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Originally Posted by chezlaw
We see this very differently.
We sure do. But I've always respected the way you think so maybe you can change my mind. It should be easy enough to do since I'm becoming more and more sour with my country's corrupt government and judicial system.
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But I am at heart a punk who finds blind patriotism nauseating and sees disrespecting the flag as a good thing when there is so much systemically wrong with the country it represents.
Okay, but you don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Sure, there's no question there are things gravely wrong with some of our systems (and I'm starting to think it's almost all or at least the majority of our systems, rather than just a few). Nevertheless, there is also much I'm very grateful for...
I'm grateful I don't live in Saudi Arabia or some other backwards country that is ruled by fundamental religious laws. I'm also very grateful and have too much respect for those who serve and all the sacrifices they and their families make. And unfortunately it is sometimes the ultimate sacrifice.
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This is protest at it's bravest and finest imo - no innocent victims, gets loads of attention to the issue and carries a lot of idownside.
Totally disagree here. This is the protest of a privileged weakling. Just because he's black or part black doesn't make him a champion for BLM or even a surrogate. There is so much more this "punk" could be doing if he really cared about the cause. There are so many better and more productive ways he could be using his name and influence. Instead, he chooses the all too easy path that comes with the least amount of work attached. Sitting down for the national anthem. I'm incredulous that you find this to be brave?!
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Disrespecting a flag is not disrespecting the people who serve in the military. It's just a flag.
I disagree with this as well. The flag represents the very country that those in the military are serving! To disrespect the flag is to disrespect what they're fighting for, what many have lost their lives for, and the sacrifices they and their families are making for the country which that flag represents.
I hate to use an old cliche, but it's like a husband complaining about the faults of his wife, or someone complaining about the problems at their job. If you don't like it, go find another one. There are other countries Mr. Kaepernick can go live and make his $19M a year. Oh wait...