So if you know me, I usually try to avoid topics that are considered “controversial” when I write my articles, but this recent happenstance has really got my mind going. Yes, at first my reaction was surprise, shock, and a bit (okay, maybe more than a bit) of anger. But I then also realized something a few days later. Here we go.
An NFL player by the name of Colin Kaepernick decided to not stand and put his hand over his heart during this country's national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. Instantly, it seems, that the internet blew up. They called Kaepernick many, many awful names, some that I would have never even thought of. This was, at first, my reaction as well. Well, as I was reading the different news articles and watching different videos, I ran across his statement:
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and 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."
-Colin Kaepernick
Here he has raised some very controversial points and ideas about the current happenings in the United States from the past year or so, and is definitely showing that he disagrees with the way things are being handled by the different involved groups and organizations. This is true; there may be other ways to handle these situations, however that is neither here nor there. What I came to realize was actually a result of the trending hashtag “#VeteransForKaepernick.”
I am not a Veteran, though I have a great respect for them. My grandfather and great-grandfather both fought in WWII, and a different grandfather fought in Vietnam. I respect them for their sacrifice and for putting themselves in harm’s way knowingly and will never condemn them for doing what they believe is right.
I saw this hashtag for the first time on the day of August 30th, and I was shocked yet again. I read a few articles, found a few posts by veterans whom had used “#VeteransForKaepernick,” and realized they were right. No, I may not agree with some or all of Kaepernick’s statement. No, I may not agree with his decision to not stand during our country’s national anthem, however I bring to your attention one of these such “#VeteransForKaepernick” posts that really made me realize that maybe how I viewed him and his choice was wrong in a sense that what Kaepernick is being called, I can be called to. That MY view of him being “un-American” for not standing was “un-American” in and of itself. Follow this LINK to read the full Facebook post by Jim Wright.
Now, providing you read Jim’s post, or will, let me give to you a portion of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. I know I can’t repeat the whole text by memory, and many of you may not be able to either:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
-First Amendment of the United States Constitution
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of... or abridging the freedom of speech...”
“...Or abridging the freedom of speech...”
Which, in this instance, would apply to his decision to remain seated during the Star-Spangled Banner before the game. And the #VeteransForKaepernick know this. This, as many (including Mr. Wright) have stated, is why they fight. An article on the Huffington Post highlighted some others which are much shorter than Mr. Jim Wright’s. One, by Isaac Wright (no known relation to Jim) reads:
“I don't agree with all of his points, but I'll fight to the death for his right to say it. #VeteransForKaepernick”
Now, I have a question for you all. Why, at the age of six, or seven, or eight years old, did you stand for the Star-Spangled Banner? Did you have any idea what this country’s anthem stood for or did you just do it because you were supposed to? Now, however old you may be, however many years down the road from that time, tell me: Why do you stand for the Star-Spangled Banner? One reason that you find sufficient; I would honestly love to know. Comment down below! I will read as many as I can.
And, whether or not you may have wondered already, you may think to ask me “Why do you stand?” Well, I stand because this is my country. I have never had a reason to hate my country. I’ve had a good experience growing up and I know it. Do I disagree with how the country is run at times? Yeah, who doesn’t? Do I despise the hate I see every day in the media: The senseless shootings, the killings, the people being arrested for abusing or molesting their child in any way? Definitely! I wouldn’t be human if it didn’t affect me! But I still stand because I have faith that this country will figure out a solution. Maybe it won’t happen soon, but I will do my best to be a part of what makes this world better, and I hope you can too.
No, I don't agree with his views and definitely not his methods, but what he does has no effect on whether or not I will stand.
What I hope you take away from the above:
Just because you disagree, don’t miss his message.
Please don’t condemn a fellow American citizen for exercising his right to free speech, even if you disagree with his methods.
And...
Perhaps most important of all is this: If you have an issue with something, speak up. Bring attention to it, or the issue will never be fixed and all that will be accomplished is complaining about the issue still exists.
