I am a patriotic person. I have been and always will be. The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday, a day where we celebrate our independence, our freedom and our country. I get teary-eyed during the National Anthem at sporting events. Chills run through my body as the crowd sings along with their heads facing up towards the flag. I will forever be grateful to those who served our country in the military. To those who have lost their lives, left their families and been changed forever because of what they've seen. To those throughout history who have helped make our country free.
As many of you probably know, before the start of a preseason football game, Colin Kaepernick sat down during the National Anthem. When asked about it after the game he stated, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people or people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder".
Where I understand his right to sit down during the National Anthem, as the first amendment of the constitution is the right to freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, it is hard for me to understand how he can do such a thing.
Yes, many of you will disagree with me. I've heard people say many times that we would be upset no matter the platform he chose to use or how else was he supposed to get people's attention? However, I cannot agree with that. I would be more likely to stand by Kaepernick and his protest if it were in a different manner.
It is hard for me to comprehend his form of protest when it's an amendment to speak out for what you believe; however, he should know that this country he doesn't want to show pride in is giving him those rights. Don't get me wrong, I understand that hateful and painful crimes of violence have occurred in our nation, but is it just that we blame the whole nation?
Kaepernick later said, "At this point, I’ve been blessed to be able to get this far and have the privilege of being in the NFL and making the kind of money I make and enjoy luxuries like that. … But I can’t look in the mirror and see other people dying in the street that should have the same opportunities that I’ve had and say, you know what, I can live with myself. Because I can’t if I just watch". I agree with his statement and honor his wisdom to know that he has it better than others. But honestly, I don't see how him sitting on the bench while our nation's anthem plays is going to help the people dying in the street.
While many people have joined Kaepernick in his 'sit-down' protest, many athletes such as Lebron James and Steph Curry announced to the media that they intend to stand during the national anthem.
I understand not everyone will agree with my opinion; however, we all have our own and I'm just expressing mine.
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