Hopefully today is the last we hear about Take The KneeGatePaloozaGazi (see Trickle Down Backlash: Pittsburgh Store Feeling Effects of Steelers Boycott [Video] and Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Has Had Enough: Just Let Us Play Ball). But let's compare that "scandal" (for lack of a better word) to this high school football team. I'm betting the players of would all die for a chance in the NFL. Here's what they did before their homecoming game.

The Mascoutah Indians were handed a loss but found joy as a result of the whole team showing unity. Before the game, each player and member of the coaching staff walked out of the locker room and onto the field with law enforcement.

The team hit the field following the beat of their own drum.

"What it means to me is showing a brotherhood, the friendship and the bond that we have," said football player Devin Wills.

Two by two, law enforcement officers joined hands with the players and coaching staff, to show the spirit of the small Illinois town.

"You don't see a lot of small communities, as diverse as we are, with as much to offer. You throw in the military spirit and we get an incredible place. It just gives an opportunity to showcase that," said Athletic Director Scott Battas.

The show of solidarity continued until all stood together during the band's playing of the national anthem.

See? America is, was, and always will be better than the people who complain about her on television.

American high schoolers understand what many in the NFL do not. Is America perfect? No. Will America ever be perfect? No. Because like most things founded and lead by human beings, it's flawed. That will never change. But just because America isn't perfect (nor has been, nor will be) doesn't mean it shouldn't be respected, its heroes dishonored. The idea of America, and what America stands for, is worth a somber salute. It's worth respect. It's worth showing a little love when a one minute anthem plays.

And these kids get that more than grown adults with million dollar contracts. All hope is not lost.

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