ESPN has had heavy coverage of San Francisco 49ers, Colin Kaepernick, decision to no longer stand during the National Anthem. And while there have been many opinions, Stan Verrett finally came through with logic that should be shared with everyone.
In the short clip, Verrett discusses his military ties as well as being black in America, more specifically the struggle of his parents. Verrett made some great points, but there’s one thing he said that spoke to the protest of Kaepernick,
“Pay attention to the substance as much as you pay attention to the symbol”
Kaepernick has never defiled or spoke ill of the military. He’s standing up for the belief that racial injustice in America has to stop. Like Verrett, I believe in the promise of America, the promise of peace, justice, the pursuit of happiness and liberty for all. We can get there, but its going to take understanding and the willingness to change. We can’t cover everything with a band-aid and hope people forget. The hurt and pain run of racial injustice deep.
For change to come, conversation has to be had. Kaepernick has become the catalyst this country needs to start that conversation.
