Con: Colin Kaepernick in the Wrong

By Jack Hauser, Staff Writer

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick decided once again to remain seated for the national anthem, only this time, on the Chargers’ annual “salute to the military” night Thursday, making an even bigger fool of himself.

Kaepernick, for the second preseason game in a row, has chosen to not take part in the national anthem because, as he has said, he can’t “show pride in a flag of a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

Racism is a real issue in this country, but refusing to participate in a tradition held to honor those who have served in the military is not the time to combat the problem.

Kaepernick comes off as ignorant. He makes millions of dollars every because his freedom has been fought for by our military. I understand he is trying to be an activist, but he is bringing his personal agenda to his profession. The national anthem itself does not spark debate on its own, and it does not make a racist out of someone who sings along, so why choose to boycott the anthem?

Kaepernick’s actions have put pressure on anyone who supports his cause to also sit down during the national anthem. This is direct disrespect towards the military. Simply because they fought for a country that is struggling through a time of racism does not mean they should be publicly disrespected. Kaepernick has unintentionally tied together supporting the national anthem with accepting racism.

When the national anthem plays, we stand to honor those who protect our country, those who died for our country. It unites us as independent from outside nations. In no way does it represent that we are perfect inside our borders, but it is there to honor those who fought to keep us independent. Without them, Kaepernick wouldn’t be able to play the sport he makes a living from. He is showing arrogance to the country that gave him everything he has.