Social media and water cooler conversations in the past 24 hours have centered on the National Football League players protesting during the national anthem.

President Donald Trump's comments about owners firing players who kneel during the national anthem sparked a mass increase in such protests around the National Football League on Sunday, as more than 130 players sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance during early games.The matter has ignited widespread debate not only on a national level, but locally as well.This morning, Henry Desrosiers, director of Carbon County Veterans Affairs, said, "I think it's only right that an individual should pay the proper respect to our country's flag because of the men and women who have sacrificed their time and their lives to protect this country.""Yes, I agree that they have their individual rights to do what they want, but not in this particular aspect."Over 80 people passionately responded to a question on the Times News Facebook page asking them what they think of the players staying in the locker room for the national anthem.Many were upset about the players' actions.Danielle Smith, of Tamaqua, said, "I think they should be fired!"She pointed to the NFL rule book entry about the national anthem found on pages A62-63. It states: "The national anthem must be played before every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the national anthem," she said."During the national anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition," Smith said."It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the national anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses."Andy Leibenguth, of Inverness, Florida, formerly of Tamaqua, commented, "Feel free to protest whatever bothers you. But do it on your own time, not America's time. When you take a knee during the anthem, you disrespect everything America is and has fought to preserve. Protest another way, not this way."Franklin Klock, of Summit Hill, said, "I do defend their right to do so, however I don't necessarily agree with it. I wouldn't do it. I myself stood before the flag with my 9-month-old son, today, teaching him how to put his hand over his heart while the national anthem was sung before the Eagles game. And that was on the radio."Rachel Kotansky, of Palmerton, said, "Disrespectful. If they do not come out of the locker room, then they don't play and don't get paid either. Plus they should be fined. If they are fined more than two times then FIRE them."Robert Rusnock of Beaver Meadows said, "Well this is what you end up with by putting them on a national pedestal; time to move on to something that doesn't have game tied to it. They're digging their own grave. Take this game and shove it I ain't watching it no more, in my best Johnny Paycheck voice."However, Mike Choy of Palmerton, said, "I don't care at all whether they stand, kneel, or sit Indian style. It doesn't affect my life in anyway at all. They can do whatever they want to do. That is the beauty of Democracy and having the freedoms that we have in this great country."