Stand up for America

Community columnist John Roberts, on Oct. 1, joined many others in defending Colin Kaepernick’s “disrespect” of our national anthem. He compares it to any kind of disrespect against any perceived injustice by our government.

Americans pledge allegiance to the flag, “and to the republic for which it stands.” The Supreme Court has said it is our right to desecrate and even burn the flag but that doesn’t make it right. The flag represents the nation founded by our forefathers, flawed as they may have been, and the Constitution they left us. With all its faults, this nation is still looked up to with envy by the rest of the world for its many benefits and freedoms. Americans should be proud to respect our flag and anthem and the nation and ideals for which they stand.

Shame on Kaepernick and his ilk for their actions and for the example they are setting for young people. He could think of more productive ways to use his influence to bring about positive changes, but that would involve more effort than bending his knee.

This story was originally published November 4, 2016 at 3:47 PM with the headline "Stand up for America."