header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
September 18
1962 - Articles of incorporation filed for Golden State Memorial Hospital on Lyons Avenue [story]
Golden State Hospital


Commentary by Betty Arenson
| Friday, Sep 29, 2017

The latest theme: “Take a knee.” The NFL may highly regret ever hearing that term.

Colin Kaepernick stood out in college football enough to get to the pros and was hot for a bit, but it was a level of playing he could not sustain. Although the San Francisco ‘49ers had inked a “record” 7-year contract in 2014 for $126 million, there were enough contractual backstops that led the way to Kaepernick never realizing the full dollars.

His yearly salary of $645,000 alone (as a new hire) makes the average Joe and Jane shake their heads. Then there was the $12.5 million signing bonus.

Between the contract provisions and a declining performance after three seasons, most likely Kaepernick knew the writing was on the wall. Undoubtedly and inherently the contract is wordy and of course sated with numbers but in the end Kaepernick received $39.4 million.

That’s mammoth pay for failure.

Kaepernick opted out of the contract to be a free agent and no one picked him up. Perhaps arguably, this scenario has the strong appearance of an angry young man.

Accompanying Kaepernick’s far less than stellar performance on the field was his decision to kneel rather than stand for the national anthem and thus, the American flag, on Sept. 1, 2016. Reportedly (NFL.com) he said, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

Where did that come from?

Kaepernick was born to a single white young woman from Wisconsin. His (unidentified) African-American father allegedly fled upon hearing of the pregnancy. A white couple, Rick and Teresa Kaepernick adopted Colin who already had two children and had also lost two sons due to heart defects.

Kaepernick has never spoken of personally experiencing any negative interactions with the police. Appearances are he had a pretty nice life provided by people with white skin while living in a country that presented him with obvious, mind-boggling opportunities – a country that holds the symbol of a beautiful flag and a national anthem that deserve respect and honor.

Somehow the kneel-deal of one year ago bled into this year. It’s swollen even more to race; reeled in politics and of course, all things Trump.

Critics will remind everyone that Trump was speaking at an Alabama primary race event a few days ago and said: “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, say, ‘Get that son-of-a-b—h off the field right now, out, he’s fired.”

The critics would be correct about that.

What is not correct is that those words are surpassing being torturously twisted into misleading enchantments and into blatant lies.

Multiple reports are saying Trump called for all disrespectful NFL players be fired and on the 11 o’clock CBSLA news Sept. 26, the female reporter made the comment that Trump “demanded” NFL players be fired.

Irrespective of the indelicate words by Trump, the majority agrees with the idea that this is America and we believe it’s the best country on the planet and to disrespect the national symbol and our song is reprehensible.

There’s the fallback position that Kaepernick has his First Amendment rights. Yes; and so does Trump, and so does every reader here. However, just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should. The NFL must have rules of conduct; most employers do.

The players and coaches standing with arms locked are merely on the fence; they claim to show unity.

I think the majority of Americans prefer they show unity for America, her song and her flag.

Considering the double-digit loss of viewership so far, the NFL may well be taking “a knee” in a way they never considered.

 

Betty Arenson is a Valencia resident who believes in the Constitution in its entirety and that laws should be upheld and apply to everyone equally.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

13 Comments

  1. Sean says:

    Please just shut up about this already!

  2. Gary Horton says:

    You wrote: “Appearances are he had a pretty nice life provided by people with white skin while living in a country that presented him with obvious, mind-boggling opportunities – a country that holds the symbol of a beautiful flag and a national anthem that deserve respect and honor.”

    Does it matter if the foster parents were white or black? Does it matter that he is half-black. He protested at a time when it is a hot topic, the unjust treatment of minorities by militarized police in America.

    To say that “He (as a black man) should be THANKFUL for what the (white man) has PAID or rather, GIVEN HIM (because he isn’t that good, after all in your estimation) is of course, real racism.

    You are racially bigoted. White to the marrow. And as a bigot, you can’t even see your bias and bigotry. And that’s the CORE problem in America – so many people cannot even empathize with others unlike them.

    We see it again in our treatment of Puerto Rico. (They’re the “OTHER” so – do we care AS MUCH as for Texas?”

    This is the way it works, and this is the way you write.

    – Gary

  3. mellie says:

    Gary, stop. We are sick of those like you looking for and “finding” things to whine about. Betty is correct.

    • DennyNNWofLA says:

      “Those like you” Wow, Mellie.
      Just who are “those?”
      btw- Betty is a bigot.
      You must be also.

  4. DennyNNWofLA says:

    To follow up on what Gary said, Betty, you suffer from what is commonly known as “White Privilege.” You can never, nor can I, know what life in America is like being non-white.
    Former President Barack Obama also had a white mother. So WHAT?! He also has massive amounts of class; something the current occupant has none of. NONE.
    You also skip right past the point of what the “Take a Knee” demonstrations are about. You were, no doubt, around for the Civil Rights movement of the 60s so you should have learned that. But you did not.
    In the “14 points of fascism,” number two is about “Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights.” Think about that and what that means.
    I am not attempting the impossible task of trying to enlightening you, but to caution others, like you, to think this thru and not be blinded by your own whiteness or racism. Come to think of it, they are on either side of the same saltine.
    Charles M. Blow has an important article in yesterday’s NYT called, “The Flag Is Drenched In Our Blood.” Anybody reading this post should also read his.

  5. SCgal says:

    Why don’t you address the fact that Trump could denounce football players who exercise their constitutional right to express themselves in a peaceful nonviolent protest, but would NOT, nor could NOT denounce Neo-Nazis, KKK and white supremacists in Charlottesville. These thugs marched with the intent to incite violence and murdered an American citizen on American soil and he called them “fine people.”
    He did NOTHING to diffuse the already racially charged and divisive environment in Charlottesville, and now has intentionally inserted himself needlessly into this NFL player protest movement to pander to his disgusting and ignorant racist base.

    Trump and the GOP are nothing but hypocrites. Trump calls out these football players and says they should be fired for protesting on the job. Yet, when Kim Davis, the Kentucky civil clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to gays, in violation of the law, well you guessed it, the GOP and Trump embraced her for her courage and called her an American hero. Hypocrites, liars and sycophants the lot of them.

    I love my country and hate what this inept, unqualified and morally and ethically bankrupt narcissistic bigot is doing while occupying the White Hosue. Care to respond Betty?

  6. You’ve got to be kidding. If the owners of the team allow that type of protest, it’be between them and their fans. Trump being outraged, after he was a draft dodger and no member of his family including his father ever served in the military, only triggered his Confederate base. Blame, blame, no free speech. I don’t like it, I wish there was respect, but it’s between the owners, League, and the local fans. The right to object is written in the Constitution. Of Course, our president doesn’t even know what’s in it, it seems from his remarks.

    • Mike says:

      So cute that protestors define racism as only understood by victims of…ok greatttt…so the rest of us can drop the subject till you get educated…by someone else than the radicalized jokers who devised your mind control through your own anger.,,and outrage… kinda sad so many people cant think for themselves…regardless of your country of origin, ethnic or race etc etc.

      • Mike says:

        Also, look into radical islam plan targeting nfl, nba, players with “girlfriends”, re kap went far south with play while being indoc’d…
        Ps nfl sucking due to violence…brain trauma only tip of iceberg…

  7. Travis Levy says:

    Taking a knee during the National Anthem is wrong no matter what why you see it. You might as well spit in everyone’s face that served for this country. There’s a time and a place for protest and this isn’t the time. Would any of you protest while your at work like this? Really be honest. Are you willing to put your job or career and livelihood on the line? I think not. If he really truly wants to show support then why doesn’t he conduct protest off the field? Why don’t we see him at city hall giving speeches or even in the streets about Police brutality. Those tactics are still supportive to your cause while not disrespecting our flag and the men and women who fight, have fought and died for this country.

  8. Greg says:

    Oh Betty, it’s a shame that you don’t have any friends of color to ask their feelings on the matter. It must take a lot of effort to keep such a narrow perspective. I’m surprised that you can maintain such a primitive point of view in southern California. You’d be more at home in Alabama or Mississippi. I invite you to look up the word empathy, and try it on for size. Good luck with that –

  9. Greg says:

    Oh Betty, it’s a shame that you don’t have any friends of color to ask their feelings on the matter. It must take a lot of effort to keep such a narrow perspective. I’m surprised that you can maintain such a primitive point of view in southern California. You’d be more at home in Alabama or Mississippi. I invite you to look up the word empathy, and try it out for a change. Good luck with that –

  10. Candace Browne says:

    Please Ms. Arenson stick to plastic surgery and not divisive rhetoric.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Friday, Sep 13, 2024
As a father of three, I understand firsthand the importance of guiding our children through open communication and keeping them engaged in extracurricular activities and sports to foster their growth.
Thursday, Sep 12, 2024
You may have noticed that things look a little different around our city. Maybe you noticed the motion sensor lights at our parks, or the solar panels being installed in city parking lots.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
California State  Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) is urging residents to prepare an emergency evacuation plan as the Line Fire, Bridge Fire and several other wildfires continue to pose a serious threat to High Desert and foothill communities.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
As we approach the November 2024 elections, the importance of informed voting cannot be overstated. The choices we make at the ballot box will shape the future of our city, state and nation. Yet, in an era where soundbites often substitute for substantive discussion, how can voters truly grasp the complexities of the issues at hand?
Friday, Sep 6, 2024
As scorching triple-digit temperatures engulf Los Angeles County throughout the weekend and excessive heat warnings have been issued for many communities in Los Angeles County’s Fifth District, I urge residents to do their part to lessen the threat of wildfires.
Thursday, Sep 5, 2024
After being part of the Parks and Recreation Commission in the early 90s and spending nearly 30 years on the City Council, my life has been dedicated to creating a community where residents and businesses feel welcomed and safe here in Santa Clarita.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park. 
Sept. 21: JCI Invites All Veterans to Upcoming Resource Fair
A "friendies" field tournament  is being  hosted by the Saugus Instrumental Music program, with support from Valencia High, later this month. 
Sept. 21: “The All Valley Showcase” Comes to Valencia High This Month
Public, member-supported 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound, Southern California’s leading Triple-A (adult album alternative) format radio station has announced the lineup for its inaugural “Year-End Bash” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 7: CSUN Owned 88.5-FM The SoCal Sound Announces “Year End Bash” Lineup featuring Ben Gibbard
The Master's University cross-country teams continued their successful 2024 campaigns with strong finishes at the BIOLA Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, Calif.
TMU Women Win, Men Place Second at XC Invitational
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
The biology department at California State University, Northridge has stayed committed to promoting STEM research carried out by K-12 students and teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
CSUN Student Research Journal Celebrates 28 Years of Inspiring Scientific Imagination
Did you know the SCVEDC has an interactive, online tool that provides themed virtual tours of the amazing features the community has to offer? 
Take a Virtual Tour of the Santa Clarita Valley
California Institute of the Arts alum and visionary filmmaker Tim Burton (Film/Video 1979) was honored with the 2,788th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
CalArts Alum Tim Burton Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
1962 - Articles of incorporation filed for Golden State Memorial Hospital on Lyons Avenue [story]
Golden State Hospital
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center welcomes back Jim Curry for an evening concert celebrating the music of John Denver on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Bella Vida.
Oct. 5: SCV Senior Center Welcomes Jim Curry ‘Take Me Home’
As part of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency's ongoing commitment to ensuring local groundwater quality and reliability, the SCV Water recently began construction on a new treatment facility to remove perchlorate and volatile organic compounds at Well 205 in Valencia.
SCV Water Begins New Water Treatment Project in Valencia
Get ready to set sail at the Pirates SENSES Block Party, presented by the city of Santa Clarita, Thursday, Sept 19 from 7-10 p.m. on main street in Old Town Newhall.
Sept. 19: SENSES Pirate Block Party
No. 21 College of the Canyons football team knocked off No. 5 Fullerton College 29-13 on Saturday night behind a stifling defensive effort and five field goals from Luis Rodriguez.
No. 21 Canyons Knocks Off No. 5 Fullerton 29-13
Six of the seven Foothill League Varsity football teams begin league play Friday night, Sept. 20.
Foothill League Football Begins for SCV Teams
The California Institute of the Arts will present the "NAACP Santa Clarita Masquerade Ball", Friday, Oct. 4, 7-11 p.m. at 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355.
Oct. 4: NAACP Santa Clarita Masquerade Ball at Cal Arts
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating two human cases of a rare parasitic infection, Baylisascaris procyonis, also known as raccoon roundworm.
Public Health Investigating Disease Spread from Animals to Humans
1879 - First official Newhall School building erected near Walnut & Ninth streets [story]
First Newhall School
The city of Santa Clarita is hosting Make A Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 26 and is looking for enthusiastic residents to volunteer for various projects that benefit local nonprofits, as well as the city.
Oct. 26: Volunteers Needed for Make a Difference Day
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and PathPoint announced the graduation of Aiden Land and Andrew Mendence from the Project SEARCH internship program.
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, PathPoint Celebrate Grad Interns
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced upcoming community information meetings about Learning Post Academy Independent Study School, Thursday, Sept. 18 and Friday, Sept. 19.
Sept. 18-19: Learning Post Academy Online Information Meetings
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Wednesday, Sept. 18, 5 p.m. in open session to interview and appoint a new trustee for Area 5.
Sept. 18: COC Board to Interview, Appoint Area 5 Trustee
The city of Santa Clarita wants to remind residents that volunteer registration is open for the 29th Annual River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo scheduled for next Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the William S. Hart Pony Baseball and Softball Complex, 23780 Auto Center Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Sept. 20: Last Chance to Register for the River Rally
The California Highway Patrol is dedicating Sept. 15-21 to promoting child passenger safety across California, focusing on the protection of the state’s youngest road users.
CHP Emphasizes Child Safety for National Child Passenger Safety Week
The regular meeting of the Saugus Union School District Governing Board will take place Tuesday, Sept. 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: SUSD Regular Board Meeting
SCVNews.com