Informal and not so scientific poll

[NWHoops]

It is always about disrespect for the flag and anthem. That is the express reason that Kapernick chose to protest in this manner. He knew it would elicit a viseral reaction although I doubt he believed it would result in the end of his NFL playing career.

1. Then where is the outrage for those who disrespect the flag and anthem in other ways, such as the ways I mentioned?

2. I'd say it was successful on his part. Successful protests should result in visceral reactions.

[boatcapt]

So are you and those other veterans upset when everyone uses American flag paper plates and napkins around the 4th of July or people wear clothing made to look like the American flag? Because those are expressly prohibited in the US Flag Code but there is never an uproar over it.

So it begs the question another poster asked- is it about the disrespect to the flag or the meaning behind the protest that have people upset?

It is always about disrespect for the flag and anthem. That is the express reason that Kapernick chose to protest in this manner. He knew it would elicit a viseral reaction although I doubt he believed it would result in the end of his NFL playing career.

[UWFMubbish]

I question your implication that millions and millions of veterans were supportive of his actions.

My mistake for omitting a key term -- I meant millions and millions of others (not vets)....

[NWHoops]

Not going to flame you. Just as people have the right to disrespect the flag and anthem as a form of protest, me and many of my fellow vets have the right to say that we find it insulting and disrespectful.

Seems like some people want to have it both ways...Protester uses a symbol that upsets a signifigant segment of the population, and then complain when that segment of the population calls him out on using that symbol.

So are you and those other veterans upset when everyone uses American flag paper plates and napkins around the 4th of July or people wear clothing made to look like the American flag? Because those are expressly prohibited in the US Flag Code but there is never an uproar over it.

So it begs the question another poster asked- is it about the disrespect to the flag or the meaning behind the protest that have people upset?

[RedFromMI]

Protest - to be effective - has to be uncomfortable for some. If not it just gets ignored.

The idea is to make people think about what they are doing/not doing and effect a change.

So when Kaepernick had his discussion with the marine about the anthem and being respectful/disrespectful the two of them disagreed on how to respond, and the whole kneeling thing was a compromise based on the fact that when honoring a fallen soldier, say at a funeral, there will be a full dress soldier who gets on one knee when presenting the flag that was folded off the casket.

But that action will still get people to notice, and some will find it distasteful or disrespectful.

[boatcapt]

I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but last I checked it was the American flag, not the Military flag. I love our veterans and appreciate their service, but their opinion isn't the only one that matters.

Not going to flame you. Just as people have the right to disrespect the flag and anthem as a form of protest, me and many of my fellow vets have the right to say that we find it insulting and disrespectful.

Seems like some people want to have it both ways...Protester uses a symbol that upsets a signifigant segment of the population, and then complain when that segment of the population calls him out on using that symbol.

[WarriorVoice]

After the protests and riots last week it is now perceived as acceptable to kneel during the National Anthem. If kneeling occurs not only at the professional level, but all collegiate levels, how long would you as a fan tolerate this practice? I for one think it is symbolism over substance. The kneeling was not the catalyst that drove the change. Changes are occurring so how long would you as a fan tolerate kneeling while the National Anthem is played?

If I'm at home, I don't stand for the National Anthem, and I don't know ANYONE who does when they're at home. Those who choose to kneel know why they are kneeling, and they decide whether it is symbolic or substantial.

[GrifFan]

I question your implication that millions and millions of veterans were supportive of his actions.

I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but last I checked it was the American flag, not the Military flag. I love our veterans and appreciate their service, but their opinion isn't the only one that matters.

[boatcapt]

And millions and millions had no opinion, and millions and millions were supportive of his actions so ..... No protest is comfortable, and there will always be those who have strong opinions pro or con.

I question your implication that millions and millions of veterans were supportive of his actions.

[UWFMubbish]

As we've learned, offense is in the eye of the beholder. Just because a former Green Beret doesn't find it offensive or even suggested it, doesn't mean it's not offensive to millions and millions of other vets.

And millions and millions had no opinion, and millions and millions were supportive of his actions so ..... No protest is comfortable, and there will always be those who have strong opinions pro or con.

[SW_Mustang]

I saw a protest sign that really hit home and especially so in the context of some of the comments in this thread. This isn't it exactly but it's pretty close:

Racism is so American that when you protest it, people think you're protesting against America.

I saw that too. It's become a slogan more or less for the movement. It's gotten me to think quite a bit.

[SW_Mustang]

The was your second thinly veiled accusation in two posts. I ignored the first when you stated:

It makes me wonder if the protest isn't exactly what bothers people about him.

I didn't accuse you or anyone else of anything and it's absolutely ridiculous to think I would do something like that.

I think it's best if we part ways here.

[NWHoops]

I saw a protest sign that really hit home and especially so in the context of some of the comments in this thread. This isn't it exactly but it's pretty close:

Racism is so American that when you protest it, people think you're protesting against America.

[boatcapt]

It was a serious question. I'm just trying to understand. If you don't want to answer it, that's fine - but let's cut the dramatics.

I'm not trying to bait you into saying something and I'm not trying to start an argument. If you'd like to have a conversation in private, my inbox is always open.

The was your second thinly veiled accusation in two posts. I ignored the first when you stated:

It makes me wonder if the protest isn't exactly what bothers people about him.

[SW_Mustang]

Here we go.

It was a serious question. I'm just trying to understand. If you don't want to answer it, that's fine - but let's cut the dramatics.

I'm not trying to bait you into saying something and I'm not trying to start an argument. If you'd like to have a conversation in private, my inbox is always open.