kaepernick

[sleepngbear]

So, Kaepernick says America isn't great and everyone wants him to leave the country.
Trump says America isn't great, and people want to make him President.
Is that what they call "white privilege?"

Allen Etzlet

If you're actually serious, your right to vote needs to be revoked.

[G-Man]

Well to answer G man, when people come to my place, put down their money, and expect a good, quality product, I am expected to give them the best product for their hard earned money. Period. I don't allow Political items to be worn or displayed, why, because it is a business and people should not be subjected to our political beliefs or causes. They come to buy our product, not get a speech or be offended. If someone works for me and wears something political, or opinionated, they are asked to go home. Period. Football players are payed by networks, and fans. Football players jobs are to play football, not render their opinions on the field. That's not what they are payed to do. I own a business, and it is not a democracy. We don't vote on policy. I make policy. So I want what I feel people deserve for their money. If I'm not happy with the attitude of an employee, they are fired. If they're not happy with mine, they quit.

And as with you and your employees, this is between him and his employer.  That's all I'm saying.  And that, if he's not breaking any laws, or employee predetermined rules, he can do as he wants and he deserves the same right to do so as anyone else.

[indybobm]

In my opinion, it all boils down to money. If the team owner thinks that the protest will bring more fans to the game then he is allowed to do it. If it causes lower attendance and less money coming in then it will be stopped. Unfortunately, money talks.
Personally, I think that the whole thing stinks and he should be benched and the appropriate amount of his salary deducted for each game.
He wants to sit down, let him sit on the bench.

[old2soon]

In my opinion, it all boils down to money. If the team owner thinks that the protest will bring more fans to the game then he is allowed to do it. If it causes lower attendance and less money coming in then it will be stopped. Unfortunately, money talks.
Personally, I think that the whole thing stinks and he should be benched and the appropriate amount of his salary deducted for each game.
He wants to sit down, let him sit on the bench.

            hellz bellz-let him stay home.  RIDE SAFE.

[sleepngbear]

This is what I'm talking about -- actually DOING something about the problem:

http://www.thescore.com/nba/news/1090560-cousins-sponsors-panel-session-to-help-strengthen-police-community-relations

While Kaepernick is sitting on his ass in protest and wearing socks that depict cops as pigs, DeMarcus Cousins is putting his money where his mouth is. I will applaud this guy all day long, and Carmelo Anthony and whoever else is actually working and using their celebrity status to do something positive. I have no use whatsoever for that other little pus pimple.

[therapist]

So, Kaepernick says America isn't great and everyone wants him to leave the country.
Trump says America isn't great, and people want to make him President.
Is that what they call "white privilege?"

Allen Etzlet

If you're actually serious, your right to vote needs to be revoked.

I didn't say it, the guy Allen Elziet did...just thought it was an interesting take. I come from a patriotic upbringing, Dad and son a vet. I hate what Kaepernick did, but I defend his right to do it. I find it interesting that some of the same people who are so vehement in defending the 2nd amendment, are kind of wishy washy when it comes to defending the 1st. Freedom of speech includes speech we don't agree with, speech that may upset us.

[MP]

So, Kaepernick says America isn't great and everyone wants him to leave the country.
Trump says America isn't great, and people want to make him President.
Is that what they call "white privilege?"

Allen Etzlet

If you're actually serious, your right to vote needs to be revoked.

I didn't say it, the guy Allen Elziet did...just thought it was an interesting take. I come from a patriotic upbringing, Dad and son a vet. I hate what Kaepernick did, but I defend his right to do it. I find it interesting that some of the same people who are so vehement in defending the 2nd amendment, are kind of wishy washy when it comes to defending the 1st. Freedom of speech includes speech we don't agree with, speech that may upset us.

I may be wrong, but I do not remember a single post here that said he HAD NO RIGHT TO MAKE the statement. He has a right, if the NFL and the team let him.

Those of us opposed to his views, also have a right to call him what we want, and how we feel about it. That is OUR right.

NO ONE has a right to say something, and think because of that, that no one can critisize their statement.

Remember, 1st Amendment ONLY applies to public places.  It does NOT extend to this forum, to the work place, etc.  This forum has a right to limit free speech as they see fit.  So does the work place. A LOT of people do NOT realize that. They think it applies EVERYWHERE.  It does NOT.

[sleepngbear]

I didn't say it, the guy Allen Elziet did...just thought it was an interesting take. I come from a patriotic upbringing, Dad and son a vet. I hate what Kaepernick did, but I defend his right to do it. I find it interesting that some of the same people who are so vehement in defending the 2nd amendment, are kind of wishy washy when it comes to defending the 1st. Freedom of speech includes speech we don't agree with, speech that may upset us.

OK, for the last time, before I start spewing a string of profanities that would likely get me a stern reprimand here (profanities which, coincidentally, are also protected by the same first amendment but would be highly inappropriate here) -- NOBODY is debating the fact that this jerk has the right to do what he's doing. I don't know why this conversation keeps going around to that. Yes, he's guaranteed the right to express himself as he sees fit by virtue of the first amendment. What's up for discussion here is the message he's sending, the platform on which he has chosen to send it, and the basic validity of what he thinks he's protesting. So get off the free speech kick -- that's not what this is about.

[old2soon]

Right at the very start of this thread I recognized his right to speak his mind. I ONLY questioned his venue choice. Venue choice was ALL that I called into question. RIDE SAFE.

[Willow]

We seem to go off on tangents that simply don't apply.

Those of you focusing on the right to free speech let me update you a bit.  The right to free speech guarantees us that the government, the legal system, will not persecute us for or attempt to restrict what we can say.  It has been expanded in the recent past to include what we may do non-verbally to express our concerns or wishes.  If anyone had suggested that this young man be arrested then the right to free speech would apply.  Otherwise it does not.  What is not guaranteed by the right to free speech is that one will not endure consequences for what he says or does.

It is indeed his employer's choice as to whether he is allowed to behave such before all of America as a professional football player.  We are the consumers of his employer's product.  We hold some influence over the NFL.  I don't.  I wasn't going to watch any San Fran football games anyway.

I do think his behavior was ignorant and disgusting.  Perhaps more than just his behavior is the behavior of the media that gave him the exposure he sought.  It's a shame that the San Francisco police depart that was insulted by his comments doesn't have the option of simply withdrawing from the San Fran football events.

Perhaps the media behaved the way it di because that is what we, their consumers, reward them for displaying.  Perhaps it is also us who are ignorant and disgusting, or at least are a large subset of us.   

[Rams]

My understanding is, the whole team went down on one bent knee during the anthem.   Their choice.

Didn't watch the game so, I can't say I saw this demonstration.

Their right.    Unlike Willow, I am a 49ers fan or, I was.   My right to watch or not, my right to purchase products from whom I want.   I won't be spending any time or money on 49er stuff or companies that sponsor them nor will I purchase anything Kaepernick touts (if there is such a thing).   

This freedom of speech is guaranteed (as Willow explained)  but, it also has it's consequences.
We are responsible for the decisions we make, the actions we take and the silly things we say.   
While there may be excuses, there are no exclusions.

[G-Man]

Turns out his employer is fine with his actions.  He was allowed to suit up and play, even though he did it again, this time taking a knee instead of sitting.  He was joined with one other player and they congratulated each other after their antic.  I heard another player, on a different team (different game) joined in as well.  Not hearing much about that one other than that one mention.

I won't watch any game associated with San Francisco until they correct this.  BTW, look at the liberal bastion, sanctuary city the team plays for/in.  Maybe they were given directives by the city to do nothing? 

 

[sleepngbear]

We seem to go off on tangents that simply don't apply.

Those of you focusing on the right to free speech let me update you a bit.  The right to free speech guarantees us that the government, the legal system, will not persecute us for or attempt to restrict what we can say.  It has been expanded in the recent past to include what we may do non-verbally to express our concerns or wishes.  If anyone had suggested that this young man be arrested then the right to free speech would apply.  Otherwise it does not.  What is not guaranteed by the right to free speech is that one will not endure consequences for what he says or does.

It is indeed his employer's choice as to whether he is allowed to behave such before all of America as a professional football player.  We are the consumers of his employer's product.  We hold some influence over the NFL.  I don't.  I wasn't going to watch any San Fran football games anyway.

I do think his behavior was ignorant and disgusting.  Perhaps more than just his behavior is the behavior of the media that gave him the exposure he sought.  It's a shame that the San Francisco police depart that was insulted by his comments doesn't have the option of simply withdrawing from the San Fran football events.

Perhaps the media behaved the way it di because that is what we, their consumers, reward them for displaying.  Perhaps it is also us who are ignorant and disgusting, or at least are a large subset of us.   

   

[sleepngbear]

Turns out his employer is fine with his actions.  He was allowed to suit up and play, even though he did it again, this time taking a knee instead of sitting.  He was joined with one other player and they congratulated each other after their antic.  I heard another player, on a different team (different game) joined in as well.  Not hearing much about that one other than that one mention.

I won't watch any game associated with San Francisco until they correct this.  BTW, look at the liberal bastion, sanctuary city the team plays for/in.  Maybe they were given directives by the city to do nothing? 

 

That's quite possible -- and very scary.

[Rams]

Turns out his employer is fine with his actions.  He was allowed to suit up and play, even though he did it again, this time taking a knee instead of sitting.  He was joined with one other player and they congratulated each other after their antic.  I heard another player, on a different team (different game) joined in as well.  Not hearing much about that one other than that one mention.

I won't watch any game associated with San Francisco until they correct this.  BTW, look at the liberal bastion, sanctuary city the team plays for/in.  Maybe they were given directives by the city to do nothing? 

 

If you think about it, the 49ers and the NFL really don't have much choice in the matter.   They don't want to be seen as denying anyone Constitutional rights.   Yes, they could demand that he stand for the anthem but, either way, they look like idiots.   Whether he refuses or not, it just generates more negative news and neither organization wants to piss off fans on either side of this debate in some made up controversy.    Whether Kaepernick is right about the oppression or not, the 49ers and the NFL as a whole want to stay low profile.    It's all about the dollars.

I keep thinking that if Kaepernick had used his money and clout to do something productive, he could have been seen as a hero instead of a stupid jerk but, he obviously doesn't want to invest his money.   He's at the end of (at best) a declining career.    This gives him an excuse to blame his release on, when it happens.   I also find it interesting that he chose to do this now, at the end of his career.   This will (no doubt) extend his playing time longer due to the 49ers not wanting to generate any ill will among it's minority fans.

[Rams]

An Open Letter to Colin Kaepernick

http://conservativetribune.com/cop-shot-minority-sends-kaepernick/?utm_content=buffere0f4e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

The open letter addressed to Kaepernick that Amos posted on Facebook was absolutely spectacular. See the full letter below:

An Open Letter to Colin Kaepernick,

Dear Colin guess you have been pretty busy these last few days. For the record I don’t think any more or less of you for not standing for the national anthem. Honestly, I never thought that much about you, or any professional athlete for that matter, to begin with. I’ve read your statement a few times and want you to know I am one of the reasons you are protesting. You see I am a retired police officer that had the misfortune of having to shoot and kill a 19-year-old African-American male. And just like you said, I was the recipient of about $3,000 a month while on leave, which was a good thing because I had to support a wife and three children under 7 years old for about 2 months with that money. Things were pretty tight because I couldn’t work part-time. Every police officer I’ve ever known has worked part-time to help make ends meet.

You know, Colin, the more I think about it, the more we seem to have in common. I really pushed myself in rehab to get back on the street, kind of like you do to get back on the field. You probably have had a broken bone or two and some muscle strains and deep bruising that needed a lot of work. I just had to bounce back from a gunshot wound to the chest and thigh. Good thing we both get paid when we are too banged up to “play,” huh? We both also know what it’s like to get blindsided. You by a 280-pound defensive end, ouch! Me, by a couple of rounds fired from a gun about 2 feet away into my chest and thigh. We also both make our living wearing uniforms, right? You have probably ruined a jersey or two on the field of play. I still have my blood-stained shirt that my partner and paramedics literally ripped off my back that cold night in January. Fortunately, like you I was given a new one. Speaking of paramedics aren’t you glad the second we get hurt trainers and doctors are standing by waiting to rush onto the field to scoop us up. I’m thankful they get to you in seconds. It only took them about 10 minutes to get to me. By the grace of God, the artery in my thigh didn’t rupture or else 10 minutes would have been about 9 minutes too late. We also have both experienced the hate and disgust others have just because of those uniforms we wear. I sure am glad for your sake that the folks who wear my uniform are on hand to escort you and those folks that wear your uniform into stadiums in places like Seattle!

I guess that’s where the similarities end, Colin. You entertain for a living, I and almost 800,000 others across this country serve and protect. Are there some bad apples within my profession? Absolutely, and they need to be identified and fired or arrested! But you know what, the vast majority do the right thing, the right way, for the right reason. Did I mention that seconds before I was shot, an elderly African-American gentleman walking down the sidewalk, turned to my partner and I as we rode past and said, “Get them.” Get who, you ask? The thugs terrorizing an otherwise good and decent neighborhood, home to dozens of good, decent African-American families trying to raise those families in communities not protected by gates and security guards. No these folks and families depend on America’s law enforcement officers.

Colin, I have buried 7 friends killed in the line of duty and three others who have committed suicide. I have attended more funerals than I care to remember of neighboring departments who have lost officers in the line of duty, during my career. Law enforcement officers with different backgrounds, upbringings and experiences united by their willingness to answer the call to protect and serve their fellow citizens.

Colin, I am sorry for the endorsement deals you may lose and the dip in jersey sales, but please know you will NEVER lose what these men and women and their families have lost. And so whether you stand or sit during the national anthem means very little to me. As for me and the men and women on whose team I was privileged to serve, we will put on our ballistic vests, badge and gun, kiss our loved ones goodbye, for some tragically for the last time, and out into a shift of uncertainty we will go. We will continue to protect and continue to serve and we will be standing at attention, Colin, not just for the playing of our national anthem, but far more importantly for the playing of Taps.

V/R (very respectfully),

Chris Amos

I wonder if Kaepernick ever read it?   

[Hooter]

   Would it have made any difference if Kaepernick had read the letter? To true Americans and those of us that serve / served this country this action is nothing more than a disgrace. He had the "right" and it goes no farther than that.

   I understand he now has followers in this and other sports? I would suspect that organizations will now rewrite policies in regards to such actions? Especially if it begins to affect the bottom line.

   Let these people "sit down". It may be irritating to most Americans but who does it really reflect on? It will be interesting to see where this goes and who participates in this disrespect?

[Rams]

  Would it have made any difference if Kaepernick had read the letter? To true Americans and those of us that serve / served this country this action is nothing more than a disgrace. He had the "right" and it goes no farther than that.

   I understand he now has followers in this and other sports? I would suspect that organizations will now rewrite policies in regards to such actions? Especially if it begins to affect the bottom line.

   Let these people "sit down". It may be irritating to most Americans but who does it really reflect on? It will be interesting to see where this goes and who participates in this disrespect?

No, I doubt it would make any difference if Kaepernick had read the letter.   And yes, he has his followers.   Regardless of the cause or reason, there's always some idiots that will follow.   Those folks have always and will always be attention seeking individuals in need of leadership.   Their problem is, they lack good judgement in many ways.  

Ooo, there's a protest, let's go join in!!!!  

What I find interesting is, his cause is totally lost (whether he's right or wrong) in what's he's chosen to use as his protest venue.    What his protest gained him is mostly notoriety.   

[..]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3773851/U-S-soccer-star-World-Cup-winner-Megan-Rapinoe-takes-knee-national-anthem.html

[Rams]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3773851/U-S-soccer-star-World-Cup-winner-Megan-Rapinoe-takes-knee-national-anthem.html

Well, Megan has her own issues from what I've read.   She says she supports Kaepernick and wants to keep the conversation going...............      Apparently, she hasn't realize that the only conversation is about the act of dis-respect and not the cause they claim to be protesting for.

Another "attention seeking" person who is IMHO, misguided.   

[Rams]

Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife tells Colin Kaepernick to ‘get off his high horse’

Colin Kaepernick has drawn comparisons to Muhammad Ali for the stand he is taking by protesting the national anthem, but Ali’s ex-wife does not believe that chatter is warranted.
 
Khalilah Camacho Ali, who was married to Muhammad from 1967 to 1976, told TMZ over the weekend that Kaepernick should not be proud of refusing to stand for the national anthem.

“What he’s doing right now is not heroic,” Khalilah says. “I would love to meet with him or talk to him on the phone to help share his message in a better way.”

Khalilah was married to the former heavyweight champion when he refused to fight in the Vietnam War, and she says she advised him on that decision.

“I helped Muhammad decide whether he was going to the army or going to jail,” Khalilah said. “He listened to my every word. You see the impact that had on our nation? Colin could absolutely have the same impact if he made the right decisions to really make a difference.”

If Khalilah was advising Kaepernick, she says she would first tell him to apologize for disrespecting the American flag. Like many others before her, she does not believe the act itself accomplishes anything.

“I will help him meet the groups that will fight with him, donate to charities of all people — not just minorities — because we cannot single anyone out,” said Khalilah. “If he wants isolation to end, he needs to prove that he cares about all people, and not just his people.

“If he is willing to get off his high horse and humble himself, we could do a lot of good together.”

Unfortunately, Ali is not around to share his opinion on Kaepernick. We have no way of knowing if he agrees with his ex-wife, but some have argued that that Muhammad made far more sacrifices by having to give up his boxing license for three years and almost facing jail time. Although, there have been reports that Kaepernick has considered a major lifestyle change.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/muhammad-ali%E2%80%99s-ex-wife-tells-colin-kaepernick-to-%E2%80%98get-off-his-high-horse%E2%80%99/ar-AAiw8vA?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp

Precisely.   I'm not even a Cassius Clay Fan and I will acknowledge that Clay at least faced the music for his decision.    Kaepernick isn't risking anything.   His cause has been lost because of his form of protest.    As Mrs Ali said, he could do so much more.

[Hooter]

POTUS supports Kaepernick in his right to not stand. That makes me feel better about it.  ...now I see its in the game of soccer and a couple more in the NFL.  Kaepernick has real support now.

[..]

Just like the transgender restroom kerfuffle this is being used as a distraction for the masses to get riled up about.

[Rams]

POTUS supports Kaepernick in his right to not stand. That makes me feel better about it.  ...now I see its in the game of soccer and a couple more in the NFL.  Kaepernick has real support now.

Well, to be honest, I also support Kaepernick right to protest (not that you're debating that).   I simply am disgusted with his method.   I listened to Obama's little speech, he didn't cross any lines IMHO.   Don't take that as any sort of liking Obama either.    I always thought Jimmy Carter was the worst President ever, that is until Obama came along.

There are a lot of different social issues that need to be addressed, that really depends on the viewer's perspective.   I'd like to see government give aways addressed and cut back, I see way too many on the government tit that could be holding down a job and earning their own way.   Are there bad cops that racially profile and shoot young black men just because they can?   Most likely, there's always a few.   Weed them out but, all cops are not bad, not even a lot or majority.   The vast majority are just trying to do their job and come home safe after every shift.    I don't know that Kaepernick is right or wrong but, the truth is, as long as he's using this particular form of protest, I won't bother to even look at the issue.

What I do believe is that he's taking an easy route to make a name for himself.   I fear we've got another Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton about to come out of the closet.   Anyone else think there will be a Kaepernick for Senate in the not so far off future?

[Daycruiser]

Kaepernick is a piece of garbage and should be put on the curb by the NFL.  This is exactly why I have no sense of humor for pro sports, they pander to this kind of trash in the name of profits.  For every person who has served this country and especially those who have sacrificed I apologize for this pile of Shi....

[Serk]

I see this butt muppet a lot like the Westboro Baptist Church fish taco waffles...

They're doing it for the attention.

Stop giving it to them.

[Valk_Ridin_Soldier]

I see this butt muppet a lot like the Westboro Baptist Church fish taco waffles...

They're doing it for the attention.

Stop giving it to them.

Came here to say this.  You already covered it, so, all I can do is agree and give you a 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Kaepernick is a piece of garbage and should be put on the curb by the NFL.  This is exactly why I have no sense of humor for pro sports, they pander to this kind of trash in the name of profits.  For every person who has served this country and especially those who have sacrificed I apologize for this pile of Shi....

No need to apologize to me. He's a kid that doesn't know the first thing about sacrifice. He doesn't bother me. There are plenty of good people out there.

[Hooter]

U.S. hockey coach stated if any of his players take a knee or set on the bench during the Anthem they will stay there for the rest of the game.

[Hooter]

Yup, their right to not stand during the Anthem.  But when I see a black player raise his fist during the Anthem it grinds my ass. I grew up in the 60s and for those of us that did we know what this signifies. It's racial and nothing less.

  So teams and the NFL say this type of protest or behavior beyond knealing alright to? Is this their right to do this in this venue and to this extreme? I guess it is a freedom but but nothing short of wrong! Sorry bout the rant, FLAME SUIT ON..

[Jess from VA]

Here's my thoughts.

I love my Country, and the national anthem is my Country's song.

I do not love my government, but unfortunately they don't have their own song for me to protest (and I might).  They have usurped the national anthem as their own, as they think they are the Country (they're not).  They should get their own song.  

My Country is the best there ever was, with the best set of basic rules (constitution) to guarantee personal liberty and freedom and a level playing field for all that exists anywhere.  My government has been abusing my Country for quite some time, and should be ashamed of itself.    

We all ought to be for our Country, and it's basic principles (look at all the people trying to get in, legally or illegally; they must think so too).  

Tearing down your Country for what it's government and people have done (are doing) is a cheap (and easy) shot.  If you think our Country sucks, you should move to another Country, as soon as possible.

       

[The emperor has no clothes]

Here's my thoughts.

I love my Country, and the national anthem is my Country's song.

I do not love my government, but unfortunately they don't have their own song for me to protest (and I might).  They have usurped the national anthem as their own, as they think they are the Country (they're not).  They should get their own song.  

My Country is the best there ever was, with the best set of basic rules (constitution) to guarantee personal liberty and freedom and a level playing field for all that exists anywhere.  My government has been abusing my Country for quite some time, and should be ashamed of itself.    

We all ought to be for our Country, and it's basic principles (look at all the people trying to get in, legally or illegally; they must think so too).  

Tearing down your Country for what it's government and people have done (are doing) is a cheap (and easy) shot.  If you think our Country sucks, you should move to another Country, as soon as possible.        

I agree with much of what you say, but our government is part of our country. You can't just separate them.

[Bighead]

Many here will see another civil war in their life time. I truly believe this, not saying wrong or right but it will happen.

[MP]

Here's my thoughts.

I love my Country, and the national anthem is my Country's song.

I do not love my government, but unfortunately they don't have their own song for me to protest (and I might).  They have usurped the national anthem as their own, as they think they are the Country (they're not).  They should get their own song.  

My Country is the best there ever was, with the best set of basic rules (constitution) to guarantee personal liberty and freedom and a level playing field for all that exists anywhere.  My government has been abusing my Country for quite some time, and should be ashamed of itself.    

We all ought to be for our Country, and it's basic principles (look at all the people trying to get in, legally or illegally; they must think so too).  

Tearing down your Country for what it's government and people have done (are doing) is a cheap (and easy) shot.  If you think our Country sucks, you should move to another Country, as soon as possible.        

I agree with much of what you say, but our government is part of our country. You can't just separate them.

Patriots did in 1776.

[Moonshot_1]

Kaepernick is a piece of garbage and should be put on the curb by the NFL.  This is exactly why I have no sense of humor for pro sports, they pander to this kind of trash in the name of profits.  For every person who has served this country and especially those who have sacrificed I apologize for this pile of Shi....

I'm surprised Kaepernick's Offensive line didn't take a knee on his first snap. You know, to show him support.

[98valk]

There is an American Flag on the back of his helmet. If he was serious about his cause he wouldn't wear it.

[..]

Here's my thoughts.

I love my Country, and the national anthem is my Country's song.

I do not love my government, but unfortunately they don't have their own song for me to protest (and I might).  They have usurped the national anthem as their own, as they think they are the Country (they're not).  They should get their own song.  

My Country is the best there ever was, with the best set of basic rules (constitution) to guarantee personal liberty and freedom and a level playing field for all that exists anywhere.  My government has been abusing my Country for quite some time, and should be ashamed of itself.    

We all ought to be for our Country, and it's basic principles (look at all the people trying to get in, legally or illegally; they must think so too).  

Tearing down your Country for what it's government and people have done (are doing) is a cheap (and easy) shot.  If you think our Country sucks, you should move to another Country, as soon as possible.        

I agree with much of what you say, but our government is part of our country. You can't just separate them.

Patriots did in 1776.

 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Here's my thoughts.

I love my Country, and the national anthem is my Country's song.

I do not love my government, but unfortunately they don't have their own song for me to protest (and I might).  They have usurped the national anthem as their own, as they think they are the Country (they're not).  They should get their own song.  

My Country is the best there ever was, with the best set of basic rules (constitution) to guarantee personal liberty and freedom and a level playing field for all that exists anywhere.  My government has been abusing my Country for quite some time, and should be ashamed of itself.    

We all ought to be for our Country, and it's basic principles (look at all the people trying to get in, legally or illegally; they must think so too).  

Tearing down your Country for what it's government and people have done (are doing) is a cheap (and easy) shot.  If you think our Country sucks, you should move to another Country, as soon as possible.        

I agree with much of what you say, but our government is part of our country. You can't just separate them.

Patriots did in 1776.

We weren't really a country then. We were a subject of the Brits.

[Bighead]

Here's my thoughts.

I love my Country, and the national anthem is my Country's song.

I do not love my government, but unfortunately they don't have their own song for me to protest (and I might).  They have usurped the national anthem as their own, as they think they are the Country (they're not).  They should get their own song.  

My Country is the best there ever was, with the best set of basic rules (constitution) to guarantee personal liberty and freedom and a level playing field for all that exists anywhere.  My government has been abusing my Country for quite some time, and should be ashamed of itself.    

We all ought to be for our Country, and it's basic principles (look at all the people trying to get in, legally or illegally; they must think so too).  

Tearing down your Country for what it's government and people have done (are doing) is a cheap (and easy) shot.  If you think our Country sucks, you should move to another Country, as soon as possible.        

I agree with much of what you say, but our government is part of our country. You can't just separate them.

Patriots did in 1776.

We weren't really a country then. We were a subject of the Brits.

Meathead get past it dude. You may not agree with this guy but listen to the song and his message to the so called NFL hero
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RqRBreOxVWI

[Valker]

There is an American Flag on the back of his helmet. If he was serious about his cause he wouldn't wear it.

AFAIK, he still hasn't donated 90% of his money to a "cause" other than himself. These guys are EMPLOYEES of these teams. If any of us brought that much bad press to our employers, we'd already be gone.