Since becoming a nation, the United States has suffered well in excess of one million combat deaths. The number of maimed and injured, physically and emotionally, is many times over. The same numbers of families have dealt with the loss of a bread winner, loved one and community leader. Nearly all of these patriots were killed or injured defending the American way of life, our traditions, our flag and our anthem. Football player Colin Kaepernick’s not standing in respect for the national anthem and our flag at a recent NFL game has stirred rage in many Americans. Unfortunately, there are some saying he was, “courageous.”
Let’s be clear. Freedom of speech and expression is widely protected. Protected by those very people who pay with “their last full measure of devotion.” So this act by a spoiled athlete is certainly protected. But our freedoms are not unfettered. There is a wide range of things we can say or do under our Constitution, but that doesn’t mean we will not have to pay for it. There are things my employer would not find acceptable, even though it might be protected under our Bill of Rights. So if Kaepernick decides to attack the very country where he has made millions and lives like a king, the NFL should make him pay dearly.
The recent trend by many of the rabble of our country to spit on the stars and stripes is very disturbing. Most of these are dead enders, blaming everyone and everything for their own lack of success. However, seeing the wealthy who have been so blessed act so disrespectfully is even more disturbing. Because of the irony of democracy, the same flag that flew over Iwo Jima, the Twin Towers and Bastogne gives punks with no understanding of the cost of our freedom the right to be wrong.
It is my hope the vast majority of Americans will recoil from such behavior. And it is my hope organizations like the NFL hear it loud and clear, If nothing else, from empty seats at their games. And maybe Colin Kapernick could be asked to plant flags at a national cemetery during next years Memorial Day observances. Maybe he will read a few of the grave markers and learn what real courage is.
Gregory L. Wade
Franklin, Tenn.