We've known KISS front man Gene Simmons to be quite conservative for many years, despite the band's former reputation as being anything but favorable toward God, country, apple pie, and all that. But that we've lived long enough now to witness the above spectacle of KISS with uniformed veterans auxiliary members is worthy of a post, even on a local political blog. Take a watch -- even if you're not much of a rocker.
This display of high-voltage patriotism on Sept. 9 in Richmond, Virginia, follows public outcries after National Football League player Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the National Anthem at a pre-season San Francisco 49ers game against the Green Bay Packers.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick said, likely referencing the Black Lives Matter movement. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
Kaepernick has every right to stay seated and to not pay respect to those who defend our freedom. And the NFL has every right to allow him to do so. But on the other hand, KISS has every right to give $150,000 to a veterans employment charity, rip out a Jimmi Hendrix-inspired take on the Star-Spangled Banner, and lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
“You should remember that patriotism is always cool. Loving your country is always cool. Standing up, respecting, and honoring our military is always cool," said Paul Stanley, a founding member of KISS who doesn't always see eye-to-eye with Simmons' political views, but obviously has no qualms showing love for America or taking part in a "Freedom to Rock" tour. "So, to show some respect between pick-throwing, we’re going to put our right hands over our hearts and ... why don’t we say the Pledge of Allegiance?”
HT: John Eakin via Red State for the tip.
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