Kneeling for a Better America

Kneeling during the National Anthem does not mean you are un-Patriotic. It does not mean you do not respect the service of veterans. It does not mean you do not like America.

 

To the contrary, it means you care so much for this country that you want it to live up to its Declaration that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

 

Kneeling professional football players are exercising the First Amendment to the Constitution which states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

 

This is the platform they have to air their incredibly legitimate grievances. If the peaceful protests are not allowed, it is a violation of the Executive Oath of Office which the President took in January when he stated, “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.  So help me, God.”

 

It does not seem that he is preserving, protecting, or defending the Constitution in this situation.