Dear Next President,

Right now there is a huge uproar across the nation because of Colin Kaepernick. He has decided to kneel during the National Anthem to try to draw attention to what is happening right now in our country regarding racial discrimination, and oppression of black people. He is using his part in America as a professional quarterback to draw attention to what he wants everyone across the nation to hear. I believe that him kneeling during this very special time is completely wrong. I believe that if you, next President in one of your speeches address this issue, then maybe he and the other people that are causing this disrespect will stop. They should not be disregarding the flag like this. It would have been a little better if he built up to this point, but he didn't; he jumped right to it and didn’t try anything else first. He did not try anything on social media or anywhere else before he started kneeling during the National Anthem.

Some people say that it is perfectly fine that Kaepernick is kneeling during the National Anthem. They are saying this because he is doing it only to draw attention to the crises that are happening right now in the United States regarding racial discrimination. The racial discrimination that is happening is that white policemen are shooting african american men when they have no firearm with them. I am against racial discrimination just like he is, but he could have protested a in better way. I believe that all the people that said it was perfectly okay that he was kneeling during the National Anthem are wrong.

One reason that I believe that kneeling during the National anthem is wrong is because he is disrespecting the men and women that are across seas fighting for our country every single day. And every single day those men and women are risking their lives. He must not know or didn’t think about how much time the Veterans and the soldiers have put in. The have to be ready to respond seven days a week and twenty-four hours a day. Some of those soldiers have kids and a family of their own. At the end of the day, they don’t know what tomorrow will bring or if they will be able to see their families again.

Another reason I believe that kneeling during the National Anthem is wrong is because it is crazy that someone would disrespect the flag and country that gave them the right to be free and speak out. Again, there are better ways to protest and draw attention. For example he could have put something on social media or contacting congressmen or congresswomen. If he tried this and it didn’t work then he could go into kneeling. It would not feel so disrespectful if he did this. If he did this then half of the country probably wouldn’t be in an uproar.

In conclusion, I believe that Colin Kaepernick is completely wrong and he has taken this way too far. I think if you, the next President, addressed this in one of your many speeches,and addressed that the flag is nothing to disregard and disrespect, then Colin Kaepernick would second guess what he will do at his next football game. The U.S. would be way better country if Colin Kaepernick stands during the National Anthem.

Sincerely,

Reese

Evart Middle School

Evart, Mi