Dear Editor: President Obama has come to the defense of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and teammate Eric Reid for their kneeling on one knee during the playing of our national anthem before a game in San Diego, as their sign of protest to what they consider is the practice of police brutality within the African-American community. It was revealed earlier that day that Kaepernick had worn socks with cartoon pigs dressed as police officers during training camp.
The National Football Leagues directors and the management of the 49ers could, first of all, impose a fine for playing or practicing out of uniform. They could have remained in the clubhouse while our national anthem is played and then allowed them to enter the playing field upon its completion. If they wish to protest, do so in front of the White House, Congress, or the governing state legislature.
In their off-season, why not spend some time reaching out to communities devastated with all forms of crime, inadequate education, illegitimate children, illiteracy, teaching them to have respect for one another and respect for the rule of law, teaching them to be proud of our country and to have respect for our national anthem and our flag. Show them how they themselves achieved the path to success.
My respect for our national anthem parallels the words of Woodrow Wilson regarding the American flag: “The flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute these choices, whether in peace or war. And yet, though silent, it speaks to us – speaks to us of the past, of the men and women who went before us, and of the records, they wrote upon it.”
PETER T. KONIUCH
Yorktown Heights
In this country of ours we are allowed the privilege of protest. If the American flag does, indeed, speak to us of the past and the records written by the men and women of the past then we should give consideration to the current and past experiences of African-Americans in this country. Peaceful protest is a right we all have.
This is in response to my article Respect for the flag, on September 17, 2016. Peaceful protest? How about spitting on the flag or the burning or shredding of the flag. Today, these are also deemed peaceful means of protest. If the players sincerely wish to show their indignation with the laws of this country, how about not appearing at a game or two. This way management could fine them for none appearance and then these monies would then be donated to a needy organization of the players choice. When hell freezes over.
In your reply to my September 17, 2016 article, yes,peaceful protest is a right we all have. Also, the burning, tearing of the flag plus spitting on the flag are considered peaceful by many protesters. It’s the degree to which we carry out our protests. If these sports figures are so fervent in their protests, perhaps they should abstain from one game, be fined for the abstinence. Inturn, this money can be forwarded to some organization of their choice. One again, instead of protesting on one knee, they should be kneeling on both knees, thanking the BIG BOSS UPSTAIRS, for providing them with all that got them to where they are.