Nate Boyer writes open letter to Colin Kaepernick

[demmiblue]

Source: NFL.com

<snip>

When asked if it would have hurt to see a teammate sit during the anthem while he was a member of the Seahawks, Boyer replied, "It would've. First of all, I probably wouldn't have understood why, and I would've immediately took that as, 'He hates America.' I might think that. I think that's what a lot of people saw that as. That's why it was important for me to take a step back, take a breath, listen and try to find out why, why this gesture, why do it. ... I've been a fan of his since he started playing. Those things would have hurt me, just because of how I respect him on the field.

"But now honestly, I respect the decision that he's making. It sounds like he's sticking to it because he's well within his rights. That's something that we fight for and that is what this country is all about. That is what this flag represents to me and what the anthem means to me. He's being an American. That's what he's doing."

In an open letter published on ArmyTimes.com earlier in the day, Boyer spoke directly to Kaepernick, explaining his concerns with, but overall understanding of his protest.

"I'm not judging you for standing up for what you believe in. It's your inalienable right. What you are doing takes a lot of courage, and I'd be lying if I said I knew what it was like to walk around in your shoes. I've never had to deal with prejudice because of the color of my skin, and for me to say I can relate to what you've gone through is as ignorant as someone who's never been in a combat zone telling me they understand what it's like to go to war. ...

"I look forward to the day you're inspired to once again stand during our national anthem. I'll be standing right there next to you. Keep on trying. ... De Oppresso Liber."

Read more: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000693173/article/nate-boyer-writes-open-letter-to-colin-kaepernick

More recent info: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10028139794#post4

[GeorgeGist]

1. Americans are so easily distracted.

[msongs]

2. jock privilege nt

[demmiblue]

3. Hunh, jock privelege.

I don't know if you are mocking the concept of white privilege, or if you are mocking a black man who is standing up against the inequality and violence that PoC face in our society.

I think I know the answer to that, though. As does most of DU.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

4. +1