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There is a lot of chatter these days about the proper way to behave when the Star-Spangled Banner is being performed and the flag is being presented.

 

On the one hand, I’m guessing most people would agree that standing at attention, focusing on the flag, with no hat on your head and your hand over your heart is very respectful.  And singing along (as long as you don’t bother those around you), is a plus.

At the far end of the spectrum, I’m pretty sure most people would agree that burning the flag or stomping it in the mud is quite disrespectful. And if you did that while cursing profanities during the playing of the anthem, well, you’re going to get a lot of people pissed off.

But there is a ton of middle ground between these extremes.

How about standing at attention without your hand over your heart?

What if you forgot to take your hat off?

How about putting your hand over your heart, but looking down at the ground?

What if you kneeled, put your hand over your heart, and sang along?

What if you were Jewish or Muslim and your faith called for you to keep your head covered?

What if you were headed to the bathroom, or you were in the bathroom?

What if you were at the concession stand or still trying to find your seat?

(I can go on like this for a long time. You can too.)

So here’s the deal: you get to draw the line wherever you want to. You get to decide what’s acceptable to you.

You can curse the old man who was feeling mighty ill and just needed to make it to the bathroom, you can curse the Muslim man with the turban, and you can curse the boy who was horsing around and was so excited he just couldn’t stand still.

And you can curse the man who just took a knee to draw attention to a racial injustice.

OR, you can just be respectful in your own chosen way and let others do what they will without getting the least bit upset.

You get to draw the line wherever you want to. You get to decide what’s acceptable to you.

Just don’t believe that the place you draw the line is the only place to draw the line, and that everyone should draw it in the exact same place that you do.

That’s what freedom is all about.

Keep Being Awesome!

– Paul

P.S. You get bonus points for asking yourself what you would think if someone you truly loved and admired took a knee.

P.P.S. If you want to make more rapid progress on your business or personal journey, just give me a call at 415.997.8001.

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