To Stand Or To Kneel... That Is The Question

Colin Kaepernick.  NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem.  The BLM.

These things come up every Sunday.  It is a hot button issue.  I understand that people are very divided on it and I understand why they are.

Some people say "These players get paid millions of dollars in this country to play a game.  They reap the benefits of our nation but speak against it?  HOW DARE THEY?"

Others say that our veterans died by the flag and protesting the anthem shows disrespect to their sacrifice.

Then, on the other side, there are veterans who are literally indifferent to it.  "We fought for all freedoms.  His decision to stand or kneel is one of those freedoms."

Then there are even those who applaud it.  It's seen as a quiet, nonviolent, and effective way to shed a spotlight on a real issue.

There are some who condemn it and some who praise it.  Some who burn #7 jerseys and some who... don't burn things?

In the end, no matter your inclinations, I believe it comes down to one thing.  A single question we must ask ourselves, whether you agree with Kaepernick's protest method or not.

Which freedoms are we afforded in this nation?

Is it each Amendment or just parts of it?  You have the freedom of speech unless it offends me?  You can protest peacefully but not if it means kneeling during a football game? 

Where do we draw the line? 

My opinion is mine and everchanging.  It evolves as the world around us does, as I'm sure many can agree is true for them.

When it comes to these freedoms... I don't see the Constitution as an à la carte.

You don't choose which parts cater to your needs... but deny the ones that others exercise simply because you don't need it present in your life.

Thats why so many things are protected.  Thats why there are so many rights outlined. 

These are the rights for everyone. 

It can upset you that Kaepernick and other NFL players kneeled in protest.  It can make you proud, too.  Or you can be apathetic.

In the end?  The same right that guarantees all three reactions is the same right that guarantees his ability to kneel.