Before I state my opinion, I want to preface this article with a few disclaimers. First, I am entirely in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement and against police brutality against all people, including African Americans. I believe that our country has a serious problem with racial profiling, biasing and aggressive law enforcement. With that also being said, I do believe that there are many amazing police officers who go above and beyond expectation to do their job and keep Americans safe. I am only stating my mere opinion, so take it with a grain of salt.

Colin Kaepernick, back-up quarterback for the San Fransisco 49ers, first began not participating in the national anthem on August 14th, 2016. He did the same thing during another preseason game on August 20th. His lack of participation during the national anthem finally gained national attention on August 26th. Kaepernick said his reasoning was because of the “oppression of people of color and ongoing issues with police brutality.” Two days later on August 28th, Kaepernick finally spoke to the media about his choice to not participate during the national anthem. Kaepernick stated that this gesture was for “‘people that don’t have a platform to talk and have their voices heard, and effect change.’” He also said that he is “‘going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me, this is something that has to change. He went on to say, "When there's significant change and I feel that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way that it's supposed to, I'll stand.’” After Kapernick took his stance, other football players began to do the same. This list includes his fellow teammate Eric Reid, Jeremy Lane of the Seattle Seahawks, Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos, and others.

Firstly, Colin Kaepernick can do this. He is exercising his first amendment right of freedom of speech. One can only be penalized for their freedom of speech if their speech jeopardize the safety or well-being of another person(s). Considering Kaepernick’s act is not inflicting either of these on any individuals, he is protected under the Constitution. Yes, Colin Kaepernick can do this, but now the question is should he do it?

I do not agree with Colin Kaepernick. I do not think that any situation deems it okay to not stand up and show respect for our country and the people that devote their lives to keeping us safe overseas. Just because Colin Kaepernick does not agree with one aspect of American society does not mean that he should defame the American country entirely. Technically, if someone does not agree with the legalization of marijuana they could do the same thing as Kaepernick and not participate in the national anthem. Would that be okay? Just because someone does not think that the United States should legalize marijuana does not make it okay for them to disregard the sacrifices that our troops make for us every single day. If our troops were not sacrificing their lives for us overseas, our country would not even have the ability to focus on something so minuscule such as what a football player decides to do on the sidelines of a game. Our country was built on the ideals of freedom and patriotism. Our constitution was created around the idea that if we do not like something we have the ability to amend and ratify it. It may not be easy, it may take a long time; but it is more than possible. If Kaepernick and anyone else who do not seem to agree with the ideals of freedom and liberty that America has maybe they should live elsewhere. It disturbs me to know that there are people in this country that take for granted their ability to live freely thanks to our Constitution and our troops who sacrifice their lives to enforce it. It also further disturbs me that Colin Kaepernick has the audacity to even say he has “‘great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country.’” If he actually had this “great respect” I am sure he would use his platform to show American citizens how important it is to honor your country and those who protect you to live safely every day.

However, I do give credit to Kaepernick for saying he will donate the first million dollars he makes this year to combat this oppression against people of color and help inner-city communities. I am unsure if this money has been donated yet, but I hope that he can stick to his word. I think that his platform would be best used to advocate for this issue and to continue to donate money, create some sort of foundation, and voice his concerns to people such as senators and representatives of this country to make a difference. That is what being a true American is; standing up for what you believe in and actually being a contributing factor in making a difference.

In conclusion, I think that Colin Kaepernick and everyone else for that matter should stand during the national anthem. Despite the current issues in our country, it does not change the fact that our nation was built on democracy and the people. We should feel blessed every single day that we do not live in a nation of oppression and aggression. We have rights and liberties that most citizens of other countries do not. We should all be proud to be citizens of such a sacrificing country. Next time you see a woman or man in uniform, simply say thank you. If you do not have that chance, stand up next time you hear the national anthem and use your platform to show that you believe in America and all that she stands for. If we got through the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement I am sure we can overcome this recent oppression and hate.