Champion Shows Patriotism - Fires Mendenhall

It is amazing how far we have fallen as a nation.

Recently, Rashard Mendenhall, the 23-year-old star running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, tweeted: "What kind of man celebrates death? It's amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We've only heard one side."

He was, as the Constitution once allowed, exercising his right to free speech, as well as show his religious convictions.  

The biggest show of false patriotism came when Champion, who had just signed a four-year contract with Mendenhall for advertising rights, fired him as they stated:

"We no longer believe that Mr. Mendenhall can appropriately represent Champion and we have notified Mr. Mendenhall that we are ending our business relationship.

"Champion is a strong supporter of the government's efforts to fight terrorism and is very appreciative of the dedication and commitment of the US Armed Forces."

In looking more closely at Champion, it might be queried as to their commitment to our nation, and our citizens. A cursory look at its supplier locations shows there are 1,772 locations in China, 152 in Pakistan, 88 in Hong Kong, 64 in India, and many others around the world.

In the United States it has 35. That certainly doesn't show much "appreciation" for providing jobs for our citizens, among which are members of the US Armed Forces who return and expect to have jobs waiting, but if they wish to work for Champion they may have to return to the likes of Pakistan, as there are five times more available locations in that country than in the one they fought to protect.

To get a better understanding for Champion's support of our nation and the troops protecting them it would be quite revealing to find out how much under they pay in taxes. The strong bet is it isn't 35%, which is they bracket they are in. 

This is but another example of the state of our once proud nation. Words speak louder than actions. Corporations speak the right things, but provide little toward building our nation. They shout against "socialism," yet go to the trough of the taxpayer dollars for governmental handouts. They bribe elected officials for favors in bills and subsidies, including those "free trade" give-aways. They beg for lower taxes, but many don't even pay taxes, yet receive tax refunds. 

I ask, "who is more patriotic, one exercising his Constitutional right to speak his opinion, or those who do their darnedest to circumvent their obligations to our nation and our citizens?"