As a person with a social life that relies heavily on social media, it's challenging to ignore the "take a knee" movement that is sweeping across the NFL. With #takeaknee trending largely across numerous social media platforms, the issue is hardly minor.
The movement began with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem at a pregame in August of this year, however, his protest did not become widely acknowledged until President Trump alluded to the alleged disrespectful act in a speech at an Alabama rally. Some of the most well-known athletes and icons, not only in the NFL, have spoken up about this largely controversial issue. Non-NFL athletes such as LeBron James and Steph Curry made comments about how the movement was necessary and important. The movement has even sparked the interest of music and entertainment icons, such as Uzo Aduba and Stevie Wonder.
And I, as a conservative, support this movement. While that might come as a shock to most people, there are numerous reasons why anyone, including conservatives, should support this cause. This cause is not just a rebellion against Trump, or inequality in America, but rather a respectable display of an American's rights.
Regardless of whether or not you support the protest, Americans have rights to say and do whatever they want in good nature, and those rights include protesting. Kaepernick has the right, as an American, to take a knee during the national anthem, regardless of whether you think it's disrespectful or not. These players are exerting their rights as American citizens, so who is anyone to say that what they're doing is wrong, much less go to the extent of saying that these players should be fired? The players are doing their job just as much as anyone else, and just because you don't agree with the cause that they're supporting, doesn't mean that they should be fired.
As for the counterarguments stating that "this isn't what our veterans fought for", several veterans have spoken up about the issue, and even began the hashtag #veteransforkaepernick. In fact, a large number of veterans have stated that this movement is exactly what they fought for. They swore to protect the constitution and all it entails, including equality and the right to protest.
Therefore, although you might not deem the act as respectful, you should not attempt to say that these players are wrong in any way. Because we should live in an America where you shouldn't have to pledge to the flag, but where you should want to.
