Re: Aug. 29 letters to the editor.
Get a grip, people. Yes, it is patriotic to respect the flag and the national anthem and to honor those who have made great sacrifices to protect this country, but no country moves toward becoming greater by ignoring problems, waving the flag, and proclaiming that we are the greatest. Colin Kaepernick, besides being totally within his constitutional rights, is the greater patriot for trying, and it’s not easy, to push this nation toward greater equality and inclusiveness. The attitude that he should leave the country is un-American in that it shows disdain for the Constitution. I could say that if you don’t like the Constitution you should just go somewhere else, but being a strong proponent of the First Amendment I respect your right to express your un-American opinion.
Robert Hussey, Denver
In a democracy, freedom exists for everyone, not just for those who play it safe. As much as I don’t like Colin Kaepernick as a football player, he has every right under our democracy to not stand for the national anthem. If we start enforcing standing for our anthem, we become a fascist state. What will be next — jailing people who don’t agree with certain aspects of our culture? Establishing a state religion and beheading those who believe in another one? That’s what dictators do. You can’t please everyone in a democracy. Our system allows for racism to prevail, for the KKK to spew their hatreds, and for the ultra flag wavers to condemn those who don’t see patriotism as they do. Well, they live in a country that allows them their beliefs. The same should apply to the Kaepernicks of our country.
Walt Bonora,Lakewood
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