It’s not surprising that concerned readers are writing to Press Pros over the recent post about Colin Kaepernick protesting the Star Spangled Banner. People who’ve made their own lives matter. What they’re writing about are others trying to justify an alternative agenda.
We shared some thoughts from regular Press Pros readers in the most recent “Reader Speaks” column…their views on the August 29 posting about Colin Kaepernick’s protest of the Star Spangled Banner because of oppression to African Americans and other minorities. In his view, those whose lives matter notwithstanding the fact that many have never actually taken the time or made the effort to make them matter!
Which was the point of the column. Kaepernick completely dismissed, or failed to acknowledge, the countless people of color and ethnicity in America who HAVE taken the opportunity to become successful through education, hard work, and patience for their American dream to become fulfilled.
In the days since, professional soccer player Megan Rapinoe has joined Kaepernick in failing to stand for the anthem, claiming solidarity with those in other sports who protest social inequalities.
Many got the gist of that August 29 column. A few did not, and have voiced their opinion to the contrary. Which is fine.
But some have also taken the time to write and make a point that’s far more poignant, far bigger, and more encompassing than the argument that any one particular life, or group, matters more than the security of a nation that ensures that anyone can be as much as they work to be.
“All these people care about is what’s good for them,” wrote Roy, a retired teacher and army veteran. “Not one of them says a thing about what’s good for the country. If this is the land of the free and the home of the brave we’d better stop and think about the sacrifices made to make it that way…and not promote the anarchy that comes when one group claims they’re bigger, or more important than the country.”
“Nothing’s perfect,” writes Steven. “Nor does the constitution promise that it will be perfect. There’s no guarantees for anybody. But at least you have the opportunity to become what you can be, like Colin Kaepernick did. That part is guaranteed. That’s all you can ask, and should.”
And Joe B., from Siesta Key, writes, “They sit on their a– for the national anthem? I’d tell them to get off their a– and work if they’re tired of being treated differently. Work to educate yourself. Work to learn a trade. Work to invest for the their future instead of living for the present. Stay off the streets and work all the overtime you can. Then you ‘ll get treated like every other taxpayer.”
And Joe, from Columbus, shared, “Here’s what’s wrong with all these protests. John F. Kennedy said to ask what you could do for your country, and not what your country can do for you. That’s a long way from saying you have the right to use the ladies bathroom because you feel like a woman. And we’re supposed to support that? That’s just wrong.”
Protests…from a different kind of American.
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