Trump And The Global Economy (“Trump And The GE”) had its fifth installment on August 8th. The event featured Missouri State Representative Maria Chappelle-Nadal and Professor Lance Brofman. We discussed everything from the pending recession the U.S. faces to Charlottesville to why Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid and other black athletes take a knee. Athletes’ silent protests during the National Anthem have really got America’s dander up, President Trump’s in particular. Athletes haven’t made this much noise since Tommy Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. One would think that peaceful protests, and athletes exercising their constitutional rights would be welcomed by America.
However, President Trump has threatened athletes with suspension or termination if they do not “respect the flag.” How he can set policy for the NFL or specific teams is beyond me, but he has made it part of his presidency to rein in these protests. There is a method to his madness, as the video from Trump And The GE explains.