DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 14: NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty stands in the garage area during practice for the 57th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2015 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

This week in NASCAR, anthem protest edition: What Alt-Driver readers have to say


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Yes, there's an exciting race Sunday, but really, there's only one story this week that captivated NASCAR fans -- the stance of various owners, drivers, sponsors, and NASCAR, on the anthem protests. Alt-Driver readers left -- literally -- tens of thousands of comments that ran the gamut from outright rage to understanding. Here are some of the stories we wrote, with a sampling of those comments. WARNING: People are very passionate about this issue, so the language can be very, very strong.

 

On Ford saying it supports peaceful protests:

Bill Ethridge Wanted a new F350. Guess now I'll buy a GM3500 looks like they're better made anyway. To bad I've been buying new fords since 1974

Fred Moucatel Be careful where you tread Ford !! The President has a 65% backing by Americans on this issue ! Nothing decisive or hateful was said , we are talking about respect for the flag the Veterans and this country, the ball field is not the place for some half Ass demonstration which insults this countries patronage. You take the wrong road and you along with the NFL will feel it in the pocketbook! !!

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Chris Craig (Eff) you Ford ! I've been a Ford guy all my life ..... Will never own another . I stood by em when they moved to Mexico .... Will not support their company or their views anymore. Our vets deserve respect . Respect isn't disrespecting out flag or anthem. So Ford motor company can go to HELL HELL HELL

On Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. saying they support peaceful protests:

Ted Crain All these buttheads are missing the point...what you do on your own time is your business. But, this public disrespect of our country WHILE ON THE JOB in front of millions of people is wrong, unpatriotic, and unacceptable.

Joy Kaat Baareman Dear Jimmie, apparently you are another who are so wrapped up in yourself that you can't see the forest for the trees. Do you really not know that their are HUNDREDS of ways to express and support their cause WITHOUT disrespecting those who sacrifice to protect us and provide us the freedoms we have. You are dumber than I thought. You just lost ALL of my respect - just like Junior. 

Gloria Jean Beckett Think about this folks! What if YOU NO LONGER HAD FREEDOM OF SPEECH!
Peaceful Protest is a RIGHT. Don't think those taking a knee are not Patriotic...you can not possibly know that. There are REAL ISSUES. We all bleed red! We are brothers and sisters of the human race.

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Tim Churchill How about this for a peaceful protest: You invite me over for dinner and I take a shit on your kitchen table. I wouldn't be disrespecting you would I? Disrespecting the flag is no way to protest. Never has been, never will be. All this political correctness has to stop. Grow a set and let them know its not acceptable!!!

Joey Quinn Not every day that I give a Like to Jimmie Johnson. I may not be a fan of his, but I appreciate what he said in this article.

Deborah Diedrich I agree with Junior 100%! My father and 3 uncles served in WWII. One came back covered in the American flag. All fought for our freedom, including our freedoms in the constitution. I will always stand for our anthem and flag. I also respect the right to peacefully protest. So does my Dad. My brother is also a Vietnam Vet. I respect the rights and opinions of all Americans. I think the name calling and foul language is silly. If you don't like the NFL or NASCAR then don't watch. Me and my hero Dad will watch all of them

On Richard Petty and Richard Childress threatening for fire employees who protest

Tina Adcock Whittington This just shows what kind of people are in this sport. They are not going to take crap from their crews/employees for disrespecting America.

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Carter Morrison The more and more this happens i get pissed off even Richard Petty one of my NASCAR idols is on the side of evil it seems a majority of sports owners are siding with trump from NASCAR to NFL teams to WWE\

Jeff Winzens atleast some nascar owners have balls to do the right thing!