Indiana State lawmaker Rep. Milo Smith (R-Columbus) is proposing legislation that would allow offended fans of the Indianapolis Colts to receive a refund if any of the home team players takes a knee during the national anthem.
“To me when they take a knee during the national anthem, it’s not respecting the national anthem or our country," Smith told the IndyStar. "Our government isn’t perfect, but it's still the best country in the world and I think we need to be respectful of it.”
Everything Smith said is perfectly understandable. However, is it does pose the the question; is it wise to legislate people’s level of being offended and to put a price tag on it?
Who legislates what is offensive and what isn’t? I’m offended by the price of a hot dog at baseball games, but you don’t see me suing the organization for financial recompense.
House Speaker Brian Bosma says the measure will likely be buried in committee.
“There are constitutional and perhaps interference with private business issues in the bill itself," Bosma told the IndyStar. "So I suspect it will be assigned to committee and that’ll be the last we see of it."
If you went to a NFL in 2017, you had to expect that their would be some that would take a knee during the anthem. It’s perfectly within your rights to disagree and even be vocal about said disagreement. But, to propose legislation on being offended and have the government get involved would certainly be a new move.
Of course, there is a simple way to save the money you would have spent at a NFL game where you know you’re going to see something you disagree with. Don’t go in the first place.
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