David Funderburk: “the actions of NBA basketball player, Chris Jackson, now Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, are despicable. This superrich, NBA star…”

“the actions of NBA basketball player, Chris Jackson, now Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, are despicable. This superrich, NBA star should be thankful for the opportunity American free enterprise bestowed on him. Instead he refused to stand and show respect for the Stars and Stripes during the national anthem. He said he could not do so because ``Old Glory'' is a symbol of tyranny and oppression. He earns $2.6 million per year--over $31,000 per game, If that is ``tyranny and oppression'' there are many waiting in line to be oppressed. Now, Abdul-Rauf says he wants to move to Canada. Maybe he will be willing to pay back the cost of his education at LSU and his salary from the Denver Nuggets--all conspirators in his ``tyrannical and oppressive'' United States. Mr. Speaker, I lived for 6 years in a Communist regime where real tyranny and oppression existed. America is paradise. Millions of Americans have fought and died to protect Abdul Rauf's freedom of speech. If Abdul-Rauf believes the flag represents tyranny and oppression, I say let him try Iran and see if they will tolerate his disrespect and pay him millions to play basketball. When this poor ``oppressed'' millionaire leaves, I'll say good riddance.”