Should Military (Active Duty, Reservist & Guard) be allowed to "sit", in support of personal beliefs, during the National Anthem?

SrA Michael Dorwaldt - The UCMJ has absolutely no relevance to those that have served in the past, it only apples to those who are currently serving, and for the NG an\d reserves only part of the time. Where did you get the SILLY idea that the UCMJ applies to veterans or any other civilian for that matter. I will give you a hint, there is nobody in the US military that outranks a civilian.

People have been voicing commencements about that particular prom or variations of it for over a century and a half, but the problem still exists. He has a right to do what he did and we who took the oath have sworn to protect that right along all the other rights.

Where would we be in a maid in Montgomery had not refused to obey the law about where an when we sat down? This guy is not even breaking a single law. Sometime you have to take a stand or in this case a seat. taking a stand is what this nation exists to allow people to do! It has been what makes America greats since a bunk of townsmen and farmers broke the law on Lexington green.

As any Trump fan will tell you courtesy is completely optional , they just calli it "PC "instead of courtesy

I am a a veteran and a definitely am a liberal and sorry to burst yo little bizarre bubble, as are my two brothers and currently serving son. why in your bizarre little bubble to d you think the two terms are exclusive of each other. The last two MOH winners to serve in Congress were Liberals. you might want o to let your mind exit the echo chamber you apparently live in and get a slight glimpse at reality

And on you second post the nation is not perfect, but we have the obligation to strive to make it "A more perfect Union" You are getting offended by people trying peacefully to do so.

SrA Michael Dorwaldt - The only people I condemn in this country are those who through either hateful defiance or blind ignorance *CHOOSE* to ignore the problems that we have in this country. When people are systematically - not just by individuals, but by our country as a whole - treated differently because of what side of any given line they may lie on (gender, sexual orientation, education level, poverty level, religion, and yes, race), there are definitely problems that need to be fixed. If you're willing to stand up and say "this country has problems that needs to be fixed," then have a seat at the table along with me and let's talk about how we can fix them. If you say "I disagree with you when you say America has problems," then I will try my best to convince you that what I'm staying is the case, and if I fail then we just agree to disagree. If you try to tell me "you're wrong, America is perfect and everyone is equal," well... that's when you have to get up from the table, because you're not bringing anything productive to the discussion.

And as far as how you'd rather people voice their grudges, the entire point of protest is to be attention-grabbing and disruptive. The purpose of a protest is to say "This is a problem that deserves attention now." The problem is, sometimes people focus more on the method of protest than the reason for it. When it comes to Colin Kaepernick, everybody's mad that he sat during the National Anthem to protest racial discrimination and police brutality... yet people conveniently forgot to get mad because there are racial discrimination and police brutality in this country in the first place!

SSG (Join to see) - thank-you! I am in agreement with you99%! That table needs good heads sitting at it to correct misconception and problems. I Love to have healthy debate and discussion and find solutions. Many solutions are needed. And you are correct in your thinking that it is the method Kaepernick used that raised people's dander. HEALTHY conversation and debate and solutions are needed, not insults, disrespectful and demeanin behavior. We all have our opinions, thoughts and feelings, and although none singularity may be the solution, many together can bring peace and understanding. Actually, insulting(along with being closed minded) is one of the worst problems I feel this country has. I applaud your wording and willingness to attack the problems headfirst, and thoughtfully! Although we may not completely agree on all problems, nor their solutions, it is good to see others ideas and opinions in a positive manner. And though I know it is the right to remain seated , etc, I do not believe it was the most appropriate action, and do not agree with it. Unfortunately, more people react to a negative action than to a positive. Rosa Parks was a brave woman when she refused to move on the bus and did not disrespect anyone, but rather stood for an ideal, and will always be a hero in my book. Kaepernick is too self righteous to even be mentioned with that lady.

SrA Michael Dorwaldt - Victors write the history books. If the Civil Rights Movement and the Montgomery bus boycotts had failed, Rosa Parks would have gone down in history as "an uppity black bitch who should have known her place." It's too soon right here and now to say what the impact of Kaepernick's actions will be. But if he and the rest of the high-profile personalities who have started to follow in his footsteps manage to effect real, meaningful change in society, he just might be mentioned in the same breath as the civil rights leaders of the '60s.

Time will tell...

CW4 Leonard White - Sir I agree with you. I think the 1stSgt is wrong.

MSgt McGowan & 1SG Kerr, I'm not taking sides. If a person served and was honorably discharged and felt that they can't stand and show respect during the National Anthem I'd be upset BUT it is a right that truly earn by serving honorably. But I couldn't imagine myself not standing. I actually served for 35 years. I might not have been much of a patriot when I first joined but you better believe that I bled Red, White & Blue by the time I had 5 years in otherwise I wouldn't have stayed in, especially for 35 years.

CW4 Leonard White - I stand corrected. Thank You for the 35 years.

MSgt McGowan, I was just making my position clear. I didn't understand why some of my peers didn't stand for Anthem before I joined the Army (my family taught to respect this country) but I did know that they had that right. If there is one thing I truly believe in it's the Constitution. I carried it everyday has a Warrant Officer to remind myself and others in the Intelligence field to never abuse the rights of our citizens. I take protecting every citizen's rights very seriously.