Today’s Trending on Twitter hashtag is #VeteransForKaepernick. Over the past few days, Colin Kaepernick has received plenty of blowback for not standing, including ex-players like Rodney Harrison. Mr. Harrison then had to apologize later. Others have come to Twitter to also criticize Colin Kaepernick for not standing because they believe he disrespected our US military:
Kaepernick should stand up and salute the Americans who fought & died for his freedom to make $19million per year. pic.twitter.com/sMFpK8UBai
” KGB Agent Elizabeth (@MissLizzyNJ) August 29, 2016
If #Kaepernick can’t stand for our 🇺🇸, we should’t stand for his sponsors. Boycott: @NFL @MusclePharm #MoGo @Jaguar pic.twitter.com/Kbb5AT9TVW
” 🇺🇸Johnny💥Hazard🇺🇸 (@johnnywehrung) August 28, 2016
Niners QB Kaepernick refuses to stand for anthem in protest https://t.co/aTXSe2smwm He should get a free ticket to anywhere not in the US
” Ricky Trent (@RickT09) August 27, 2016
Well, it seems that these people didn’t ask actual veterans about their stance. Many have said that they served because it gave Americans the freedom to protest in the exact manner that Kaepernick did:
When I went2 Afghanistan AND Iraq 2 perf 4 troops,heard from MANY import of free speech,so…#VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/nF0m52WOkt
” Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) August 31, 2016
I didn’t wear all this gear so people could be offended by how others exercise their rights. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/aI1TbxtgyS
” Rich Madrid (@rjmadrid) August 31, 2016
I’d never try to shame someone with “patriotism” in order to silence their 1st amend Right. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/OrC1vyIB2U
” Brandon Keating (@BrandonTalks) August 31, 2016
8 Years Active Duty. Twice in the sandbox. He can sit or stand as long as the 🇺🇸 waves. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/95yx9lUPZN
” McAnthony Brisco (@Bcounty510) August 31, 2016
The anger over #VeteransForKaepernick shows how many conservatives see military as mere props, not caring what they really think.
” Anthony Zenkus (@anthonyzenkus) August 31, 2016
I served this country honorably for his right to protest the way he saw fit. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/b2LiyAXa2q
” Miss B. (@brittneeraebaby) August 31, 2016
So sad but TRUE
You can love your country and still ask your country to do better ❤️🇺🇸❤️#VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/bBHniJ3PUw
” Sherry Jack (@SherryJack321) August 31, 2016
This is why supporting someone’s First Amendment right to free speech is so important. There are many countries that Kaepernick would have been arrested or punished in another manner for doing what he did. While the US has many issues, we can be glad that our Constitution does allow us the freedom to protest without governmental interference. Please like, comment and share to make sure that the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick continues to trend worldwide.