White House Defends Colin Kaepernick’s Right to Sit During the National Anthem, But Calls It “Objectionable”

Asked Monday during the White House press briefing if President Obama had an opinion about the decision of football player Colin Kaepernick to not stand during “The Star Spangled Banner,” spokesman Josh Earnest would only acknowledge the President had been paying attention to news reports:

“Given the president’s interest in the sports world, I’m confident that he is aware of this issue, but I have not spoken to him about it”.

However, Earnest did express his own personal opinion, one that clashed with the Kaepernick’s stance:

“I think in general, what I can say is, I certainly don’t share the views that Mr. Kaepernick expressed after the game in explaining his reasoning for his actions.”

Earnest went on to say that Kaepernick should be able to publicly tout his ideologies, even if they are considered by many to be offensive:

“But we surely all acknowledge and even defend his right to express those views in the settings that he chooses. Even as objectionable as we find his perspective, he certainly is entitled to express them.”

Prior to Friday night’s preseason San Francisco 49ers game, Kaepernick, the quarterback, remained seated during the National Anthem to protest what he feels is the unfair treatment of minorities in America. In a statement to reporters on Sunday, Kaepernick said of his controversial decision:

“People don’t realize what’s really going on in this country. There are a lot things that are going on that are unjust. 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.”

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said today Kaepernick should move to another country.

The post White House Defends Colin Kaepernick’s Right to Sit During the National Anthem, But Calls It “Objectionable” appeared first on Independent Journal Review.

Source: independent journal

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