I’m sure they are mightily proud of themselves, these athletes choosing to vent their frustrations through derision of the nation and its symbols. For the record, all pampered millionaires are free to register whatever distaste they wish for America or any president of their choosing, on their own time. But every pipe-fitter, office clerk and burger-flipper knows that they are not free to spout off when they are on the clock. The National Football League sideline protests of some players taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem are in no way a free speech issue.