Funny how he didn't feel that oppression until he took up with a BLM supporter and converted to Islam. Even his own mother is embarrassed..
45
Bravo to Colin. I am 71, a native of the SF peninsula, and a lifelong Niners fan, cheering for John Brodie when we were among the worst in the NFL.
Through all these years, 10 of them in the stadium stands, while dutifully standing for the anthem, there were times when in my heart I didn't want to for reasons of my own, but I continued to conform.
So I admire a public sports celebrity who risks fan anger and criticism when he stands by his beliefs while hurting no one, by the way. Thank you, Colin, for your action.
Through all these years, 10 of them in the stadium stands, while dutifully standing for the anthem, there were times when in my heart I didn't want to for reasons of my own, but I continued to conform.
So I admire a public sports celebrity who risks fan anger and criticism when he stands by his beliefs while hurting no one, by the way. Thank you, Colin, for your action.
18
The discussion about Kaepernick intersects with widespread awareness of racism especially as the fires of xenophobia are stoked by Donald Trump. I value this article and yesterday's NYTimes questioning "why?" we even have the Star Spangled Banner as the chosen anthem for our country when it was written by a slave holder. I have been an American for 12 years but first came to this country to marry in 1971. I always thought it ridiculous to see matrons placing their hand on vast bosoms during the pledge of allegiance. Love of country doesn't equate with forced displays of nationalism or denigration of other fine nations. Revision of the use of the national anthem is a valuable experience. For example why not celebrate "amber waves of grain" instead of "bombs bursting in air" or Woodie Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land". So many guys in the work place or in the stands are afraid to speak out or demonstrate their beliefs and ironically are not "free" really to do so.
9
Colin Kaepernick has as much right to sit as to stand for the national anthem. His race is irrelevant. His play is irrelevant. His reasons may be private or public, but either way, his reasons deserve respect. Anyone who has ever worn a US military uniform knows - or should know - that reasons for sacrifices paid in the past were all about protecting our rights, not about imposing or policing conformity. No one, whether famous or not, deserves criticism for the simple exercise of those rights.
31
As a former Californian, and now a former 49er fan, I plan to respond with my feet. The NFL has been excusing the actions of the few thugs that they allow to continue to play for years. I've overlooked for years that its really just another business and not a sport. There are no teams just a group of highly paid free agents. I have no interest in watching two local companies sporting events and now I guess I have no interest in watching two NFL companies.
Montana, Young, and now Kaepernick, why watch.
Montana, Young, and now Kaepernick, why watch.
19
Why is it, if a person is good at something – like running faster or jumping higher – we’re supposed to consider what they think is somehow worth more consideration?
39
If the guy doesn't want to stand it's his choice. However, he is in the entertainment business and the corporation doesn't look too kindly on any of their employees marring their image. As a result he might be soon gone, but only if he doesn't perform well in his function, perhaps.
We were very fortunate to have outstanding founding fathers. They were brilliant and set up a very idealistic blueprint for our country. At the time many did not believe in its philosophy, and they were quite aware of that. Slavery did not fit into their vision but they knew that if they went against that institution they would never get an agreement. It took almost a century before the issue caused a war in which over 600 thousand died out of a 30 million population. It's been a struggle ever since to try to achieve the last 6 words of our Pledge of Allegiance. Still many who consider themselves true patriots do not agree with our founding fathers.
We were very fortunate to have outstanding founding fathers. They were brilliant and set up a very idealistic blueprint for our country. At the time many did not believe in its philosophy, and they were quite aware of that. Slavery did not fit into their vision but they knew that if they went against that institution they would never get an agreement. It took almost a century before the issue caused a war in which over 600 thousand died out of a 30 million population. It's been a struggle ever since to try to achieve the last 6 words of our Pledge of Allegiance. Still many who consider themselves true patriots do not agree with our founding fathers.
9
Wait a second, I thought San Francisco was the very center of the "progressive" ideology. If liberal San Francisco isn't a paradise for everyone, perhaps it's the ideology that is the problem. Delusion and fantasy rarely produce a healthy society.
26
Mr. Kaepernick is going to get cut, because he isn't a very good player. He'll then cry foul, claiming it's discrimination. This is a tired tactic by now, reserved for those devoid of imagination but eaten up by the gullible.
39
When I joined the USAF, I did not pledge my allegiance to a piece of fabric called a flag, I pledged my allegiance to the United States of America and swore to uphold and defend the US Constitution from all enemies, foreign AND domestic. Right now we are under attack by domestic people who are violating We the People's constitutional rights. Collin and the other athletes and regular Janes and Joes are correct in protesting the violation of even one person's constitutional rights.
I am still willing to give my life to defend and uphold the US Constitution even though many US governmental entities and some citizens do not wish to uphold and defend my rights as a biracial woman. Whether we stand and fight or sit to fight for our rights and freedoms, we all must answer the same question with a yes or no, 'Do we believe in equality, justice, and freedom for all enough to put our careers/lives on the line?'
I am still willing to give my life to defend and uphold the US Constitution even though many US governmental entities and some citizens do not wish to uphold and defend my rights as a biracial woman. Whether we stand and fight or sit to fight for our rights and freedoms, we all must answer the same question with a yes or no, 'Do we believe in equality, justice, and freedom for all enough to put our careers/lives on the line?'
27
It seems Mr. Kaepernick has secured his future by allowing himself to stay with the 49ers for as long as he wants.
If the 49ers ever try to move him without his consent, he can play the discrimination and payback cards.
If the 49ers ever try to move him without his consent, he can play the discrimination and payback cards.
32
Author: 'I imagine I share with Kaepernick nightmares of the killing of Tamir Rice, Michael Brown..."
Tamir Rice was travesty, Michael Brown was an assailant, as the Medical Examiners report proved Brown was standing with his arms straight out towards the officer and his head down as if charging, just as the officer indicated.
The fact that the author considers Michael Brown to be a "travesty" (and I assume he meant being shot, not the lie of "hands up don't shoot) relegates his opinions to less than worthy of serious consideration.
This is what Gerald Harris's column looks like to a reader who believes in facts over pushing an agenda.
Tamir Rice was travesty, Michael Brown was an assailant, as the Medical Examiners report proved Brown was standing with his arms straight out towards the officer and his head down as if charging, just as the officer indicated.
The fact that the author considers Michael Brown to be a "travesty" (and I assume he meant being shot, not the lie of "hands up don't shoot) relegates his opinions to less than worthy of serious consideration.
This is what Gerald Harris's column looks like to a reader who believes in facts over pushing an agenda.
50
I'm curious how the NFL is internally scrambling to divine the best way to deal with this if many other players follow suit and sit during the national anthem.
It's fan base is predominately "America . . . love it or leave" -- yet over 60% of its players are black who should feel personally concerned about this issue.
Stay tuned.
It's fan base is predominately "America . . . love it or leave" -- yet over 60% of its players are black who should feel personally concerned about this issue.
Stay tuned.
11
Fifty-two man on the 49ers roster have opinions about race in America. The opinions of one are given more weight because he sits down during the national anthem. And the mass of people who typically don't sign along with the anthem (or shout out the word "Brave" during it in Atlanta) and generally ignore it suddenly are outraged. Very confusing
I don't care who sits or stands during the anthem. And I don't find Kaepernick's opinions very interesting either. He paints the world in broad strokes that admit of little nuance. And his decision to wear socks in practice that depict police as pigs (as reported by "The Sporting News" seems needlessly provocative and immature.
Police, some police, do let their prejudices affect their policing. And, like in any profession, there is a fair amount of malpractice. But there is a big gap between saying that and making the broad statements about oppression Kaepernick has made. Statements which only serve to divide communities and make the task of improving community-police relations more difficult and may, in fact, put officers lives at risk.
So I'll not be outraged by Colin Kapernick, or even interested in what he says. And to those who are, I suggest the next time you go to a game you place your hand over your heart and actually sign along if you want your voice heard.
I don't care who sits or stands during the anthem. And I don't find Kaepernick's opinions very interesting either. He paints the world in broad strokes that admit of little nuance. And his decision to wear socks in practice that depict police as pigs (as reported by "The Sporting News" seems needlessly provocative and immature.
Police, some police, do let their prejudices affect their policing. And, like in any profession, there is a fair amount of malpractice. But there is a big gap between saying that and making the broad statements about oppression Kaepernick has made. Statements which only serve to divide communities and make the task of improving community-police relations more difficult and may, in fact, put officers lives at risk.
So I'll not be outraged by Colin Kapernick, or even interested in what he says. And to those who are, I suggest the next time you go to a game you place your hand over your heart and actually sign along if you want your voice heard.
16
Kaepernak is a phony.
First of all, just about every one of the black men shot by police were in the act of committing crimes. if they weren't, they would not have been a reason for police to be involved. Second, how about the dozen or so police officers murdered in cold blood?
Third, grand juries composed of majority African Americans declined to bring a case as there was not sufficient evidence to do so.............Garner and Michael Brown, for example. Freddie grey case another example of a rush to judgement.......without evidence resulting in hung jury and dismissals of six officers.
Kaepernak, like the author, need to get their facts straight before they pop off.
First of all, just about every one of the black men shot by police were in the act of committing crimes. if they weren't, they would not have been a reason for police to be involved. Second, how about the dozen or so police officers murdered in cold blood?
Third, grand juries composed of majority African Americans declined to bring a case as there was not sufficient evidence to do so.............Garner and Michael Brown, for example. Freddie grey case another example of a rush to judgement.......without evidence resulting in hung jury and dismissals of six officers.
Kaepernak, like the author, need to get their facts straight before they pop off.
27
Blacks will be able to afford San Francisco when they 1) go to and finish college, 2) study business or computer science rather than basketball and rap. That is a REAL and STATISTICALLY valid explanation of the problem in the black community. There is no law that can be passed to fix this problem.
35
I have thought for years that the National Anthem should not be played prior to sporting events. I always stand respectfully when the Anthem is played, and I think that Colin Kaepernick would be well-advised to do the same. But what connection does the National Anthem have to a football game? Why do we need a Color Guard to present the flag? Why the fly-overs prior to the Super Bowl? I respect the military and those who serve in it, but I don't think that these nationalistic and militaristic rituals are a good thing.
9
Kaepernick is too young to see how much progress has been made. If he had been a talented baseball player in 1946 rather than 2016 he would have been playing in the Negro League. A more recent sign of progress is Black quarterbacks in pro football, unthinkable not that long ago. The most remarkable sign of progress was Tiger Woods making a fortune in endorsements, selling Rolex watches to rich white golfers. One of these days we may even have a Black President. Hey wait, we have one!
13
I detest Colin Kaepernick. What red-blooded, Green Bay Packers fan wouldn't?!
But I am with him on this, completely. Why hasn't this happened earlier? Why aren't other black athletes making their voices heard on this issue? I remember so well when Ali took his stand, and it mattered.
The only downside to this is that Kaepernick could be traded to the Vikings, as a result. That would be awful. But I could handle it, knowing that my suffering was in the service of a good cause.
But I am with him on this, completely. Why hasn't this happened earlier? Why aren't other black athletes making their voices heard on this issue? I remember so well when Ali took his stand, and it mattered.
The only downside to this is that Kaepernick could be traded to the Vikings, as a result. That would be awful. But I could handle it, knowing that my suffering was in the service of a good cause.
7
Speaking truth to power, which is what only leaders can do. Leaders - by definition - always are the minority, the risk takers. Good work, Mr Kaepernick. You have my respect, as I see your actions/words actually showing respect for the tenets of our country, tenets that we must continually strive to achieve/sustain.
5
kaepernick comes late to the game, his rhetoric is a collection of old bumpber stickers, still he's got some indelible truths on his side and, as a quarterbacck, should be thinking and doing more to advance the ball.
he's welcome to sit, as many of us who have worn uniforms to ensure his right would agree (in northc korea, his "slouch" might have been fatal)...so to him and others quick to rage, get off your bench and get your backside into the street.
maybe refusing to play for a city like san francisco or an organization like the nfl might be a better start....then go find a school that needs a boost to get better...and so on.
he's welcome to sit, as many of us who have worn uniforms to ensure his right would agree (in northc korea, his "slouch" might have been fatal)...so to him and others quick to rage, get off your bench and get your backside into the street.
maybe refusing to play for a city like san francisco or an organization like the nfl might be a better start....then go find a school that needs a boost to get better...and so on.
8
Here's a plan: take advantage of your skills, earn millions a year then with it build schools, homes, etc. and keep $50,000 a year for yourself. Then talk to the rest of us. Short of that, your protests fall on cynical ears.
26
Dear Mr. Harris,
Why not cross the bridge and root for the "Oakland Raiders"?
For, in reality, it matters not whom you root for but the fact that you root for ONE of the business entities that are known as "Sport Franchises" and, hence, line the pockets of the almost all white owners with even more money.
For in this particular "business', the owners are truly color blind EXCEPT for the color green, as in money which is why "sports" has always been envisioned as the "gateway" for black folks as long as they can score points or throw a ball. They are used until they are no longer providing income to the, again, almost all white owners.
You could join Mr. Kaepernick in protest and refuse to attend, watch or support the NFL at all which, by the way, is what I do; it makes more sense to sit back and root for the "Big Board' on the N.Y.S.E. than to advocate head injuries and drug use in the so-called "professional sports".
Otherwise, Mr. Kaepernick's protest is correct and justified in ALL aspects.
Why not cross the bridge and root for the "Oakland Raiders"?
For, in reality, it matters not whom you root for but the fact that you root for ONE of the business entities that are known as "Sport Franchises" and, hence, line the pockets of the almost all white owners with even more money.
For in this particular "business', the owners are truly color blind EXCEPT for the color green, as in money which is why "sports" has always been envisioned as the "gateway" for black folks as long as they can score points or throw a ball. They are used until they are no longer providing income to the, again, almost all white owners.
You could join Mr. Kaepernick in protest and refuse to attend, watch or support the NFL at all which, by the way, is what I do; it makes more sense to sit back and root for the "Big Board' on the N.Y.S.E. than to advocate head injuries and drug use in the so-called "professional sports".
Otherwise, Mr. Kaepernick's protest is correct and justified in ALL aspects.
4
I'M with HIM.
8
Colin Kaepernick is disrespecting America based on a false narrative that blacks are being hunted and killed by police officers. After the Ferguson lie about Michael Brown's being executed with his hands up in the air (complete and utter fabrication promoted by every liberal and the liberal media), the argument was against white cops. Then, Baltimore happens where the majority of police, city officials and the Attorney General are black... the liberal narrative (with nowhere to hide) turned the "racist white cop" to a "systemic racism with all cops" argument. It was so obvious and clear that the narrative was not pushing the agenda of Black Lives Matter (and most liberal)...but rather that the agenda of Black Lives Matter (and most liberals) were pushing the narrative. If the liberal community were honest... they would examine the higher rates of crime in the black community and say to themselves "well, that higher rate goes a long way toward explaining the higher rates of arrests, incarcerations, police incidents, etc". Instead, they want to inject "system racism in the police department". Law abiding blacks call the police because they fear other black criminals and not a racist officer. The problem is the black community. They need to solve the culture of violence and criminality stemming from fatherless children, poor education, poor economy (usually created by a democratic local government with liberal policies - see history of Detroit for example).
20
I think we should stop blurring the line between sports nationalism .
How would you feel if you were Japanese and required to salute the American flag in order to fulfill your professional ambitions ?
As a n American I would have a problem .
It's a small jump to the American in America who feels the flag does not reflect the American ideals YET and needs to be reminded to do better .
How would you feel if you were Japanese and required to salute the American flag in order to fulfill your professional ambitions ?
As a n American I would have a problem .
It's a small jump to the American in America who feels the flag does not reflect the American ideals YET and needs to be reminded to do better .
1
As a veteran I don't stand up for the so called national emblem. Two wars based on lies should require everyone sit down during that so called national emblem.
9
Colin Courageous. This will spread. More and more will join in. Home of the brave, like Colin, will finally usher in "The land of the free" - for all American citizens.
1
One of our "Heros" ? He is a football player for heavens sake! Who cares what he thinks? Frankly, there really is no job less important than his. It is past time we stop putting athletes, actors , rock stars etc. on a pedestal. The guy sweeping the floor in a homeless shelter is doing more important work.
22
I think that CK has every right to express his opinion by whatever peaceful means necessary, per our constitution. I would, however, be more impressed with his protest if it were coupled with action, such as vocal, public and physical support for organizations working to bring change to the community he's concerned about. Not just writing checks and playing in a golf tournament.
10
Although I personally think his protest is rather insignificant for a 20 mill dollar NFL player who certainly could have taken a more meaningful and involved action, at least it's a big topic of conversation and solving problems starts with a conversation. And if you don't see a problem maybe you should stop being so hyperfocused on the flag and look around.
6
When the human being behind the persona (or in Kaepernick's case, the hero behind the helmet) take a stand, fans really have a chance to understand that there's more to life than the game. What Kaepernick does for us is demonstrate that heroism is beyond completions and touchdowns.
And, since when has major league sports been a platform for patriotism and nationalism? I prefer my sports watching without the aggrandizement of soldiers and fly byes of fighter jets. Major league sports and the military have far too much of their hands in each other's pockets.
And, since when has major league sports been a platform for patriotism and nationalism? I prefer my sports watching without the aggrandizement of soldiers and fly byes of fighter jets. Major league sports and the military have far too much of their hands in each other's pockets.
3
Talk about a tempest in a teapot! CK has the right to sit as this is America. However with his stature and means, why not do something truly meaningful to right a wrong, instead of this lazy act that he must know will turn The focus on him alone instead of a real issue that demands redress. Just seems dumb and pootly thought out to me.
10
As far as I can tell, when the Star Spangled Banner plays, most people half-listen in a ho-hum, let's get on with it sort of way, and then the game starts. But Mr. Kaepernick listens to it each and every day (aside: why athletes, I wonder, and not, for example, investment bankers?), which must cause its words to resonate with him, as it would with any thinking person that really listens to those words. Mr. Kaepernick's sitting, peaceful protest is an example of democracy in action. Now that is patriotism.
4
Don't campaign against drunk driving or try to improve driver and pedestrian safety until you've contributed to curing cancer! Sounds stupid doesn't it?
Well the "don't criticize the police until you've helped end violent crime in the Black community" trope is every bit as daft.
I'm exhausted by the bigots who continually trot out the same tired and tiring cliches whenever they want to silence a Black person who is unhappy about the possibility of unjust violence by agents of the state.
When did we decide that the US should strive to be more like authoritarian states like Turkey and Russia where citizens are compelled to engage in ritualistic displays of "patriotism" or be subject to insults, threats and potential loss of livelihood?
I guess we're okay with the country being free in the same way that North Korea is a Democratic Republic.
Well the "don't criticize the police until you've helped end violent crime in the Black community" trope is every bit as daft.
I'm exhausted by the bigots who continually trot out the same tired and tiring cliches whenever they want to silence a Black person who is unhappy about the possibility of unjust violence by agents of the state.
When did we decide that the US should strive to be more like authoritarian states like Turkey and Russia where citizens are compelled to engage in ritualistic displays of "patriotism" or be subject to insults, threats and potential loss of livelihood?
I guess we're okay with the country being free in the same way that North Korea is a Democratic Republic.
4
When my white, libertarian buddy refused to stand for the Anthem in Arizona, he got more supporting comments from the neighboring crowd than not.
Racism? White non-celebrities have more populist support?
Me? At baseball games I stand up for the Anthem. And sing along (badly,but).
National Anthem? OK by me, but not for many.
And don't get me going on the "Pledge of Allegiance" that nonsensical farrago of nonsense that puts the Flag first and the Republic later and has so many falsehoods -- enuf
Racism? White non-celebrities have more populist support?
Me? At baseball games I stand up for the Anthem. And sing along (badly,but).
National Anthem? OK by me, but not for many.
And don't get me going on the "Pledge of Allegiance" that nonsensical farrago of nonsense that puts the Flag first and the Republic later and has so many falsehoods -- enuf
3
The greatest roadblock to advancement of the working classes of all races is the white, wealthy liberal bacillus that controls our politics, our banking and our governments. They move our jobs offshore; they prosper through the financial repression of the rest of us; they live in gated or guarded enclaves; their children attend private schools, not the public ones these hypocrites claim to support. They displace generations in their yuppified invasions of neighborhoods. They rape and get probation. They lecture on climate change but own multiple homes, yachts and jets with a carbon footprint no 5,000 of us could cause. They fill our ears with their maudlin paeans to our plight, then ignore us after the election. Wise up friends. The white liberal class is the problem. Keeping their ilk out of power should be the goal. Of course their candidate is that famous liar, entitled spouse, failed diplomat and perfect example of the white liberal who says one thing and does another. Shun her and her kind; they have been jiving us forever.
7
Kaepernick’s protest has as much to do with his unhappiness at his injuries, his poor performance, as it has to do with rougher police justice for blacks around the country. That's what fans think.
The author brings up the high cost of living in San Francisco, the proportionally fewer blacks in high tech and whatever else he can dredge up to bolster his argument that Kaepernick is making a courageous stand. No, Kaepernick is an unhappy guy who chooses to insult those who honor this country for a cause that is being addressed across the country even as he sits in protest.
The author brings up the high cost of living in San Francisco, the proportionally fewer blacks in high tech and whatever else he can dredge up to bolster his argument that Kaepernick is making a courageous stand. No, Kaepernick is an unhappy guy who chooses to insult those who honor this country for a cause that is being addressed across the country even as he sits in protest.
14
"Similarly, it seems to me, the heavily white and increasingly wealthy population in San Francisco wants the shrinking black population to just move along and not make too much noise as the gentrification continues".
I'm amazed at how liberal journalists unflinchingly declare what masses of white people want and think while waxing poetically about the evils of a prejudicial mindset.
I'm amazed at how liberal journalists unflinchingly declare what masses of white people want and think while waxing poetically about the evils of a prejudicial mindset.
18
If you want him to stand put it in his contract. Is it part of the show or not? Otherwise it's his choice.
Anyway, I would want my ad playing just before the start of the next niners game.
Anyway, I would want my ad playing just before the start of the next niners game.
I think playing the national anthem before sporting events is ridiculous anyway. What does one have to do with the other? And when did this start? During WWII, they'd play the anthem in movie theaters before the feature, which would be considered ridiculous now. Can you imagine getting all patriotic and then sitting down to view some of the slop they show in theaters these days?
3
Disrespecting the flag is the adolescent way to express your political concerns. If Kaepernick made a thoughtful statement and released it with the intent to foster debate and change, maybe more people would take him seriously. When you disrespect the flag, you attack the entire country, it's history and it's values. Nearly all of us know someone in our lives who was killed fighting for the flag. The flag draped their coffins. That's why people get angry. They interpret his arrogant petulance as disrespect for the war dead.
Kaepernick is a fading star in the NFL and perhaps he embarked on his campaign to disrespect the symbol of his country to assure people will remember him longer once he's out of football. Perhaps he's depressed by the downward turn of his career and is just lashing out to retaliate against the people who are criticizing him. Perhaps he's actually concerned about the people for whom he is expressing sympathy. But is there any evidence that he's actually working on their behalf when he's not on the field?
Let's see what he does in the future to actually improve conditions for the poor and dispossessed. Talk is cheap. Let's see him set up a facility for the homeless on his personal property. Let's see him walk the walk.
Kaepernick is a fading star in the NFL and perhaps he embarked on his campaign to disrespect the symbol of his country to assure people will remember him longer once he's out of football. Perhaps he's depressed by the downward turn of his career and is just lashing out to retaliate against the people who are criticizing him. Perhaps he's actually concerned about the people for whom he is expressing sympathy. But is there any evidence that he's actually working on their behalf when he's not on the field?
Let's see what he does in the future to actually improve conditions for the poor and dispossessed. Talk is cheap. Let's see him set up a facility for the homeless on his personal property. Let's see him walk the walk.
10
Hero? You need a new hero.
7
I'm constantly amazed that this is even a story. Wasn't this settled back in the VietNam era? Why do the corporate media shills (TV and radio especially) get so up in arms about this? Oh, right: because they are corporate shills (not journalists). I have yet to hear ANY of them bring up slavery, lynching, Medgar Evers, MLK, the genocide of Native Americans, Japanese internments in WWII, the Baltimore PD, Jim Crow, Lester Maddox, the DIxiecrat Party, and on and on. Do any of them seriously doubt this country's history of racism (and it's continued pervasiveness in this country today)? Do any of them ever consider that standing for that flag/song constitute implicit approval and condoning of that legacy? No, I guess not; got to sell those products, after all. The mind boggles.
7
I agree with the protest, but feel it could reasonably and necessarily be taken further to address the NFL itself. The crippling head injuries players are suffering, taxpayer subsidies for stadiums and culture of disrespect towards women makes any support of the league an insult to any number of demographic groupings and an insult to the overall physical, financial and moral well-being of the nation.
3
I stand, well, sit with Keapernick on his Anthem position, as I would in every case where speech is being exercised. I question his reasoning though. Keapernick seems to be equating the bad behavior of some citizens with direct government policies. Perhaps Keapernick knows of some current policies specifically designed to discriminate against minorities.
1
Outside of sporting events when or where else does one hear the national anthem? (Oh yes - at political conventions but, who cares?)
Perhaps because I came of age in the sixties the flag and its adoring crowds, the national anthem and other expressions of "patriotic" blather turn me off. It struck me then and it strikes me now that "patriots", for the most part, appear to be racial bigots, far-right religious fanatics and ignorant American exceptionalists. I can't identify with these folk.
There are many things I like about this country but I choose to sit when forced to listen to some "creative" singer make a shambles of the National Anthem. (Can't any of these people carry a tune without wobbling off all over the place?)
Perhaps because I came of age in the sixties the flag and its adoring crowds, the national anthem and other expressions of "patriotic" blather turn me off. It struck me then and it strikes me now that "patriots", for the most part, appear to be racial bigots, far-right religious fanatics and ignorant American exceptionalists. I can't identify with these folk.
There are many things I like about this country but I choose to sit when forced to listen to some "creative" singer make a shambles of the National Anthem. (Can't any of these people carry a tune without wobbling off all over the place?)
2
Patriotic courage is taking an unpopular stand in the face of criticism or even abuse and staying on its message until the thing protested is justly addressed.
Bravo Colin Kaepernick! Keep up the good work.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Bravo Colin Kaepernick! Keep up the good work.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
7
Kaepernick is following his conscience which he has every right to do. When "they" changed the words of the Pledge Of Allegiance from "indivisible" to "under god" I sensed an undercurrent in the government that made me feel uneasy.
3
Kaepernick is exercising his freedom of speech. Agree or disagree or ignore, why is everyone so worked up about it? He is not causing any disruption. I am amazed at the reactions of the public and the news media to his quiet and dignified statement. It's a good thing to live in a country where this is possible. It's not such a good thing when the public can't handle it. Grow up people and leave him alone. This is what freedom looks like.
6
Because, Mr. Harris, Kaepernick is wrong. The United States doesn't "oppress black people", nor is it an inherently racist country, nor do the Police "target" black people, nor do white people spend their time trying to keep blacks down etc. etc. etc. He is facing criticism because his basic assertion, that this is a white supremacist nation, is flat wrong.
11
Most of us are just tired of spoiled rich athletes and celebrities lecturing us on anything. We buy tickets to sporting events and concerts to spend a little time away from the normal stress of life, not to hear their political views. Why can't there be some places where we can all enjoy a few hours of entertainment without all this partisan political nonsense.
8
I understand the author's Tamir Rice nightmares, not about me but about my children. But I do not understand how the author shares a nightmare of attacking a police officer in his car, having his gun discharge as you try and take it from him and then die as you charge at the armed and ready to shoot officer. If we are ever going to have an honest discussion we have to separate myth from reality, first.
9
Sorry. If the guy were out on the street or even buttonholing legislators to use his influence for change, I'd admire him. But this is a guy who is profiting from the pitifully small changes in race relations without helping another black man, woman or child.
Here are the stats:
CONTRACT:6 yr(s) / $114,000,000 SIGNING BONUS$12,328,766 AVERAGE SALARY$19,000,000 GUARANTEED:$61,000,000
Here are the stats:
CONTRACT:6 yr(s) / $114,000,000 SIGNING BONUS$12,328,766 AVERAGE SALARY$19,000,000 GUARANTEED:$61,000,000
9
It is fine with me if some wealthy person wants to make a political statement. It is interesting so many people are willing to say it is fine, we are a country of free speech. If he was making nasty comments about gays or women, I bet you would not have a great number of folks commenting in the same way. They would be howling for his head and talking about hate speech.
3
Some commentators seem to be unaware of the reaction of many service vets who support Kaepernick and resent others who claim to speak on their behalf. I was at first outraged to learn about his protest but upon reflection take his point. This country is becoming a white elitist state that debases not only people of color but the white working class. I don't support Trump but I feel for the many who feel disenfranchised and put off by the likes of the Clintons and other PC Democrats who embody the white elites of places like Boston, San Francisco, and Manhattan. They are all too happy to throw a few coins of their wealth toward pet causes and so alleviate their guilt, but they lack true compassion for their fellow citizens. Colin is using his celebrity at his own risk to help. Name a politician who would take such selfless action.
1
I'm 84 years old. So many times I wish I had had the guts to sit when the anthem was played. because I am ashamed of some things we have done. At least when I'm home, I can turn it off. But don't even dare to question my patriotism. My family and relatives have served and DIED for our rights and freedom.
2
such protests, like the raised fists on the winners' stand at the Mexico City Olympics, sound the loudest when delivered by people at their zenith.
People on their way up the ladder also look brave taking a risk that their independent spirit might cost them real opportunities later.
But an athlete past his prime carries the least weight when he decides to protest social issues.
BUT I applaud Kaepernick for tell it like it is even if he is lucky enough o be in a spotlight. He has a lot of popularity, especially after Tweeting that Hillary would be in PRISON were she ANTONE else.
So we know he has a good head on his shoulders.
People on their way up the ladder also look brave taking a risk that their independent spirit might cost them real opportunities later.
But an athlete past his prime carries the least weight when he decides to protest social issues.
BUT I applaud Kaepernick for tell it like it is even if he is lucky enough o be in a spotlight. He has a lot of popularity, especially after Tweeting that Hillary would be in PRISON were she ANTONE else.
So we know he has a good head on his shoulders.
2
This is all music to the GOPs' collective ears. Outrage against this (the party against the intrusion into individual actions of course the loudest of all) while we're all not looking at the fact that Apple, Google, GE, etc., could erase our deficit by simply paying their taxes.
Do us a favor, NYT, and help us not get distracted from the truly despicable scandals that deserve the real outrage.
Do us a favor, NYT, and help us not get distracted from the truly despicable scandals that deserve the real outrage.
2
The tantrums against Kaepernick's act echo complaints of Muhammed Ali, Jim Brown, Bill Russell, Tommy Smith and John Carlos, Curt Flood, and others. I've heard them my whole life, and each iteration repeats a narrow, self-serving vision of America in which patriotism is limited to fundamentalist genuflection to a militaristic song and a flag that, by the terms of the protesters against the protesters, stands not for liberty but silent obeisance.
5
I thought this political season was all about rejecting political correctness. I cannot imagine an more politically correct gesture than standing for the national anthem. So he rejects it. Not happy? Sorry
1
No one has said that Kaepernick does not have the right to say the foolish things that he has said but you need to understand that those that are in disagreement with this narcissist also have a right to call him out for being the fool that he is. As for the Bay Area becoming "whiter", who cares? Oakland is becoming blacker, should I as a white person be upset about that? Has it dawned on you that the Bay Area is perhaps the most liberal/leftist place in the country? I wonder why they aren't more "inclusive" there.
9
If one's entire mode of expressing a political view consists of an act of disrespect to the country, one shouldn't feign surprise or anger at criticism.
5
"And when that athlete is black, why does white America respond with anger,".
You don't think if Tom Brady did the same thing he would not get the same treatment? Of course he would if not worse. "White Anerica"? Many, many blacks have spoken out in anger against him. It's articles like this that keep racism alive and well. They don't understand, or knowingly twist, the meaning behind people'a comments and actions and turn it into a black and white thing. Its not about race. Its not about a "hero" not meeting our expectations. It's also not about a song or a piece of cloth. It's what they mean and are symbolic of that you disrespect when you reject them. Yes everyone has the right to protest. And others equally have the right to criticize. Just because a black person is in the receiving end of it doesn't mean it was racially fueled. You just don't get why people get upset about something like this so you reduce it to a black and white thing.
You don't think if Tom Brady did the same thing he would not get the same treatment? Of course he would if not worse. "White Anerica"? Many, many blacks have spoken out in anger against him. It's articles like this that keep racism alive and well. They don't understand, or knowingly twist, the meaning behind people'a comments and actions and turn it into a black and white thing. Its not about race. Its not about a "hero" not meeting our expectations. It's also not about a song or a piece of cloth. It's what they mean and are symbolic of that you disrespect when you reject them. Yes everyone has the right to protest. And others equally have the right to criticize. Just because a black person is in the receiving end of it doesn't mean it was racially fueled. You just don't get why people get upset about something like this so you reduce it to a black and white thing.
7
if you are not black, you can't even begin to understand how deeply conflicted blacks are when the National Anthem is played at events. for years, I used to sit at sporting events on such occasions, until I finally decided that the gesture was somewhat hollow, totally misunderstood, and just not worth the effort any more. The only problem I have with Kaepernick's declaration is the inarticulateness of it; even though there is rampant racism and discrimination against blacks in the country, it is still something of a stretch to say there is "oppression." Finally, many acts of courage are usually reacted to with hostility and outrage - I remember Brent Musberger calling Muhammad Ali a "traitor," in print when Ali decalred his objector status. Stay the course, young man.
3
I could care less about whether or not Mr. Kaepernick stands or sits for the National Anthem. It's a me moment not an Ali moment. I wonder if he would have the guts were he an Olympic gold medalist to sit down on the podium while the anthem was played to honor him and his country. This 'protest' is also not the black power salute at the Pan-American games in the 60's, an image that lives in my memory and meant something.
1
I support him. His message is much stronger than crowds of angry people yelling.
2
I don't think he's real at all. I think he's trying to attract attention, because he's not so much the center of attention. It's another version of kissing his biceps.
7
Saw 'Straight Outta Compton' as night and found myself contemplating 'inspiration'. Kaepernick was apparently inspired not to rise to the flag. Although we have various notions of what it means, we all agree it is a symbol of our country and for the most part we owe it something, on our own behalf and on behalf of our fellows. A sports figure like Kaepernick is part of the elite. All sorts of people watch these figures and perhaps are inspired by them. Sometimes the scripture is relevant, sometimes not, '"'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me'.
1
I couldn't agree with you more, Mr. Harris! The Niners play in San Diego this evening and that will a true test of his convictions. It's home to one of the largest naval bases and very patriotic. So, if Kapernick can stand the catcalls - an worse - he will show he's got real courage! Good for him standing (or sitting as it were) for his convictions.
1
I'm not surprised to see that there are already many racist comments in response to your contribution to today's paper, Mr. Harris. I applaud your words, your honesty and your perspective. The great divide in this country is now between those who seek education and knowledge and those who are abandoning that path and choosing bigotry. The divide has never been more obvious than during this election season.
3
He is one of the few among owners, players and fans who has actual courage and for what it's worth my respect.
2
Many people seem to forget that this country was founded by protesters. Bostonians used tea and the harbor because it was the platform they had. Colin has a right, and many black and brown people even think he has an obligation, to use the platform he has- a football game broadcast on national TV to protest what he feels is a grave injustice. It seems athletes of color can't win. They get grief for failing to be a role model and for being a role model in a way some people don't agree with. I assure you, this brown woman married to an Air Force Academy grad, and daughter of a Korean war veteran and daughter in law of a Vietnam veteran thinks he is holding him up to her kids as an outstanding role model.
I loved the essay.
I loved the essay.
3
I respect Colin K for exercising his right to free speech. But disrespecting your country during a time of community and connection is not the way to further your cause. To those who don't recognize the injustice and trauma our fellow citizens have experienced, this disrespect of the founding principles of this country is simply a call to distrust and war. To C.K., please show the truth of your convictions to working harder to be a better QB, and finding a less disrespectful and more targeted way to further your (and my) cause.
1
I thought the National Anthem was played to honor all those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms even the right to protest. Colin can sit. It's his right. But I also see several thousand standing many with hat-in-hand and across their heart.
2
From a fellow niners fan from San Francisco, thank you Gerald.
1
Seems that all those supporters of the Second Amendment really don't care to defend the First. I wonder why no one seems to have a problem with the loud guys in the beer line at the game who don't even have any idea the national anthem is being played. Ignorance takes preference over the right to protest for the "flag sticker on my SUV" crowd.
The only thing missing from this article was a description of the net wealth of all the black athletes that were referenced. They are all multi-millionaires. They are all richly (insanely?) compensated for their talent. Society owes no debt to these athletes.
Having stated that it goes without saying that Kaepernick has a right to do whatever he wants to do (i.e. non-violent protesting). However, he must - like Ali - be prepared to accept the consequences of his actions.
Having stated that it goes without saying that Kaepernick has a right to do whatever he wants to do (i.e. non-violent protesting). However, he must - like Ali - be prepared to accept the consequences of his actions.
3
Just as the author of these piece argues the CK is a real person entitled to his feelings so is everyone else including those condemning him for his actions.
3
Every day we all face the task of making choices in our lives: what we will wear, or eat or drink. Where we will go and when. And on and on. Mr. Kaepernick has made this one choice - to remain seated during the playing of the national anthem, and I see nothing wrong with doing so. As long as he is willing to accept the consequences as did Ali and many others. I would ask him what else he has done for the black community: sitting rather than standing is very easy. Has he invited poor people into his home? Or fed, clothed or housed them? Or aided them in getting a job or buying a home or a car? There is lots to be done besides sitting down........
3
The problem is not his opinion, the problem is not that he is taking a stance. It's the action he chose to make his stance that causes the problem. The flag stands for freedom, not for discrimination. The flag stands for the principle that all people are created equal, not for the individuals who hold racist beliefs. The flag stands for the principles of the nation, not the flawed implementation that some people cause.
By refusing to stand for the anthem and show respect for the flag, he disrespects the PRINCIPLES of the flag, not the faults and flaws of some of the people who live under that flag. He disrespects the members of the armed forces who ensure that his right to free speech is protected. He disrespects the hundreds of thousands who died under that flag to end slavery in the Civil War.
The flag represents not only what this country is, but what it should be. The ideas of personal liberty and legal equality. The fact that some of the people under this flag have on occasion failed to live up to these principles does not degrade the flag, rather it highlights the fact that upholding the principles for which it stands is a constant task, not a past achievement.
By refusing to stand for the anthem and show respect for the flag, he disrespects the PRINCIPLES of the flag, not the faults and flaws of some of the people who live under that flag. He disrespects the members of the armed forces who ensure that his right to free speech is protected. He disrespects the hundreds of thousands who died under that flag to end slavery in the Civil War.
The flag represents not only what this country is, but what it should be. The ideas of personal liberty and legal equality. The fact that some of the people under this flag have on occasion failed to live up to these principles does not degrade the flag, rather it highlights the fact that upholding the principles for which it stands is a constant task, not a past achievement.
1
It should be noted that standing (or not) during a national anthem is not a show of support (or not) of a country's policies or behaviors - instead, it is a show of respect for those that live there, and even a sign of respect for those attending the event. For example, in Thailand, before every movie the anthem is played (a tribute to the King), and everyone also stands for that. To not do so is a sign of disrespect to all Thais, regardless of your thoughts on the King himself or the politics of the country (which are horrendous).
This is a 1st amendment rights issue. If he doesn't want to stand and pledge or for the national anthem then that is his right. Don't mix football with the real message here. Granted, if he didn't have football he wouldn't have a national stage, but look past that. During the history of this country up to this point black Americans have endured horrible, despicable treatment and everyone seems just try to sweep it away. Well if society would do something about it we would not have these recurring action by our citizens. Wake up
2
There is no argument on whether Colin Kaepernick has a right to his opinions along with the right to express them freely. Of course. But Mr Harris's article is blinkered nonetheless. But this article is blinkered in the way it conflates the grievances of the African American community with the issue of diversity in general. San Francisco is a thriving city for Asian-Americans. And Hispanics form a sizeable chunk of the population as well and growing - together these two groups comprise close to half the population of San Francisco. A multicultural society will undergo such fluctuations and it is not evidence of some pernicious phenomenon.
2
Michael Brown was a strong arm robber who tried to grab a policeman's gun. The claim that he cried, "Hands up, don't shoot" is a lie that was disproved by African-American testimony to the grand jury. This lie, nonetheless, remains widely believed, and it is very damaging to our society. It ought not to be repeated in the media without correction.
5
When Mr. Kaepernick puts his money where his mouth is (l.e. Putting some of his considerable salary and volunteering his time ) to work with inner-city children, showing disrespect for the United States , I will understand what he is saying. Sitting alone will not make any difference except to bring him individual attention. I agree with the person who wrote that if had done something two years ago, it also would be noticed by more people. I am slightly amused at the sight of any person who makes more money than most Americans, deliberately mocking the country where they took advantage of the environment to make small or large fortunes.
6
He needs to relocate to North Korea. They will love his attitude and dislike for America.
It's not the countries fault, it's the politicians, but what do you expect from a cupcake making millions a year off the system he despises.
He needs to move into those area he critises and start making a difference with all the money he makes. or it one of those thing NIMBA
It's not the countries fault, it's the politicians, but what do you expect from a cupcake making millions a year off the system he despises.
He needs to move into those area he critises and start making a difference with all the money he makes. or it one of those thing NIMBA
2
Colin Kaepernick is no Tommie Smith. He doesn't have the brains nor the athletic ability of Dr Smith. After I heard him say that Hillary belonged in jail I turned off the TV, just like I do when he comes on the field to play QB. I can't figure out why anyone pays attention to the political opinions of entertainers and athletes anyway, no matter how well they perform on the stage or on the field
2
I'm conflicted, not about what he did but about why I disagree with it.
On the one hand, I no longer pay attention to American football because it is a horrifically violent, drug-riddled, mysoginistic activity hiding behind the word 'sport'. If Colin is so concerned about his fellow black men he should lead them all in walking away from the NFL.
On another hand, I think Colin is very fortunate to be able to lodge such a protest in a land that gives people the freedom to speak their minds. He has spoken his mind, now he needs to accept that others will as well. That's as American as it gets.
Finally, I don't think one should use one's profession as a vehicle for voicing personal opinion about subjects that are not germane to the profession. He's being paid to play 'football'. He should just get on with it, and save his personal interests for his time off the field.
On the one hand, I no longer pay attention to American football because it is a horrifically violent, drug-riddled, mysoginistic activity hiding behind the word 'sport'. If Colin is so concerned about his fellow black men he should lead them all in walking away from the NFL.
On another hand, I think Colin is very fortunate to be able to lodge such a protest in a land that gives people the freedom to speak their minds. He has spoken his mind, now he needs to accept that others will as well. That's as American as it gets.
Finally, I don't think one should use one's profession as a vehicle for voicing personal opinion about subjects that are not germane to the profession. He's being paid to play 'football'. He should just get on with it, and save his personal interests for his time off the field.
5
Kaepernick's protest is all the more profoundly meaningful because he's making it at a time when he's NOT stunning all of us with his phenom status. He's having a hard time. The outcry against him very well could help push him out as starter and deeper down in the pile of talented has-beens. That is an astonishing risk. You seldom see real courage like that, with so much on the line. Dude is my hero.
7
I do not pray, but if I was in a group setting where everyone else was in silent prayer, I would not think of browsing on my smart phone.
3
I don't agree with Mr. Kaepernick. I do not feel his approach is going to effect any change and is ALL spectacle with no substance. It is his right to protest and MY right to disagree. Changes to our society are WAY over due and changes must be made, but honestly, multi-millionaires who choose "ice bucket" challenges and pouting on the bench do not motivate me to care. If Mr Kaeprnick chooses to truly become involved, I will stand with him. If he chooses to make empty statements he can keep sitting. His 15 minutes are up.
2
Gerald Harris has done a masterful job of preying on white liberal guilt. Somehow it's the white man's fault that Colin Kaepernick refuses to stand for the National Anthem before a football game. Whites are somehow to blame because San Francisco is losing its racial and ethnic diversity.
I'm getting sick and tired of this constant need to scapegoat whites for every single racial and ethnic problem. Enough already.
I'm getting sick and tired of this constant need to scapegoat whites for every single racial and ethnic problem. Enough already.
30
So, this is very discouraging because it says that black people who even try to say something about a situation shouldn't even try because it won't matter anyway. Is this the New America of the "haves" and no "havenots?" This is a serious problem that we keep hearing about and seems to be ignored more and more in our country. It's beginning to look a lot like the 60's around here. Also this doesn't even take into consideration the Asian population of San Franscisco who are in somewhat the same position.
Ali was the greatest. Kaepernick is a second rater assuaging his ego.
2
Kaepernick has the right to stand and espouse his political beliefs without being demonized for doing so. But so does everyone else, including those who don't share his beliefs. However, one group in particular is routinely labeled racists and bigots for merely failing to be politically correct. It seems to me that everyone, including Kaepernick and his supporters, must become respectful of the fact that not everyone looks, talks and thinks like them.
1
Regardless of the racial issues and injustices which exist in our country, Colin Kaepernak should have stood for our national anthem. It is a matter of respect for our flag, our country, and our country's history, imperfect as it has been, and as a role model, he set a very poor example.
1
He certainly has the right to do this. It is counter productive however. All he is accomplishing is getting people on both sides of the issue to become more self righteous, separating the people instead of uniting them. The countries motto is E Pluribus Unum, out of many one. We are no were near that, but actions like those of Kaepernick simple drive us farther apart, making it harder to solve problems. BLM, instead of protesting against police, should be trying to work with them. Kaepernich should be working with people rather than angering them.
12
Kapernick has an absolute right not to stand during the National Anthem. And millions of others have an absolute right to find his actions disrespectful to those of all races who gave up this lives in military service to our country so Kapernick can play a game on Sunday's.
3
Third rate quarterback seeks attention. Sullies vital cause.
4
Let's be clear: the San Francisco 49er's are a business. Nothing more and nothing less. They have zero to do with patriotism or love of country. The faux patriotism that the football world spouts has nothing--nothing at all--to do with actual love of country. It's just another marketing opportunity for them.
Black celebs often learn to "play the game" and avoid provocative stances. Similarly, many female celebs go to great lengths to avoid addressing feminist causes. Note the decrease in role opportunities after Patricia Arquette spoke out during her Oscar speech.
Sometimes it's important to see someone take a strident position at great risk to their personal fame and success. We should admire and reward that.
Sometimes it's important to see someone take a strident position at great risk to their personal fame and success. We should admire and reward that.
1
The Jehovah Witnesses won't stand for the anthem either and they have a policy of just showing up late. Can't they make an accommodation for this guy and let him show up late?
It seems like this is a big distraction and a debate that is misplaced -- is a game, and fan reaction, the proper time, place, and manner for airing this political and social issue?
It seems like this is a big distraction and a debate that is misplaced -- is a game, and fan reaction, the proper time, place, and manner for airing this political and social issue?
3
He had a right to protest. The real question is can we all look in the mirror and improve our own character and behavior a little bit. Be a little more tolerant, just, fair and civil. That's the only way the country will actually change. And everyone regardless of race has to do it.
1
Millions of couch potatoes share his position.
1
Yep, be the mule for the local team, while a lot of communities suffer through gentrification, making them less diverse, and more expensive.
I'm on team Colin, because what he is saying is essentially correct. There is a whole lot of nonsense going on in these here United States Of America, and We, The People, need to get off our tails and confront it, and quilt paying attention to the gladiators on the field, most of them usually African American --except baseball, which is is not as popular with the African American community like it was from Jackie Robinson's day all the way to the era of Reggie Jackson.
I'm on team Colin, because what he is saying is essentially correct. There is a whole lot of nonsense going on in these here United States Of America, and We, The People, need to get off our tails and confront it, and quilt paying attention to the gladiators on the field, most of them usually African American --except baseball, which is is not as popular with the African American community like it was from Jackie Robinson's day all the way to the era of Reggie Jackson.
1
And yet just a week before, 24 August, this same paper reported that things for the black community weren't that bad: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/25/us/politics/donald-trump-black-voters....
I am certainly not arguing for consistency here. And, indeed, I had never heard of Mr. Kaepernick until this kerfuffle occurred. Still, his actions seem to have the ring of opportunism to them, kind of like that Missouri football team, I think it was, a team that appears itself to have vanished from view. Perhaps other than consistency, or in addition to consistency, we should strive for sustained memory? Most everything these days gets devoured into nothingness by the 24-hour news cycle.
I am certainly not arguing for consistency here. And, indeed, I had never heard of Mr. Kaepernick until this kerfuffle occurred. Still, his actions seem to have the ring of opportunism to them, kind of like that Missouri football team, I think it was, a team that appears itself to have vanished from view. Perhaps other than consistency, or in addition to consistency, we should strive for sustained memory? Most everything these days gets devoured into nothingness by the 24-hour news cycle.
1
As a military veteran of ~30 years in uniform, have literally put my life on the line multiple times to defend any American's right to free speech.
Wholeheartedly agree with Colin's message... mostly disagree with his medium. US is a huge country, lots of good, some bad, certainly the disrespect for people of color (by some!) is reprehensible... don't throw out the proverbial baby with the bath water on this.
The President, 2x SecStates, Chairman of the JCS, multiple cabinet level secretaries.... African Americans succeed at the highest levels possible in the USA... the Country! lives Dr. King's dream in so many areas. We need to work on the many places where we aren't living the dream.
Showboating disrespect to the national identity isn't the best way to improve the country.
Wholeheartedly agree with Colin's message... mostly disagree with his medium. US is a huge country, lots of good, some bad, certainly the disrespect for people of color (by some!) is reprehensible... don't throw out the proverbial baby with the bath water on this.
The President, 2x SecStates, Chairman of the JCS, multiple cabinet level secretaries.... African Americans succeed at the highest levels possible in the USA... the Country! lives Dr. King's dream in so many areas. We need to work on the many places where we aren't living the dream.
Showboating disrespect to the national identity isn't the best way to improve the country.
2
We need more people speaking out, taking part in our democracy. I commend him for sticking his neck out, even when his on-field performance is not going to insulate him from criticism.
1
And of course, once he is cut by the 49ers, the NFL owners who have no problem employing domestic abusers and a myriad of violent offenders, will never let him near a sideline again. Hardly surprising from such a principled group of owners - a club of white, male, oligarch republicans who have no problem supporting a racist, immigrant-hating sociopath for the GOP nomination (here's looking at you, Woody Johnson).
Kap is a paid performer and I am a paid performer. I don't get paid to make political statements in a concert someone else is paying for. It would be inexcusable. Kap is being paid to play football and out respect for those who pay him he should stand. He has many, many other outlets for his opinions, outlets you and I don't have. He doesn't have to use this one.
And he can't throw a pass more than 20 yards.
And he can't throw a pass more than 20 yards.
3
What he has become is Trump's poster boy of I told you so, that blacks had become rich and disrespectful of American values. So rather then helping Trump encourage more voters to his side; this little show, deemed political, might have been delayed until after election.
1
Who cares? It's Colin Kaepernick's right to protest the patently inane national anthem ritual before the beginning of an obscenely profit-making venture's workday that he's currently part of. I vehemently support his protest no matter what the reason, no matter how it looks to a person of any nationality or race, and I've always found the professional sports flag-waving ritual self-serving and grotesque. Do we national anthemize our attendance at the opera, ballets, basement fight clubs, street hot-rod races? Does everything done for our amusement have to be flag draped and ceremonialized by a ham-handed ripoff of a two-century-old British drinking song?
2
three complicating facts that would have made this piece stronger if addressed rather than ignored:
1) Colin Kaepernick is a biracial man, born out of wedlock to a white woman and an African-American man adopted and raised by white parents. He is not on speaking terms with his biological mother and apparently has never had much of a relationship with his biological father. He is apparently in a serious relationship with an African-American media personality activist on the East Coast, and has been trying to get traded to be closer to her for some time.
2) The "San Francisco 49ers" do not play in San Francisco anymore. They play 50 miles away in Santa Clara. The connection between this franchise and their former home grows more attenuated by the day.
3) Kaepernick's play has been so poor and desultory for years that he is the team's second or third string QB and is unlikely to ever see any meaningful playing time for Mr. Harris' Santa Clara team again.
1) Colin Kaepernick is a biracial man, born out of wedlock to a white woman and an African-American man adopted and raised by white parents. He is not on speaking terms with his biological mother and apparently has never had much of a relationship with his biological father. He is apparently in a serious relationship with an African-American media personality activist on the East Coast, and has been trying to get traded to be closer to her for some time.
2) The "San Francisco 49ers" do not play in San Francisco anymore. They play 50 miles away in Santa Clara. The connection between this franchise and their former home grows more attenuated by the day.
3) Kaepernick's play has been so poor and desultory for years that he is the team's second or third string QB and is unlikely to ever see any meaningful playing time for Mr. Harris' Santa Clara team again.
6
I too live in SF...been here since 1979, off/on with a few years living in SoCal. SF is the most beautiful City in the country...very diverse but Black residents are fewer and fewer and racism and corruption in the police force worse and worse. So, I still love it here...but it is very different from 1979.
I agree with Colin K...Black lives matter!! And I believe we should all join in the cry for change. I've never forgotten the horror of 20 or so years ago when a Black man was found hanging from a tree out in Concord with hands ties behind his back...but it was ruled a suicide!! Ridiculous! I've seen friends facing discrimination, police murdering Black and Hispanics men who were unarmed.
We must WORK TOGETHER to effect change...no one should have to fear the police and living in what amounts to a police state.
Be very afraid if Drumpf is elected...we'd better be packed and ready to leave, not only SF but the country.
I agree with Colin K...Black lives matter!! And I believe we should all join in the cry for change. I've never forgotten the horror of 20 or so years ago when a Black man was found hanging from a tree out in Concord with hands ties behind his back...but it was ruled a suicide!! Ridiculous! I've seen friends facing discrimination, police murdering Black and Hispanics men who were unarmed.
We must WORK TOGETHER to effect change...no one should have to fear the police and living in what amounts to a police state.
Be very afraid if Drumpf is elected...we'd better be packed and ready to leave, not only SF but the country.
"Similarly, it seems to me, the heavily white and increasingly wealthy population in San Francisco wants the shrinking black population to just move along and not make too much noise as the gentrification continues. Black people can score for their teams, but just don’t try to live next door — or expect to find a job that pays enough for you to afford to live here in the first place."
It seems to me if you are still able to afford to live in San Francisco, you have probably already done your part to squeeze out people poorer than you, black or otherwise.
San Franciscans are ridiculous. Every San Franciscan seems eager to demonize everybody else for driving up housing prices, but every single one is doing his or her part to drive up prices by being part of the ever-increasing demand.
It seems to me if you are still able to afford to live in San Francisco, you have probably already done your part to squeeze out people poorer than you, black or otherwise.
San Franciscans are ridiculous. Every San Franciscan seems eager to demonize everybody else for driving up housing prices, but every single one is doing his or her part to drive up prices by being part of the ever-increasing demand.
2
And Gerald will continue to vote for Democrats and be amazed that things don't get better for black people.
5
Here, NY Times, let's try a few more useful and accurate tag lines as pertains to Mr. Kaepernick and his situation:
" Underperforming NFL One Percenter with Bad Attitude Bites the Hand That Feeds Him"
"San Francisco, the 'Baghdad on the Pacific' and Its Millennial Citizens REALLY Hate America"
"SJW Virus Infects the Left Coast, Zika Feeling Left Out"
"Conservatives Crucifying the Message AND the Messenger"
"Black Opinion Writer and Kaepernick Parrot BLM and Black Panthers, Defying Truth AND Logic"
"White People the PROBLEM When They 'Take Flight', Also the Problem When They Come Back"
"America's Civil Rights Future Rests on Kaepernick's Posterior"
"NFL Fans to Kaepernick: 'Don't let the Door Hit You'"
"Heroic Kaepernick Donates Fortune to 'Social Justice' Causes, Goes Broke in a Week"
Are any of these helpful?
" Underperforming NFL One Percenter with Bad Attitude Bites the Hand That Feeds Him"
"San Francisco, the 'Baghdad on the Pacific' and Its Millennial Citizens REALLY Hate America"
"SJW Virus Infects the Left Coast, Zika Feeling Left Out"
"Conservatives Crucifying the Message AND the Messenger"
"Black Opinion Writer and Kaepernick Parrot BLM and Black Panthers, Defying Truth AND Logic"
"White People the PROBLEM When They 'Take Flight', Also the Problem When They Come Back"
"America's Civil Rights Future Rests on Kaepernick's Posterior"
"NFL Fans to Kaepernick: 'Don't let the Door Hit You'"
"Heroic Kaepernick Donates Fortune to 'Social Justice' Causes, Goes Broke in a Week"
Are any of these helpful?
8
Al though the cause is noble and must be acted upon, he is not is a position to impact public opinion IMO. He should concentrate on his game, because another bad season and he will be gone. He has got to prove he is a leader and stop chocking under pressure. If he does, then he might have a certain effect with his political views.
Kaepernick's stance is note- and newsworthy. Far more is how white America is reacting. That's really not news, however, just the newest version of it. We want celebrities, athletes above all, to be heroic and pure of heart -- standing tall, not sitting proud. As the U.S. continues trying to purge itself of centuries of racist values, it's painful for us whites to deal with even a few acts of simple but powerful visible protest -- especially by those paid extravagantly to "entertain" us. I can't imagine what it's like to live inside the black, brown, or red skin of someone who, daily, hourly, annually, feels threatened, anxious, pushed aside, scorned, feared, or viewed as second- or third-class. As a white male, I've been able to sit that one out. Who am I to judge someone else doing the same?
3
"My country right or wrong; when right, to keep her right; when wrong, to put her right." Carl Schurz
"Ideals are like the stars: we never reach them, but like the mariners of the sea, we chart our course by them." Carl Schurz
"Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel." Samuel Johnson
"The First Amendment was designed to allow for disruption of business as usual. It is not a quiet and subdued amendment or right." Naomi Wolf
"Ideals are like the stars: we never reach them, but like the mariners of the sea, we chart our course by them." Carl Schurz
"Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel." Samuel Johnson
"The First Amendment was designed to allow for disruption of business as usual. It is not a quiet and subdued amendment or right." Naomi Wolf
3
Professional sports, all of them, make me ill. I always go late to Middlebury Select Board meetings so I don't have to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance!
The hypocrites of our nation that jeer him for not standing for the National Anthem (which in of itself is odd that this ritual is played before GAMES) don't seem to understand that a)its a right of any and all Americans to stand or not stand that's what our Constitution is all about and b)its a song that's being played before adults play childish games and c) this is what we want, our citizens to express their beliefs and convictions.
1
Once you sign up to become a gladiator, aka professional athlete, you sold your soul. Your personal opinion and preference should not show at your workplace, just as any other profession. He could go out and protest as a citizen CK on the streets or somewhere public but not when you are in your uniform. This is a total disgrace and misrepresentation of all other Black athletes and Blacks in any other professions. Blacks might have left SF for one reason or another but not particularly due to racial tensions, I speculate. Chinese and other Asians have been historically discriminated in SF and other places in the world, as well as in the US by and large. That didn't drive them away. That made a lot of tougher and stood on their ground. CK has been on a tight spot as far as I know. So, his personal sense of persecution and disillusionment must have got something to do with his outrageous conduct. Act like a professional, if you want respect. Just do your job. You've already sold your soul for $$$. Your fans demand something in return. Ordinary Blacks or other minority fans would care less whether you are Black or White, or even Yellow. Just this kind of professional misdemeanor puts you and inadvertently your own race (esp. those in your profession) on the spot. It's not SF or USA. It's CK who is feeling insecure and mistreated, if you ask me. Life is complicated and full of irony and injustice. Keep calm and carry on. Fight racism on your own time, not during your work hours.
4
I admire anyone who stands up for what they believe in, AND if what they believe in is a furthering of the sought after "Beloved Community", which respects the life and dignity of all, which calls for equal fairness in treatment, and equal justice for all. I particularly admire those who have a platform, due to fame or fortune, and choose to use it---especially when they may have much to loose.
Black athletes are people first, and we should all be called upon to be citizens interested in and fighting for a better world, a more just world.I am a 70 year old woman, when I grew up in the Jim Crow south--none of my black relatives would stand for the National anthem or put their hands over their hearts---to do so would have been hypocrisy, a lie--a denial of the reality that THERE IS NO LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.White people who get angry when blacks say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH OF YOUR DENIAL OR RACISM" are very dangerous for a democracy, they have no compassion, empathy or understanding of the hundreds of years of oppression. THEY GET ON MY LAST NERVE.
Black athletes are people first, and we should all be called upon to be citizens interested in and fighting for a better world, a more just world.I am a 70 year old woman, when I grew up in the Jim Crow south--none of my black relatives would stand for the National anthem or put their hands over their hearts---to do so would have been hypocrisy, a lie--a denial of the reality that THERE IS NO LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.White people who get angry when blacks say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH OF YOUR DENIAL OR RACISM" are very dangerous for a democracy, they have no compassion, empathy or understanding of the hundreds of years of oppression. THEY GET ON MY LAST NERVE.
1
How much proof of Michael Brown's guilt and complete culpability in his own death has to be produced for him to stop being mentioned as some sort of martyr? As soon as I read his name, I stopped reading. I don't bother with reading paranoid rants, no matter how disguised they might be, and any mention of Brown in this context is paranoid, pure and simple.
6
I support Kaepernick, as others have done here already. That is the main thing.
Let me add a small nuance from the perspective of a long-time SF forty niners fan. Kaepernick has never been a distraction when the niners were a contending team under Jim Harbaugh. He listened and learned. He displaced an excellent NFL quarterback, Alex Smith. He lead the team to the Super Bowl one year and to the NFC championship the next year, in each case losing a team of destiny (Ravens in Ray Allen's last season; Seattle in Coach Pete Carroll's best season). He won amazing road playoff games in Green Bay and Carolina. His road playoff record is much better that of Joe Montana or Steve Young. His career only took a downward turn when York and Balke (owner and GM) began their systematic destruction of an excellent team and once proud franchise with their undermining of Coach Harbaugh and his subsequent firing. Thus, from a 49er point-of-view, Kaepernick's timing is impeccable. Right on Colin. I support you 100%. This is a step in the right direction for Kaepernick and will, I believe, improve his maturity and lead to good things.
Let me add a small nuance from the perspective of a long-time SF forty niners fan. Kaepernick has never been a distraction when the niners were a contending team under Jim Harbaugh. He listened and learned. He displaced an excellent NFL quarterback, Alex Smith. He lead the team to the Super Bowl one year and to the NFC championship the next year, in each case losing a team of destiny (Ravens in Ray Allen's last season; Seattle in Coach Pete Carroll's best season). He won amazing road playoff games in Green Bay and Carolina. His road playoff record is much better that of Joe Montana or Steve Young. His career only took a downward turn when York and Balke (owner and GM) began their systematic destruction of an excellent team and once proud franchise with their undermining of Coach Harbaugh and his subsequent firing. Thus, from a 49er point-of-view, Kaepernick's timing is impeccable. Right on Colin. I support you 100%. This is a step in the right direction for Kaepernick and will, I believe, improve his maturity and lead to good things.
1
"...who have decided to be real people with real concerns about the black community"
But he - and by extension you - are not being real.
While he was and is performing kabuki theatre and you were applauding him - this year so far over 2,902 folks were shot in Chicago and 446 of those were killed. The stats are simple and bleak - 95% of the victims were young folks of color - 92% of these were young MEN of color. In the midst of all of this carnage, there were 6 (SIX) police shootings - all justified and necessary.
Regrettably this does not seem worth 'protesting' by high profile men of color except where it is celebrated in the popular rap milieu.
Here is an idea Mr. Harris - you are concerned about your sons and your ersatz sons across America? Keep them in school - keep them out of the drug trade - stop them from fathering multiple children with multiple partners - teach them to shun thugs who would drag them down the path to nihilism.
And you want them to work in Tech in your beloved city - send them to a good engineering program so that they may be remotely qualified to work in tech. Tell them a job is not a birthright and requires - you know - work.
But he - and by extension you - are not being real.
While he was and is performing kabuki theatre and you were applauding him - this year so far over 2,902 folks were shot in Chicago and 446 of those were killed. The stats are simple and bleak - 95% of the victims were young folks of color - 92% of these were young MEN of color. In the midst of all of this carnage, there were 6 (SIX) police shootings - all justified and necessary.
Regrettably this does not seem worth 'protesting' by high profile men of color except where it is celebrated in the popular rap milieu.
Here is an idea Mr. Harris - you are concerned about your sons and your ersatz sons across America? Keep them in school - keep them out of the drug trade - stop them from fathering multiple children with multiple partners - teach them to shun thugs who would drag them down the path to nihilism.
And you want them to work in Tech in your beloved city - send them to a good engineering program so that they may be remotely qualified to work in tech. Tell them a job is not a birthright and requires - you know - work.
4
Kapernik is speaking as one person...critical of policies represented by the US flag. He is not blaming or condemning white people; he is simply expressing his opinion regarding the historic oppression of Black people and people of color. His own color and that of his wife are irrelevant. As an inner-city school teacher working in abominable conditions, I fully understand his critique and welcome the day when I can see 'liberty and justice for all' as a guiding force in our country's actions.
This ungrateful, hypocritical nincompoop, the product of a white mother who now denounces the insulting, anti-American stance her son has taken. Next, he was adopted by caring, nurturing white parents who instilled in him love of country, respect for the flag and all it symbolizes; and gave him all those white privileges that his fellow African-Americans and the atrocious BLM movement now rail against. He had everything and what did our little millionaire buttercup do? He made a disgusting, grandstanding statement by not honoring the flag of the country that gave him so much, that symbolizes all that is good and great and valorous of our imperfect America. I have no compassion for this fool.
2
As a white woman, the daugher of a veteran and often a Republican voter, I have zero problems with Colin's protest. The basis of the American idea is freedom of speech, and I defend Colin's right to say or demonstrate what's on his mind.
But I think we need to put his detractors into the context of what's currently happening in our nation's intellectual life, particularly on college campuses. Some type of angry speech is permitted, while other types are written off as "hate speech."
When we talk about why we shouldn't shut Colin down, we should talk about why we shouldn't close off other forms of discourse as well.
But I think we need to put his detractors into the context of what's currently happening in our nation's intellectual life, particularly on college campuses. Some type of angry speech is permitted, while other types are written off as "hate speech."
When we talk about why we shouldn't shut Colin down, we should talk about why we shouldn't close off other forms of discourse as well.
2
I just don't view the opinions of sports entertainers as all that relevant to the real business of running things. What Colin Kaepernicks does is a non-issue.
3
This situation is straight from the textbook for Amateur Psychiatry 101.
Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand during the national anthem is a proxy for an expression of the hurt he feels for his loss of stature in the NFL. He can't express that hurt directly, so he has chosen this other issue as his focus.
It's an important issue, and there's no harm in deflating the ridiculous, pseudo-patriotic bombast that is the NFL these days, but it wasn't a particularly maturely made decision, and it seems likely that he's just going to be that sullen guy sitting on the bench for the next few years.
I wish him well.
Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand during the national anthem is a proxy for an expression of the hurt he feels for his loss of stature in the NFL. He can't express that hurt directly, so he has chosen this other issue as his focus.
It's an important issue, and there's no harm in deflating the ridiculous, pseudo-patriotic bombast that is the NFL these days, but it wasn't a particularly maturely made decision, and it seems likely that he's just going to be that sullen guy sitting on the bench for the next few years.
I wish him well.
1
I do not salute flags, do not rise and sing anthems nor pledge allegiances. I do not speak creeds and I do not pray. I am not protesting anything, except perhaps the expectation by groups of people that my country somehow owns me, and I owe it and/or some fantastic being for having been born and raised here. I pay taxes, vote and am otherwise free. I do not accept that others had me and others like me in mind when they announce that the wars they and others fought were done to insure my safety and freedom.
Far more black men are killed by other black men than by the police. It's not even close. Please get your own house in order, or at least start by admitting there is a problem.
As for Mr. Kaepernick, such a protest when he is struggling to keep his well-paid job suggests he is hoping to pressure the team into continuing to pay his salary. He sat for the first two preseason games. No one noticed.
As for Mr. Kaepernick, such a protest when he is struggling to keep his well-paid job suggests he is hoping to pressure the team into continuing to pay his salary. He sat for the first two preseason games. No one noticed.
3
Hey Colin! Republicans buy sneakers too!
I have no problem with Kaepernick's protest. The big question is what he is going to do besides sit? Contribute money to organizations that are trying to help resolve this crisis, start a foundation to engage at risk youth, enter into dialogue with those who agree and disagree with him? That will be the real test of his convictions. You can sit during an anthem, but you have to stand up to take action.
2
So a football player making over $12,000,000 a year, who, had it not been for slavery, would be working the mines in West Africa and who, because 350,000 white Americans died fighting a war to liberate his ancestors, is bitter?
And this Mr. Harris thinks that every person with a grievance should show disrespect for the more than 1,300,000 American men who died so that hey could whine about "injustice"?
These athletes are, by and large, profoundly uneducated men who make fortunes on teams financed by white owners, whose salaries are paid by white owners, in a game invented by whites, and they are complaining about some amorphous "injustice"? So should the Italian, Greek, Lithuanian, Croatian, Chinese and other athletes whose parents -- not great great great grandparents, were ruthlessly discirminated against, refuse to stand and honor the anthem? At some point, no one stands, because if they are whiny ingrates like Harris and Kaepernick, any personal grievance is a pretext to trash their country's symbols.
And this Mr. Harris thinks that every person with a grievance should show disrespect for the more than 1,300,000 American men who died so that hey could whine about "injustice"?
These athletes are, by and large, profoundly uneducated men who make fortunes on teams financed by white owners, whose salaries are paid by white owners, in a game invented by whites, and they are complaining about some amorphous "injustice"? So should the Italian, Greek, Lithuanian, Croatian, Chinese and other athletes whose parents -- not great great great grandparents, were ruthlessly discirminated against, refuse to stand and honor the anthem? At some point, no one stands, because if they are whiny ingrates like Harris and Kaepernick, any personal grievance is a pretext to trash their country's symbols.
4
Why aren't fans outraged that the 49ers send a bill to the Pentagon every time they 'honor veterans' at their games? Every professional sports team and Division 1 NCAA team does this. Why aren't fans outraged about the false corporate patriotism for pay that is shoved in their face every time they go to a game?
2
This controversy pairs well with the article today on North Korea executing a govt official for his "disrespectful posture" during a meeting. Isn't this the same?--people enraged by K's "disrespectful posture" and hoping he loses his job or worse? Americans have so little self awareness.
30
When we don't want to face the real issues of life we hide often behind patriotism or religion. Then we attack people if they are willing to perceive an issue and take a stand by calling them unpatriotic or unreligious. All the while we refuse to confront the real issues because we cannot draw on the true spirit of patriotism or religion to solve them.
We need to face the issues and we need to solve them. Look in the mirror say it
we have serious issues and I need to look at each person around me as my neighbor and until I do I cannot hide in patriotism and I cannot hide in religion. I have to reach out in love.
We need to face the issues and we need to solve them. Look in the mirror say it
we have serious issues and I need to look at each person around me as my neighbor and until I do I cannot hide in patriotism and I cannot hide in religion. I have to reach out in love.
He has a right to protest and I have a right to not like him for it.
4
He's going to use his $12 million guaranteed pay from this season to take real action....right?
Doubt it. He's a drama queen, lacks self confidence and continues to put himself in the public eye. He is a junk quarterback with attitude who wears headphones on the sideline.
I think he should have stood, but I also agree that adhering to this silly flag-wavy nonsense we've been seeing, in the face of blatant racial and economic injustice would not be appropriate.
The rules don't require him to stand, he didn't have to. However, he continues to broadcast his insecurity and angst when he is not a relevant player. Grow up.
Doubt it. He's a drama queen, lacks self confidence and continues to put himself in the public eye. He is a junk quarterback with attitude who wears headphones on the sideline.
I think he should have stood, but I also agree that adhering to this silly flag-wavy nonsense we've been seeing, in the face of blatant racial and economic injustice would not be appropriate.
The rules don't require him to stand, he didn't have to. However, he continues to broadcast his insecurity and angst when he is not a relevant player. Grow up.
2
A week or so before the season starts Kapernick shoots his mouth off causing a distraction to his team as the media machine get whipped into a frenzy, with all the normal racial biases. Well it has nothing to do with race. Green is the only color that matters. it has everything to do with the fact he makes an enormous buck to play a kid's game. If he was driving a bus no one would care what he says.
2
A city that is getting more white??? Something wrong with that??
2
Colin Kaepernick wears the NFL franchise uniform of the San Francisco '49ers. As such he is part of the entertainment product the team and league put forward. His right to free speech is abridged when he is on the field representing the team. Off-field he is free to do as he pleases.
Were I the owner of the '49ers, I'd fire him just as I would fire an employee of J.P Morgan who signed an unauthorized editorial "Mr. Smith, J.P. Morgan".
Failure to fire Mr. Kaepernick implies the the '49ers organization supports what he did.
Were I the owner of the '49ers, I'd fire him just as I would fire an employee of J.P Morgan who signed an unauthorized editorial "Mr. Smith, J.P. Morgan".
Failure to fire Mr. Kaepernick implies the the '49ers organization supports what he did.
10
No one really cares if Kaepernick is patriotic. They just want him to act like he is. Millions of people every year stand during the national anthem, but pay no attention to it. It is a rote behavior we've been doing since we were kids. If you asked a 49ers' fan, or any American on the street for that matter, to recite the national anthem, they couldn't do it, because most don't even know the words. We see so few real, heart-felt expressions of patriotism these days that we let any half-baked, insincere attempt pass as acceptable. What Kaepernick did was refuse to play that game. He's the one who acknowledges that there is meaning and symbolism in the anthem, he's the one who was paying attention to that meaning, and he followed his conscience. Good for him.
2
You don't like this country's customs? Then LEAVE!
2
Many consider Kaepernick's NFL career a bust. In fairness, he was drafted in the 2nd, not 1st, round. If not a bust, he is a disappointment at QB and cannot hold a starting position in the league. It's apparent that his recent behavior reveals his desperation to lay the blame for his failures somewhere other than with himself.
1
Amazing how so many commenters stray so far afield. Also that they are unable to perceive their own baked in racism.
The heart of the issue is that the US national anthem contains lyrics that are clearly racist written by a documented racist.
"Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave".
So if you want to stand with hand on heart and sing the words, that is your choice. If someone objects to participating it is not your problem. Your status in American society has nothing to do with it and neither does Kaepernick's.
The lyrics are in fact repulsive, overall the song is jingoistic and militaristic in the extreme. And singing a national anthem at sporting events reeks of a foul brand of national pride many of us can do without.
The heart of the issue is that the US national anthem contains lyrics that are clearly racist written by a documented racist.
"Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave".
So if you want to stand with hand on heart and sing the words, that is your choice. If someone objects to participating it is not your problem. Your status in American society has nothing to do with it and neither does Kaepernick's.
The lyrics are in fact repulsive, overall the song is jingoistic and militaristic in the extreme. And singing a national anthem at sporting events reeks of a foul brand of national pride many of us can do without.
5
I'm an old white guy and not much of a sports fan, but I take the First Amendment of our Constitution very seriously, and so I fully support the best QB (sorry Tom and Eli) in the NFL in his poignant, powerful, symbolic protest. At a time in our nation's history when a substantial number of our citizens deem it perfectly alright for people to discriminate against LBGTQ persons, and deny women birth-control based on their deeply held religious convictions, it seems rather hypocritical to condemn Kaepernick's dignified protest which stems from his deeply held CIVIC convictions. No, I'm totally with Colin on this one. And, have a great season, my brother.
48
He did something politically incorrect - he sat down during the national anthem.
Donald Trump and his supporters celebrate political incorrectness, but I haven't heard them celebrating Mr. Kaepernick.
Donald Trump and his supporters celebrate political incorrectness, but I haven't heard them celebrating Mr. Kaepernick.
42
Another Times' Op-Ed, another reference to the "nightmares of the killing of...Michael Brown". Will writers please stop treating Michael Brown's death as an injustice? Michael Brown was not Medgar Evers, he was a criminal who caused his own death by trying to take a police officer's weapon.
There is plenty of injustice in this world, but the continued endorsement of a false narrative, and indeed, building that foundation of "injustice" on his death, only damages the legitimacy of those who would claim to be trying to bring attention to that injustice.
There is plenty of injustice in this world, but the continued endorsement of a false narrative, and indeed, building that foundation of "injustice" on his death, only damages the legitimacy of those who would claim to be trying to bring attention to that injustice.
9
I applaud Kaepernick for "standing against violence," or in his case sitting. But as a representative of the NFL, perhaps he should clean up his own house first.
2
Never heard of him until recent news, but I find Kaepernick interesting in at least three ways:
Like Barack Obama, he was born to a white mother and black father. His birth mother gave him up for adoption; father left the picture before Kaepernick was born. He was adopted/reared by a white couple. BHO has a similar story: white mother, black father; father left shortly after BHO was born, mother died at a young age, BHO reared by white grandparents. Both very successful men appear to view much of white America as racist.
Second, he appears to view deaths of Michael Brown and Tamir Rice et al as being the same. Not at all the same: the cases are vastly different, with the only similarities being skin color and manner of death.
Next, neither man speaks of murders in the streets. Chicago Tribune: " more than 400 people shot in Chicago this month. There have been at least 78 homicides, marking August as the most violent month in the city in almost 20 years, according to data provided by the Chicago Police Department.
Most interesting comment from Kaepernick: "“I mean, you have Hillary [Clinton] who’s called black teens or black kids super-predators. You have Donald Trump who’s openly racist. I mean, we have a presidential candidate who’s deleted emails and done things illegally and is a presidential candidate. That doesn’t make sense to me, because if that was any other person, you’d be in prison. So what is this country really standing for?”
Like Barack Obama, he was born to a white mother and black father. His birth mother gave him up for adoption; father left the picture before Kaepernick was born. He was adopted/reared by a white couple. BHO has a similar story: white mother, black father; father left shortly after BHO was born, mother died at a young age, BHO reared by white grandparents. Both very successful men appear to view much of white America as racist.
Second, he appears to view deaths of Michael Brown and Tamir Rice et al as being the same. Not at all the same: the cases are vastly different, with the only similarities being skin color and manner of death.
Next, neither man speaks of murders in the streets. Chicago Tribune: " more than 400 people shot in Chicago this month. There have been at least 78 homicides, marking August as the most violent month in the city in almost 20 years, according to data provided by the Chicago Police Department.
Most interesting comment from Kaepernick: "“I mean, you have Hillary [Clinton] who’s called black teens or black kids super-predators. You have Donald Trump who’s openly racist. I mean, we have a presidential candidate who’s deleted emails and done things illegally and is a presidential candidate. That doesn’t make sense to me, because if that was any other person, you’d be in prison. So what is this country really standing for?”
3
Did anyone give Tim Tebow this much grief when he exercised his right to freely express his religious faith before, during and after each game? All that kneeling and praying on the field. For shame! Why is Tebow's display of faith okay, but it's not okay for Kaepernick to quietly express his lack of faith in a country that is turning its back on him?
5
A few thoughts:
Mr. Harris - If you are willing to pay a lot of money to live in S.F.
what concern is it of ours ?
From what I have read Mr. Kaepernick is just as much "white" as he is "black"
or does the "Octoroon Law" still hold ?
Muhammed Ali was not particularly against the War in Vietnam until he
was in danger of being drafted.
Michael Brown reached for the policeman's gun and had a part in the gun going being fired and evidently charged at the policeman despite repeated warnings to stop.
The fact that the Golden State Warriors may end up playing in a new
"billion-dollar" arena does not seem to bother you.
"Black Lives" surely matter, but "Poor Folks Lives" surely matter more
than the 49'ers, or the Warriors and their new arena, but you would not
know it from your Op-Ed.
If Mr. Kaepernick really wants to help let him donate some of his millions to
the poor people in the United States.
Mr. Harris - If you are willing to pay a lot of money to live in S.F.
what concern is it of ours ?
From what I have read Mr. Kaepernick is just as much "white" as he is "black"
or does the "Octoroon Law" still hold ?
Muhammed Ali was not particularly against the War in Vietnam until he
was in danger of being drafted.
Michael Brown reached for the policeman's gun and had a part in the gun going being fired and evidently charged at the policeman despite repeated warnings to stop.
The fact that the Golden State Warriors may end up playing in a new
"billion-dollar" arena does not seem to bother you.
"Black Lives" surely matter, but "Poor Folks Lives" surely matter more
than the 49'ers, or the Warriors and their new arena, but you would not
know it from your Op-Ed.
If Mr. Kaepernick really wants to help let him donate some of his millions to
the poor people in the United States.
8
I support him, too. And me, a white 59 year old male. Tell me what I can do to help. I want it to be better. What are the steps that each and every one of us can take, each day, to fix this problem? (or at least make it better?)
4
I thought it was North Korea that mandated public displays of subservience to the government.
10
"Will jobs be offered in the booming tech sector here?"
Give me a break. I guarantee that a black, brown, etc. individuals with good Computer Science skills as well as a degree will have multiple companies knocking down the door trying to hire them. Is the author serious in asking that question?
Give me a break. I guarantee that a black, brown, etc. individuals with good Computer Science skills as well as a degree will have multiple companies knocking down the door trying to hire them. Is the author serious in asking that question?
6
The hostility to Kaepernick's choice of time and venue for the expression of his anger over the continued abuse of African Americans strikes me as short-sighted. At the time of his incarceration in Birmingham's jail, Dr. King wrote a famous letter in which he noted that critics never thought the time was right for oppressed people to protest their mistreatment. The reaction to Kaepernick's symbolic action simply confirms the validity of King's observation.
Our country locks up hundreds of thousands of African American men for the same non-violent drug crimes for which equally guilty white men rarely face punishment. Even when they leave prison, the legal restrictions placed on their lives amount to permanent exclusion from the freedom that whites take for granted. This outrageously unjust system, which destroys lives without improving public safety, would justify protests far more vigorous than anything the San Francisco quarterback is doing.
Instead of getting bent out of shape over Mr. Kaepernick's courageous action, Americans should demand that the federal and state governments dismantle the system of criminal injustice that damages the lives of so many African American men and their families.
Not that it should matter, but I happen to be classified as a white man. And I am not a fan of the 49ers.
Our country locks up hundreds of thousands of African American men for the same non-violent drug crimes for which equally guilty white men rarely face punishment. Even when they leave prison, the legal restrictions placed on their lives amount to permanent exclusion from the freedom that whites take for granted. This outrageously unjust system, which destroys lives without improving public safety, would justify protests far more vigorous than anything the San Francisco quarterback is doing.
Instead of getting bent out of shape over Mr. Kaepernick's courageous action, Americans should demand that the federal and state governments dismantle the system of criminal injustice that damages the lives of so many African American men and their families.
Not that it should matter, but I happen to be classified as a white man. And I am not a fan of the 49ers.
3
boo hoo hoo. Man up and take responsibility. Stop blaming the system. Other minorities seem to be doing just fine. Get your house in order.
5
Interesting that he can't recognize the problem in his own back yard - the continuous domestic abuse occurrences between NFL players and their spouses and girlfriends. But why do that when it's easier to create drama around yourself instead.
He appears to be a man who screams about being involved - as long as he doesn't actually have to do anything.
He appears to be a man who screams about being involved - as long as he doesn't actually have to do anything.
6
I don't understand the punchline. What, only black people are priced out of SF these days...?
5
I read criticism of Kaepernick that was something akin to "he was lucky to have been adopted by a nice white couple and experience a nice, normal childhood. Then he goes and does this." The undercurrent to this statement is "how dare he not show his gratitude to white people!"
And why is it okay for Trump to say that American isn't great. But not for Kaepernick to say it?
And why is it okay for Trump to say that American isn't great. But not for Kaepernick to say it?
7
The Pledge of Allegiance is part of the content presented by the NFL. When a team member does not participate, and further dictates what must happen in order for the player to agree to support that content, is seems to call in to question its value in being included. Since the world can't change quick enough for this player to achieve his stated goal, the only alternative is for the NFL to acquiesce and eliminate this content from the program. A single player of any ethnicity is certainly more important than the reason for the Pledge.
I support Mr. Harris and his opinions presented in this piece but it is worth noting that San Francisco is not whiter than is was in 1990. It is certainly less black and much wealthier but it is not more white. In 1990 53.6% of the city was white. Today it's 48.5%, which is down from 2000. Compared to 1990, the City has larger Asian and Latino populations. This is not in anyway to discredit his point or to say that the economics of San Francisco aren't problematic but I think details are important.
3
Is it simply race or race combined with something else that allows so many people to be outraged by the non-field actions of a sports entertainer making $20 million/year yet give a pass to a radio entertainer making $50 million/year (Rush Limbaugh) on his off-air actions ?
The NFL is no more patriotic than any other corporate cartel. Patriotism is loving and doing right by one's country, not taking the lazy way out and simply fawning over symbols. This country is an experiment founded intentionally on explicit principles, not predicated on historically assumed religion, ethnicity, language, or much of anything else. That is why we have had absurdities such as the House Un-American Activities Committee. Though European countries are suddenly struggling with questions of identity, with the exceptions of the Jews and the Roma, Poles, the French, Italians, and others know what their country is. Fights are over identities subsidiary to the national identity, usually religious or class based.
It is easy to yell at someone for not standing for the anthem. It is much, much harder and much, much more important to actually work to live up to the principles that define our common identity and purpose. Without those principles as a constant, we are not a we; we are just you and me, and you and me do not a nation make.
An aside: I wonder if the response might have been a bit different if Kaepernick played for the Oakland Raiders instead of the not-San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL is no more patriotic than any other corporate cartel. Patriotism is loving and doing right by one's country, not taking the lazy way out and simply fawning over symbols. This country is an experiment founded intentionally on explicit principles, not predicated on historically assumed religion, ethnicity, language, or much of anything else. That is why we have had absurdities such as the House Un-American Activities Committee. Though European countries are suddenly struggling with questions of identity, with the exceptions of the Jews and the Roma, Poles, the French, Italians, and others know what their country is. Fights are over identities subsidiary to the national identity, usually religious or class based.
It is easy to yell at someone for not standing for the anthem. It is much, much harder and much, much more important to actually work to live up to the principles that define our common identity and purpose. Without those principles as a constant, we are not a we; we are just you and me, and you and me do not a nation make.
An aside: I wonder if the response might have been a bit different if Kaepernick played for the Oakland Raiders instead of the not-San Francisco 49ers.
2
The improper conflation is by Kaepernick - he conflates individual (and reprehensible) violent and (in some, not all) racist acts, with the country's policies, which are Constitutionally-required race neutral (even though many political policies are slanted towards helping minorities, defying the concept of race neutrality). He can exercise his right to sit, but defying the country is counter-productive. His protest would be better served if he came out against the violence-promoting culture in some parts of the black community, targeting young black men, encouraging them to 'drop out', not assimilate, which is tearing the fabric of civilized society.
After I was discharged from the Air Force in 1969 and moved to San Francisco. It was a vibrant, multi-cultural, working man's city. I lived in the Bay Area when Jerry Rice, Roger Craig, Dwight Hicks and hs hot licks set the NFL on fire.
I went to school, for free, at SanFrancisco City College and, then, to UC Berkeley, with the help of the GI Bill. I earned a free scholarship to UC Davis School of Medicine.
San Francisco was the most unique city, the most beautiful city and the most tolerent city. It was a haven for intellectuals, free thinkers, tolerent, and social progressives. My first 49er game was at Kezar, then Candlestick were tickets, even during the niners glory seasons averaged $50. In 1980, I moved away. In 2012 I went beack to visit. It has become an adult Disneyland, a millionaire's city and an intolerent city.
Kaepernick's behavior, is at a deep level, reflective of a deeper truth about economic and judicial inequality. Yes, the reession greatly detroyed most Americans, but it had a disproportinate impact on blacks and minorities. And that impaact is profoundly excaperated by all the back men who are in prison. I was, for a short time, a medical doctor in a prison. The prisons are packed with healthy black men who can't work because they are in jail for selling a bag of weed.
As a white man, a veteran of Vietnam, I stant with Ali and Kaepernick.
Today,the average ticket price for a 49ers game in Levi's stadium is now $375. No working people wanted.
I went to school, for free, at SanFrancisco City College and, then, to UC Berkeley, with the help of the GI Bill. I earned a free scholarship to UC Davis School of Medicine.
San Francisco was the most unique city, the most beautiful city and the most tolerent city. It was a haven for intellectuals, free thinkers, tolerent, and social progressives. My first 49er game was at Kezar, then Candlestick were tickets, even during the niners glory seasons averaged $50. In 1980, I moved away. In 2012 I went beack to visit. It has become an adult Disneyland, a millionaire's city and an intolerent city.
Kaepernick's behavior, is at a deep level, reflective of a deeper truth about economic and judicial inequality. Yes, the reession greatly detroyed most Americans, but it had a disproportinate impact on blacks and minorities. And that impaact is profoundly excaperated by all the back men who are in prison. I was, for a short time, a medical doctor in a prison. The prisons are packed with healthy black men who can't work because they are in jail for selling a bag of weed.
As a white man, a veteran of Vietnam, I stant with Ali and Kaepernick.
Today,the average ticket price for a 49ers game in Levi's stadium is now $375. No working people wanted.
2
The singing of the national anthem is a rare moment of social cohesion. There is no mandatory draft or voluntary national service that could otherwise bring people together as part of a shared experience. To some extent, this ceremony is a stand-in. Yet, people bring to it their own perspective and emotions: pride in their country (despite its flaws), honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us and even at the low-end of the scale, as a commentor observed, simply providing additional time to get to his seat.
If the only thing Kaepernick does is to sit for the anthem, that seems to me to be a cheap publicity stunt to preemptively cast his seemingly inevitable trade as an act of retaliation for his political views. If, however, he "walks the walk" and has already actively involved himself in using his celebrity and fortune to make a real difference at the grassroots level, then his protest will have a true purpose. Has he, though?
If the only thing Kaepernick does is to sit for the anthem, that seems to me to be a cheap publicity stunt to preemptively cast his seemingly inevitable trade as an act of retaliation for his political views. If, however, he "walks the walk" and has already actively involved himself in using his celebrity and fortune to make a real difference at the grassroots level, then his protest will have a true purpose. Has he, though?
Why all professional athletes don't follow suit is what puzzles me. The majority of the people, other than the players, who benefit financially from sports profits are white. Wake them up. Shake them up. Make them aware of the lopsided treatment of people of color by people in positions of authority. Force them to address the issues Kaepernick is protesting. The players know they have the moral high-ground. Refuse to play, if necessary, whatever it takes to bring about the changes in attitude needed to reconcile the disparities between the treatment of white people vs. the treatment of people of color. It's the single biggest divide our country faces. Professional athletes are the ones best suited to bring about change. I say the time is now. Colin has thrown down the gauntlet. Now all the others need to join the fight.
I'm white. I'm a sports fan. And I'm with you, Colin. This is the right time to focus attention on these problems. Now. Right now. Keep it up.
I'm white. I'm a sports fan. And I'm with you, Colin. This is the right time to focus attention on these problems. Now. Right now. Keep it up.
1
If Kaepernick wants to stand, sit or do push-ups during the playing of the national anthem, that is his right as an American. Silent or loudly proclaimed, every American has the right to protest in their own way, so long as it is peaceful.
Personally, I disagree with what he's doing, only because it has allowed the focus of what he is protesting to be shifted to him personally. As an professional athlete, he has a bigger and better stage to operate from in order to make his views known. A well-crafted public address on the issues of race and racism probably would have served his purpose better.
Finally, to the matter of disrespect to the flag, etc. etc. Other commenters have noted that the national anthem is only played at sporting events but not concerts, movies or theatrical shows. In fact, most broadcasters skip the anthem in order to sell us more stuff during broadcasts of sporting events. Generally, the only time you see the anthem ceremony when watching a sporting event is when the singer is a celebrity. I don't stand up during the anthem if I see it on the TV and I'll bet none of the loudest screamers on this issue don't either.
Personally, I disagree with what he's doing, only because it has allowed the focus of what he is protesting to be shifted to him personally. As an professional athlete, he has a bigger and better stage to operate from in order to make his views known. A well-crafted public address on the issues of race and racism probably would have served his purpose better.
Finally, to the matter of disrespect to the flag, etc. etc. Other commenters have noted that the national anthem is only played at sporting events but not concerts, movies or theatrical shows. In fact, most broadcasters skip the anthem in order to sell us more stuff during broadcasts of sporting events. Generally, the only time you see the anthem ceremony when watching a sporting event is when the singer is a celebrity. I don't stand up during the anthem if I see it on the TV and I'll bet none of the loudest screamers on this issue don't either.
I gave up on the national anthem in the '80s back when the US Supreme Court upheld a state law that criminalized gay sex. Singing about the land of the free seemed like an empty gesture in a land that condoned punishing men for loving men. So I fully support Kaepernick’s gesture.
The ritual around the flag and anthem at sporting events is highly coercive and, ultimately, pointless. The only reason I stand is to avoid the opprobrium of being a heretic within this secular religion. I don't want dirty looks from those around me to spoil the event. The blessing is that, living as I do in a blue state, I can show resistance by not placing my hand over my heart without having to worry about getting my tires slashed.
Why do we even make a show of patriotism at the start of a football game? Are we worried that otherwise we might place loyalty to the team above loyalty to our nation? At a time when some Americans are wild about building walls, I say let's establish a firm separation of sport and state.
The ritual around the flag and anthem at sporting events is highly coercive and, ultimately, pointless. The only reason I stand is to avoid the opprobrium of being a heretic within this secular religion. I don't want dirty looks from those around me to spoil the event. The blessing is that, living as I do in a blue state, I can show resistance by not placing my hand over my heart without having to worry about getting my tires slashed.
Why do we even make a show of patriotism at the start of a football game? Are we worried that otherwise we might place loyalty to the team above loyalty to our nation? At a time when some Americans are wild about building walls, I say let's establish a firm separation of sport and state.
6
Our flag represents liberties and freedoms won by countless brave men that made the ultimate sacrifice. By sitting out the national anthem, Kaepernack spits in the face of all veterans. He will earn over $14 million dollars this year. He is the poster child for the opportunity that exists in this country, regardless race, creed, color, etc. While no person should ever be wrongfully murdered, especially the police, the number of black persons wrongfully killed by police, was carried out by a very small fraction of all U.S. officers. Keep in mind, how many of the police officers recently brought up on murder charges were acquitted by juries which were comprised of black members thereby proving that these charges may, in part, be primarily the result of political pressure and not the facts. However, the damage is done. All the emotions stirred up, results in rioting and destruction of entire towns and nationwide outrage that never wanes, even after acquittal. By comparison, the number of black on black murders is exponentially higher and a much bigger problem we don’t hear about. While it is hopefully possible to do a better job of rooting out racist police officers, disrespecting our veterans and disrespecting the freedoms we live under, is clearly not the solution. If Colin wants to sit, he should be benched. If he is unhappy with this country, he should leave immediately and I will personally come over to help him pack. What a disgraceful and ungrateful millionaire!!
6
It has been my perception that the standing as the singing of the National Anthem was a a way of honoring the many people who died in the struggle of protect our nation and this nation's way of life. Admittedly, our nation has a flawed history. Yet, it seems to be a mistake to blame all Americans for the improper behavior of a few. Many Americans have given generously in the past and in the present of their time, treasure, talent and lives for the good of all. Granted there is room for improvement. But, one must always remember the following admonition: "If men and women were angles what a wonderful world this would be, . . . they are nor." The reverence expressed by national anthem for those who have given their all is worth continuing. It reminds us that we can do better.
2
I would appreciate the gesture more if Mr. Kaepernick were to be an active agent of change, rather than a passive one.
He chooses to sit and wait for a solution to present itself. If he were to use his status and position as an influencer, actively agitating and campaigning for real solutions, I would find myself more sympathetic to his cause.
Of course, his (in)action has initiated a new debate, so perhaps that is all that is required of him. Others may take up the cause, and carry the ball, so to speak. But true leadership would be attempting, even in a small way, to find a solution to this morass we all find ourselves in.
He chooses to sit and wait for a solution to present itself. If he were to use his status and position as an influencer, actively agitating and campaigning for real solutions, I would find myself more sympathetic to his cause.
Of course, his (in)action has initiated a new debate, so perhaps that is all that is required of him. Others may take up the cause, and carry the ball, so to speak. But true leadership would be attempting, even in a small way, to find a solution to this morass we all find ourselves in.
1
I find it interesting that so many people talk about what the anthem represents, as if there is one, objective answer to that question. There isn't. The Confederate flag is another symbol, but it is quite clear that it means different things to different people, so I don't understand why the anthem is being treated any differently. I can't help but wonder what the native American population feels when it is played; they would certainly be justified in having a different reaction than what the majority of the population appears to have.
1
JUSTIN KAEPERNICK Echoes the past protests by black activists, as they were known, in the 70s. I think that his principled protest against unfair treatment of African Americans in the US, especially with the police violence and shootings that Blacks face. In fact, I wish that more people would protest violence that substitutes for law enforcement. San Francisco is undergoing the same sort of gentrification that is happening in all the major cities. Philly, where I live, has some real estate in center city that is astronomically expensive. I recall that 45 years ago, Society Hill, one of the most historic and exclusive areas of the city, homes were selling for a pittance. Now those same homes are worth the mid six digits if not more. One historic house, a combining of two Colonial town homes, was listed at $5 million. College tuitions have inflated to the point that I could not afford to attend today the schools I went to in the late 60s and early 70s. In November we have a chance to try to level the playing field for the 99% and get the 1% to pay its fair share. It's a start. But the ideals of the 60s of equality and freedom have not been realized. There is still much poverty and deprivation in the richest country in the world. It is time for us to seek a just society. Kaepernick's protest will help us to focus on the task of justice that many have forgotten.
While I commend Mr. Kaepernick's choice to protest, particularly where it refers to the treatment of Black people by militarized police, it would appear that this column seeks to expand that protest to include the unequal economic treatment of all working people by an economy that implicitly creates urban gentrification in cities like SF and NYC (my hometown in which I can no longer afford to reside). In that context, I doubly applaud this protest as extremely relevant to an economic system that has failed and is failing to raise people of all colors and ethnicities out of poverty, while promoting greed and increasing economic inequality. I too recognize that the country whose anthem I proudly stood for and sang as a child is no longer the same country in my advanced age.
7
Agree about Kaep, who is a stand-up guy, and agree that it's economics that is gentrifying SF. But the unsupported conclusion that the rich whites wants blacks out of SF seems to me not just unsupported but wrong. What seems to me more accurate is that many wealthy whites and wealthy blacks and wealthy asians and wealthy hispanics, etc., don't care much about the poorer citizens of SF of whatever background, and see some of them, such as homeless citizens, again of whatever background as a problem---in the sense of a bother. I think even the most callous gentrifiers would be just fine with equally "successful" black families in the neighboring zillion-dollar homes.
It's also true that there is a reduction in percentage of black population in SF. Six percent is about the average in California, so it's not exactly creating a non-black island in a more black sea. And there's a widespread inability of children raised in SF, regardless of background, to remain here because it's so expensive. That explains, say, half of the demographic decrease, the other half being explained by the continuing institutional hurdles, including "law-enforcement", that make it difficult for black people to join the gentrifiers.
Is it okay, supposing opportunity was fairer, for SF to become a city of the rich? Nobody whines about Atherton or Greenwich. I think in a free country you will get rich cities, which can be sad when certain non-rich aspects of the cities' past disappear.
It's also true that there is a reduction in percentage of black population in SF. Six percent is about the average in California, so it's not exactly creating a non-black island in a more black sea. And there's a widespread inability of children raised in SF, regardless of background, to remain here because it's so expensive. That explains, say, half of the demographic decrease, the other half being explained by the continuing institutional hurdles, including "law-enforcement", that make it difficult for black people to join the gentrifiers.
Is it okay, supposing opportunity was fairer, for SF to become a city of the rich? Nobody whines about Atherton or Greenwich. I think in a free country you will get rich cities, which can be sad when certain non-rich aspects of the cities' past disappear.
2
The end of this article is appalling: "it seems to me, the heavily white and increasingly wealthy population in San Francisco wants the shrinking black population to just move along and not make too much noise as the gentrification continues"
It takes an idiot not to see unjustly gained advantages for white people like myself. However, insinuating a racial motive is uncalled for, especially in a city/tech industry that prides itself on acceptance. It seems ugly divisiveness is happening among racist white groups, but with minorities wanting to scapegoat whites for all of societal ills.
Why don't we work on fixing actual issues together? Ensure all children from every race are raised on a more equal playing field with healthcare, nutrition, lead free areas, childcare and education. As it stands now there are huge disparities between whites and minorities. Those disparities root from familial wealth, education, and the resulting economic discrepancies - historical baggage we cannot change. It's time we stop finger pointing. We all see the problems so let's do something together. It takes more than just "the black community" and "black lives matter" protestors.
It takes an idiot not to see unjustly gained advantages for white people like myself. However, insinuating a racial motive is uncalled for, especially in a city/tech industry that prides itself on acceptance. It seems ugly divisiveness is happening among racist white groups, but with minorities wanting to scapegoat whites for all of societal ills.
Why don't we work on fixing actual issues together? Ensure all children from every race are raised on a more equal playing field with healthcare, nutrition, lead free areas, childcare and education. As it stands now there are huge disparities between whites and minorities. Those disparities root from familial wealth, education, and the resulting economic discrepancies - historical baggage we cannot change. It's time we stop finger pointing. We all see the problems so let's do something together. It takes more than just "the black community" and "black lives matter" protestors.
30
I sympathize with those who take exception to Kapernick not standing for the national anthem. It is after all a potent symbol that each of us relate to in different ways. But what is more patriotic? Adherence to the symbol, or adherence to the principles enshrined in our Bill of Rights?
The founders were clear about the value of free speech when they insisted on the Bill of Rights as a condition to passing the constitution. We so quickly forget that during WWI, when the national anthem was being played at baseball games that Kapernick's refusal to stand might have led to his arrest and even imprisonment.
Yes, during that period of pro war hysteria Americans were arrested and jailed for uttering even the mildest protests against the US entering that war. Some received lengthy jail sentences. Others were attacked by mobs on the street. In Idaho a labor organizer was lynched.
Democracy is a fragile condition. But those who oppose Kapernick's protest must realize that your voice of opposition is the same as his act of protest. They are two sides of the same coin and those that call for some action against him simply never imagine that they might become the victim of similar polices.
Kapernick has actually done all of us a favor. Whether you agree or disagree with his actions, he has initiated what should be a healthy debate about patriotism, symbols and free speech. Let a thousand flowers of free expression bloom.
The founders were clear about the value of free speech when they insisted on the Bill of Rights as a condition to passing the constitution. We so quickly forget that during WWI, when the national anthem was being played at baseball games that Kapernick's refusal to stand might have led to his arrest and even imprisonment.
Yes, during that period of pro war hysteria Americans were arrested and jailed for uttering even the mildest protests against the US entering that war. Some received lengthy jail sentences. Others were attacked by mobs on the street. In Idaho a labor organizer was lynched.
Democracy is a fragile condition. But those who oppose Kapernick's protest must realize that your voice of opposition is the same as his act of protest. They are two sides of the same coin and those that call for some action against him simply never imagine that they might become the victim of similar polices.
Kapernick has actually done all of us a favor. Whether you agree or disagree with his actions, he has initiated what should be a healthy debate about patriotism, symbols and free speech. Let a thousand flowers of free expression bloom.
55
San Francisco is an example of neoliberal ethnic cleansing. Let the market eliminate Black people, we really don't need the state or some rightist cabal to do the dirty work. The anthem that Kapernick protested simply papers over the state-sanctioned destruction of the Black community with a sickly-sweet potion of patriotism. He should be applauded for his stance.
32
What you say Virgil is interesting. Can you provide some data in your assertion that the state is sanctioning the destruction of the black community? I'm not disputing, just trying to understand the factual basis for your assertion. Thanks
I find Alarming that he refused to stand for our National Anthem. He basically accused the nation not the government of oppression. All of this while married to a Caucasian woman and making Millions of dollars. I was told by a Black college professor, That while he attended college most of his so called friends abandoned him. Saying he wanted to be white. Calling him Big O for Oreo. He stated Blacks are their Own Worst Ememy and they fuel 90% of the racism we have today. The opportunities are there but they don't want them. Maybe Kaepernick should try to Educate people that anything is possible if you work for it.
26
Instead of criticizing his stand because he can somehow financially afford it, or doesn't suffer as other blacks, I applaud him precisely for not losing the conviction of his morals with success; it is also because he has a platform that his stand can be heard - whether others like it or not. The poor are powerless and have no voice in the first place.
144
Not only that, but the poor are far too busy with the daily necessities of life. Why should the task of awakening the masses fall on the shoulders of the poor? They are already saddled with figuring out how to fill the gas tanks in their cars and put food on their tables in the rat-race of sometimes multiple jobs. All while trying to avoid the dreaded traffic stop.
So point well made. It is precisely those with the luxury to do so who should take a stand. I applaud Kaepernick for doing it. I think he's very courageous.
One thing I think this "incident" illustrates is the double bind our society puts on black men. On the one hand we label them as irresponsible thugs and give all sorts of advice on how to live their lives. Then when an actual successful black man does something responsible - makes a public statement of his conscience - we vilify him for it. Don't be mistaken, either. It would make no difference how good a player he is. Ali was at the pinnacle of his career when he refused the draft and white America was unforgiving.
So point well made. It is precisely those with the luxury to do so who should take a stand. I applaud Kaepernick for doing it. I think he's very courageous.
One thing I think this "incident" illustrates is the double bind our society puts on black men. On the one hand we label them as irresponsible thugs and give all sorts of advice on how to live their lives. Then when an actual successful black man does something responsible - makes a public statement of his conscience - we vilify him for it. Don't be mistaken, either. It would make no difference how good a player he is. Ali was at the pinnacle of his career when he refused the draft and white America was unforgiving.
1
I am enormously proud of this young man. I will not second guess his motives regarding his athletic abilities or presume what might be his understanding of his future with the team. I only know that he has risked all of that by protesting, in uniform, to bring attention to the continued oppression of black people in America. He refuses to stand for the National Anthem, that racist-laden ditty that my parents would routinely mock as I was growing up by saying, "Yeah, free white folks and brave Negroes." Kaep also stands on wide shoulders that include both Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali. Like Gerald Harris, I do not understand why his protest makes so many white people angry. The ultimate act of patriotism, as Baldwin said once, is to exercise the freedom to tell our government that it is wrong. Carry on, Kaep!
131
Muhammad Ali????! Are you serious?
Kaep is a terrible player, unlike these other figures. He is irrelevant. If it wasn't for Gravity he wouldn't hit the ground, and if there is he will throw an interception.
What most of the Northeastern commentariat thinks this is great, those of us here in the SF Bay Area know that this is just another ploy by CK to get attention.
I bet none of his guaranteed 12 million will go towards fixing anything. He constantly refuses to put his money
Kaep is a terrible player, unlike these other figures. He is irrelevant. If it wasn't for Gravity he wouldn't hit the ground, and if there is he will throw an interception.
What most of the Northeastern commentariat thinks this is great, those of us here in the SF Bay Area know that this is just another ploy by CK to get attention.
I bet none of his guaranteed 12 million will go towards fixing anything. He constantly refuses to put his money
1
You are mixing him up with people of merit. Kap is a fool, and you are being played.
Racist probably not. Militarist probably so. Interesting though that the lines
"O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"
ask whether the people are free and brave and rather than whether the banner still waves. Judgement is still out.
"O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"
ask whether the people are free and brave and rather than whether the banner still waves. Judgement is still out.
When the police stop me for a vehicular violation or any reason, I am respectful, courteous and attentive. So are most citizens in these United States and around the world.
Why do African Americans see police in a confrontational way?
Why a large percentage of African Americans children are fatherless? Why are they not led toward educational pursuits and instead turn into drugs, guns and other crime?
Statistics are overwhelming on the criminal behavior of African Americans versus any other ethnicity?
It is high time that the African Americans look within their community and stop the hemorrhaging and deprivation to a better life.
To continue blaming our law enforcement or the system will only perpetuate the "inequality" that is being professed.
It is high time that the African Americans learn to respect our society and our laws. They need to behave like all citizens and get off complaining and
blaming AMERICA for their demise, which is is self inflicted.
Kostas
Why do African Americans see police in a confrontational way?
Why a large percentage of African Americans children are fatherless? Why are they not led toward educational pursuits and instead turn into drugs, guns and other crime?
Statistics are overwhelming on the criminal behavior of African Americans versus any other ethnicity?
It is high time that the African Americans look within their community and stop the hemorrhaging and deprivation to a better life.
To continue blaming our law enforcement or the system will only perpetuate the "inequality" that is being professed.
It is high time that the African Americans learn to respect our society and our laws. They need to behave like all citizens and get off complaining and
blaming AMERICA for their demise, which is is self inflicted.
Kostas
26
Were you born a racist or were you indoctrinated?....Didn't you watch any of the footage where police would sic German Shepard dogs on blacks, or turn on the water hoses?....That mentality is reasserting itself in society....protest is the voice of the powerless.
1
Most of their equality is due how they see the law as it applies to them. The entire theory and practice of law enforcement makes no sense to them.
1
@Kostas Miliotis
Your comments expose a stunning level of ignorance. Ignorance leads to fear. Fear leads to hate.
Thanks for being honest. Makes it easier to identify the racists in our midst rather than having to guess.
Your comments expose a stunning level of ignorance. Ignorance leads to fear. Fear leads to hate.
Thanks for being honest. Makes it easier to identify the racists in our midst rather than having to guess.
1
It doesn't matter that Kap is black or white. If he were white I would still say that his choice of how to deal with what he sees as the problem is the wrong way to go. Kap is washed up anyway. I wonder if NYT is going to comment on his Hillary statements.
15
How can we claim to be the "...land of the free, and the home of the brave?" (Yes, there is a question mark at the end of that phrase." Shouldn't a free person be entitled to decide for themselves whether they wish to stand, or not. Likewise, he would be saving himself a lot of aggravation by just standing. But, isn't he the brave one for just not standing for an Anthem, which he does not respect.
Surely, the thought police must have better things to focus on.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Surely, the thought police must have better things to focus on.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
13
Okay, Mr. Kaepernick has the attention or ire of fans and athletes alike, now what? Will he continue to sit during the national anthem until no unarmed African Americans are killed by police or will he start to sit out of games in protest or quit the NFL altogether to further demonstrate his commitment to this casue? While I entirely support Mr. Kaepernick's outrage and share his despair over the current state of things, I'm not sure I totally agree with his methodology here which some might rightfully brand grandstanding. As someone with enormous financial wealth and security for life that most of us of any skin color will never amass and a rock star following reserved for a precious few elite athletes, Mr. Kaepernick's privileged life is nothing remotely like the lives of those for whom he protests. As a follow up to his public protest before the most recent NFL game, I hope he will now leverage his celebrity status to personally address law enforcement departments and inner city African American families to inspire a dialogue and create workable solutions. It would also be nice to see him and other wealthy athletes of any skin color invest their own money in poor communities.
13
.....Wait, did you just say 'grand standing'? He actually remained sitting. This lone act was enough to infuriate those who willfully turn a blind eye to oppression.
So about that Flag, honorered with our Anthem:
It was at the lead section of EVERY March led by Martin Luther King Jr., Every one. Check it out.
It was the Flag leading all of those who fought to free black Americans from slavery.
In particular, black Union Troops in the Famous 54th of Massachusetts charge it up the hill in an attempt to take "Battery Wager" near Charleston.
Many other black Union soldier fought behind the flag.
It is the flag that accompanied my father-in-Law when he help to free Buchenwald prison camp in Germany and My that accompanied my own father landing on Guadalcanal.
Yes, it has often been use for cheap patriotism, and the nation it represent has been and is far, far short of perfection, but it represents the best of of us. Including the right to protest.
I would not shun or cast you out but suggest you find another way to protest.
Wear something that says black lives matter? There are lots of possibilities.
It was at the lead section of EVERY March led by Martin Luther King Jr., Every one. Check it out.
It was the Flag leading all of those who fought to free black Americans from slavery.
In particular, black Union Troops in the Famous 54th of Massachusetts charge it up the hill in an attempt to take "Battery Wager" near Charleston.
Many other black Union soldier fought behind the flag.
It is the flag that accompanied my father-in-Law when he help to free Buchenwald prison camp in Germany and My that accompanied my own father landing on Guadalcanal.
Yes, it has often been use for cheap patriotism, and the nation it represent has been and is far, far short of perfection, but it represents the best of of us. Including the right to protest.
I would not shun or cast you out but suggest you find another way to protest.
Wear something that says black lives matter? There are lots of possibilities.
14
Oh come on. Don't confuse sacrifice with egomania.
If Tom Brady refused to stand for the National Anthem because he was protesting America's treatment of his Brazilian wife, he would get exactly the same treatment.
Martin Luther King Jr. got himself killed for supporting the rights of sanitation workers to strike. This guy sat on the bench in an NFL game and made himself into a spectacle - is he going to contribute half of his $114 million salary to Black Lives Matter?
And by the way, Mr. Kaeperneck lives in a $2.7 million house in a town where only 3.2% of the population is African-American.
If Tom Brady refused to stand for the National Anthem because he was protesting America's treatment of his Brazilian wife, he would get exactly the same treatment.
Martin Luther King Jr. got himself killed for supporting the rights of sanitation workers to strike. This guy sat on the bench in an NFL game and made himself into a spectacle - is he going to contribute half of his $114 million salary to Black Lives Matter?
And by the way, Mr. Kaeperneck lives in a $2.7 million house in a town where only 3.2% of the population is African-American.
17
I can recall the moment after winning a gold medal during the 1984 Olympics, when Carl Lewis cloaked himself in the American flag running his victory lap. I was an immigrant teenager from the middle east and watching Carl Lewis's gesture emboldened me to also embrace the flag. The flag, it was also for me, I assumed. I asked my parents if our family could fly the American Flag on our suburban home. They agreed and up it awkwardly went.
Years later as a young adult, I questioned the role of the flag in our society. At times, our rainbow diversity, seems impossible and sometimes painful unproductive. In the absence of a common religion or race, the flag functions as a proxy of a monoculture that comforts many Americans. Any public gesture of subversion towards the flag (defacement, burning or disrespect) has historically been met with near universal condemnation. The flag is the banner around which we attempt to unite.
Years later as a young adult, I questioned the role of the flag in our society. At times, our rainbow diversity, seems impossible and sometimes painful unproductive. In the absence of a common religion or race, the flag functions as a proxy of a monoculture that comforts many Americans. Any public gesture of subversion towards the flag (defacement, burning or disrespect) has historically been met with near universal condemnation. The flag is the banner around which we attempt to unite.
44
We're ensnared in a useless debate because the morality and existence of racism itself is still debatable according to racists who somehow still manage to have political representation for their disbeliefs. Meanwhile, anyone disgusted by the disbelief party is de factoed into the Democratic Party and must live or die with only one acceptable representative every presidential election. It's pathetic that Kaepernick even has a dilemma standing up during our national anthem but it has nothing to do with him. It's our failure that's disgusting and it's the continued refusal of the Republican Party to seriously address the plight of oppressed ethnic minorities that is our bile rotting in the sun.
8
Yes, his politics are correct but what Kaepernick is doing is divisive. It's not bringing people together to solve what many already understand are serious problems. Why not give $1 million to programs that work with collaboration and cooperation between the police departments and the communities, something that actually might make a difference. Then we would have a positive story about possible resolutions; instead the story is about Colin Kaepernick.
11
"Yes, his politics are correct but what Kaepernick is doing is divisive. "
You say that like it matters.
You say that like it matters.
"As an African American father of two sons...in San Francisco, I fear for their lives..." Then it's a good thing you don't live in Chicago, isn't it? Then you might have something to really be afraid of.
22
It appears that Mr. Harris is suggesting that African-Americans are subjected to hostility from the public when they express their political or social positions. He must have forgotten about comments directed at the Dixie Chicks. Which comment is worse... "You just go out there and play...." or "shut up and sing"? The level of hostility directed towards Colin Kaepernick doesn't compare to what the Dixie Chicks had endure.
11
"Will jobs be offered in the booming tech sector here?"
Well, why does Kaepernick have a high-paying job in the NFL? Was he just 'offered' the job because he was a nice guy?
The truth is, that Silicon Valley and the tech sector, just like the NFL, is highly competitive. You have to be the best, and be willing to compete against brilliant people who are willing to work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get the job.
Blacks understand this is how athletics work. You're not good enough, you can't make the plays, you'll be cut by the team. Coaches are not looking for diversity, they don't want to have 4 white guys, 3 black guys, and 2 Asians - they want to have a team that can win, let the chips fall where they may. The NBA has no problem with teams that are 100% black, if that's what it takes to win.
The same thing is true in business. These highly competitive businesses want the best employees they can get so they can beat the other companies there. You want to work there? You'd better start studying when you're a little kid, spending all you time learning to program, write, and think. There are plenty of young black guys who have no problem spending all their time working out and practicing sports. Well, if you want to be in the tech elite, you have to do pretty much the same thing, only in a different area of endeavor.
Well, why does Kaepernick have a high-paying job in the NFL? Was he just 'offered' the job because he was a nice guy?
The truth is, that Silicon Valley and the tech sector, just like the NFL, is highly competitive. You have to be the best, and be willing to compete against brilliant people who are willing to work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get the job.
Blacks understand this is how athletics work. You're not good enough, you can't make the plays, you'll be cut by the team. Coaches are not looking for diversity, they don't want to have 4 white guys, 3 black guys, and 2 Asians - they want to have a team that can win, let the chips fall where they may. The NBA has no problem with teams that are 100% black, if that's what it takes to win.
The same thing is true in business. These highly competitive businesses want the best employees they can get so they can beat the other companies there. You want to work there? You'd better start studying when you're a little kid, spending all you time learning to program, write, and think. There are plenty of young black guys who have no problem spending all their time working out and practicing sports. Well, if you want to be in the tech elite, you have to do pretty much the same thing, only in a different area of endeavor.
18
Really, Jonathan. You make it appear that all African Americans kids begin on an equal playing field with all white kids. Not true! Just compare textbooks (if they have them), facilities, and the teaching force in schools that serve majority African Americans with schools that serve majority white populations. What you find is a shocking apartheid of opportunity.
1
Clearly Kaepernick isn't patriotic. I mean, after all, he doesn't stand up when the anthem is played at the start of a tennis match, or at the start of a golf tournament, or a concert, or a movie, or a marathon run, or at the start of the second game of a baseball double-header, or ... well, you get the idea.
What's up with playing the anthem at certain sporting events? Are only those sports considered patriotic? More to the point, the anthem itself ends with the words "the land of the free..." So anyone who doesn't want to stand is free to do so. Keep it up, Mr. Kaepernick, you are greatly admired.
What's up with playing the anthem at certain sporting events? Are only those sports considered patriotic? More to the point, the anthem itself ends with the words "the land of the free..." So anyone who doesn't want to stand is free to do so. Keep it up, Mr. Kaepernick, you are greatly admired.
76
Your statement makes very little sense. None of these are team sports. Golf would require you to play the anthem many times as players tee off at different times, and the same with tennis. You may also find that the sports where this is generally done were invented in the United States Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Soccer has taken it as part of its own also, but that is more likely because they are following a tradition of team sports.
As for his ability to do it, He as every right to not stand. We as fans have every right to disagree with him and express are opinions. Oh, and as to date, I have not heard one coherent reason from him as to why he is doing it. The same old cops target blacks. Blacks don't have equal opportunity stuff, but nothing to back it up. A judge saying something isn't proof. and if you think it is, then think how absurd you look when you are forced to agree that the judge who let the rapist off who raped a pass out girl was right. Sorry judges have opinions and they aren't always right.
As for his ability to do it, He as every right to not stand. We as fans have every right to disagree with him and express are opinions. Oh, and as to date, I have not heard one coherent reason from him as to why he is doing it. The same old cops target blacks. Blacks don't have equal opportunity stuff, but nothing to back it up. A judge saying something isn't proof. and if you think it is, then think how absurd you look when you are forced to agree that the judge who let the rapist off who raped a pass out girl was right. Sorry judges have opinions and they aren't always right.
The NFL has the right to issue rules to its players through their collective bargaining agreement. Players HAVE the option to stay in the dressing room until after the anthem should they choose.
However, this man is free to speak his mind, and apparently will vote Trump. He Tweeted that Hillary would already be in prison were she anyone else.
That takes independence.
However, this man is free to speak his mind, and apparently will vote Trump. He Tweeted that Hillary would already be in prison were she anyone else.
That takes independence.
1
Entitled to freely and peacefully protest? Yes. Admired? No.
1
Folks such as Trump and Colin are useful to ferret out and characterize certain types of individuals:
Any one who is a supporter of Trump is ignorant and a chump.
Any one who questions Colin's patriotism is NOT a patriot.
The US had slavery up until 150 years ago, had Jim Crow up until 50 years ago. Now (today, can you believe it) we have a candidate of a major political party that launched an expensive sustained idiotic media 'birther' campaign against a sitting black president. This campaign was not challenged in any way by this political party or the idiotic media outlet that supported it.
I'm with Colin on this one.
Any one who is a supporter of Trump is ignorant and a chump.
Any one who questions Colin's patriotism is NOT a patriot.
The US had slavery up until 150 years ago, had Jim Crow up until 50 years ago. Now (today, can you believe it) we have a candidate of a major political party that launched an expensive sustained idiotic media 'birther' campaign against a sitting black president. This campaign was not challenged in any way by this political party or the idiotic media outlet that supported it.
I'm with Colin on this one.
41
As an African- American, I love my country......even when I know parts of it doesn't love me back. i love it because it's the only home I know, even if there has been systematic and institutional racism that prevented generations from fully assimilating like the other former Hyphenated-Americans (Italian-American, German-American, etc.).
I love it despite the fact that my Grandfather, a WWII vet wasn't able to take advantage of the generous GI Bill after he fought for his country.....unlike millions of other Anericans, who were catapulted into middle-class and higher.
I love it enough to protest when I see it being unjust. And I love it enough because it's principles established in the constitution allows Black Athletes to speak up, speak out and SIT DOWN during the national anthem.
I love it despite the fact that my Grandfather, a WWII vet wasn't able to take advantage of the generous GI Bill after he fought for his country.....unlike millions of other Anericans, who were catapulted into middle-class and higher.
I love it enough to protest when I see it being unjust. And I love it enough because it's principles established in the constitution allows Black Athletes to speak up, speak out and SIT DOWN during the national anthem.
360
Though he has a right to protest in whichever way he deems correct, the act of sitting down during the national anthem, which I believe represents more of the sacrifice given by so many to keep this land free rather than anything else, I think is insulting to those men/women. The other issue, which I believe people have with this, is the fact that he never said anything nor protested in any way the acts of violence some of his NFL teammates had against women. If he is going to protest against race relations, he should protest against domestic violence. One is not better nor should be more acceptable than the other.
20
By definition, a protest action violates some accepted norm, otherwise it is not a protest action. When it is done for a valid cause, in a disciplined manner, that harms only the accepted norm and does neither physical nor emotional harm, such protest action should be applauded, not derided.
I, for one, would be delighted if there were more such disciplined protests to call attention to aspects of our civics that need improvement, rather the the riots that frequently ensue.
I, for one, would be delighted if there were more such disciplined protests to call attention to aspects of our civics that need improvement, rather the the riots that frequently ensue.
if you want to protest against domestic violence the I think you should. why would you think another man needs to protest in the way you deem appropriate?
Yes 6 years after he stood lol.
To the author:
Michael Brown was a thug who robbed a convenience store and attacked a police officer, intending to kill him. The lies that BLM is telling about this have been destroyed for the punishable falsehoods that they are. Yet you continue to vent them.
Using Michael Brown to justify your outrage is vile. Using Michael Brown to justify your appreciation of Colin Kaepernick's behavior is childish.
Conscientious Objectors can and do exist - they served in this country's military even though its war in Vietnam was a senseless waste.
Colin Kaepernick, if he was true to his stated beliefs, would renounce the NFL entirely. Instead, he delivers a childish performance, because he cannot abide without his paycheck, lackluster player that he currently is. He disrespects the NFL, and the country - which he is entitled to do, as an American protected by the First Amendment. Yet still he disgraces the 49ers, he insults their fans, and he demeans the country that has given him a multi-million dollar salary.
If he had the courage, or the truth, of his convictions, he would resign. Yet he does not. And you cheer him on.
This is disgraceful, disgusting, journalism. How many dollars more do you earn on Kaepernick's coattails?
Michael Brown was a thug who robbed a convenience store and attacked a police officer, intending to kill him. The lies that BLM is telling about this have been destroyed for the punishable falsehoods that they are. Yet you continue to vent them.
Using Michael Brown to justify your outrage is vile. Using Michael Brown to justify your appreciation of Colin Kaepernick's behavior is childish.
Conscientious Objectors can and do exist - they served in this country's military even though its war in Vietnam was a senseless waste.
Colin Kaepernick, if he was true to his stated beliefs, would renounce the NFL entirely. Instead, he delivers a childish performance, because he cannot abide without his paycheck, lackluster player that he currently is. He disrespects the NFL, and the country - which he is entitled to do, as an American protected by the First Amendment. Yet still he disgraces the 49ers, he insults their fans, and he demeans the country that has given him a multi-million dollar salary.
If he had the courage, or the truth, of his convictions, he would resign. Yet he does not. And you cheer him on.
This is disgraceful, disgusting, journalism. How many dollars more do you earn on Kaepernick's coattails?
62
I agree with you about the thug, Michael Brown, however I disagree with the shoot to kill action of the P.O. It was excessive force. I don't understand why, faced with a threat, P.O.s don't shoot to wound simply to stop an assault. At some point in his life, Brown could have turned a corner and become an asset to the community. Now we will never know.
I disagree with you, however, KarlosTJ, that the article is disgusting journalism. Its simply his opinion, from a perspective which we should listen to, even if we disagree. That is what the 1st A. is all about.
I disagree with you, however, KarlosTJ, that the article is disgusting journalism. Its simply his opinion, from a perspective which we should listen to, even if we disagree. That is what the 1st A. is all about.
The cop who shot the unarmed Michael Brown said Brown was as strong as Hulk Hogan, yet he got out of his police car and followed the unarmed teenager 50 yards---half a football field---and fired 12 shots, striking him 6 times, 3 in the head. That's outright murder, and anyone who believes differently is either a racist or someone who spends his time rationalizing police brutality.
Cherry picking Michael Brown to support your argument is lame. Exaggerating the facts to portray him as a would be cop killer is disgraceful, and disgusting.
Well, isn't he special, wearing his social righteousness on his sleeve and displaying his smugness for the country.
A true San Franciscan.
A true San Franciscan.
53
Accuweather just pinged me with a "smug" warning. Stay indoors!
My initial reaction was that Kaepernick's decision was not a big deal. Compared to the great political protests by black athletes, compared even to some of the provocative t-shirts worn by NBA stars, this seemed to be a pretty innocuous matter. In particular, because the issues Kaepernick raises have temporarily quieted, the timing struck me as non-provocative. Good for you Colin, I thought, let's move on.
But I missed two important issues. While the anthem for me is a little extra time to get to my seat, for many it's a big deal. So much so that if you forget to take your hat off, some stranger will always set you straight. There is an anthem enforcement crowd out there that views forgetfulness as consorting with the enemy. And they take their mission very seriously. For these folks Kaepernick's protest is a big deal. In fact, it's a crisis for the anthem enforcement crowd.
Another reason this protest is bigger than it seems is that it challenges all the players and all the fans to decide which side they are on. This week, at least, the anthem will be a decision. I plan to get to the game in time because there may well be a showdown between the enforcers and the slackers. And if this gets out of hand, the stadium might have to offer a free beer to everyone. It's the one ting that will get all football fans to agree.
But I missed two important issues. While the anthem for me is a little extra time to get to my seat, for many it's a big deal. So much so that if you forget to take your hat off, some stranger will always set you straight. There is an anthem enforcement crowd out there that views forgetfulness as consorting with the enemy. And they take their mission very seriously. For these folks Kaepernick's protest is a big deal. In fact, it's a crisis for the anthem enforcement crowd.
Another reason this protest is bigger than it seems is that it challenges all the players and all the fans to decide which side they are on. This week, at least, the anthem will be a decision. I plan to get to the game in time because there may well be a showdown between the enforcers and the slackers. And if this gets out of hand, the stadium might have to offer a free beer to everyone. It's the one ting that will get all football fans to agree.
14
While I am agnostic on the method of protest, I fully support his right to express his views. However the author goes too far when he attempts to relate this to gentrification in San Francisco. A simple point of fact: the 49ers practice and play in Santa Clara having fled from San Francisco several years ago.
23
Standing up during the anthym deos not make you a patriot, nor does sitting down make you a savior or hero of the oppressed. Let's see what he actually does to help those in need, what he does to help bring opposing agendas together. Has he visited any VA hospitals to meet the real defenders of freedom, has he visited any prisons to meet or help those who are being opprssed, has he started a foundation or school to help those less fortunate than he? Maybe he will do great things-I hope so.
55
In the 1960's, this was considered cool when the hippies sat through the Anthem. Oh ... right ... they were white so it didn't offend people as much.
29
As someone who did strategic protests back then, I can assure you that most of us shied away from actions that involved what could be seen as dissing national symbols, particularly the flag or the anthem because they were very counterproductive. There were many people who were very offended by the few who did that.
But the subject of our protests was very different. It was a specific war which really could have been stopped rather easily and finally was. ("How can we bring the troops home?" Our answer, "In ships.") What Colin Kaepernick is protesting is embedded in the very fabric of US society. His very public position during the playing of the war mongering tune gave him an opportunity to demonstrate - in every sense of the word - his discomfort with the way things are for people such as himself, my biracial husband and other people of color in this country. He is trying to contribute to the long slog towards equality in fact. His action wasn't meant to make people feel comfortable.
But the subject of our protests was very different. It was a specific war which really could have been stopped rather easily and finally was. ("How can we bring the troops home?" Our answer, "In ships.") What Colin Kaepernick is protesting is embedded in the very fabric of US society. His very public position during the playing of the war mongering tune gave him an opportunity to demonstrate - in every sense of the word - his discomfort with the way things are for people such as himself, my biracial husband and other people of color in this country. He is trying to contribute to the long slog towards equality in fact. His action wasn't meant to make people feel comfortable.
Not quite. 1960s: Remember the "hard-hats" (99% white) and the beating they gave anti-war protesters (mostly white, middle-class kids) in NYC? How about the Chicago riots during the '68 Dem. Convention? The cops and protesters were again both, by heavy margins, white. Remember even the song "Oakie From Muskogee?" when Haggard sang about the sandals that the "hippies in SF wear" - the Oakies and the Hippies he conjured up were all white. Much of the country (the Silent Majority) didn't think the Hippies or their view of the flag was "cool" at all.
Excuse me...it offended people a lot. Still does apparently. That was the whole point, wasn't it?
I don't recall Ali, despite his courageous stand against the war, EVER disrespecting his country. John Carlos and Tommy Smith raised their gloved fists on the podium in Mexico City- they didn't sit down.
An NFL quarterback, like anyone else, is entitled to his opinion and free to stand or not. As long as he's willing to accept the consequences, whatever they turn out to be. Most of the anti-war protesters in the sixties lost nothing for their stand against the war. Ali, on the other hand, understood that his actions would cost him plenty and did so anyway. That's part of what made his actions heroic.
That said, please spare me the crying jag about blacks being forced out of The City. As a former resident, I miss San Francisco and agree that the character of the city is changing- not necessarily for the better- with the influx of tech money. That's evidence of real estate market forces at work, not systemic racism.
I don't recall Ali, despite his courageous stand against the war, EVER disrespecting his country. John Carlos and Tommy Smith raised their gloved fists on the podium in Mexico City- they didn't sit down.
An NFL quarterback, like anyone else, is entitled to his opinion and free to stand or not. As long as he's willing to accept the consequences, whatever they turn out to be. Most of the anti-war protesters in the sixties lost nothing for their stand against the war. Ali, on the other hand, understood that his actions would cost him plenty and did so anyway. That's part of what made his actions heroic.
That said, please spare me the crying jag about blacks being forced out of The City. As a former resident, I miss San Francisco and agree that the character of the city is changing- not necessarily for the better- with the influx of tech money. That's evidence of real estate market forces at work, not systemic racism.
It's fine that Kaepernick is using his status and celebrity as a star player to bring attention to a national issue, but the irony is just too steep for him to protest the inequality of blacks in America as someone who makes $20 million a year.
31
maybe he should spread that 20 mil around and help a lot of black kids go to school.
FDR was very wealthy by Depression standards when he created starvation-ending social programs. There's no corillary. The football player is using his public platform to raise awareness of the "irony" of the nation's core ideals and the reality for many black Americans. His wealth has nothing to do with it. The ironies abound, rather, in our national mythologies.
He's protesting discriminatory policing mainly, and that can happen to him just as much as any other black American man. The fact that the rest of his family is lily white likely makes this difference particularly glaring to him.
Forced, collective pseudo patriotism is meaningless. Sort of like forcing elementary school to recite the pledge of allegiance. Bravo to Mr. Kaepernick for standing up by sitting down.
23
I think that "He has the right to do it" is different from "I support him." I think America started declining when we forgot the difference.
Someone comes to dinner at your house. He wants to pick his nose. Well, he has the right to do it - it is after all his nose. But are we going to say, "I support him"? Having a right to do something is one thing, and being supported and being applauded is different.
A nation can endure only when most of the people obey most of the laws most of the time. Rebellion is sometimes justified as in the Boston tea party, or in Gandhi's salt march, both of which were deliberate violations of the law.
But they were done with a lot of thought and for a strong reason.
Did Kaepernick have a right not to get up when he did not want to? Sure. But we are fools if we applaud him because tearing the social fabric is not such a wise move.
Jesus said, "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's." He did not say, "Do it if you feel like it and don't do it if you don't feel like it."
The philosopher Donald Davidson said and rightly so that language works only because most of the people speak the truth most of the time. If we lie whenever we feel like it then there could be no communication.
And the same for society.
Rebellion has its value, but it needs to be used in moderation.
Someone comes to dinner at your house. He wants to pick his nose. Well, he has the right to do it - it is after all his nose. But are we going to say, "I support him"? Having a right to do something is one thing, and being supported and being applauded is different.
A nation can endure only when most of the people obey most of the laws most of the time. Rebellion is sometimes justified as in the Boston tea party, or in Gandhi's salt march, both of which were deliberate violations of the law.
But they were done with a lot of thought and for a strong reason.
Did Kaepernick have a right not to get up when he did not want to? Sure. But we are fools if we applaud him because tearing the social fabric is not such a wise move.
Jesus said, "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's." He did not say, "Do it if you feel like it and don't do it if you don't feel like it."
The philosopher Donald Davidson said and rightly so that language works only because most of the people speak the truth most of the time. If we lie whenever we feel like it then there could be no communication.
And the same for society.
Rebellion has its value, but it needs to be used in moderation.
27
Kaepernick sat during the anthem as a protest and to call attention to an important issue, but he did not ask to be supported or applauded for his action. Standing for the anthem is a tradition, not a law, and it's especially ridiculous to equate patriotism with a standing for the anthem when it is played at a commercial sporting event. It trivializes the big problems in this country when you say that sitting for the anthem will tear the social fabric; a much greater threat to the social fabric are things like racism, unjustified police brutality, poverty, the widespread availability of guns, the lack of care for the mentally ill, etc. Protest and rebellion are needed to force people to think about all those issues and to urge change.
4
What law did Mr Kaepernick break?
If our social fabric is so weak that it can't withstand Mr Kaepernick's conscience, it wasn't much to begin with.
If our social fabric is so weak that it can't withstand Mr Kaepernick's conscience, it wasn't much to begin with.
1
This is an extremely bad argument. It relies on far too many preconceived notions, and the belief that not standing during the anthem is somehow rebellion. Calm down.
I fully support his right to protest and try to make America a better place. I am a veteran, and think this is an American ideal.
43
another vet who commends Mr. Kaepernick - rather fearless on his part I'd say.
1
I enjoyed this opinion piece. As a Niners fan, I was disgusted to see the team leave the City and move south for the sake of cash. Thus, I find it hard to cheer for the team that used to represent the diverse city where I played ball as a teenager. I played high school football with mostly black teammates from East Palo Alto, a ghetto just north of the current stadium. I certainly can't afford to go back to a Niners game, and I hope my former teammates can take in a game, but I know too much about police and African Americans. I remember seeing it as a high school student. I remember the institutional racism. I realize that Kaep's protests are not popular. They seem to some ill timed due to the fact that he is a multi-millionaire and likely a second string multi-millionaire. But, he has the stage and I am glad he is using it.
14
Sorry Mr. Harris, but Colin doesn't have much of a game to "stick to" anymore. He was a flash in the pan. In the not to distant future, he'll be sitting through the national anthem from the stands, not the bench.
He would not have tried this two years ago when he did have a game. Too many endorsements at risk.
He would not have tried this two years ago when he did have a game. Too many endorsements at risk.
19
Two years ago we didn't have a Presidential candidate referring to "the blacks", stereotyping them as ghetto dwellers, talking about the need for "law and order" and acting like a tough guy. Any person of color and many whites understand how dangerous this is and how high the stakes are.
1
I moved to SF in 1980 and never ever met anyone who cared about the race of their neighbors. Certainly less so than in NY. Yes gentrification is a very real problem. But the basic problem is economic inequality and the cost of housing. SF is a relatively small place in the much larger Bay Area, and should not be viewed in isolation.
5
To address one of the author's questions, tech jobs will go to the hardest working, most talented people - black, brown, yellow, white, whatever. So to get a good job, work harder. Black people have a tougher road, no doubt. But real talent always finds an employer.
29
As someone with a long career in high tech at elite companies, I can say that it just plain isn't this simple. The built-in advantage held by white males deep and wide, and getting deeper and wider.
A minor quibble: The 49ers moved to San Francisco not "since the 49ers can't afford to actually play in the city -- the stadium is farther south, in Santa Clara," but because Jed York, Denise DeBartolo York and their son, who own and manage the 49ers did not like the land offered (for them to purchase) by San Francisco. Additionally, the York's are billionaires, so they could pretty much build a stadium anywhere they wanted in the 49ers franchise area. The problem here was they wanted the taxpayers to give them the land and SF said no. Lets try to keep our facts straight.
27
agree on the need to keep facts straight on all sides
"White America" is a phrase that always jars when used in a discussion about equity in this country. Even when used by someone as well-meaning as the author, it supports and perpetuates the notional power of a group. No group should be able to dictate whether Kaepernick has freedom of speech and expression; what customs are acceptable in America; how wealth should be distributed. High time this outmoded concept is retired; it smacks of internalized oppression. Words and ideas dictate reality.
8
I'm certain that if this were two years ago, when Kaepernick was a real talent in the league, he wouldn't be doing this and risking endorsement money.
Now that he's a has-been, a bench warmer in SF, he needs some attention.
He's a hypocrite and not just an insult to black Americans, but to all Americans and patriots.
Now that he's a has-been, a bench warmer in SF, he needs some attention.
He's a hypocrite and not just an insult to black Americans, but to all Americans and patriots.
20
A lot has happened in two years since bystanders now have the ability to document what happens between police and black citizens by using their phones to give us video which we can use to judge for ourselves. Institutional racism is alive and well in countless areas of our society. As American citizens, we have a duty to speak and act in ways that decrease the effects of centuries of racism instead of vilifying those who use a simple act to make an understandable and peaceful protest statement.
I assume you are speaking as an African American?
I don't understand the premise of this piece. Mr Harris argues that Kapernik has the first amendment right to express his anger at the country by his actions. Yet, he condemns those that express their anger at Kapernick's actions, especially if they are white. Why can't fans excercise their constitutional rights without being criticized?
36
Because what Kaepernick is saying by his actions is correct (people of color have a reason to be upset at how law enforcement and other institutions in this country function) and what the fans criticizing him are saying is wrong (the country shouldn't be criticized by a football player).
1
Bart Stupe:
Absolutely they can. Harris just would prefer that they didn't.
Absolutely they can. Harris just would prefer that they didn't.
I salute your point about equality of expression, absolutely. But I think his point is that this country's great promise - equality of opportunity - rings false for many people of color. I think standing up and raising one's fist is the better way to go. Maybe he was too tired.
I do not have a problem with what he is doing, but it will be a waste if that is all he does. He ought to use the attention he is getting to speak out about the shootings. The high profile ones that we read about are only the tip of the iceberg. The number of black and white folks gunned down by the police every year is outrageous.
Speak up, Colin.
Speak up, Colin.
10
we all need to speak up.
Is Kapaernick going to do anything beyond this, beyond calling attention to his falling star, rather than the cause of BLM?
At his current rate of play, he'll either be out of the NFL or sitting on a bench. No one will be asking him to do press conferences.
When that happens what will he do? And even now, what other actions will he take beyond this selfish showboating.
If he's so angry with America, he should leave. He needs to leave.
At his current rate of play, he'll either be out of the NFL or sitting on a bench. No one will be asking him to do press conferences.
When that happens what will he do? And even now, what other actions will he take beyond this selfish showboating.
If he's so angry with America, he should leave. He needs to leave.
19
Trump's base are angry with America too. Should they all leave?
2
Hey, Joe, you sound just like Donald Trump! Who made you arbiter to decide when, how, or why someone should leave this country? Unless you are Native American, you have no standing. Get over yourself!
2
Yes, and maybe all the Trump supporters will also leave!
1
I believe that Kaepernick is sincere, genuine and in passionate about his protest. He is the man of the moment precisely because the moment is right. And that is all. He is so toweringly wrong in his idea on how to effect positive change, it truly boggles the mind. I'd like to excuse it as youthful naivete, but that just gets him off the hook. He is now a symbol of more division; more division that we don't need. People have forgotten about what leadership is. Any phony can cause crowds to pump their fists in support of their own firmly held beliefs, and confuse it as leadership. It is the rare leader, however, who can persuade opponents to pause and reconsider what they believe is the truth, when it is not. Kaepernick is merely another voice, albeit a rich, fantastically privileged one, increasing the volume in an echo chamber of like-minded contemporaries. It has nothing to do with San Francisco's demographics.
17
Is it simply race or race combined with something else that allows so many people to be outraged by the non-field actions of a sports entertainer making $20 million/year yet give a pass to a radio entertainer making $50 million/year (Rush Limbaugh) on his off-air actions ?
The NFL is no more patriotic than any other corporate cartel. Patriotism is loving and doing right by one's country, not taking the lazy way out and simply fawning over symbols. This country is an experiment founded intentionally on explicit principles, not predicated on historically assumed religion, ethnicity, language, or much of anything else. That is why we have had absurdities such as the House Un-American Activities Committee. Though European countries are suddenly struggling with questions of identity, with the exceptions of the Jews and the Roma, Poles, the French, Italians, and others know what their country is. Fights are over identities subsidiary to the national identity, usually religious or class based.
It is easy to yell at someone for not standing for the anthem. It is much, much harder and much, much more important to actually work to live up to the principles that define our common identity and purpose. Without those principles as a constant, we are not a we; we are just you and me, and you and me do not a nation make.
An aside: I wonder if the response might have been a bit different if Kapernick played for the Oakland Raiders instead of the not-San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL is no more patriotic than any other corporate cartel. Patriotism is loving and doing right by one's country, not taking the lazy way out and simply fawning over symbols. This country is an experiment founded intentionally on explicit principles, not predicated on historically assumed religion, ethnicity, language, or much of anything else. That is why we have had absurdities such as the House Un-American Activities Committee. Though European countries are suddenly struggling with questions of identity, with the exceptions of the Jews and the Roma, Poles, the French, Italians, and others know what their country is. Fights are over identities subsidiary to the national identity, usually religious or class based.
It is easy to yell at someone for not standing for the anthem. It is much, much harder and much, much more important to actually work to live up to the principles that define our common identity and purpose. Without those principles as a constant, we are not a we; we are just you and me, and you and me do not a nation make.
An aside: I wonder if the response might have been a bit different if Kapernick played for the Oakland Raiders instead of the not-San Francisco 49ers.
69
At least as far as France is concerned, the fights are very much over the definition of national identity, not subsidiary issues. French leaders speak constantly about the "values of the Republic", a term that is open to interpretation and used by politicians to defend their ideas of what it means to be French. But ultimately the onus is placed upon the citizen to adapt his or her behavior to this vague ideal rather than for the state to expand the definition to include more diversity. This is a major source of tension and helps explain why French minorities (and I'm speaking about people born and raised in France, often third or fourth generation citizens) can refer to "the French" as a separate identity from themselves. I was somewhat shocked the first time I heard this in a debate because I have never heard a black person speak as if he or she were not American.
Perhaps this is why Kaepernick's protest has drawn mixed reactions. On the one hand, he draws attention to a serious problem. But the problem is the failure to ensure that every American has the same protections and opportunities under the law. We can all stand together on this and push hard to resolve it. This is, after all, the American ideal. But protesting the anthem, a symbol of national unity and resolve, seems to cut the other way and point towards divisiveness. I submit that Kaepernick, with a little more thought, could come up with much better ways to make his point.
Perhaps this is why Kaepernick's protest has drawn mixed reactions. On the one hand, he draws attention to a serious problem. But the problem is the failure to ensure that every American has the same protections and opportunities under the law. We can all stand together on this and push hard to resolve it. This is, after all, the American ideal. But protesting the anthem, a symbol of national unity and resolve, seems to cut the other way and point towards divisiveness. I submit that Kaepernick, with a little more thought, could come up with much better ways to make his point.
1
"It is easy to yell at someone for not standing for the anthem. "
Its real easy to not stand for the National Anthem also.
Its real easy to not stand for the National Anthem also.
I stand for the national Anthem at sports games. I also stand with those who choose not to stand. Athletes are human beings that have the right to express themselves. I am much more upset about the culture war than I am with those I disagree with.
128
How much he makes is irrelevant. Peaceful protest is good. Time will treat Colin Kaepernick well, and in this one gesture (maybe two after tomorrow, maybe more after that), he will have outgrown his shoulder pads. If you guess by my name that I'm white, you're right.
9
Where's the NYTimes articles on the follow-up to all the killings of Black men and Black children in the last several years, or for that matter in the last several months? There were supposed to be investigations into the shootings, proposals to try and avoid killings, and wear those portable video cameras.
What happened?
A Black man sits down to protest what has been happening, and every paper in the USA writes up the story. How about "Freedom of Expression", and deservedly so!
What happened?
A Black man sits down to protest what has been happening, and every paper in the USA writes up the story. How about "Freedom of Expression", and deservedly so!
40
A lot of projection here. Kaepernick lives in a 4600 sq foot home in an exclusive white area of San Jose.
65
Ahh, yes. An upstanding member of his community. Just not the poor community.
Why is that relevant?
So? That renders him ineligible to protest? Money has nothing to do with it.
I'm really rather cynical about Kaepernick's protest. I think this has more to do with him wanting to be released from his contract with the 49ers than any fight for social justice.
The backstory here is that in 2014 Kaep signed a huge long term contract with the 49ers to stay on as quarterback. The understanding was that the 49ers would try to keep the existing team intact. However, in early 2015 the team disintegrated. Coach Harbaugh left along with many other players due to a fight with the team's ownership. Today's 49ers are a very different and much inferior team. They won't return to the Superbowl for decades to come. Many 49ers fans hate the current ownership and I suspect Kaep does too.
I suspect that Kaep's poor play, missing practice and sudden political awakening are a strategy to force the 49ers to cut him from the roster. Then he will be able shop around for a team more to his liking. It's very ironic that people are taking him seriously as a social justice warrior.
The backstory here is that in 2014 Kaep signed a huge long term contract with the 49ers to stay on as quarterback. The understanding was that the 49ers would try to keep the existing team intact. However, in early 2015 the team disintegrated. Coach Harbaugh left along with many other players due to a fight with the team's ownership. Today's 49ers are a very different and much inferior team. They won't return to the Superbowl for decades to come. Many 49ers fans hate the current ownership and I suspect Kaep does too.
I suspect that Kaep's poor play, missing practice and sudden political awakening are a strategy to force the 49ers to cut him from the roster. Then he will be able shop around for a team more to his liking. It's very ironic that people are taking him seriously as a social justice warrior.
84
I doubt his political awakening has anything to do with how his coaches view his play... or lack thereof.
I believe the future Mrs. Kaepernick probably played a role in his decision as well. Nessa Diab is a highly engaged activist supporting minority and Muslim causes.
2
Can't he be both? It's possible to be unhappy with your situation and still have a moral issue you'd like to protest. The issues he is protesting are very real, and have continued to escalate during the offseason. The potential consequences of his protest are also very real; why would he do this to get cut from his team? If the 49s are angry enough to cut him, that certainly suggests that his actions could well lead to other teams having less interest in signing him. Why assume that he's insincere when he has very little, if anything, to gain?
Those who bring Colin Kaepernick's income into the conversation fail to realize that they are implying that his silence on the issue has been bought. At what income level does my identity as a person of color disappear? I am a young, black professional and my family has a decent income and we live comfortably. I grew up working poor, but far from poverty stricken, and worked hard to get where I am, as did my husband. But that doesn't mean we don't see what is happening to the black community at large. And Kaepernick probably carries the same feelings of conflict and helplessness we experience about the condition of our communities, and the continued struggle that keeps so many African American's stuck in what seems to be an endless cycle of poverty and violence.
We need to encourage more successful and wealthy people of color to take a stand and say that what is happening in our country is wrong, not try to bully and condemn them into staying silent. If only the people who have nothing to lose are willing to make a stand, and if only the voiceless are willing to speak, nothing will change for the better.
We need to encourage more successful and wealthy people of color to take a stand and say that what is happening in our country is wrong, not try to bully and condemn them into staying silent. If only the people who have nothing to lose are willing to make a stand, and if only the voiceless are willing to speak, nothing will change for the better.
196
African Americans need to address black on black crime, single mothers, etc. 630 people have been killed by the police in 2016. 156 were black.
Seems to me blaming cops and making excuses is a simplistic way of addressing the problems in the black community.
Seems to me blaming cops and making excuses is a simplistic way of addressing the problems in the black community.
11
What is happening in this country IS wrong. Four hundred people shot in Chicago in ONE month? How many people that got shot were black? And they weren't shot by police. The black community at large is indeed in a bad spot, and more talking needs to happen. But just don't start blaming "society" because that won't really get us anywhere.
18
I think you are wrong. If you haven't lived in one of those specific places, tenements, projects, jails, homeless shelters or street corners you are an interloper.You are a pretender like someone with a phony military uniform full of medals and badges who never spent an actual day in a war. I like the way you use the words "at large" stretching the scene ever bigger to include yourself. Why not spend a few days in the gang infested projects...hay even risk bringing your children...before you presume to see (a) what those people go through living there and (b) what cops go through working there.....It's people like you using your privilege and money to keep it all at arms length that vastly multiply the problem. You are the problem. You are the ones the cops are protecting
1
The reason that blacks, artists and many others are leaving San Francisco is soaring rents, not racism. Those rents are the result of white liberals and environmentalists which always find a way to oppose new construction. There are large areas of run down warehouses on the southern waterfront and Presidio, which for some reason don't get rezoned and turned into housing. The underlying reason is that restricting supply makes existing property owners wealthier.
Fortunately, the derelict naval shipyard next to the black neighborhood of Hunter's Point is going to be redeveloped. Perhaps San Francisco liberals are less concerned about new development when it is next to a black neighborhood.
Fortunately, the derelict naval shipyard next to the black neighborhood of Hunter's Point is going to be redeveloped. Perhaps San Francisco liberals are less concerned about new development when it is next to a black neighborhood.
41
The old Hunters Point Naval Shipyard is guaranteed to have lots and lots of toxic waste sites (remember, it's been around since the days when haz-mat disposal consisted of dumping it in a nearby ditch.) Many of the other industrial areas around SF have similar issues.
When someone does build more housing - it'll be EXPENSIVE housing. As the roads get more crowded, and transportation costs rise, our society is reverting back to a model where the wealthy folks live downtown, and the poor live out on the edges of town.
That's not to say that the folks on the Peninsula and SF don't want the poor nearby - that's why the BART system didn't make it to San Mateo county back in the 1960s, and why there aren't enough apartments between SF and Silicon Valley. It's just same-old-same-old.
When someone does build more housing - it'll be EXPENSIVE housing. As the roads get more crowded, and transportation costs rise, our society is reverting back to a model where the wealthy folks live downtown, and the poor live out on the edges of town.
That's not to say that the folks on the Peninsula and SF don't want the poor nearby - that's why the BART system didn't make it to San Mateo county back in the 1960s, and why there aren't enough apartments between SF and Silicon Valley. It's just same-old-same-old.
18
With modern technology it is possible to clean up all the contamination. I think they spent $1.1 billion. They plan to build 10,500 housing units there.
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Neighbors-get-look-at-Hunters-Poin...
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Neighbors-get-look-at-Hunters-Poin...
9
Yes. I work in SF and live in the east bay. The hypocrisy is on full display here. Marin county is one of the most liberal counties in America...and 97% white. So much for diversity. When it comes down to it, people want to live among their own race if they can afford to do so. Their are quite a number of dense racially pocketed communities in the bay area. People are fine sharing office space with a different race but not a home zip code.
2
And why do so many white--and a sprinkle of black-- people think that because he's a highly paid pro athlete that "How dare he! Look at what this country has given him! How. Dare. He." As if his own success makes him immune to the suffering of others or immune to experiences of inequality himself. Get over yourselves, America.
144
Does being sympathetic to the experiences of inequality mean you stop being patriotic? That you stop having pride in this country?
1
Because Kaepernick's own professional and financial success -- together with that of many other talented and hard-working minorities in sports, entertainment, politics, academics, and business -- gives the lie to his claim that America "oppresses black people and people of color".
As a native to the Bay Area I've watched this whole drama unfold and been surprised by the amount of vitriol directed at Colin Kaepernick even here in the liberal bastions of our country. What I find interesting is how much of the criticism points to his disrespect of the military. And I wonder when did the flag become solely the military's? Doesn't the flag also represent everyone who contributes to our union? And isn't protest a part of that contribution that has influenced and shaped our decisions "in order to form a better union"?
178
I bet you felt the same way about Mitt Romney.
2
The flag represents our country. In order to create that country, men and women gave their lives. The obvious analogy to the nfl would be the military is equivalent to the players on the field.
Yes this piece is dead on. SF went from a dusty old town into the epicenter of tech riches. Most everybody is getting priced out. And the teams move to nicer and nicer digs.
What is happening to Oakland is beyond even the ANYTHING mentioned. Both teams,
The Warriers and now the Raiders have been taken from the black community and either moved or to soon be moved to whiter locales leaving a city bereft of a remaining source of black pride.
We took amtrac from our cushy white suburb to the hood and met our friends in the parking lot and we
Partied. Now opening
Day of the raiders will be the last one in Oakland.
There ought to be a law against gutting
A
City.
What is happening to Oakland is beyond even the ANYTHING mentioned. Both teams,
The Warriers and now the Raiders have been taken from the black community and either moved or to soon be moved to whiter locales leaving a city bereft of a remaining source of black pride.
We took amtrac from our cushy white suburb to the hood and met our friends in the parking lot and we
Partied. Now opening
Day of the raiders will be the last one in Oakland.
There ought to be a law against gutting
A
City.
30
Wow, I couldn't disagree with this more. I'm a native, and SF was NEVER a "dusty old town." It has been a cosmopolitan and cultural center for as long as anyone alive here can remember. And the San Francisco Warriors moved from SF to Oakland in the days of publicly financed arenas because SF wouldn't cough up the money for a new one — they played in the Cow Palace in those days, and shared the place with livestock shows and rodeos. Now the Warriors have enough money to build their own stadium as the Giants did, and will move next to the wildly successful baseball stadium.
As for the Raiders, the ownership is known for its greed and poor judgement, and the owners wrote their own ticket out of town (for the second time) even though Oakland bent over backwards to accommodate the team.
Don't be mad because you can't drive from your "cushy white suburb" to party "in the hood." That's the definition of being a dilettante. You decry the fact that Oakland is being gutted but aren't doing anything to support it. Other than partying in the parking lot, that is.
Last, conflating CK's political statement and the systemic racism that engendered it with rising property values is nonsense. Racism existed when we all could afford to live here and it exists now, just like every other city in America.
As for the Raiders, the ownership is known for its greed and poor judgement, and the owners wrote their own ticket out of town (for the second time) even though Oakland bent over backwards to accommodate the team.
Don't be mad because you can't drive from your "cushy white suburb" to party "in the hood." That's the definition of being a dilettante. You decry the fact that Oakland is being gutted but aren't doing anything to support it. Other than partying in the parking lot, that is.
Last, conflating CK's political statement and the systemic racism that engendered it with rising property values is nonsense. Racism existed when we all could afford to live here and it exists now, just like every other city in America.
1
To all the white commenters asking why Mr. Kaepernick isn't doing more to help the black community: the onus isn't on him to fix it. The onus is on all of you to squelch the systemic racism that treats black people like animals.
173
Hate to tell you, but all humans are animals. Pointing a finger at one group and saying you have to change is a recipe for failure. You can believe that all you want, but it wont change until systemic changes occur on both sides.
5
Actually Kaepernick has $100 million reasons to do something.
5
You mean the out of control black on black crime. Responsibility for 50% of the homicides in this country. The wholesale slaughter occurring in Chicago where black gangs are killing one another and innocents caught in the cross-fire. You mean that systemic racism?
4
Many things can be true at the same time: that gentrification is spoiling diversity in San Francisco; that tech millennials whose seats at Levi Stadium between the 45 yard lines are paid by their employers don't much care about that diversity; that many white cops need to learn how to talk with black humans before shooting them; that Colin has a right to express his disrespect for such shootings any way he wants; and that Colin's actions were both political and psychological. It's just not as simple as Harris puts it. For a more nuanced understanding read Jason Whitlock's analysis.
The nation has not followed Colin's growth as a man and player as intimately as those of us glued to the team and local blogs have been over the past six years. We saw him plucked from Nevada by Harbaugh. We shared joy over his graceful gazelle athletics and intermittently glorious passes, enabled by an astounding supporting cast of teammates, leading us to the Super Bowl. But we've also agonized seeing how busy anxieties always prevented his becoming a disciplined pocket QB. It's had him occupied with social media identity sear over playbook study for years.
The nation has not followed Colin's growth as a man and player as intimately as those of us glued to the team and local blogs have been over the past six years. We saw him plucked from Nevada by Harbaugh. We shared joy over his graceful gazelle athletics and intermittently glorious passes, enabled by an astounding supporting cast of teammates, leading us to the Super Bowl. But we've also agonized seeing how busy anxieties always prevented his becoming a disciplined pocket QB. It's had him occupied with social media identity sear over playbook study for years.
15
Wonderfully thoughtful and compelling. Right on! I'm forced to consider my own conviction each time I stand and recite the national anthem. Our wonderful country needs to do much more.
22
The country cannot do anything, let alone"more". You see, this country is made up of recognizable individuals. And it is only individuals that have the ability to "do much more"(whatever that means).
One can only hope your PhD is not in logic.
One can only hope your PhD is not in logic.
5
With all the noise and hoopla at the start of a football game if you didn't mention it no one would have noticed it.
21
Colin did nothing to publicize this, he sat during the anthem. That is all he did.
After the game ONE reporter asked him about it and he replied.
Why can't people just accept that the man did something his conscience told him to do, with good reason I might add, and accept his decision without bringing all this nonsense into the discussion?
The SFPD has shown itself to harbor racists in its ranks; three police chiefs fired in weeks, it HAS to stop and without bringing attention to it, it never will.
(White, 60yr old, male)
After the game ONE reporter asked him about it and he replied.
Why can't people just accept that the man did something his conscience told him to do, with good reason I might add, and accept his decision without bringing all this nonsense into the discussion?
The SFPD has shown itself to harbor racists in its ranks; three police chiefs fired in weeks, it HAS to stop and without bringing attention to it, it never will.
(White, 60yr old, male)
1
I wonder whether Kaepernick would have proceeded with his protest if he were a better player with a starting position. I think not. I think he went ahead with his protest because he is not really risking much. He was on his way to being cut. Given everything in his past I doubt his sincerity.
61
This is way over the top
1
He may be on his way to being cut, but presumably he wants to move to another team, and this isn't going to help him. I don't understand the cynicism, since he really isn't doing himself any favors here.
I wonder if/when he is cut if he will protest. Trump already set the stage for a loss: the system is rigged. Colin Kaepernick can say he was cut because of his protest, not because he stinks more than the next QB.
Whether I agree with Mr. Kapernick or not he has the right to protest and I hope he is left alone by the fans, his team and the NFL. However, I can’t help feeling sad and disappointed that liberals only defend the free speech rights of people they agree with. It isn’t very liberal at least not in the classical sense. I can’t help remembering the sad spectacle of liberals vigorously hounding Mozilla to remove Brendan Eich as CEO because he was against gay marriage and gleefully celebrating when they succeeded. I didn’t agree with Eich but I defended his right to hold political positions people didn’t like and still keep his job. I remember it was a pretty lonely position to take on this board at the time. But Kapernick is hailed as a hero because liberal’s agree with him.
The stench of liberal hypocrisy can be pretty foul sometimes.
The stench of liberal hypocrisy can be pretty foul sometimes.
40
There is nothing liberals hate more than free speech. NOTHING.
7
You're confusing the self-satisfied expression of contempt or hatred for a vulnerable minority with a risky expression of concern for another vulnerable minority. They are not comparable.
This is not about defending "the free speech rights of people they agree with"; it's about defending people who are on the side of justice and fairness. It's also not a liberal issue anymore; it's a human issue.
This is not about defending "the free speech rights of people they agree with"; it's about defending people who are on the side of justice and fairness. It's also not a liberal issue anymore; it's a human issue.
I agree with you here. Free speech should be free speech - but speech that is against the prevailing code is often written off as "hate speech" and is subject to legal or economic penalties.
1
Perhaps it's just me, but I've never thought my job was an appropriate place to stage a protest. I was asked by a former employer to lie about something that was shady at best, illegal at worst. The result is that I was fired for 'insubordination.' I did not stage a protest, I said good riddance.
Given that this guy gets millions of dollars to toss a stupid ball around the field & his coach isn't making illegal requests, it seems that he could stage a protest in a different venue, not to mention, lend himself to/be the face of these issues across a variety of other mediums.
Given that this guy gets millions of dollars to toss a stupid ball around the field & his coach isn't making illegal requests, it seems that he could stage a protest in a different venue, not to mention, lend himself to/be the face of these issues across a variety of other mediums.
25
It's just you. It is never easy to protest what one thinks is wrong, but Kapernick's venue is no more or less appropriate than any other. Being a football player does not negate his voice as a human being. Football is just a job.
4
It's one thing to reject illegal behavior that could have landed you in prison.
It is another thing entirely to exercise your lawful rights as a citizen of this country to protest the inhuman murders and assaults of American citizens that continue to play a front and center role in our lives.
It appears you have the privilege of never witnessing first hand how the system really works or being affected by these issues.
It is another thing entirely to exercise your lawful rights as a citizen of this country to protest the inhuman murders and assaults of American citizens that continue to play a front and center role in our lives.
It appears you have the privilege of never witnessing first hand how the system really works or being affected by these issues.
3
You may have just copped to not reporting illegal behavior. Jobs or ex-jobs are one of the many places in life where it is appropriate to be moral. Perhaps you should have tried that.
1
AMEN!
7
Kapernick is a third string QB getting paid $15 million per year on a not very good NFL team. By 4PM Saturday he will be looking for a new job. End of story.
29
Not so, Mr. Kaepernick will be pocketing 12.5 million this year regardless of whether he plays or not.
That must REALLY burn you, huh?
That must REALLY burn you, huh?
1
Someone with a bit more gravitas would be a better model for this kind of protest. He has the right to do it but if he was not an NFL player no one would notice if he remained seated in the stands.
13
Protest does not require gravitas, and neither does the First Amendment.
Riiiight. People shouldn't protest unless they have commanding gravitas, which cuts out, what, 99% of the population? Gotcha.
After publicly showing his concern for his fellow African-Americans (and other minorities?) Colin should issue a statement describing what HE is doing to help the people he cares about and to improve the situation for all Americans, and invite others of like mind to join him.
That way hundreds of millions of white folk who disdain other races can predictably ignore his invitation and - without trying to outdo each other telling Colin what an ingrate and unimpressive athlete he is - return to the stadium or TV venue filled with fellow whites happily watching mostly black athletes try to hurt each other in a barbaric game. How many more reasons do we need to love and respect America!
That way hundreds of millions of white folk who disdain other races can predictably ignore his invitation and - without trying to outdo each other telling Colin what an ingrate and unimpressive athlete he is - return to the stadium or TV venue filled with fellow whites happily watching mostly black athletes try to hurt each other in a barbaric game. How many more reasons do we need to love and respect America!
5
The only way to respect those who sacrificed for our freedoms is to exercise those freedoms fully and to respect those who do.
155
So by showing disrespect to his country, he is respecting his country, by showing his disrespect to his country. Oh now I get it... Oh wait...
I love my family, even though I am not proud of everything they have done. If I spit on them someday, I don't expect them to say I was showing them any form of respect or love by spitting on them. That is just absurd logic.
I love my family, even though I am not proud of everything they have done. If I spit on them someday, I don't expect them to say I was showing them any form of respect or love by spitting on them. That is just absurd logic.
6
In high school homeroom in the mid 70's my friend Scott sat to my right in the back row. One day as the national anthem blared over the TV Scott threw his shoulders back and sang the anthem in an exquisite and dramatic basso profundo that he had picked up as a big opera fan.
Our homeroom teacher snapped from his trance long enough to give Scott the heave ho with the same hand gesture an umpire uses when a batter strikes out. Down the hall Scott's voice boomed as he made his way slowly toward the central office. Thrown out of class for singing the Star Spangled Banner and singing it well.
You can get in trouble for almost anything when you're willing to go against expectations to snap the rest of us zombies out of our usual conformist trance.
I support Colin Kaepernick's right to free speech and to protest injustice wherever and whenever he see's fit to do so.
Our homeroom teacher snapped from his trance long enough to give Scott the heave ho with the same hand gesture an umpire uses when a batter strikes out. Down the hall Scott's voice boomed as he made his way slowly toward the central office. Thrown out of class for singing the Star Spangled Banner and singing it well.
You can get in trouble for almost anything when you're willing to go against expectations to snap the rest of us zombies out of our usual conformist trance.
I support Colin Kaepernick's right to free speech and to protest injustice wherever and whenever he see's fit to do so.
266
Billy, if you're not familiar with it, check out the song "Rex Bob Lowenstein." It sums it all up quite nicely. It's done by Mark Germino.
The point of a national anthem is for all to sing it, not listen to the music. If you aren't going to sing (good, bad, or in sign language) it, don't bother standing for it. In a real patriotic society, it would have been your teacher, not your friend booted from the classroom. In a free society, both would have remained.
The abuse that black people have endured and are still enduring is truly unbelievable once you start looking into it with an open mind. I say this as a priviieged white man who grew up in the Jim Crow South. I challenge any white person who dares to look beyond their own prejudices and opinions to research this subject. You don't even have to scratch the surface to find absolutely outrageous abuses. The cold-blooded murder of Trayvon Martin was inexcusable, as was the verdict. One of the worst cases was the police murder of a black Wal-Mart customer who was holding a toy gun that he took from a shelf in the store. He was a CUSTOMER, for crying out loud! But because some white person thought his behavior was strange, the police rushed into the store and gunned him down with impunity. No questions asked. The shame of this nation's racial history runs so deep, I don't know how we can ever repent. Whites in the south now act like victims of the very black people their ancestors brought here as slaves. Rather than criticize Colin Kaepernick, we should be absolutely AMAZED at his patience.
216
Well said.
7
If this athelete trully cared about making a meaningful and lasting difference, he wouldn't hop on the bandwagon to blame police. Black on black crime, particularly male black on black crime, is the biggest threat to the health and safety of black males in the US. By chosing to dumb himself down to this level, it's clear that he has no understanding whatsoever of the root of the problem of endemic violence perpetrated by black male against black male.
53
Why don't we hear your voice taking the white community to task for all the white on white crime, specifically the male white on white crime?
7
Because at the end of it, police are only mimicking what black males do to each other, is that it?
2
Ummm, most of the white violent crime is white on white. In fact a white person has an even greater chance than a black person of being harmed by one of his fellows than the police. Yada, yada, yada.
Do you have any idea why people do violence to each other? Most crime (the one on one stuff, not the multi million dollar, tens of thousands of people stuff), is done by people who feel outside of the society in which they live. They have no vested interest in the status quo, because the status quo has no interest in them. The harassment and violence perpetuated on black/people of color by the police is just one of the many glaring examples that illustrate the marginalization of many of our fellows by the dominant white culture (of which I am a member).
You want to solve most crime? Redistribute the wealth through public job programs that provide all of us with a living wage and truly make America great by building a country that is growing instead of declining and falling apart.
Do you have any idea why people do violence to each other? Most crime (the one on one stuff, not the multi million dollar, tens of thousands of people stuff), is done by people who feel outside of the society in which they live. They have no vested interest in the status quo, because the status quo has no interest in them. The harassment and violence perpetuated on black/people of color by the police is just one of the many glaring examples that illustrate the marginalization of many of our fellows by the dominant white culture (of which I am a member).
You want to solve most crime? Redistribute the wealth through public job programs that provide all of us with a living wage and truly make America great by building a country that is growing instead of declining and falling apart.
70
standing or sitting is meaningless. Help in the community and acknowledge that racism is cured with love and kindness and forgivenes ON All SIDES which is lacking in our violent mentally ill money is our god society. football is the bread and circus' sideshow anyhow. the new york times seems to have a black agenda . no mention of asian americans . its rediculous that society is so concerned with packaging. its how one acts that matters
19
And my guess is that this will be as far as Kaepernick will take it. He is a selfish child.
2
How about this: everyone has the right to sit down during the national anthem. It demonstrates the reality of our amazing constitution. It does not mean that the person sitting is good or bad. It does not mean that we agree or disagree with him. It does not mean that we praise him or vilify him. It means that we recognize the constitutional right to disagree. The messenger is actually unimportant.
130
Oooh, I really like your point of view. You really get it.
2
Great philosophy but not so in reality. It wouldn't matter if I were the messenger as it wouldn't be a media sensation. With the gossipy news today, however, the messenger does matter.
1
I am a white woman, 76 years old. I have, for years, shared Kaepernick's thoughts and wondered what was going through the minds of blacks and other oppressed people who are expected to pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States and sing its anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. I admire Kaepernick's intentions and courage. EK
320
Eleanore:
What have you done about this all these years?
What have you done about this all these years?
1
"We're going to continue to sit in and sit down. ..By sitting in and sitting down, we're standing up."
John Lewis, US Congressman, June 22, 2016
John Lewis, US Congressman, June 22, 2016
152
And that sit in lasted until the last scheduled flights home. Please stop all the grand standing. Is wearing everyone out.
22
Thank you for the Rep. Lewis reference.
Amen.
Amen.
1
I support him.
Sure, we might quibble about the details but, in the end, I support him.
Sure, we might quibble about the details but, in the end, I support him.
89
Sports on television is the probably the greatest soporific known to man. People don't want to think, they want to vedge out and forget about the troubles of the world. Though Kaepernick certainly has his first amendment rights, I question his use of a forum that has relative equality and pays him almost twenty million dollars a year.
26
What in the world does his forum (the NFL?) or how much he makes have to do with his right to protest? Our right to protest is mitigated by the relative equality of or field of work? The equality meter of our profession?
Help me understand logic of this point. I sincerely want to be educated.
Help me understand logic of this point. I sincerely want to be educated.
2
Right, cause that balances injustices to everyone else. Or is it enough to just make him happy and dumb? Or is it that he really did surrender his first amendment rights if he doesn't agree with certain people?
2
No need to question his use of the forum he chose ... we're talking about it, so he was successful.
1
I work for a for-profit enterprise (in an industry which, unlike the NFL, doesn't enjoy an anti-trust exemption). Thankfully, I'm not required to stand for the national anthem before doing my job every day. For this reason: I pay attention to the news. And on some days, I'm sure I'd have have trouble doing it with a clear conscience. I'm guessing that's what happened with Kaepernick. Maybe he's not the unpatriotic **** all the old white GMs in the NFL are making him out to be.
25
Very perceptive column. Here in Boston the reaction by the majority is, more or less, doesn't he know what a great country this is. How dare he actually exercise the rights of freedom of thought and expression.
14
There's a strange duality in America that has grown over the last half century. The accepted nomenclature is "I am distinct, but I am American". African, Asian, European first, then American. But from the founding, people came here to BE American. To escape their roots and historic oppression to become free Americans. I realize I have over-simplified to a degree, but I'm trying to illustrate that while Black Lives Matter has good intentions, it also self-alienates its proponents. Yes, behind the Bill of Rights there has always been racial injustices for ALL peoples, even the different shades of white (Irish immigrants), but black lives would benefit by reframing the issue: we are ALL Americans first. My color or race doesn't matter because we are guaranteed (or should be legally) equal opportunity under the law, under the law which the star spangled banner represents. The BLM movement should refram as the All Americans Matter movement. To not do so is to alienate yourselves from all the other Americans who support you but happen to not be black. And being white (which is still really a lighter shade of orange) isn't bad in and of itself.
13
"It was the Vietnam War for Muhammad Ali, the civil rights movement for countless others. For Kaepernick, it is the way black and brown people, just like him, are treated in the United States."
If Muhammad Ali lived in today's world we wouldn't celebrate him. We'd say he's not patriotic. That's because we aren't used to professional athletes taking a political stand; most don't have the intestinal fortitude to risk losing endorsements.
Kaepernick has a lot chutzpah to do this. He's risking a lot, to say the least. I don't see how this is any less courageous than Ali and the War. Some might say it's even more risky because while not everyone was for the Vietnam War, just about everyone is for saluting the flag. You might not agree with Kaepernick, but you have to admire his resolve.
If Muhammad Ali lived in today's world we wouldn't celebrate him. We'd say he's not patriotic. That's because we aren't used to professional athletes taking a political stand; most don't have the intestinal fortitude to risk losing endorsements.
Kaepernick has a lot chutzpah to do this. He's risking a lot, to say the least. I don't see how this is any less courageous than Ali and the War. Some might say it's even more risky because while not everyone was for the Vietnam War, just about everyone is for saluting the flag. You might not agree with Kaepernick, but you have to admire his resolve.
19
Minorities are always oppressed. When one "has" and still "speaks up", more power to him/her.
14
Donald Trump tells us over and over again how terrible our country is right now. So many things are wrong he tells us. Really, really wrong! Colin Kaepernick tells us we are not so great and need to change. Look at the reactions to each of these guys.
17
Colin Kaepernick is oppressed to the tune of $100 million dollars. But hey, at least HE can afford to live in the city. Such white oppression!
29
What a funny point to make. OK, so Kaepernick is going to walk with around $12 million this year no matter whether he plays or not (guaranteed). Of course by drawing attention to a political cause in the face of pushback from the football community (whatever that is) he may have lowered his value to any team that might need a quarterback in the future. He's no doubt going to pay a price in potential endorsement income. Of course if he was a no-name player making league minimum no one would pay the slightest attention to his statement about the treatment of people of color in this country. Sadly, I think the people who really need to think about the message he's trying to send will find any reason they can to try and not think about the excellent points made in this article.
4
The black/white thing continues to be complicated, with fault on both sides. But I think the fault lies within a small percentage on both sides. But history shows the damage a small percentage can cause. I'm sure Kap's intentions are good.
4
What makes you even the tiniest bit sure Kap's intentions are good? Really! Are do you mean good for something other than the American dream way of life?
One of the oddest customs in American culture is the universal assumption that the national anthem should be played at the start of every sporting event. It recalls the right-wing dogma that children should robotically pledge allegiance to the flag every morning in school.
This country would be far healthier if more of its people shared the admirable morality of Colin Kaepernick, who undoubtedly loves this nation as much as anyone else. True love of one's country requires that one be willing to recognize its flaws and sins and work for its betterment and the common good.
This country would be far healthier if more of its people shared the admirable morality of Colin Kaepernick, who undoubtedly loves this nation as much as anyone else. True love of one's country requires that one be willing to recognize its flaws and sins and work for its betterment and the common good.
72
America still has a real problem with institutional racism and police violence against unarmed black men. Colin Kaepernick has used his platform to refocus attention on that existential issue. The fact that exercising his First Amendment right has caused a national furor validates his decision. I hope athletes at all levels, who feel as Colin does, and want to show their support are encouraged to express themselves. It's a great way to illustrate the transcendent value of tolerance and respect for the individual. There are major flaws in the disingenuous criticisms leveled against him. The most absurd are those who say they agree with his right to protest, but disagree with his method. Hello, your talking about it aren't you ? Exactly what is the proper method and who decides that ? There is an exponential false equivalency between standing for the "Star Spangled Banner" and support for America's warriors. No one has the right to dictate to someone else what the flag represents. That is left to the individual. It's called freedom of choice.
18
Unlike the first sentence of this article seems to suggest, he census shows that San Francisco's white population is declining as well as the black population. The Asian share of the population, on the other hand, has grown.
27
Shhhhhhh, we are trying not to let facts and reality get in the way of a black man's well-written Swiss cheese rant. In fairness, the title should read, "...Looks Like to ONE..." as I know quite few black San Francisco residents much wiser than mister Harris, and they do not see it his way.
4
I stand (sit) with Colin Kaepernick!
21
Perhaps many others will do so in the stadium on Thursday, if I were there I would sit too.
4
As a lifelong white resident of SF, I too am dismayed by the decline of black residents, by the disproportionate police interaction with blacks, and by the disparity in jobs and opportunities for economic advancement. However, I disagree that white San Franciscans don't stand behind Kap's statement. There's a lot of us who do, a lot who don't care or know that we have a football team (these are the new people ruining our city, said only slightly tounge in cheek), and a small minority' of those who can afford seats in Santa Clara who don't. Don't paint a broad brush in the small group of us fighting for San Francisco.
13
" by the disproportionate police interaction with blacks,"
Here's a deal: We limit arrests for all crimes, by category, to the proportion of a races population.
For murder, only 12% of he arrests in any year can be of African-Americans, 60% white ,,, etc .... Same thing for theft, rape, citations for running stop signs. spitting on the sidewalk...
When a year's limit has been reached then no more arrests for that crime. We could define geographical areas over which the ratios are calculated.
That should take care of things.
Here's a deal: We limit arrests for all crimes, by category, to the proportion of a races population.
For murder, only 12% of he arrests in any year can be of African-Americans, 60% white ,,, etc .... Same thing for theft, rape, citations for running stop signs. spitting on the sidewalk...
When a year's limit has been reached then no more arrests for that crime. We could define geographical areas over which the ratios are calculated.
That should take care of things.
4
I am tired of how the madding crowd gets to define and re-define patriotism on any given day.
Gabby Douglas was maligned for "merely "standing at attention during the national anthem, whereas no white Olympic medalists were criticized for looking down or laughing.
Obama was criticized for not wearing a flag pin on his lapel. Wow, when he put one on, I could just feel the pride and approval flow in the madding crowd, who then called him a liar and a non-citizen.
Somehow Michelle and Barack were regarded as nefarious in using a fist bump instead of a kiss or a high -five, but the Yankees have been fist-bumping without comment from the madding crowd for over 2 decades.
Michelle Obama was criticized in 2008 by conservatives for not covering up her shapely arms, but now Muslim women are criticized for covering up with Burkinis.
It is not a requirement to stand during the national anthem, but we are required to pay taxes. Where was the outcry when Phil Mikkelsen said he would leave the US to avoid paying taxes?
Maybe the madding crowd could text us all each day that next day's patriotic gesture.
Meanwhile I have a gesture for them, and can show them where to put their faux patriotism.
Gabby Douglas was maligned for "merely "standing at attention during the national anthem, whereas no white Olympic medalists were criticized for looking down or laughing.
Obama was criticized for not wearing a flag pin on his lapel. Wow, when he put one on, I could just feel the pride and approval flow in the madding crowd, who then called him a liar and a non-citizen.
Somehow Michelle and Barack were regarded as nefarious in using a fist bump instead of a kiss or a high -five, but the Yankees have been fist-bumping without comment from the madding crowd for over 2 decades.
Michelle Obama was criticized in 2008 by conservatives for not covering up her shapely arms, but now Muslim women are criticized for covering up with Burkinis.
It is not a requirement to stand during the national anthem, but we are required to pay taxes. Where was the outcry when Phil Mikkelsen said he would leave the US to avoid paying taxes?
Maybe the madding crowd could text us all each day that next day's patriotic gesture.
Meanwhile I have a gesture for them, and can show them where to put their faux patriotism.
273
And yet here you are, defining patriotism... on a given day. Liberal hypocrite.
3
"... whereas no white Olympic medalists were criticized for looking down or laughing".
Not true.
When Shawn White did his air guitar impression during the playing of the national anthem in the Winter Olympics, it was noticed and criticized, as it should be.
Not true.
When Shawn White did his air guitar impression during the playing of the national anthem in the Winter Olympics, it was noticed and criticized, as it should be.
I think Mr. Harris missed the point.
Americans, all Americans, see our nation becoming more and more divided.
Black vs. White, rich vs. poor, conservatives vs. liberals, gay vs. straight. The list goes on and on. Rather than identifying ourselves as Americans in a nation that has problems, we see ourselves as an angry member of a disaffected group.
The national anthem is not a white anthem, not a black anthem, etc., it is the American anthem and should remind us that we are all one nation. United we can stand, divided we might well fall.
Americans, all Americans, see our nation becoming more and more divided.
Black vs. White, rich vs. poor, conservatives vs. liberals, gay vs. straight. The list goes on and on. Rather than identifying ourselves as Americans in a nation that has problems, we see ourselves as an angry member of a disaffected group.
The national anthem is not a white anthem, not a black anthem, etc., it is the American anthem and should remind us that we are all one nation. United we can stand, divided we might well fall.
56
Sorry but you are WRONG! It is a WHITE anthem ... all you have to do is read the third verse.
3
Except for the time when it represented 1/2 of the country, or when it played over segregated armed forces, or any of a multitude of other segregated events. Except for those.
5
Although I recommend you research the third and fourth verses of Francis Scott Keys original version before you commit to this thinking.
2
Brilliant Article. White people and their gentrifaction equals cultural decimation
5
Puhleezeeeeee This is crazy talk. Gentrification and Colin K. have absolutely nothing to do with each other. Is there any point to this comment??
14
Your understanding is even worse than Gerald's. belmontpapa's post below is unarguably spot on. I would even say it is likely we are already in a death spiral. Keep dividing if you will, selfishly. The republic is dying.
3
Colin is half white - his birth mother was white - and he was raised by a white adoptive family. If "white people = cultural decimation" I suppose Colin doesn't go home much for Thanksgiving dinner.
1
I can't wait for 2043, the year it is estimated that we'll all be minorities in this country. Maybe that's when we'll all stop wasting time with race and all start to get along with each other.
14
Ahh yes when we can all retreat into into our separate corners and play identity politics. Can the center hold in such a country?
1
Colin Kaepernick is absolutely right.
19
If you have the means, go out and buy his jersey. Let the Niners know you support Kaepernick and advertise to the city that you do.
22
Good, solid, reasonable and realistic suggestion.
1
I recommend that if you do buy his jersey, wait till Monday. They'll be discounted... deeply.
3
It's his right to express himself this way if he wishes.And I have no problem with it. I do think though if he's truly sincere about wanting to make a difference that there may be more productive ways for him to do that.
15
Yeah but that would require real work on his part, not just show boating.
4
And who's to say he doesn't do those too?
2
sleepyhead:
I've been looking for a piece on this this this started being covered. Can you share some of Kaep's other efforts?
I've been looking for a piece on this this this started being covered. Can you share some of Kaep's other efforts?
1
I wonder if this whole dust up is just a PR stunt. Preseason football is boring and this week is the final week. The 49ers are playing San Diego. How to build excitement for this snoozefest? Well San Diego is a big Navy town and Thursday's game just happens to be a salute to the military game with thousands of tickets passed out to local servicemen to paper the preseason stands. So we have all those sailors pitted against the National anthem denying flag burner with his San Francisco values. Sounds like a ratings winner. Pop open a Bud and enjoy the fireworks.
8
I think active duty military are more open minded than you give them credit for. They are not the rah rah jingoists.
5
On the conflating of Kaerpernicks political stance and his on-field performance: that was also done by Ali's critics who reviled him in public and private in 1967, and came to praise him after he eventually got the chance to fight again and beat up a lot of other fighters. I was there, I remember well.
Now Kaepernick is brave, but not necessarily as brave as Ali was, since Ali lost his livelihood overnight, and he knew he would; and he was ready to go jail for his refusal to serve in the military. Kaepernick doesn't risk that much. Still, I see strong parallels between Ali's political stance in 1967 and Kapernick's today, and way too much similarity in the way those stances were received by the sports press and the public.
So today, there is that same conflating. Kaerpernick is unpatriotic, unless his career turns around, in which case his expression of protest is somehow ok.
Kaepernick is on the right side of history, regardless of his playing stats going forward. And so now his critics are as wrong as Ali's were. Americans have apparently learned nothing about what true patriotism is in the last 49 years. And the lack of public support so far among successful black athletes today seems incredible. Don't they know they are standing on the shoulders of Russell, Alcindor (Kareem), Jim Brown and the other greats who supported Ali in 67-68, when it was very brave of them to do so?
Now Kaepernick is brave, but not necessarily as brave as Ali was, since Ali lost his livelihood overnight, and he knew he would; and he was ready to go jail for his refusal to serve in the military. Kaepernick doesn't risk that much. Still, I see strong parallels between Ali's political stance in 1967 and Kapernick's today, and way too much similarity in the way those stances were received by the sports press and the public.
So today, there is that same conflating. Kaerpernick is unpatriotic, unless his career turns around, in which case his expression of protest is somehow ok.
Kaepernick is on the right side of history, regardless of his playing stats going forward. And so now his critics are as wrong as Ali's were. Americans have apparently learned nothing about what true patriotism is in the last 49 years. And the lack of public support so far among successful black athletes today seems incredible. Don't they know they are standing on the shoulders of Russell, Alcindor (Kareem), Jim Brown and the other greats who supported Ali in 67-68, when it was very brave of them to do so?
202
Art B- Colin is a punk compared to Ali. Colin has waited until he is so rich he could easily retire very wealthy without ever making another penny. Ali did not have that luxury. He had not amassed nearly the even relative wealth that Colin has when he did what he did. I can only include Jim Brown with Ali because I simply have not followed the careers of others as well, when I say they were right to have no problem looking themselves in the mirror as their outspokenness surely cost them millions of dollars and favor among the masses. Granted, they enjoyed it to an extent, but precious little compared to what being quiet would have brought them. It is a personal choice made and based on one's character, integrity, self-respect, and level of selfishness.
1
I do think Colin Kaepernick is brave. While his livelihood and safety are more secure because of the steps Ali, Tommy Smith, Juan Carlos, Peter Norman, Brown, Russell and Alcindor took, there could still be some racist who could G-d forbid harm him or his family.
I am a white man who admires his courage.
I am a white man who admires his courage.
3
You statement rings true. But I think Kaepernick has much to lose. The NFL and fans expect their QB's to behave well, both on and off the field - not so much for the kicker or lineman.
While I don't agree with Mr. Kaepernick's position, I truly admire his guts and courage to stick his neck out there for something he believes in. He's frankly putting his whole career at risk to make a point, alone sitting on the bench knowing full well he will be criticised or even fired. That's true grit.
Come on: when was the last time you saw this kind of passion? Agree with him or not, but admire his courage! This country needs more of this.
Come on: when was the last time you saw this kind of passion? Agree with him or not, but admire his courage! This country needs more of this.
9
If the New York Times is going to continue to publish this thin gruel of bad analysis, written by people grasping for connections that aren't there, then we as a readership need to defect. This is about as bad as Bruni's recent silliness connecting Wiener to Trump.
Look, Kaepernick's protest is about something real, and nobody who's serious denies that. But to think that this has much to do with San Francisco's gentrification is a serious stretch. That's not a "black lives matter" issue, if the latter is meant to refer to problems that specifically affect black and brown people. San Francisco's soaring costs are hurting people of all kinds in this, yes, tremendously diverse city. There are substantial non-black populations who are being forced out as well. Look up the actual demographics. The numbers show that over the last 25 years white and black residents, as an overall percentage, have fallen at comparable rates. That's a portrait of the evisceration of a working and middle class that was ACTUALLY diverse - meaning, composed of people who affiliate with different ethnic and/or racial identities. If ever there were an equal-opportunity process of gentrification, this is it. There are so many ways in which black people are treated differentially - why try to assimilate to this movement the issue of San Francisco's gentrification, which does not fit that bill at all?
Look, Kaepernick's protest is about something real, and nobody who's serious denies that. But to think that this has much to do with San Francisco's gentrification is a serious stretch. That's not a "black lives matter" issue, if the latter is meant to refer to problems that specifically affect black and brown people. San Francisco's soaring costs are hurting people of all kinds in this, yes, tremendously diverse city. There are substantial non-black populations who are being forced out as well. Look up the actual demographics. The numbers show that over the last 25 years white and black residents, as an overall percentage, have fallen at comparable rates. That's a portrait of the evisceration of a working and middle class that was ACTUALLY diverse - meaning, composed of people who affiliate with different ethnic and/or racial identities. If ever there were an equal-opportunity process of gentrification, this is it. There are so many ways in which black people are treated differentially - why try to assimilate to this movement the issue of San Francisco's gentrification, which does not fit that bill at all?
26
Times change and cities do to.
I remember Willie Mays playing stickball on the streets of New York, idolized by kids of any and all colors. But Willie couldn't live near me nor vote or eat lunch with me in his own home town.
Once it was color, now it's the dollar. Have enough dollars and you can live anywhere, regardless of color. I guess that's progress...
I remember Willie Mays playing stickball on the streets of New York, idolized by kids of any and all colors. But Willie couldn't live near me nor vote or eat lunch with me in his own home town.
Once it was color, now it's the dollar. Have enough dollars and you can live anywhere, regardless of color. I guess that's progress...
5
Give me a break. The rents in San Francisco apply to everyone, even those of the Caucasian Persuasion.
38
Fascinating that what might be more important than race my be your economic status. Oops did I say out loud that race is not the most important dimension of someone's identity? What if that is true? What if San Francisco is simply a microcosm of the rest of the nation in that your economic status, or your religious affiliation, or your education level, matter significantly more than your race? For all of the NYT readers clamoring to respond, I have two words for you.
Barack Obama.
Barack Obama.
11
Ed, are you really claiming that economic outcomes aren't themselves affected by race? We have plenty of good evidence to prove they are (just as one example, job applications with randomly assigned white names get much better response rates than identical resumes with black names). So I'm not sure your distinction between economic and racial discrimination is even meaningful.
And besides, even if economics mattered more, nobody is claiming race is the only social problem in America. You should also recognize that Jim Crowe was still in place up to 1965. Do you think 200 year social problems disappear in one generation? Ever seen any data on the incarceration or poverty or health statistics for black Americans? Do you think that's a coincidence?
Finally, never ever cite Barak Obama as proof that inequality is over. All you prove is that it's possible to be black and be president. That's equality of possibility not probability. If I have 99% chance of winning a bet and you 1%, are we equal? We both have the possibility of winning. Show me that 12% of presidents are black or that it wouldn't be unheard of to have two black candidates on the same ticket or run one election after the other, and I'll start reconsidering. Even better, show me a black candidate as truly hopeless as Trump get the nominee and then we have equality.
And besides, even if economics mattered more, nobody is claiming race is the only social problem in America. You should also recognize that Jim Crowe was still in place up to 1965. Do you think 200 year social problems disappear in one generation? Ever seen any data on the incarceration or poverty or health statistics for black Americans? Do you think that's a coincidence?
Finally, never ever cite Barak Obama as proof that inequality is over. All you prove is that it's possible to be black and be president. That's equality of possibility not probability. If I have 99% chance of winning a bet and you 1%, are we equal? We both have the possibility of winning. Show me that 12% of presidents are black or that it wouldn't be unheard of to have two black candidates on the same ticket or run one election after the other, and I'll start reconsidering. Even better, show me a black candidate as truly hopeless as Trump get the nominee and then we have equality.
5
How about you spell Obama's name right after 8 years, and then I'll take you seriously.
Agree with him or not, if you admire Ali for having taken a stand based on his principles at the pinnacle of his career...then you have to acknowledge that Kaepernick, by sitting down, is taking his STAND.
And to those who quip "it's the wrong forum"...then why has it generated so much attention and provoked so much discussion?
And to those who quip "it's the wrong forum"...then why has it generated so much attention and provoked so much discussion?
5
"Chicago has recorded 487 homicides and more than 2,800 people shot so far this year." Chicago Tribune For 'people' read 'African-Americans,' almost exclusively.
There is something badly broken about a sizable portion of the Black community. Far, far from everyone; but a sizable percentage. Michael Brown and Tamir Rice, are they roll-models of Black life? I hope not. That poor woman who was gunned down in Chicago last weekend - four children and no mention, no mention at all of a father for any of them.
Everyone without money is leaving San Francisco, it has nothing to do with race, it's just about cash. Willie Brown ain't moving.
Why isn't Kaepernick doing something positive to help? Sitting on your butt, that is so useful. Such leadership, such a personal investment on his part.
There is something badly broken about a sizable portion of the Black community. Far, far from everyone; but a sizable percentage. Michael Brown and Tamir Rice, are they roll-models of Black life? I hope not. That poor woman who was gunned down in Chicago last weekend - four children and no mention, no mention at all of a father for any of them.
Everyone without money is leaving San Francisco, it has nothing to do with race, it's just about cash. Willie Brown ain't moving.
Why isn't Kaepernick doing something positive to help? Sitting on your butt, that is so useful. Such leadership, such a personal investment on his part.
39
Michael H., you question Tamir Rice as a roll-model (sic)? He was 12 years old when he was gunned down by police. He didn't have a chance to be a role model.
Sincerely,
A white mother
Sincerely,
A white mother
The other night, I was shocked to hear someone interviewed on local news say of Kaepernick, "He should move to Canada!" and I thought, "Is it 1968 again? America, love it or leave it?"
13
Having traveled a lot, I wouldn't live anywhere else but the good ol' USA. And, yes, I unequivocally support his right to make the choice not to stand.
It is somehow fitting that he should be a SF player. SF is often at the forefront of things the nation has to come to grips with. Think Gay Pride & Tech just to name a few. It's also fitting that everyone will be watching Thursday's game played here in San Diego. Remember the controversy of Roseanne's anthem at our baseball stadium?
Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose...
It is somehow fitting that he should be a SF player. SF is often at the forefront of things the nation has to come to grips with. Think Gay Pride & Tech just to name a few. It's also fitting that everyone will be watching Thursday's game played here in San Diego. Remember the controversy of Roseanne's anthem at our baseball stadium?
Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose...
3
The writer attributes a whole host of ideas and attitudes to white fans/responders--based on what? His presumptions are unfair and, for at least some of the white people he tries to describe, quite inaccurate. As a Redskins fan living in NYC, I'm not at all focused on Kaepernick's on-field performance as I react to his protest. My main objection has to do with the way he diminishes the meaning of the flag itself. Yes, justice is unequal and black men face dangers that I do not, realities that need attention and change. But the flag represents a whole lot more than the justice system. To the extent that I object to what Kaepernick did (or failed to do), that's why.
15
this is serious. Colin Kaepernick is within his rights to protest this america he lives in. i wish more players would join him. fans in anger say he isn't showing respect for our flag. as a youth my junior and senior classes chose not to recite the pledge to the flag for atrocities in vietnam. hey made us feel then we were doing our part. black americans have been teased about this country each and every freedom loving day. at any second they are gone. white americans don,t face the same america. we are pretty secure in the prescence of police. the tables are not level fair or even realistic. seems to me a couple months ago a young lady gave a fine half time show and then got got her patriotism questioned. come on america you i.e. WE cant keep having it y(o)ur way all the time.
7
The whining is non-stop and contradictory...There aren't enough black people in the suburbs. There aren't enough black people in the city. There aren't enough black quarterbacks. There aren't enough black coaches. There aren't enough black people working in tech. There aren't enough stores in the black sections of town. Blacks are too segregated. There are not enough black communities.
...What is the point of all of this whining?
...What is the point of all of this whining?
33
"What is the point of all of this whining?"
It is a common strategy employed by spoiled children; knowing that eventually the adults will cave.
It is a common strategy employed by spoiled children; knowing that eventually the adults will cave.
5
What about there aren't enough white men in the NBA?
>or expect to find a job that pays enough for you to afford to live here in the first place.
I worked in high tech software it is the same as sports, you either produce or you can't, there is no discrimination.
I worked in high tech software it is the same as sports, you either produce or you can't, there is no discrimination.
14
Ali and Kaepernick in the same breath?
Uh...No.
Uh...No.
35
it's ignorant to think that white people in general, "don't want black people to live in San Francisco." why would you even write that?
32
I'm white and that's not what I think at all. I think, "why are all these men ignoring the problem of male violence in our society that's so blatantly obvious?" And everyone calls them brave for standing up? I call them blind.
14
And while Gerald Harris writes, the white (and Asian) power brokers in the city plan for the wholesale "revitalization" of the single black-majority neighborhood left in San Francisco: Bayview-Hunters Point - "shopping and entertainment, open space, sustainable living, arts and innovation, spirited neighborhoods."
Wow. Spirited neighborhoods, huh? What color is that spirit going to be? "This is for all the urban explorers out there..." Don't sound like black explorers, that's for sure. The white power structure has made it easy for the rest of the city to accept this "redevelopment" - after all, don't the white media make sure that what people read about Hunters Point is not that it has the most stable home ownership in the city but that it's a place where young black men rob old folks and kill each other. Best to just clean the place out and start anew with our favorite color of "urban explorers."
And while they're at it, make sure to erase any lingering black associations and history with the name "Hunters Point." Make people forget that blacks were forced into that neighborhood by the local racist power structure, and that there they built a lot of the ships that helped win World War II. That's where they also were allowed to breathe the exhaust from coal- and oil-fired power plants. It's now a Superfund site.
So change the name to something grand and yeah, "artisan." Call it "The San Francisco Shipyard." Coming soon to a neighborhood near you - really near.
Wow. Spirited neighborhoods, huh? What color is that spirit going to be? "This is for all the urban explorers out there..." Don't sound like black explorers, that's for sure. The white power structure has made it easy for the rest of the city to accept this "redevelopment" - after all, don't the white media make sure that what people read about Hunters Point is not that it has the most stable home ownership in the city but that it's a place where young black men rob old folks and kill each other. Best to just clean the place out and start anew with our favorite color of "urban explorers."
And while they're at it, make sure to erase any lingering black associations and history with the name "Hunters Point." Make people forget that blacks were forced into that neighborhood by the local racist power structure, and that there they built a lot of the ships that helped win World War II. That's where they also were allowed to breathe the exhaust from coal- and oil-fired power plants. It's now a Superfund site.
So change the name to something grand and yeah, "artisan." Call it "The San Francisco Shipyard." Coming soon to a neighborhood near you - really near.
6
Excellent column.
Is it simply race or race combined with something else that allows so many people to be outraged by the non-field actions of a sports entertainer making $20 million/year yet give a pass to a radio entertainer making $50 million/year (Rush Limbaugh) on his off-air actions ?
I wonder if the response might have been a bit different if Kapernick played for the Oakland Raiders instead of the not-San Francisco 49ers.
Patriotism is loving and doing right by one's country, not taking the lazy way out and simply fawning over symbols. The NFL is no more patriotic than any other corporate cartel.
It is easy to yell at someone for not standing for the anthem. It is much, much harder and much, much more important to actually work to live up to the principles that define our common identity and purpose. Without those principles as a constant, we are not a we; we are just you and me, and you and me do not a nation make.
This country is an experiment founded intentionally on explicit principles, not predicated on historically assumed religion, ethnicity, language, or much of anything else. That is why we have had absurdities such as the House Un-American Activities Committee. Though European countries are suddenly struggling with questions of identity, with the exceptions of the Jews and the Roma, Poles, the French, Italians, and others knew who they were and knew who the guy down the block was. Fights were over identities subsidiary to the national identity.
Is it simply race or race combined with something else that allows so many people to be outraged by the non-field actions of a sports entertainer making $20 million/year yet give a pass to a radio entertainer making $50 million/year (Rush Limbaugh) on his off-air actions ?
I wonder if the response might have been a bit different if Kapernick played for the Oakland Raiders instead of the not-San Francisco 49ers.
Patriotism is loving and doing right by one's country, not taking the lazy way out and simply fawning over symbols. The NFL is no more patriotic than any other corporate cartel.
It is easy to yell at someone for not standing for the anthem. It is much, much harder and much, much more important to actually work to live up to the principles that define our common identity and purpose. Without those principles as a constant, we are not a we; we are just you and me, and you and me do not a nation make.
This country is an experiment founded intentionally on explicit principles, not predicated on historically assumed religion, ethnicity, language, or much of anything else. That is why we have had absurdities such as the House Un-American Activities Committee. Though European countries are suddenly struggling with questions of identity, with the exceptions of the Jews and the Roma, Poles, the French, Italians, and others knew who they were and knew who the guy down the block was. Fights were over identities subsidiary to the national identity.
5
I see the huge double standard in how Black athletes (and nonathletes)are treated compared to Whites when they make a political statement
When Phil Mikkelsen said he was going to move offshore to avoid paying taxes, where was the clamor that that was an unpatriotic stance?
Gabby Douglas was criticized by a lot of the same voices who are rebuking Kaepernick for "merely" standing at attention during the national anthem.
Obama was criticized for not wearing a flag pin on his lapel.
Isn't it nice for the madding crowds to decide each day how patriotism looks that day.
When Phil Mikkelsen said he was going to move offshore to avoid paying taxes, where was the clamor that that was an unpatriotic stance?
Gabby Douglas was criticized by a lot of the same voices who are rebuking Kaepernick for "merely" standing at attention during the national anthem.
Obama was criticized for not wearing a flag pin on his lapel.
Isn't it nice for the madding crowds to decide each day how patriotism looks that day.
45
The Gabby Douglas criticism was really glaring because other US athletes at the same olympics also did not place their hands on their hearts and twitter didn't explode over their lack of "patriotism"!
But with Douglas it was a problem because some people just can't let go of that imaginary birthright to order black people about! And oh will they foam at the mouth if you call it what it is: race based double standards.
But with Douglas it was a problem because some people just can't let go of that imaginary birthright to order black people about! And oh will they foam at the mouth if you call it what it is: race based double standards.
11
My Dad was Commanding Officer of Camp Crouch in Japan. When he got the call that the North Koreans had crossed the 38th parallel, the entire post worked tirelessly to become mobilized. The first US troops to Korea came from our camp that June 1950. We all knew why we were working so hard. Standing for our national anthem wasn't necessary to prove our love of our country.
1
I never heard about Mikkelsen or I would have been criticizing him at the time. And what about Kurt Shilling - he has been criticized for his effort at making political statements. What about Brady - he's had more abuse than any black athlete, and you could say it's for taking a stand against the NFL and the CBA which basically robs you of due process.
Your statement that race has something to do with the response of the public doesn't hold water.
Your statement that race has something to do with the response of the public doesn't hold water.
Bingo.
3
It is simply mindless and knee-jerk slactivism.
He could use his position to try to accomplish so much more but instead he has chosen to champion a symbol of all that is wrong with the 'movement'.
Use your power and your reputation to tackle the ethos of black and white culture. Don't fall back on a tweet or a random post - that is so unhelpful.
Thousand of young Black men are dying - some at the hands of police but too many at the hands of other young Black men - take a stand that this is unacceptable - educate yourself and educate your brothers.
Alas - I fear this will fall on deaf ears - Kaepernick is all about the facade and never about the ethos.
He could use his position to try to accomplish so much more but instead he has chosen to champion a symbol of all that is wrong with the 'movement'.
Use your power and your reputation to tackle the ethos of black and white culture. Don't fall back on a tweet or a random post - that is so unhelpful.
Thousand of young Black men are dying - some at the hands of police but too many at the hands of other young Black men - take a stand that this is unacceptable - educate yourself and educate your brothers.
Alas - I fear this will fall on deaf ears - Kaepernick is all about the facade and never about the ethos.
113
How does it come to you, to be your purview, to decide, what, of myriad issues that affect him and those he identifies with, he should protest about and work on??
And I wonder, if he *did* work on the Chicago-murder rate issue, if he were to do that by vigorously advocating for gun control, so bullets bought in Indiana doesn't enter the brain of little girls sitting in their apartment bedrooms by a window, you'd be as enthusiastic about his choice.
And I wonder, if he *did* work on the Chicago-murder rate issue, if he were to do that by vigorously advocating for gun control, so bullets bought in Indiana doesn't enter the brain of little girls sitting in their apartment bedrooms by a window, you'd be as enthusiastic about his choice.
5
Hi, SteveRR
Regarding your last sentence, I don't think so.
You want Kaepernick to do what perhaps you would do, but I think that's beyond his scope. No one in the world can convince lowlife scum like the two brothers who killed a woman pushing a stroller by missing the guy they were shooting at. They were out on parole. Now, an innocent woman is dead and society will have to pay for the life imprisonment of these two specimens of inhumanity. You really think Kaepernick can reach "people" such as those? I don't.
Kaepernick has the right to choose his actions. He's getting noticed, and he's bringing attention to a real problem that most of white America seems to not much care about and would like to ignore.
I applaud his action.
Regarding your last sentence, I don't think so.
You want Kaepernick to do what perhaps you would do, but I think that's beyond his scope. No one in the world can convince lowlife scum like the two brothers who killed a woman pushing a stroller by missing the guy they were shooting at. They were out on parole. Now, an innocent woman is dead and society will have to pay for the life imprisonment of these two specimens of inhumanity. You really think Kaepernick can reach "people" such as those? I don't.
Kaepernick has the right to choose his actions. He's getting noticed, and he's bringing attention to a real problem that most of white America seems to not much care about and would like to ignore.
I applaud his action.
2
Ummm - he IS doing something. He is protesting in a very visible way. He has put a lot of money on the line. He is virtually certain to be cut and black-listed. He has propelled BLM back into the news and the American conscious.
All in all, not bad for simply sitting down.
All in all, not bad for simply sitting down.
2
I respectfully disagree. While I agree with much of Colin Kaepernick's opinions regarding the need for more justice and opportunity for people of color in the United States, I strongly disagree with the way he chose to exercise his first amendment rights. The national anthem, along with a few other national symbols, represents our common ideals and our compact to move together guided by those values. We may not agree on much, but if we lose the commitment to see ourselves as one body politic who are stronger together, well... what is left is a hate filled arena where a dialog is impossible. By all means, speak out and protest but this little act of Mr. Kaepernick just seems unwise and immature.
142
Your comment on "common ideals" is fine and dandy, but when push comes to shove, these ideals are totally different for White people and Black People.
Police killing black people, the lead poisoning in Detroit, some southern states trying to make it harder for Black people to vote, are just 3 examples that come to mind of the inequality in the USA.
As for Mr. Kaepernick's "little act", it seems to have got the attention of all the newspapers, but the same newspapers have forgotten the follow-up news reporting on all of the Black killings by police this past summer. So much for "common ideals"!
Police killing black people, the lead poisoning in Detroit, some southern states trying to make it harder for Black people to vote, are just 3 examples that come to mind of the inequality in the USA.
As for Mr. Kaepernick's "little act", it seems to have got the attention of all the newspapers, but the same newspapers have forgotten the follow-up news reporting on all of the Black killings by police this past summer. So much for "common ideals"!
8
Kaepernick has every right to his opinions, feelings, or urges. Just remember that antagonism breeds more antagonism and that is what has happened in this dustup. There are better, less combative ways to get a message out and Kaepernick should explore them if he wishes to get anywhere with his protest.
78
"Less combative"? Such as the Montgomery bus boycott? Or the march in Selma? Or Ali refusing induction? I'm a 75-year-old white woman who is still actively working for equity and social justice. I was an adult during the Civil Rights movement, I was in Alabama and Mississippi in 1963, and I can say with certainty that refusing to stand for the national anthem is hardly "combative." I watched two sports announcers, one white, one black, discuss this on tv, and the white guy, along with the white moderator literally would not let the black guy finish a sentence or make a point because they were so intent on proving that Kaepernick's salary, his recent mediocre play, and whatever else they could dredge up, were proof that he is out of line. The fact that he could barely get a word in symbolized what he is protesting. He has chosen a non-violent yet very public way of protesting the discrimination and racism that is still very much a violent part of our social fabric.
5
Quietly sitting is hardly combative.
3
DTOM:
But would those "better, less combative ways" of getting the message out resulted in so much press coverage? So much "water cooler" and social media conversation?
I think Kaepernick's protest has already succeeded in that it has gotten people talking, and on a large scale. That's not a solution, but it's a very good start.
But would those "better, less combative ways" of getting the message out resulted in so much press coverage? So much "water cooler" and social media conversation?
I think Kaepernick's protest has already succeeded in that it has gotten people talking, and on a large scale. That's not a solution, but it's a very good start.
3
whhhaaaaa whhhaaaaa whhhhaaaaaa Much of this article is a bunch of complaining, rather than any real thoughtful policy prescriptions to help solve problems or perceived problems the author notes. This is a typical op ed in the NYT, let someone from the left complain of injustices, but leave it light and airy with limited facts or heft to support their arguments. Disappointing to say the least. BTW, Kaepernick should be released due to his poor play, not his political posturing in a sports league that provides him a forum to have a spotlight bigger than is worthy of his position as a mediocre pro athlete.
21
"I imagine I share with Kaepernick nightmares of the killing of Tamir Rice, Michael Brown ...."
Michael Brown was a thug -he stole merchandise from a minority owned convenience store and accosted the clerk in so doing. Then he assaulted the policeman and attempted to grab the policeman's firearm. Many black men have been shot and killed unjustly. Michael Brown was NOT one of them.
Michael Brown was a thug -he stole merchandise from a minority owned convenience store and accosted the clerk in so doing. Then he assaulted the policeman and attempted to grab the policeman's firearm. Many black men have been shot and killed unjustly. Michael Brown was NOT one of them.
44
The professionals from SF that I work with say San Francisco is getting better every day. On the other hand, the Angelinos that I work with are not so positive.
2
Obviously the writer never saw or heard a Canadian professional hockey game, before which they always sing O Canada.
8
How is that obvious or relevant?
4
My question is: Is his pocketbook matching his mouth? How come we're not hearing about his great financial donations to African American causes?
28
Your question is meant to avoid the issue at hand and just attack him some more
6
Yet Trump, a professed billionaire with an abysmal record regarding race and charitable contributions, is a contender in the now two person race for the U.S. presidency. He won't even disclose his financial information. But you can't be Black and sit for the national anthem based on on your conscientious beliefs without Americans "hearing" of your donations to Black causes. This is the sort of statement that makes me realize how racist our country actually is.
10
Why aren't we hearing about the Clintons Foundation's donations to African-American causes? Are there any?
2
I'm a middle class white guy in NYC, but I cannot imagine a more convincing op-ed than the one Gerald Harris has penned here.
Just about every American - don't get me started on what they know about history, science, math, etc. - could give you a rough translation of "the golden rule," and most of them "get" the gist of "empathy," putting yourself in someone else's shoes.
But it sure seems like the majority (maybe not for long) is just viscerally unable to put themselves in the shoes of black parents. For whites, I dare say, even if it gets the groan that it deserves "the talk" still centers on avoiding pregnancy - more or less. But I'm not out of touch enough to fail to recognize that for Afr-Am. parents, it's more likely that they'll HAVE to talk to their kids about how NOT to talk to men in uniform ... just so's they don't die before they reach 20 ... or get arrested for what really might be called "sass," except that isn't quiet criminal ... yet.
Can most of us agree that Michael Jordan is NOT "a credit to his race" (HUMAN) if one gets past what he accomplished by age 35?! Colin isn't half the athlete MJ is/was, but he's twice the human being!
Just about every American - don't get me started on what they know about history, science, math, etc. - could give you a rough translation of "the golden rule," and most of them "get" the gist of "empathy," putting yourself in someone else's shoes.
But it sure seems like the majority (maybe not for long) is just viscerally unable to put themselves in the shoes of black parents. For whites, I dare say, even if it gets the groan that it deserves "the talk" still centers on avoiding pregnancy - more or less. But I'm not out of touch enough to fail to recognize that for Afr-Am. parents, it's more likely that they'll HAVE to talk to their kids about how NOT to talk to men in uniform ... just so's they don't die before they reach 20 ... or get arrested for what really might be called "sass," except that isn't quiet criminal ... yet.
Can most of us agree that Michael Jordan is NOT "a credit to his race" (HUMAN) if one gets past what he accomplished by age 35?! Colin isn't half the athlete MJ is/was, but he's twice the human being!
10
Please! Colin didn't do squat about race relations when he was relevant at his position. He is done with football and out of the spotlight. This was his way to get attention again. What has the man done to help other than sit on his rear end disrespecting a flag that so many died for.
I am not a San Francisco 49ers fan; I had never heard of Colin Kaepernick, but I respected his right to make his statement. At the same time, I didn’t give a lot of thought to him or to what others said about him. And yet… this NYT editorial expresses quite eloquently what I sensed in only a vague way.
6
"Now, it seems, most of the people cheering in the stadium are white and from all over the Bay Area, since even the 49ers can’t afford to actually play in the city — the stadium is farther south, in Santa Clara."
I am hard-pressed to believe that the 49'ers cannot afford to play in SF. More likely, like most other NFL teams, they have chosen to make more money than stick with their diehard fans.. Heck, the Raiders are making a go of it in Oakland.
I am hard-pressed to believe that the 49'ers cannot afford to play in SF. More likely, like most other NFL teams, they have chosen to make more money than stick with their diehard fans.. Heck, the Raiders are making a go of it in Oakland.
7
The writer says, Kaepernick "is the latest in a long line of black athletes who have decided to be real people with real concerns about the black community."
But why, then, hasn't he taken action to make the community better? He has the resources and stage to make a palpable difference. What does sitting during the national anthem actually accomplish? Instead, he continues with his immature, look-at-me, tactics. It's been clear since he first took over for Alex Smith in SF that he cares for no one other than himself. If he truly feels strongly about what is going on with people of color in the US - which would be totally warranted, mind you - this would have been a great opportunity for him to change and stand up for what he believes in. But no - he sits.
Our world will never make progress through actions like this. We need to come together and work together toward our common goals. The white majority must learn that the empowerment of the black community is in their own interest as well, but childish "protests" like what Kaepernick did last week only set us back further. He is a role model for young folks, and, by his actions, he is encouraging and recruiting others to follow him in his "protest." While he may have the goal of achieving greater equality in our society - one that I wholeheartedly agree with - he is going about it in an absolutely wrong way.
But why, then, hasn't he taken action to make the community better? He has the resources and stage to make a palpable difference. What does sitting during the national anthem actually accomplish? Instead, he continues with his immature, look-at-me, tactics. It's been clear since he first took over for Alex Smith in SF that he cares for no one other than himself. If he truly feels strongly about what is going on with people of color in the US - which would be totally warranted, mind you - this would have been a great opportunity for him to change and stand up for what he believes in. But no - he sits.
Our world will never make progress through actions like this. We need to come together and work together toward our common goals. The white majority must learn that the empowerment of the black community is in their own interest as well, but childish "protests" like what Kaepernick did last week only set us back further. He is a role model for young folks, and, by his actions, he is encouraging and recruiting others to follow him in his "protest." While he may have the goal of achieving greater equality in our society - one that I wholeheartedly agree with - he is going about it in an absolutely wrong way.
19
Kaepernick is worth well over $100 million. Does anyone think he actually cares about the community?
9
I always wonder when people write this type of comment whether they know what he has done with his money. The few pro athletes I know ALL have charitable works. Even those who haven't earned massive amounts. Do you know?
2
Why would you think that being a financial success mens you don't care about your community/country? That's like saying that someone being healthy means they don't care about those who are sick.
I've been on both sides of those railroad tracks. I'm still pretty much the same person. Who are you to tell me who or what I care about?
We can criticize the actions of others all we want but we have no business judging their intentions.
I've been on both sides of those railroad tracks. I'm still pretty much the same person. Who are you to tell me who or what I care about?
We can criticize the actions of others all we want but we have no business judging their intentions.
2
Jackie Robinson did the same. I guess Kaepernick is in good company and how many of us knows the whole national anthem. Very few and that we should not question his motivation. He felt discrimination growing up and we all have to allow Kaepernick to be Kaepernick.
1
Document your claim that Jackie Robinson refused to stand for the national anthem.
He bravely endured taunts and racial epithets without responding in kind.
He practiced creative non-violence before Dr. King coined the term.
Branch Rickey would never have allowed him to provoke more hatred by insulting the anthem.
He bravely endured taunts and racial epithets without responding in kind.
He practiced creative non-violence before Dr. King coined the term.
Branch Rickey would never have allowed him to provoke more hatred by insulting the anthem.
2
As a nearly 70 year old white male who remembers and supported Jim Brown, Ali, Kareem, Tommie Smith, John Carlos and many others I say you go Colin. Football as religion is a national disgrace as is the continued killing of young black men. White Americans can criticize all they want but they just have no clue what it means to walk in the shoes of black men.
Kaepernick should be applauded for his courage. Those who want him to be more subtle actually don't want him to do anything at all. It takes a dramatic act to get our attention and this is it.
Kaepernick should be applauded for his courage. Those who want him to be more subtle actually don't want him to do anything at all. It takes a dramatic act to get our attention and this is it.
289
Exactly who has stated football to be a "religion"? But thanks for your sanctimony.
3
good column!
3
Mr. Harris needs to light up; he is 'way too cynical here. This stand-or-sit story is really a yawn for someone like me who lived through the burning flags era.
That argument was settled long ago; it is time to move on. Again.
That argument was settled long ago; it is time to move on. Again.
5
Our country is close to electing a bigoted racist for president, I too am ashamed. I love my country and I cherish the freedoms we take for granted, but I still am ashamed.
10
I'm ashamed of Hillary! As well.
12
Two Detroit Tigers, Lou Whitaker and Chet Lemon, would not stand while the national anthem was played and they remained fan favorites.
Protest is ok. But at some point will it be considered a racist act if one stands during the playing of the national anthem? I hope not. Remember you read it here first.
Protest is ok. But at some point will it be considered a racist act if one stands during the playing of the national anthem? I hope not. Remember you read it here first.
8
If fans disagree with Colin Kaepernick they should stay home when the 49ers are playing at home. They should switch to other games when he is on TV. They should take him out of their fantasy football line up.
But they won't. That is because most fans really don't care about who sits or stands during the national anthem. No, they care about the game, the entertainment and the joy or pleasure it brings them. They care about the spread and the bets they placed.
What they don't like is to have real social and political issues interfering with all of that.
Keep sitting, Colin!
But they won't. That is because most fans really don't care about who sits or stands during the national anthem. No, they care about the game, the entertainment and the joy or pleasure it brings them. They care about the spread and the bets they placed.
What they don't like is to have real social and political issues interfering with all of that.
Keep sitting, Colin!
155
The fans who support Colin's right to free speech (yes even a black man has the right to free speech) should also sit during the anthem. Ever seen the unknown third verse of that hallowed song?
"No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
"No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
2
Exactly right. Fans could care less if Mr. Kaepernick sits or stands. As do I. He's entitled to his opinion; one can't help but wonder at the timing, since his protest suddenly appears just as he's in danger of being reduced to a backup player.
Mr. Harris probably doesn't either other than as a raison d'etre for his piece on SF race issues. The fact that poor whites are being displaced by gentrification isn't mentioned here either.
Mr. Harris probably doesn't either other than as a raison d'etre for his piece on SF race issues. The fact that poor whites are being displaced by gentrification isn't mentioned here either.
1
This old white guy agrees with you 100%. Free speech is everyone's right. Slavery's ugly stain is still visible across this country.
117
Thanks for this. Though White, I identify with Mr. Kaepernick's action - the hollow patriotism of the obligatory national anthem obscures the real challenges we face as a nation, such as continuing institutional racism, and diminishes us all. In sitting down, Mr. Kaepernick calls on the rest of us to stand up, and change what's wrong.
468
More power to him. It is sad the discussion is not about the truth of his statement but rather patriotism which is often a lot like fascism. Last I checked this was still a free nation and a black man has a right to protest whatever he wants to.It would be something to see the team join him.
516
It has been nearly 50 years since the protests at the Mexico Olympics against oppression of African Americans. Fifty years and the problems remain.
12
And democrats still maintain control because we keep doing the same thing over again expecting different results.
10