Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has gained national attention – both applause and ridicule – as he remains seated and even kneeled alongside teammate Eric Reid during the National Anthem before pre-season games. Three Tennessee Titans players raised their right fists in the air after the national anthem in their last game to raise awareness about inequality in American society. “He’s upset, he’s doing it for a valid reason, and I think he’s done a pretty good job of explaining it”.
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Yet there are organizations that embrace the flag precisely as a way to declare that their members, too, are Americans.
“Colin Kaepernick is great, cops are pigs, cops are pigs”, the crowd sings in unison. “It’s because of our troops we can exercise this right, freedom of speech”.
Kaepernick responded to these comments Monday, calling them “one of the most ridiculous comments I’ve ever heard” and asking him to speak with the families of unarmed black men and women murdered by police before making that argument. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry said during an CNBC interview earlier this month that he applauded Kaepernick for taking his stand. “But I support him in his attempt to start the conversation or continue the conversation”. Are there people who oppress citizens based on their races?
Mr. Pelak, who served in Iraq and also worked in United States as a paramedic for 15 years, says he recognizes that police “have to make split-second decisions about what to do when they interact with people who may or may not want to hurt them”, and that the problem is complex. He said diocesan schools have always had a policy “to show respect and honor for God and country”. If Kaepernick is so miserable in the U.S., he can go to a country where he thinks life is better.
“I respect my peers, I respect Colin”, Long said.
When asked whether there was anything the league could do to win back his viewership, Woods shut them down: “I don’t know, cause I’m never gonna watch them again, so how would I know?” But you are supposed to be protecting us, not murdering us.
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Sitting or kneeling during our national anthem disrespects the country we live in. We need change in our country, but I believe Kaepernick also needs a change in his actions.
