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DavidAOlson -> RE: Other NFL News (9/9/2016 10:52:58 AM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kgdabom
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OK what is Kaepernick's stance. I read his words stating that America is an oppressive nation to people of color, but that is NOT his stance??
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I've seen that generic summary coverage, too. And he's addressed a wide range of issues over the last year. But his recent comments have been directed primarily at rogue cops. For example, he tweeted that he has several uncles and friends who are policemen, and their job is made more difficult and dangerous because of rogue cops who undermine police-community trust.
And one of his examples is when some friends were moving out of an apartment, someone called the cops who showed up, no knock, guns drawn. That's a pretty high-stress encounter. Ever happen to you? Do you get stopped repeatedly by the cops, like Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)?
But the responses I've read here are just shocking. Like because he might have been publicly adopted, he owes the country (never mind that his public/private adoption status wasn't even known by the writer). Or that he'd go broke and be on the "dole," so he should be grateful now. Or that he must address black-on-black violence because someone else decided it's important — as if he contributed to that problem in any way.
The blowback is pretty amazing, for "disrespect." (I'm sure you do not intend — or even hear — how that word echoes master/slave and Jim Crow and white supremacy, but it does. I suggest alternate phrasing, if you can manage.) It's not as if he's engaged in some act of vandalism, like dumping tea into a harbor. Or paraded around, heavily armed, threatening to kill public officials. He chose to sit out the national anthem to convey that he feels left out. And then, at the behest of a long snapper/vet friend who was beside him last week, switched to kneeling. A reverent protest?
I'll quote the Army Times article again.
https://www.armytimes.com/articles/nate-boyer-colin-kaepernick-commentary-flag-national-anthem-protest-nfl
quote:
Even though my initial reaction to your protest was one of anger, I’m trying to listen to what you’re saying and why you’re doing it. When I told my mom about this article, she cautioned me that “the last thing our country needed right now was more hate.” As usual, she’s right.
There are already plenty people fighting fire with fire, and it’s just not helping anyone or anything. So I’m just going to keep listening, with an open mind.
I look forward to the day you’re inspired to once again stand during our national anthem. I’ll be standing right there next to you.
This country has come a long ways, over the last 70 years. But it hasn't crossed the River Jordan.
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