“...Praise the Pow’r that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!

“Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,

“And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust’

“And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

“O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!” (Francis Scott Key, 1814)

“... And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free

“And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me

“And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today

“‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

“God bless the USA.” (Lee Greenwood, 1984)

How many readers remember seeing the iconic video of the Chinese man challenging a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China, June 4, 1989?

Did you, at the time, say to yourself, “Yes, way to go!” in support of the lone man’s defiance of communism and oppression?

Why then are so many Americans offended by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for our country’s national anthem at an NFL preseason game Aug. 26?

Ahh!! The answer lies in the reason Kaepernick, 28, gave to the media when asked about his lack of decorum when the “Star-Spangled Banner” was sung.

Kaepernick, who earns a salary of $11 million plus bonuses, said he was protesting the oppression of minorities.

The first thought that occurred to me was instead of sitting, this young man should get off his duff and donate at least some of his $11 million and free time away from the field to helping people.

In the next media broadcasts I heard, Kaepernick was announcing he would give $1 million to charities to help communities in need.

On Sept. 1, during the 28th annual Salute to the Military Night at Qualcomm Stadium, Kaepernick, along with teammate Eric Reid, knelt during the national anthem before a game against the San Diego Chargers.

Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane refused to stand that same night during the national anthem before his game against the Oakland Raiders.

Kaepernick did, however, stand and clap during the military salute as “God Bless the USA” and later “God Bless America” played through stadium speakers.

He later spoke of his respect and support of the military during an interview with the media.

Well, it seems all hope for this young man is not lost.

Kneeling, instead of standing, clapping for the military, donating $1 million to charity to help others ... seems like Kaepernick may not be such a bad guy after all.

Hundreds died and thousands were injured in the student-led protests that spread across China in spring 1989.

I can guarantee Kaepernick and the other NFL players who followed his display of poor manners and lack of respect for this country went home to warm beds and the assurance of knowing the next day they would awake in a free country where they would not be persecuted by their government for expressing their personal opinions.

Our country was founded on protests. Anyone remember the Boston Tea Party or the American Revolution?

Let’s all give the kid (yes, at 28 years old, Kaepernick still has a lot of growing to do) a break.

He seems to have made at least a couple of good decisions within a very short time.

With God’s help, may he continue his personal growth and become a man of whom his children and his country can be proud.

Deb Palmieri

editor

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press