'
Keep on smile'n
Count yer many blessings
Catch ya later
Barnyard Bruke