Jim Rosica
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz is using NFL players’ protests during the National Anthem to raise funds for his re-election next year.
Gaetz, a Fort Walton Beach Republican who represents the state’s 1st Congressional District, sent an email to supporters Monday titled, “Stand Up For The Flag,” with a “Donate” button at the bottom.
“The American Flag is under attack, and this time, it’s not from enemies abroad, but by players in the NFL,” he wrote.
President Donald Trump‘s criticism of players who protest during the national anthem sparked a mass increase in such activism this weekend, with more than 200 NFL players sitting or kneeling, others raising their fists and whole teams standing with locked arms to display unity.
Gaetz, a freshman congressman who has allied himself with Trump, called it “divisive and outrageous.” The heavily conservative district, home to five military installations and a large population of veterans, has gone Republican since 1994.
“While players certainly have a right to protest, NFL owners have the right to fire players for inappropriate conduct at work,” Gaetz wrote. “And we as viewers have a right to change the channel and not support institutions that disrespect our men and women in the military and law enforcement.
“As your Congressman, I will do everything in my power to stand up for Old Glory and defend the values she represents,” he added. “Three people have already announced their intentions to run against me in 2018, but with your help I will continue to provide Florida’s 1st Congressional District with bold, conservative leadership to protect our American values.
“I’m proud to live in Northwest Florida, where we respect the flag and stand for the National Anthem.”
Material from The Associated Press was used in this post.
3 comments
Nancy Argenziano
September 25, 2017 at 7:04 pm
Matt needs a copy of the Constitution , of which he has talken oaths to uphold. Matt never does anything that is good policy driven. He is a BS political hack that needs a history lesson. H is exactly the swamp politicians that needs to never be in public office again.
Jimmy Connet
September 25, 2017 at 8:45 pm
Good for Matt. Never vote for liberals who hate America first
David
September 25, 2017 at 11:49 pm
It’s a travesty when people (including seasoned politicians and charlatans like Gaetz) are more outraged at the flag being disrespected than with the facts that not everyone in this country enjoys equal access to the freedoms afforded under our constitution. Why the outrage? Where is the outrage when innocent people of color are framed and murdered by those whom are supposed to serve and protect? (Could you imagine if it was your son who was murdered at the hands of the police for doing nothing wrong?) Where was the outrage during Charlottesville? Were is the outrage at the inequalities and racial disparities so rampant in our country? Systemic racism and white privilege is alive and well in this country. Try walking in the shoes of a person of color in America and maybe you will understand the outrage that exists in our communities. Until then, its clear to me that white supremacy takes on many different forms and shapes.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with LIBERTY and JUSTICE FOR ALL.”
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