I rise to my feet when our National Anthem is played. Sadly, some players in the National Football League do not.
The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech to us as citizens. That includes the freedom to demonstrate and protest. I get it. However, I don’t understand protesting the very symbol of our freedom — our flag.
Old Glory has been beaten, burned and battered over the years – but she still waves proudly. The red, white and blue represents the freedoms we as Americans enjoy daily. We have these liberties because men and women in our military have fought and died so we can enjoy them.
We have a right to voice our opinion and express our thoughts and even protest. I have taken part in peaceful demonstrations over the years both locally and on the national stage. I understand when people have differing opinions and can intelligently tell me why they feel a certain way. I cannot understand violence or ignorance.
And I don’t understand why anyone – especially a player in the NFL will protest the playing of our nation’s theme. I feel disgusted and outraged every time I see a rich and ungrateful athlete take a knee instead of standing and honoring our banner.
There is no reasonable explanation for this dastardly deed except for treason. They can disguise it all they want, but it’s obvious – they do not respect the United States military or our flag. If they want to protest on a national stage, then sit out of the game which pays them millions of dollars. They won’t dare go against their employers, but they will put their fists up in anger to the nation which allows them to make a living. It’s total hypocrisy.
“When there’s a significant change and I feel like [the American] flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, [and that] this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand,” Kaepernick said last year.
The person who started this juvenile temper tantrum trend is the unemployed Colin Kaepernick (as of today Sept. 5, 2017.) He took a knee during the anthem when he was good enough to play for the San Francisco 49ers in August of last year.
“When there’s a significant change and I feel like [the American] flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, [and that] this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand,” Kaepernick said last year.
What does it represent? I suppose he missed all the coverage of Americans responding to those affected in Texas from Hurricane Harvey. That is America. That is what the flag represents.
He then showed up at a media conference wearing a t-shirt honoring the former communist dictator of Cuba, Fidel Castro. Kaepernick said he wanted to stand (by kneeling during the National Anthem) for those who are oppressed. I guess he didn’t comprehend Castro oppressing thousands of his own people during his reign of terror.
It’s a good thing he didn’t live in Cuba and disrespect its flag. The law in Cuba sta