Trump and the Eagles: What Philly Is Saying
Some Philadelphians are standing behind the president’s stunt, but more seemed relieved that a contentious White House visit has been called off.
Donald Trump and Malcolm Jenkins. (Images via Wikimedia Commons and Jeff Fusco).
Donald Trump owes me 50 bucks.
With bus tickets purchased, I was all set to head down to D.C. today to bring you good folks live coverage of the Eagles’ visit to the White House. That, of course, was all before our president decided he’d rather pull the plug at the last minute than bear the embarrassment of a light showing. (Fewer than 10 players were reportedly confirmed to attend the ceremony honoring the Super Bowl champions.)
While Trump and company undoubtedly believed that this tantrum was the best course to save face, those of us with rational minds can’t ignore the truth – the Commander in Chief is a fragile egomaniac with a flair for fascism and forced patriotism. You can thank his warped views on the meaning of duty, honor, and country for that.
Anyone can make a statement and paint with broad strokes; it takes a lot more to back up our own assertions with context and understanding. That’s the foundation of the truth, and the truth is this debate has never been about the anthem or supporting the military. If you still think it is, you’re not paying close enough attention.
Don’t let the president’s dog-and-pony show today fool you – Trump would spit on the flag if it made him an extra buck. He doesn’t stick to his guns when his beliefs are called into question, likely because he has no cogent explanation for why he thinks the way that he does. If he did, he’d still have those Eagles over no matter how few were willing to show. Instead, Trump has chosen to shroud himself from humiliation in a blanket of red, white, and blue.
Tell me what’s worse: Raising a fist during the National Anthem to protest inequality or hiding behind the stars and stripes as a means to prove your own self-worth?
Here are some other thoughts on Trump’s decision to cancel from notable Philadelphians and fans alike:
I’m proud of the Eagles on & off the field. Our players represent the diversity of our nation—a nation where we're free to express our opinions. Disinviting them only proves the President is not a true patriot.
City Hall is always open for a celebration. https://t.co/kU7LZkBNin
— Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@PhillyMayor) June 5, 2018
The @Eagles are still welcome to visit the US Capitol. I will have @Wawa coffee waiting. https://t.co/Ts41v7GBGn
— US Rep Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) June 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/lovemycountry26/status/1004007582888091648
Many here in Philadelphia understand the symbolism & applaud your decision to not play the trumpian game. Thank you @jeff_lurie for supporting these men of principles. I am one of 100s of 1000s very proud to call the Philadelphia Eagles MY team. #FlyEaglesFly @realDonaldTrump
— Edith E Horwitz (@EEHELI) June 4, 2018
Our party was bigger than yours #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/HIZk8xnJF1
— Jane Slusser (@janeslusser) June 5, 2018
I’m proud of what the @Eagles accomplished this year. I’m skipping this political stunt at the White House and just invited the Eagles to Congress. @Eagles How about a tour of the Capitol? https://t.co/niWR7zkSYx
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) June 4, 2018
Trump’s had issues with eagles before. pic.twitter.com/YMAzLBPJI5
— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) June 5, 2018
.@GovEdRendell joined the @WIPMorningShow to talk about the Eagles' White House drama. https://t.co/2iLSzl0bif
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) June 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/AngeloCataldi/status/1003926102392360960
It’s a privilege to be invited I’m glad trump cancel the Eagles now the players don’t have to worry about who’s going and who’s not going
— jrmplumbing (@jrmplumbing690) June 4, 2018
NFL source notes that not one of the players on the Super Bowl-winning Eagles took a knee all regular and post-season.
Until November, Malcolm Jenkins raised his fist during the anthem to protest racial injustice. In pre-season Ron Brooks took a knee but he was cut.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 5, 2018
I want to get angry that people are getting angry at the Eagles for this thing, but then I remember that's exactly what Trump wants — to divide people for his own benefit — and I'm not going to give him the satisfaction.
So I'll just say that the Eagles won the Super Bowl.
— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) June 5, 2018
If the Eagles were all-American heroes like Kim Jong Un, I’m sure Trump would be dying to meet with them.
— David Litt (@davidlitt) June 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/ginamk67/status/1003967301413109762
https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/status/1003990054505730048
https://twitter.com/TorreySmithWR/status/1003785689555664897
