Montclair Councilman: Keep NFL ‘Kneeling’ Debate Civil, Respectful

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair 3rd Ward Councilman Sean Spiller is trying to localize a national debate that is sure to rile up some emotional back-and-forth in his town: “Should athletes be able to take a knee during the national anthem in an effort to call attention to an issue they are passionate about?”

After gridiron players across the NFL took to a knee in solidarity last weekend in support of their 1st Amendment rights - setting off a firestorm of controversy on the internet – Spiller posted a statement about the issue on his website.

The Montclair council member avoided taking a side on the issue himself, pointing out that the most important part of the “take a knee” debate is learning to have a rational, respectful discussion with someone who has an opposing viewpoint.

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“The action rests at the intersection of valuing free speech and our 1st Amendment rights and the value of respecting our national anthem,” he continued. “No matter how you feel, a productive discussion in a civil society starts with respecting varying opinions. So, I’d love to hear yours.”

What do you think? Should athletes be able to take a knee during the national anthem to practice their 1st Amendment rights? Let us know in the comments section.

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Photo1 : Sean Spiller, Twitter

Photo 2: Shutterstock