Kaep talked with former Green Beret Nate Boyer and changed his sit to a kneel to show honor for the military and flag... Hopefully Americans can follow Kaep and Boyer's example to listen and understand... The protest is not about the flag or military. It's about racial injustice.
Unfortunately, I think the message of the protest is getting lost. I'll admit that I was slightly annoyed when I first read the headline about Kaep taking a knee... But then I researched what he was protesting - racial injustices on Black people being needlessly stopped and harassed and killed at higher rates than other people. I still stand at the games during the anthem (but admittedly don't at home while watching tv)... But I can respect the players' stance and concern for those who don't have the platform they do... It must be horrible to have to worry if their child/sibling/parent will be needlessly harassed or killed.
People used to be annoyed with MLK, Muhammad Ali, etc, but their messages finally did get across. Could Kaep and other players have found another venue to protest? I submit that they have, but people dismiss it with irrelevant comments like "what about black on black crime," "all lives matter," etc. Peaceful protest like this is uncomfortable for people, but apparently it's finally getting attention. Unfortunately the true message calling for compassion and empathy are getting lost in a perception of disrespect for the military. I also have friends and family in the military and first responders, but I am able to hear the true protest of racial injustice. The heart of the matter is what's truly important, and I don't think the heart of these quiet protests are to disrespect the military. It's to bring awareness to racial injustices. I pray that Americans can learn to listen to one another and work towards solutions like Kaep and Boyer... Even if they're small steps, they are steps worth taking.
