Thank you, Collin Kaepernick.
Without you, this topic would not exist.
But it does, and now it has caused all kinds of mixed emotions.
Hate, love, respect, and all the emotions that come with very touchy subjects.
Most especially, confusion.
What do you make of all this?
It’s not that easy to really understand unless you really sit there and think about what is really going on.
The media has its usual biased take on the matter, and obviously, other athletes do as well.
Then we have the soldiers and veterans who are actually kind of neutral on things, so I figured I’d give my two cents as well.
Being a veteran and proud of the service I have given for my country, I, too have my opinion on the whole kneeling during the National Anthem.
Of course, some might disagree, and others will do the opposite, but I find it necessary to share my thoughts on such a controversial issue.
So What Do I Think About Kneeling During the National Anthem?

Well, there were many thoughts that run through my head when I first saw Collin Kaepernick take a knee during the National Anthem.
I flat out thought it was absurd.
He’s disrespecting the flag, our National song, and everyone who has fought or even lived by the values that come from such pride.
Then others followed suit, and that’s when things got a little out of control.
To top it off, I had no clue as to what these guys were doing it for in the first place.
Come to find out that they were doing it in protest of racial inequality.
This is where things took a different turn, and the analysis began.
Was this really worth it?
Was this the place for such a protest to take place?
There were many things I could not answer immediately, but eventually, I came up with at least something.
My Initial Reaction
Anger.
Kneeling during the National Anthem was a complete disrespect to the United States of America.
You can protest all you want but there is a time and place for that to happen.
I totally get that you have the power to influence others as a superstar and there is no better place to get attention than through the TV and every other media source out there.
However, there are a lot more things to think of when it comes to something like this and I kind of changed my stance on things.
After Doing Some Thinking
I still disagree with kneeling during the National Anthem for one reason.
It sets a very poor example for our kids.
You can bet that this issue will have them acting more like brats, but that is about all the bad I can get from this.
Now, when it comes to fighting for what we believe is right, I think these athletes might just have a point.
Racial Inequality
This is a big issue and one that seems to happen even more now that the media has drawn a lot of attention to it.
If the government is not going to stand up for us as citizens and let these crooked cops get away with murder (literally), then what are we to do?
The same idiot cops will do the same idiot acts, and we should just sit here because nothing is ever going to happen?
I don’t think so.
The system is corrupt and there is nothing being done to protect even those that are fighting for what we believe in.
They are dying and working their butts off so that these cops can go out there and shoot innocent people for no reason?
Heck no.
Something needs to happen, and if it always gets pushed to the back of the file cabinet, then hey, maybe this is a way to send the message.
There was a post in Quora that had a great way of making you see the bigger picture, and I think it’s only best to share it here.
This was posted by a member on Quora, but he even quoted someone else who actually came up with it.
Do I Agree With the Kneeling?
There are way too many people out there that are dying from those that should be protecting us and it is not right.
And when people are trying to get their point across without anyone helping, there comes a point where you have to take matters into your own hands.
I will admit that I was completely irate about this issue, and I looked at Collin Kaepernick as a little whining baby who needed attention.
I will also admit that I was wrong.
Nothing is being done to protect citizens from those who think they are above the law, and I do believe that this will send a message.
It might not be the best way to do it but when you have a system that isn’t even trying to help, sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands.
Agree to disagree is how it usually ends, but I’m curious as to what you all think about this.
Is it okay for ANYONE to kneel during the National Anthem?
I don’t agree with the kneeling. Such a small amount of police are corrupt. It’s getting out of hand, people are hijacking the cause. They are spitting, and throwing pee on police while they do there job. Now they want to de-fund the police. Will you stand to reject this treatment.
I disagree with the whole kneeling thing.
If mega star players want to protest the minority of police that abuse their power, take it to the inner city snd volunteer their time outside of the arena.
After all, they would get the same media attention, and they would be mentoring the young generation in the process.
You are right Mike. I too think the same way but I am trying my best to be as neutral as I can. For me, as a father, I find this whole thing to be absolutely wrong for them. Imagine if they looked up to Collin Kaepernick? They would probably think and act like him without even knowing why he’s doing it. I agree with you Mike but I just always have to play devil’s advocate.