Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand in honor of the National Anthem and flag may well be within his constitutional rights, but his actions are much less than wise. Kaepernick contends that the flag cannot be given due honor and respect because of the chronic mistreatment of African-Americans historically and in recent months. His facts in this regard are accurate and cannot be argued. But Kaepernick’s actions fail in two critical ways.

First, Kaepernick misappropriates the purpose of the flag. The flag and national anthem represent the best ideas of what America should be, and should not be viewed as symbol of our national failures. The flag is a constant reminder that America as an idea aspires towards freedom and equality. These definitions do not change based upon the failure of Americans to fully live them out. Thus, Kaepernick is right to protest the failure of American efforts where equality is concerned. But making the flag, the very reminder of what we should be, the object of his protests is misguided. Indeed, a better action would be to use the flag to remind the nation of what our highest aspirations are and thus contrast that with current realities. This action would be both sobering and convicting.