I’m a huge 49ers fan—there’s no denying in that. My sweet sixteen almost three years ago was completely football themed with my green table clothes and different mason jars full of team flags. My color schemes were red and gold in honor of the 49ers. And scattered around the reception hall were pictures of the young quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.

Then, Colin Kaepernick was the all-star quarterback that just took his team to the Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens. Though he lost, people were astonished that the break-out star was able to accomplish such goals, after having to fill in for Alex Smith when he was injured. I was all over Colin Kaepernick then—he was young, seemed to be nice, given he worked at different charities, attractive, and was good at football. There was not much not to like.

That all seems to be different now. Colin Kaepernick lost his starting position in the 2015 season and underwent shoulder surgery. For the 2016 season, he is currently battling Blaine Gabbert for that starting position. In amidst trying to become that all-start quarterback again, he seemingly forgets to stand up for the National Anthem.

Oh, wait. He does that purposefully.

The first time Colin Kaepernick disrespected the United States of America was on August twenty-sixth when he refused to stand up to honor the flag. Controversy and questions became headlines. After that game, in a post-game interview, when Colin was asked about the whole sitting down ordeal, he explained it was due to the fact that people of color were being oppressed and he refuses to support a country that oppresses them. I guess it never really occurred to Colin Kaepernick that not everyone in America was racist and that not every cop was bad, but that is the central problem we are facing right now. In today’s world, we keep generalizing groups or races of people due to ONE person’s actions or views.

Just like I am entitled to my own opinion about certain things going on in the world, Colin Kaepernick is, too. However, he is in America and he is making millions and millions of dollars for being a professional athlete. If he had such a strong hatred towards America, then why doesn’t he leave? Many young and amateur athletes would love to be in his position. Just as Colin is respected by the NFL and his endless amount of sponsors, he should be respectful and thankful for all the opportunities he has in America.

I believe there is a time and place for things, such as protesting. Like I said before with him being allowed to feel a certain way, I am allowed to be outraged by his actions. To think he has the audacity to wear socks that have cops portrayed as pigs is something that makes me sick to my stomach. How dare him dishonor people who work long and hard to protect him every time he steps in and out of the stadium.

I love America and I believe that America will only continue to thrive if we select the best candidate in November, whomever that may be. So when someone disrespects a country that I love and a country full of freedom and promise, then I find it offensive personally.

This can go both ways. Colin Kaepernick may think my country is disrespecting him, but in the other sense, he is disrespecting all those who work hard to make sure that he even has the ability to be successful here.

If Colin wants to shed light on the movement surrounding the issues he finds oppressing, then why doesn’t he put his money with his mouth is—literally—and donate to these charities? That flag that Colin Kaepernick hates so much is the only reason why he’s allowed to put on that 49ers jersey and go out and make hundreds of millions of dollars. Those police officers that he believes does more harm than good is the reason he’s provided with safety whenever he travels from state to state.

All in all, God Bless America. I know I’m personally thankful to live in such an amazing country.