President Obama decided to get involved in the controversy surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to not stand during the national anthem.
Speaking on Monday to reporters in China, Obama said that he understood both sides outraged and supporting Kaepernick’s choice.
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“When it comes to the flag and the national anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who fought for us — that is a tough thing for them to get past,” the President said. “But I don’t doubt his sincerity. I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about. If nothing else, he’s generated more conversation about issues that have to be talked about.”
He continued by saying that the whole thing was “messy” but, “that’s how democracy works” when young people are engaged in the process.
Obama likely had to be as diplomatic as possible, because it would very easy to question Kaepernick’s character.
While he claims to be fighting for the rights of minorities and giving a voice to the poor blacks, Kaepernick has never lived around them once. He was raised by a white family in one of the whitest cities in California, and when he earned millions of dollars, he bought a home in a gated community, sectioning himself off even more from the suffering he supposably cares so much about.
Watch Obama’s comments below:
