Dave, first let me apologize to Uncle Dave for changing the direction of his post. This deviation should clearly be over in The Bar. But (and I will end with this), let me say once and for all that your perception of the Black players in the NFL and mine are 180 degrees apart. Their decision to use a command audience to peacefully protest a clear and rising trend of police brutality (with zero accountability) against Black and Brown members of society has nothing, nada, zilch, to do with patriotism. Most of the people who express all this hatred KNOW THIS, but who can resist such a convenient excuse to express feelings that were already there, just below the surface, waiting to emerge. Justification was made easy when fueled by the (deliberate) misleading and divisive rheteric of our 'divider-in-chief'. For those wishing for a return to the good ol' days of the 'Brady Bunch' and 'West Mayberry', the last two and one half years have given you a very comfortable head start. One of the few joys of old age for me is that I'll be dead before it comes to full fruition. I still love and respect my fellow man, regardless of race, creed, religion (or lack thereof), or sexual orientation, and am open to other points of view provided they make sense and accomodate everyone equally. You say " The beauty of America is opportunity to any and all who dare to do their best.". Well, that is precisely what these NFL players have done and look how you view them. As far as those "extreme salaries", you should see what their 'owners' make---and nary a broken bone. Oh well, who said life was fair. Have a good day.

chas

Chas:

I wondered when you would pull the "race card" on me. Not all of the NFL Players who "took a knee" were black. I don't care if they were Giraffes or Dinosaurs. Disrespect our country when the anthem is played and I'll be unhappy about it. That is my right, just as you have the right to defend them.

As for the rest of your second rant... believe what you will. Let's agree to just avoid each other in the future. So much for the "Olive Branch" offer!

As you wish Dave, although I'm sorry you feel that way. I don't 'play the race card'. I have at least as many White friends as Black. I also have many Asian and Hispanic friends, always have, throughout college, the military, the workplace, and the communities I have lived in. Actually, I believe what is going on this country at this time has more to do with 'tribalism' than race, but with race factoring heavily into the equation. I also believe that there are more good people in this country than bad and that in the end, the 'better angels' will win out. I bear no animosity towards you or anyone on this forum but I will likely speak up if I see something generally offensive or culturally insensitive. Some here dislike me for that BUT NOT ALL. hope you understand that our life experiences are bound to make us view things through a different cultural filter. Perhaps your interaction with me will provide you with material for a new song.

chas

sooooooo... I bought a new bass clarinet today. (guilty pleasure)

Well put, Chas.
I think what's killing football is the science on concussions and the association with brain damage and diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinson's. I'll stick to my favorite sport: Competitive Leapfrog. Lots of groin injuries though!

I bought a used Hohner chromatic to have something to do in the car while stuck in traffic. If I die with a harmonica in my mouth, it doesn't mean the accident was my fault! It could be the telephone pole's fault or a squirrel. I'm a good driver.

Thanks Beaky. Your humor is both well timed and....funny . Of all the desirable human characteristics, a sense of humor is near the top of my list.

chas

I bought a kazoo. Really. I use it for a solo in one of our songs. It's something organic amongst all the electronics, and it makes people smile.

I bought a kazoo. Well, it's not exactly a kazoo. I got it at a shop called Planet of The Vapes.

The son of the guitar player I work with in NJ plays Santa and sings a Christmas medley at our gigs ... One year he told us he was thinking of buying kazoos to hand out to the audience ... I told him NO WAY ... I wasn't going to spend the rest of the gig listening to people trying to accompany us on kazoos !!!