As we all have heard, Colin Kaepernick, San Fransisco 49er, has decided to protest the National Anthem.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game."
The 49ers issued a statement about Kaepernick's decision:
"The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem."
I would like to remind Mr. Kaepernick, as well as anyone else who feels the need to publicly display their dishonor to the American Flag and National Anthem, that it is because of that flag and those who fought for it that you even have the freedom to protest it.
According to the 2012 Demographics Report at Military One Source, 16.2 percent or 362,049 members of the total Military Force are African American. How do you think those black men and women who have fought and even died for our country would feel?
I am not saying that there is not oppression of black people in the United States. What I am saying is that disrespecting the flag and those who have served our Country is not the way to get your point across. Upon signing a 114,000,000 contract with San Fransisco 49ers, maybe Mr. Kaepernick should focus more on what he could do to help solve the problem. There are many causes like educating youth, mentoring programs, officer training programs, after-school programs, literacy programs, anti-violence campaigns, and so many more opportunities to make a difference in the lives of black youth and adults to help raise them up from oppression.
As a celebrity, you are held to higher standards. You are looked up to from many people across the nation. Instead of advocating for a cause, you have just given thousands of people permission to disrespect and dishonor this country, this flag, and those who risk their lives to fight for our freedom. People who have seen you will now think it's okay to do the same. And it's not.
You are lucky that you are even able to speak out and voice your rights, because in many countries you would not be able to. Think about that before you speak out against something that so many lives have been lost for.
Maybe if you went from a yearly salary of almost $20,000,000 for throwing a football to a yearly salary of about $29,380 on average for suiting up to fight for our Country, you would appreciate that flag a little bit more.
It is so much more than just a flag. It is lives lost, freedoms won, and the love for the greatest country on Earth.
