Posted on Sep 12, 2016
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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I got it, you have the right to freedom of speech, but when you are a "professional" and a "role model" is there more expected from you? Is it from this platform that it now becomes you responsibility where you MUST act as that role model? I am interested in your thoughts.
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Capt Seid Waddell
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They won't keep their jobs long if they drive the paying customers away.
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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I see this question was posed a year ago, before all this blew up.
For what it is worth, I think that people are entitled to express their views, protest, or speak out how they wish. Having consequences for that is part and parcel to that expression.
Unfortunately, what message there was behind all of this is lost when it becomes fashionable to protest the national anthem as some form of pushing back on Trump.
Much like all of the flag lapel pins after 9/11, I am afraid this is simply a fashion statement, and not an expression of a desire for change.

Funny thing about protests, the point of them is trying to affect some kind of change. What change will this kneeling business gain? Nada, probably.
The hell of it is, all these NFL players have a ton of personal resources in the form of salary, celebrity, and a platform to actually go out and make a difference in their communities. Many players have charitable foundations for various causes.
Let's see them put their money where their mouth is, and make a real difference in their community.
That would be something I can get behind.
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Sgt Bob Leonard
Sgt Bob Leonard
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The Colin Kaepernick Foundation announced its latest bundle of donations Wednesday. With $100,000 slated for three charitable organizations, Kaepernick has now donated $800,000 since last fall.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/kaepernick-charity-work-putting-nfl-owners-disgraceful-light-article-1.3436250
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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8 y
Sgt Bob Leonard - With all due respect to the work that Mr Kaepernick is doing, this work, while laudable, strikes me very much as a PR campaign to try and get him seen in a positive light and possibly back in the NFL. I seem to recall (not comparing, just saying) Michael Vick doing something similar after his dog fighting conviction.
I guess I would be curious what Kaep was up to for charity work last year, when he was secure in a contract and was standing on principle.
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Sgt Bob Leonard
Sgt Bob Leonard
8 y
1SG (Join to see) - Fair question. Raised my curiosity, also.

Google search: "colin kaepernick charity work 2014".
"About 4,480,000 results (0.76 seconds) "

Curosity satisfied in less than a second


Colin Kaepernick Continues Charitable Work for Camp Taylor
Posted Jun 17, 2014

"Colin Kaepernick continues to raise awareness for Camp Taylor, a charity that offers several programs for young people and families of children with heart disease.

The cause is special to the San Francisco 49ers quarterback as his parents lost two children to heart disease at a young age.

Kaepernick helped bring even more attention to the foundation's efforts by hosting his second annual "Against All Odds" golf tournament, an event that included an appearance from teammate Bruce Miller.

Kaepernick has been a big supporter of Camp Taylor ever since he joined the NFL in 2011. The 49ers signal-caller often visits Camp Taylor's "Heart Camp" and he continues to help raise funds for the charity.

"Ultimately I haven't been through things that they have," Kaepernick told the San Jose Mercury News. "So for me, I try to support them as much as I can and show them they're great kids."
http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/Colin-Kaepernick-Continues-Charitable-Work-for-Camp-Taylor/d6b5e354-7990-4d0a-9387-f969245f44e9
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SFC Dennis A.
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I don't really care what you are protesting I just don't understand how the National Anthem can be the blame. To me it is as disrespectful as not stopping for a funeral procession.
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COL Sam Russell
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Progression--progress--is a constant struggle. We recognize that, as a species, we are fallible. It is the history of mankind, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. As we progress toward an ideal, be it "Land of the free, home of the brave," or "Liberty and justice for all," or "All men are created equal," or "Liberté, égalité, fraternité," we will always be beset by regression, through our own frailty, distrust, bigotry, &c.

Some studies have suggested that we are wired, from the time we are born, to learn which faces to trust--our parents who look like us and protect us--and who not to trust--strangers who don't look like us. Thus our progressive struggle to be inclusive, accepting, diverse, and trustful of those who don't look like us, talk like us, or worship like us, is, in fact, an internal struggle against our most basic human makeup, a genetic protective mechanism evolved within us over millennia. We literally are wired to be bigoted.

Being inclusive, accepting of diversity, empathetic with those from different cultures, rubs against our innate grain. It is a struggle that every generation before us has faced, often failing miserably, and, more importantly, it is a struggle that every future generation will have to face. Let's hope they do better.

If I were a child psychologist I would include a link to Stranger Anxiety. I'm a historian, so following is a link to a historical look at our ongoing debate over our National Anthem.

https://theintercept.com/2016/09/13/more-proof-the-u-s-national-anthem-has-always-been-tainted-with-racism/

For the record, my upbringing has wired me to look with disdain at any American who doesn't stand during the National Anthem. It's just who I am, and I'm getting too damn old to change.

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CMSgt Mark Schubert
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Edited >1 y ago
Just because you HAVE the right to do something doesn't mean that it *IS* the right thing to do! Using your platform for this "demonstration" is wrong. I didn't vote in the poll because I think the answer is that you stand and respect the Flag/Anthem because you are an AMERICAN - period - not because you represent a team or organization.
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