Dear Editor: With all due respect to Father Kingsley (Oct. 7), I can’t help but wonder it those who “took a knee” are actively involved in the inner cities in which they live. Are they helping the youth of those neighborhoods rise above the environment and mindset that nurtures the violent behavior that is so prevalent? Are they providing any sense of leadership as role models for the youth of those areas? A recent article from the Chicago Tribune cites the cumulative number of shootings in Chicago this year from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 at 2,321. The average age of the men was between 25 and 29, and three-quarters of them were black.

Environment and home life are so critical in establishing values. My grandmother immigrated from Poland, and ended up loving hockey. One night as we were watching a game on TV, she turns to me while the National Anthem was being played and says, “Stand up Gerard!” I never forgot that, and to this day, as I sit in my living room watching sports events, I still stand when the anthem is being played.

Home life and environment is everything! If these players want to make a statement, let them do so in their neighborhoods. If they can save one life because of their contribution, they will be a part of the solution, rather than being part of the problem.

JERRY KUZNIEWSKI

Beechhurst