Thank you so much for the great job you
have done with the Warriors. I have been a fan of the Warriors since
about 1949, since I grew up in West Philadelphia and loved basketball
early. I had season tickets all during the Don Nelson era, starting
in 1988, and in the last decade have attended regularly.
I have seen the game evolve in many
ways, most good. But one thing I have noticed is not about the game
itself, but rather the way the country has evolved in its idea of
patriotism. I am as patriotic as the next guy, but patriotism means
many things. Specifically, when the flag is rolled out at the
beginning of the game, I find it disconcerting that it is almost
always in a military context. While support for military troops is
important, it is also important to show support and gratitude for
those who serve us in other ways.
I would propose that you consider this:
when the flag is rolled out, could you have “honor guards”
consisting of others rather than simply military people? What about
teachers being out there with the flag, and the crowd asked to show
support from them, who give so much? What about first responders?
What about pediatricians, for that matter? Hell, I wouldn't object
to VC's! Everyone contributes to America, and we should be willing
to share the gratitude widely.
Again, thanks so much for your own very
worthy contributions to the game of basketball and the people of the
Bay Area. I would hope that you would see this suggestion as
consistent with who the Warriors are, and what the NBA is, as
contrasted to other, perhaps less mindful sports.
Sincerely yours,
Budd N. Shenkin, MD
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