One of the America's greatest pastimes is going to sporting events whether it be to cheer on your favorite football team, baseball team, hockey team, basketball team, etc. Every game begins with the harmonious sound of “The Star-Spangled Banner”. All people in the stadium rise to put their hands over their hearts to respect this country’s freedom and the long history the United States has. Americans also do this out of respect to honor all those who lost their lives defending this country.

This past Friday, at the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason game, NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick sits down during the National Anthem in order to stand with his beliefs that he will not take pride in a country that has shown injustice towards minorities.

Colin Kaepernick interviewed with Steven Wyche of NFL Network saying, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, it’s bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street, and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Mr. Kaepernick, I respect your decisions for the actions you took to stand up for what you believe in. You are an individual who has rights in this country and can stand by his beliefs. However, there are a few things I would like to point out.

First, you say “...there are bodies in the streets”. Are we referring to the bodies of minorities? How about the police officers who have been killed this year because of violent crimes? Do they count as one of the “bodies in the streets”? Police killed in the line of duty so far this year is up 44% then last year. The year is not even up yet. When you refuse to stand and salute this great country’s flag, are you standing for them as well or leaving them with no voice in the dust? Police officers not only embody what it means to be an American, but they help protect the freedoms of this great country on the streets of America. They help protect you and me. We may have soldiers out in other far away places defending this country, but the police officers here are the “soldiers” who help protect our everyday lives here at home. They serve you and me.

Second, you say “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” I understand why you feel this way. This country has been battling that same problem for years, but I would like to say one thing about this.

The Declaration of Independence states “We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are created equal & independent, that from equal creation they derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness..”

When this country was declared a separate entity of its own, the founders of the United States sought that all men be created equal and independent in this country. As an individual, whatever race you may be, has the sole right to freedoms of this country. You have the chance to succeed and have an open horizon before you to do so. Yes, there may be trials ahead. However, you have to be strong to get over this. The founders of this country wanted America to be a safe haven for the “oppressed” and it is. If you only could just see it.

Let me give you a little history lesson. The United States government, for years, has been fighting for the rights of minorities. It may have taken them awhile to actually realize the wrong they may have done to minorities, but once it clicked for them, they have been fighting ever since FOR minorities.

It all started with Abraham Lincoln with the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 which allowed all slaves in the “rebellious states” to be declared free. Abraham Lincoln fought for a minority. He thought slavery to be wrong. This one action would allow for a series of actions to be taken place for civil rights.

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 allowed for any person, no matter what race they may be, to become a United States citizen.

The Civil Rights Act of 1871 forbids ethnic violence against African Americans

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination based on race, sex, religion, color, or national origin by federal and state governments.

These are only a few of the Civil Rights Acts, but there are much more that have made its way to help defend the rights of minorities.

Let me not remind you of the Amendments added to the Constitution to help not only minorities, but all U.S. citizens.

The 13th Amendment abolishes slavery and any form of servitude.

The 14th Amendment defines citizenship.

The 15th Amendment prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or any other form of servitude.

The 19th Amendment prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on sex.

I understand that you may see that this country “oppressed” people and does them an injustice. However, I have been lucky to grow up in a time that this country has changed to do something positive.

You see, Mr. Kaepernick, I cannot agree with you when it comes to saying that this country oppressed not only African Americans but all minorities. I say this country has had many blacks and whites fight for the rights of equality, not oppression. The United States government has passed many laws to help minorities feel that they are part of this country and they have the chance to succeed just like anyone else. We all have to right to be happy and make a name for ourselves. This country is here to ensure it.

I am not saying that racism or oppression is not prevalent in this country because it will always be here. Racism and oppression will always be an ongoing battle not only here, but everywhere. I am saying, however, that this country has put forth a lot of work to protect each individual person and give everyone the right to equal opportunity.

We are not a dictatorship. We are democracy here. Our voice is supposed to be heard. We elect the officials who represent us. We have the freedoms that not many other countries have. It is a gift to live here in this country. I hope if you do not realize it all ready, Mr. Kaepernick, that living here is a gift and I hope you do not take it for granted.

“Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:

‘Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

-“The Star-Spangled Banner”