Date: 9/13/2018
As I see videos of people protesting the Nike/Kaepernick deal by buying expensive Nike merchandise and destroying it, I’m torn between amusement and disgust. I’m amused that these people think they’re hurting Nike, when all they’re doing is hurting their own pocketbook. At the same time, I’m disgusted that so many people think what they’re doing is “patriotic.”
I am a proud veteran, and when I joined the U.S. Army in 1980 I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. I take our rights, including the right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression, seriously. These supposed “patriots,” however, do not. They want professional football players to lose their jobs and endorsement deals, in effect lose their livelihoods, for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
When I look at pictures of the players involved in these actions, I immediately notice how courteous they look. They are not shouting, holding signs, or turning their backs to the flag. They continue to silently face the flag, and simply take a knee.
Contrast that to the behavior of the fans at any sporting event. Next time you attend one, pay attention while the national anthem is played. As you stand there, facing the flag with your hand over your heart, other people are chatting with their friends, texting on their phones, even ordering food! Those people are much more disrespectful to the flag than any football player, but no one says a word.
I haven’t brought up the actual cause the players are kneeling for because, for the purpose of this conversation, it doesn’t matter. These players are American citizens. You don’t have to agree with what they’re saying, just defend their right to say it. Anything less is un-American.
Ed Thibodeau
East Longmeadow
