Vatican cancels women's team debut match after pro-choice protest - The Vatican abandoned the debut international match of its new women’s soccer team after members of the opposing team demonstrated against the Catholic church’s opposition to abortion and gay rights.

I see political statements when I listen to the radio, turn on dramas, cartoons, late night comedy shows, while eating dinner out (TVs on in the restaurant), walking through the airport (more TVs), browsing social media, and more. Politics are everywhere. Everybody is using their platform and to make themselves heard. That is great, but where does it stop?

Sports has people using their fame in PSAs. That has happened for decades to oppose drunk driving and encourage kids to go to college. It might be a silver bullet, but everything helps. In that same vein, people are kneeling and using their bodies as signage to protest against the violence they see happening around them. Where does that end though?

Let's say that someone's Dad died of tobacco related diseases. Is it appropriate for them to expose people to high resolution images of mouth cancer printed on their skin similar to packaging used in Australia and other countries to stop people from smoking? There are a variety of concerns such as exposing children to imagery that isn't appropriate for them to sport becoming just another place to protest.

Green Beret Nate Boyer's idea of kneeling is respectful in his opinion as a veteran. They feel the need to protest. A person who fought for our freedom told them how to be respectful and they did just that. It started a conversation that hasn't ended yet. I just hope it doesn't devolve into sports being just another thing that divides us along political lines.

/r/worldnews Thread Parent Link - telegraph.co.uk