Is it the end of our republic? Are people so convinced that how they see things are “how it is”? What about our natural birthrights, of which our constitution is based on? Have we forgotten the essence of what America is all about?

Our fire and brimstone selfishness is showing itself more than ever with the kneeling controversy. You know what I am talking about. Colin Kaepernick. Or has it really become about differing perspectives or what seems to be people’s feelings being hurt?

The intention behind the protest, from the individual who actually did it, seems to have been lost, ignored, or both, under the deafening screams of public opinion. Why is there not more of a public understanding?

This blog is not to defend one side or the other but, to maybe, spark some better questions. Most of us have seen these memes floating around Facebook, sadly comparing apples to oranges, placing side by side, one person’s bravery with that of another, pitting one person’s sacrifice against another. Nothing brings about division better than idealistic diatribe.

If all you really want to do is bitch about it, then just say so. Admit that you are just being a cunt because it disrupted your football and if you don’t watch football and participate in the denigrating of a citizens rights, then spare me your selective patriotism and go take some lessons on how to see past the tip of your own nose.

Our national anthem is not a founding document, it is not something we refer to when we are deciding justice. It is not a protector of our natural rights as citizens. Our participation in the ritual is, optional, and it is merely an expression. Just like art, poetry, and music, it is meant to evoke emotion.

But in the public forum, emotion and logic need to be considered separately. That is why the legal system works the way it does. The most patriotic thing we can do is support each others rights. The concept of the right to life, liberty, and property applies to all of us and it doesn’t hurt anyone to be helpful. No?

Are you a patriot or not? Don’t people find it a little creepy that the government gives the NFL money to act patriotic?

While, Colin Kaepernick didn’t infringe on anyone’s right to pursue life, liberty and happiness, the vile and insipid response from a large majority of opinions did end up infringing on his. He lost his career!

Why is it that we instantly seek to denigrate or demean his intentions by saying that what he doing is disrespectful, really, to anything? Can’t we see that we are straying from the concept of freedom.

You don’t end up in the NFL and get paid as much as he did by being an uninspired slouch. Without really knowing anything about him, I am going to assume that he is someone who worked hard to get to where he was. Following your dreams and working hard to get there is an integral part of the American dream. Is it not?

Colin Kaepernick was protesting  injustice, discrimination and police brutality and automatically people start imposing their own reason on why we he was protesting and judging his character. The military, the flag, the veterans, he’s a spoiled, rich, football player. Blah, blah, blah.

It was a brilliant way to get a subject to forefront of the public mind, though.

I am viewing this through the lens of true, American, liberty.