Liberal Forum

--------------------While he claims that he respects our country, he demonstrates a completely transparent disdain for this important American freedom – except when it suits him, such as when he defended his neo-Nazi supporters in Charlottesville. His dictatorial attacks on those who oppose him, particularly people of color, are consistent with the troubling assault on American values that we have been experiencing since he took office.And let’s make one thing clear: these protests are not about the American flag. As one ABC News political analyst wrote, “Kneeling isn’t protesting the flag or anthem, as Rosa Parks wasn’t protesting public transportation, & Little Rock 9 public education.” Former 49ers star, Colin Kaepernick, who began the protests and is now blacklisted from the NFL, explained that his actions “[were] a protest over how the country treats black people and people of color.” Whether it’s the Muslim ban from President Trump or the long history of police brutality against African Americans, the list of injustices against people of color goes on and on. Athletes have just as much right as Trump’s rich donors to stand up (or kneel) and speak out against inequities in our country—in fact, recognizing our country isn’t perfect and working to make it better is in and of itself patriotic