I have a couple of thoughts regarding Colin Kaepernick

[The Polack MSgt]

If this is not the proper place, let me know and I'll delete.

As a retired NCO and a scion of Appalachian white trash, my 1st reaction was anger. How dare he blah blah blah...

What can I say, I have knees, sometimes they jerk in reaction.

On the other hand, my thinking self has a different take on the National Anthem and protest and the perception of protest:

The national Anthem is a symbol of a country that I love despite knowing how flawed it is. It grates on my sensibilities when that symbol (or the flag) is slighted even when I understand and sympathize with the protester.

However:

I won't let my anger cause me to forget that a major goal of protest is to cause an emotional reaction - Or that the most often cited reason we have a military in the first place is to keep us "free" and that freedom includes the freedom to piss off conservative white people.

But here is a thought that I've not heard that I wanted to share. Mr. Kaepernick put his money where his mouth is.
His protest will cost him millions in earnings over the course of his life.

Listen. A metric shit ton of people live for the excuse to hate wealthy blacks, whether they are athletes or became wealthy in show business or business business - Doesn't matter, a lot of these people have a hair trigger temper regarding POC in general but well to do POC really gravel their ass.

They'll boycott any company the doesn't sever ties with him. They'll protest at public appearances for years to come.

Whether I agree or not, I have to respect a man willing to, as the old expression says "take what you want, then pay for it"

[chillfactor]

1. I agree...

this is NOT about the candidates...the anthem is about love of country. Kaepernick is a disgrace....this country has allowed him to earn millions of dollars but disgrace the country that gave him that opportunity. He is a true asshat.

[jehop61]

2. Agree

I wonder if he's done anything for his cause other than sitting on a bench. With his millions and fame, he could have been a powerful proponent

[KeepItReal]

3. Have you even listened to the man you called "disgraceful"?

He lauds what this country is supposed to be about, but wants change to see that its protections and benefits extend to ALL that live here. If he can call attention to it by simply not rising, he feels that's his duty.

If standing up for everyone to be treated the same is "disgraceful"...then I'll be that, also.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

6. what's disgraceful is the killing of innocent black kids by cops

and then expecting wealthy and powerful black people to be silent about it.

that's the real disgrace.

[Jamaal510]

16. ...

[Eko]

7. I totally disagree with you.

He wasn't allowed to earn millions, he earned it. Love of country superceeds some stupid song, and the right to protest comes way before said tune, what do you think the colonies were doing with England? From the beginning America has been about people standing up to what they think is wrong and enshrining the right to do it. Just because you dont think the problem is that important doesnt mean he has to and allowing him the right to do that is what America is about.

[rurallib]

9. Kaepernick is showing his love of country by doing something that this country was founded on

and that is very courageous and may cost him a bus load of money. He is protesting, using his freedom of political speech.

I admire the guy for doing so, for having the guts to take the wild criticism that will be thrown his way.
There is more than one way to show love of country.

I still remember when Ali refused to be inducted into the army and was thrown out of boxing losing the best years of his ring life. What a gutsy move. Every now and then someone needs to come along and remind us what this country is really about.

[The Polack MSgt]

11. Respectfully pointing out

That you don't seem to agree with the conclusion of this OP.

I don't believe he's a disgrace at all

[LanternWaste]

14. Must be frustrating when someone won't sing for you.

Must be frustrating when someone won't sing a song for you. All else you wrote is but allegation (at best)

Asshat (sic), indeed.

[lib87]

15. What did you Read?

Him not standing up during a song is the disgrace? Not the part about police running around murdering brown and poor folk with no repercussions? Or the part about being called unpatriotic by pointing out inequality? Or the part about people ignoring his message and getting mad at 'his method' of protest? But him sitting is a national disgrace?

Yeah, okay.

[Digital Puppy]

19. ...and crickets....

Very good points Lib87...the OP brings up some good points and the first couple of responses were the definition of 'tone deaf'. Next thing they will complain about is that someone is trampling on their freedom by bringing up racial and economic oppression. Let me go get my sponge so I can wipe up their tears....smh....

[Starry Messenger]

23. Allowed him??

Weird mindset, wtf.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

4. I support him and his way of protesting the treatment of his community.

i respect him much the same way as I have for many athletes who have stood up against oppression.

[KeepItReal]

5. His freedom of expression can be put in check by his employer - if they choose to do so.

He is at the workplace and if there is an owner or league rule that says he must stand, then he has to do so or face the consequences.

[Coolest Ranger]

8. This is the African American group

if you can't keep the discussion confined to issues that affect us and this clearly affects us but want to hate about the man who is supporting us because of what the flag is representing then take your anger over the man to general discussion.

[The Polack MSgt]

10. Hello Coolest Ranger

I did not intend this post to be "hate about the man who is supporting us" at all.

My main point is that I have to respect a person willing to put himself out there stating his beliefs despite the risk to his financial and personal well being.

That is what I meant by "Whether I agree or not, I have to respect a man willing to, as the old expression says 'take what you want, then pay for it'"

[Coolest Ranger]

18. I have no problems

with your OP what I have a problem with are the TPP haters who come in and try to hi-jack and attack the President. They got all of General Discussion to write all the negative crap about the TPP and the President they want. This is the one group where I don't have to read negative crap from people who complain all the damn time.

[The Polack MSgt]

12. Of course Jim Wright was clear where i was murky

https://m.facebook.com/Stonekettle/posts/1084172264951509

[KeepItReal]

13. That's the best take on this - other than Kaep, himself - one will probably ever find.

Thank you.

[Jamaal510]

17. I'm not directing this

at the OP, but it seems like much of the outrage over Kaep's gesture has been coming from the same people who claim that "political correctness" is "oppressive" and "thought-control." Also I think many of those who complain about him not standing up for the anthem lack empathy. They're more outraged over this than they are at the ongoing injustices that disadvantaged groups face regularly.

[JustAnotherGen]

20. +10000 n/t

[JustAnotherGen]

21. I've watched people

Applaud, cheer, and vote for a man who thinks America is awful for the past year. He and his ilk hate everyone and everything about this place and we constantly hear/read he "tells the truth" and/or its just "who he is" and we have to accept it.

Now - I'm supposed to panty bunch over this?

GTFO!

[lovemydog]

22. He's expressing his beliefs.

That's a guiding principle of our country - freedom of speech.

I applaud it.

I'm glad you respect it too.