Is he referring to police officers? It sounds that way. He says America is oppressing people who aren’t white.
Coincidentally, his parents are both white, his coach is white and the man who has paid him millions is white. So who is oppressing him?
Kaepernick lives in a country where men earn millions playing a kid’s game. Had he been born in Mexico, Thailand, India or the Philippines, he would probably be working long hours in a filthy factory for just enough money to live in a hovel.
He has earned enough money to move to a better country. He can also give up his citizenship and return his wealth. But he won’t. Is America perfect? Of course not. If anyone knows a better place to live, I’m listening. Maybe he considers himself the Rosa Parks of the NFL. She also refused to stand up for her oppressors. But then she lived in a time where she couldn’t eat in a restaurant with whites or even use the same restroom as whites.
If Kaepernick wanted to bring attention to minorities, dissing the national anthem isn’t the way to do it. Instead, he only brought attention to himself. Although I don’t like America’s social injustices, it doesn’t mean I hate my country.
Kaepernick should be glad he doesn’t have to get a “real job” like driving a truck or waiting on tables. For what he earns, he should just keep his mouth shut and play football. Sure he has freedom of speech and has a right to complain about America. But, he must understand that his actions will have consequences.
Although Coach Chip Kelly said the team has no issue with Kaepernick’s stance, I think otherwise. I enjoyed former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselebeck’s response. “Easy way to make sure you’re not the starting QB on opening day.” If nothing else, it also guarantees the 49ers will either release or trade him sooner than later. And if he is released, who wants to sign an ungrateful player who won’t stand for his flag?
Marc is a grandparent and longtime resident of Clermont County. Visit his author page at http://www.lifewithgrandpa.com and blog at www.wisegrandpa.com.