I Am A Veteran And Here's Why I Changed My Mind On Colin Kaepernick

Sorry but this author's final argument is one about the patriotism of not standing for the National Anthem. While it is true we all demonstrate our patriotism in our own ways (or not), this is not about that. This is about respect. In my many years in the Air Force I have stood for both my country's National Anthem as well as the anthems of other countries (to include ones with harsher historys and current issues than our own). In the Scouts we learn to respect each other, regardless of our differences. By not standing for the National Anthem these players are in my opinion disrespecting my country. Are they making a statement and getting people to talk about it? Maybe, but I don't think it's being done in a productive manner. These same players, many of which are already able to garner the attention of the American people, have plenty of avenues to do this. Disrespecting something I respect and love does not garner the right attention from me. It's not much different than someone coming up to me, spitting in my face, and then trying telling me what unrelated injustice drove them to do it. They already lost me. Two negatives do not make a positive.

Kevin isn't the only veteran that feels this way.

I stand so they can kneel! Police violence and a conviction mill criminal justice system is more than just a black problem.