Freedom of speech

Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49’er quarterback, does not stand when the Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem, is played before a game.

He says he will continue to sit during the pre-game renditions of the anthem in protest of the injustices he claims exist in the the country. Specifically, he is protesting the state of race relations and the recurrence of police violence.

His refusal to stand during the national anthem has caused some serious conversations. Many citizens object, saying he is disrespecting the country. He is even accused of disrespecting those who have fought and died for the country. There are some on the other side who say he is doing the right thing.

Kaepernick is just expressing his opinions, albeit in a very public way.

It is called freedom of speech.

Despite the grumblings, he is exercising his constitutional rights.

Calls will be made to punish him. He will get hate mail and maybe even threats. Some will demand his dismissal from his team and worse.

Still, as objectionable or as offensive as many find his behavior, his right to do so should be staunchly supported and defended. Those who have served or who are serving in the military and those who have made sacrifices for the country should be the first to support him. This, in essence, is for what they have fought. Surely, this is not disrespecting them.

People don’t need to agree with him. They just need to understand that it is freedom to speak such as this that makes the nation what it is.

The real conversation should be over understanding and appreciating his basic constitutional right, not whether he should be punished or lionized. Defense of the Constitution must take precedence over disagreements of opinion.

Citizens who are offended by his action and opinions can protest, debate and argue their case. That is every citizens’ right. Yet, the conversation should not question the right to do it.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher