Editorial
By Derek Shore
Reporter
Seeing someone kneeling during our national anthem is absolutely distasteful and disrespect to not only this country’s flag, but for those paying the ultimate sacrifice overseas fighting for our rights.
The protest in sporting events, ignited by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the NFL, argues police violence and racial inequality of the African-American race, has progressively taken a turn for the worst and should be put to a stop before things become catastrophic.
I support Kaepernick’s first amendment right to express his beliefs, but believe he’s picked the wrong forum. Our national anthem is about how this country was formed and the battles we had to fight to achieve freedom.
It’s understandable they have the right of freedom of speech, but here’s my compromise: athletes should realize, protesting on a national stage has only led to ridicule since the start. They should turn 
their protest to communities and focus away from sports. Sports are for the entertainment of all fans regardless of race.
Presidential candidate Donald Trump was very outspoken on the issue.
“I think it’s a lack of respect for our country,” Trump told Fox & Friends. “It’s a lack of appreciation for our country and it’s a very sad thing. I have never seen anything quite like it. You’re talking about a major sport, maybe the major sport. When you see that, it leads to a lot of other things. I think it’s lack of respect and appreciation of our country.”
Crowder Cassville student Chase Jackson likens the protest to the 1960’s civil rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“They can protest,” he said. “But they shouldn’t be protesting our flag. They’re too big of wimps to protest in communities. They’d rather protest in stadiums where no harm can be done. For a nation trying to do away with the constitution, they’re trying to hold it up strictly now.”
We are not a perfect country by any means but degrading the American flag is simply wrong, especially to those who wear it on their sleeve. The Lawrence-Journal World wrote in Sept., “American first responders didn’t take a knee on Sept. 11, 2001, when asked to help others amid the horrors of the twin towers. The American flag was buried with them in the rubble that day.”
In addition, Martin Luther King Jr. sang the national anthem before giving his proverbial “I Have A Dream Speech” and then cited parts of the Declaration of Independence.
As the Pledge o
f Allegiance states, “one nation, under God, indivisible.” There’s no kneeling in that context.
If this doesn’t change, obviously Kaepernick and those who have kneeled with him can not be penalized by the NFL. However, the former has completely lost credibility in my book and his reputation has already diminished.
If you’re choosing to do what’s right, don’t kneel.
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