The story of the weekend was America’s reaction to 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick saying he sat during the National Anthem to protest America’s treatment of black people.
In an interview Sunday, Kaepernick defended his actions, saying that rather than distracting people, it will “unify” America and his team:
“If we have these conversations, there’s a better understanding of where both sides are coming from. And if we reach common ground, and can understand what everybody’s going through, we can really affect change. And make sure that everyone is treated equally and has the same freedom.”
The backup quarterback has drawn a swift response from other football teams:
NY Giants Send Loud & Clear Message to America After Kaepernick Refuses to Stand for National Anthemhttp://bit.ly/2c3yEVr
— Independent Journal (@TheIJR) August 29, 2016
In addition to veterans:
Army Ranger Vet Tells Colin Kaepernick What He Should Be Doing Instead of Sitting Out Nat’l Anthemhttp://bit.ly/2bLOeH8
— Independent Journal (@TheIJR) August 27, 2016
But he insisted that his actions aren’t out of disrespect:
“I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country,” said Kaepernick. “I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country. And they fight for freedom, they fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice, for everyone. That’s not happening.
“People are dying in vain because this country isn’t holding their end of the bargain up, as far as giving freedom and justice, liberty to everybody. That’s something that’s not happening.
“I’ve seen circumstances where men and women that have been in the military have come back and been treated unjustly by the country they fought have for, and have been murdered by the country they fought for, on our land. That’s not right.”
He also had a fierce message for both presidential candidates, saying Donald Trump is “openly racist” and bringing up Hillary Clinton’s “super predators” comments on “black teens”.
But he stood by his actions, and says he’ll keep doing the same thing:
“I’ll continue to sit. … I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me, this is something that has to change, and when there’s significant change — and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way it’s supposed to — I’ll stand.”
He added:
“There are a lot things that are going on that are unjust,” he said. “People aren’t being held accountable for. And that’s something that needs to change. That’s something that this country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all. And it’s not happening for all right now.”
Americans obviously have a very polarized response to Kaepernick’s actions, and now it’s clear that he has no regrets for his actions.
So, how will the crowd respond next week when Kaepernick remains seated during the National Anthem?
The post Colin Kaepernick Finally Responds to All the Backlash From American People: Will “Continue to Sit” appeared first on Independent Journal Review.
Source: independent journal
The post Colin Kaepernick Finally Responds to All the Backlash From American People: Will “Continue to Sit” appeared first on .@tonygreene113.
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