I don't know about you, but I have always felt a little uncomfortable with the displays of military might before an NFL game and during half time.It just seemed a little forced to me and not natural. The military jet flyovers during the playing of the national anthem, and the introduction of some military hero during half time. Well come to find out, it really isn't all spontaneous. It is actually bought and paid for! More after the star spangled orange banner..
According to a Common Dreams on line article http://www.commondreams.org/... U.S. military paid many NFL teams to honor soldiers at their games
"The New York Jets for example, accepted at least $377,000 between 2011 and 2014 to stage public salutes to veterans."
The money accepted was from the New Jersey National guard which enabled Gov. Chris Christie to milk the publicity from congratulaing returning heroes. The deal also allowed the N.J. guard to kickoff Jets home games with an "into battle" Video Feature" with soldier/crowd prompts. Wow, talk about blending military with sports and it's all bought and paid for..
The article goes on to point out similar deals between the Indianpolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens and the National Guard.
Why does the National Guard ( and possibly other branches of the military) feel the need to pay for this military flavor to NFL games? Well they definitely have a captive audience of potential young men and women recruits who they can bombard with their propaganda. The military and war seems so exciting when combined with NFL action!
I just don't like the military flavor of the NFL and now I like it even less, now that I know it's all bought and paid for.