If you’ve been, you know, ALIVE in the last week, methinks you’ve read something or other about one Colin Kaepernick. How he has refused to stand for the National Anthem, and how he refuses to salute a nation up to its neck in racism, bigotry, and hatred. Don’t worry, this won’t be a pulpit piece on how un-American he is and how he should go to some other country if he hates it here so much.
If this country is so awful please tell me where you’d prefer… I’ll buy your plane ticket. One way.
— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) August 30, 2016
No, ladies and germs, today I’m here to remind you that you have unparalleled freedoms in these United States of America; to stand, to not stand, and to stand up to those “gotcha” arguments.
As it turns out, Jackie Robinson also REFUSED to stand for the national anthem. Hate him?https://t.co/r6FfMOaGr0 pic.twitter.com/bHgJNftFBU
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) August 30, 2016
Everyone, meet New York Daily News senior justice writer Shaun King. Shaun’s favorite hobbies include pushing 20-year-old stories about whether or not Payton Manning mooned another student-athlete at the University of Tennessee. Lately he’s tweeted incessantly about how not only was Colin Kaepernick justified in his protest, but that he too, would be joining him.
I’m a First Amendment absolutist. That means that even if I get incensed at the American flag being burned at transgender rights parades, I still thank God that we live in a nation where they get to burn such a symbol without fear of imprisonment or death.
Shaun, I have to ask you, how do you feel about our First Amendment? You certainly take full advantage of it in your writing. What about those who disagree with you? What about those who disagree with you who are prominent figures in the city Kaepernick protested in, who are also of the same race Kaepernick was protesting for…say, the greatest wide receiver of all time, and San Francisco icon Jerry Rice?
All lives matter. So much going on in this world today.Can we all just get along! Colin,I respect your stance but don’t disrespect the Flag.
— Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) August 30, 2016
Would you respond maturely and try to encourage a robust debate about racial injustice? Or would you respond with babyish “GOTCHA!” tweets to the figure in question?
So, my question for @drewbrees & @JerryRice & @CoachJim4UM is this?
WAS JACKIE ROBINSON WRONG WHEN HE REFUSED TO STAND FOR THE ANTHEM?
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) August 30, 2016
News flash Shaun: Just because you re-tweeted veterans who agreed with Kaepernick (meaning not all veterans hate the 49er QB’s guts), not all black Americans will agree with him, or at least his form of protest. Oh, and by the way, don’t tweet a poll indicating there will be some huge revolution against the national anthem…it’s just your zombies talking.
Will you be standing for the National Anthem moving forward?
(Background Story: https://t.co/1NjmSUO5U5 )
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) August 30, 2016
I respect the freedom of Shaun King, Colin Kaepernick, and anyone else who considers themselves too oppressed to stand up and salute the flag. But please respect my freedom to stand up, hand over heart, and salute my country.
