I get it. Freedom of speech and freedom of expression. No matter how hard our veterans have fought for our country, and no matter how many of them have died for our freedom, you still have the right to kneel during the National Anthem.

Obviously I'm referring to the infamous Colin Kaepernick protest. Since 2016, American football player, Colin Kaepernick has become known for starting this new age protest of the National Anthem and America itself. Kaepernick and his supporters claim they will not stand for the nation's song until the racial injustices faced by African Americans in our country have been solved. Now I'm not trying to sound like a bigoted, white supremacist, because I am far from that. I know there are racial injustices in this world, I just don't see how disrespecting our country and our veterans could possibly change that.

A large part of the protest stems from the police brutality that first started coming to the attention of new generations in 2016. Videos were surfacing all over social media of police officers brutally abusing African Americans. This launched the highly popular Black Lives Matter movement as well. Again, I get it, but still I can't seem to wrap my mind around how kneeling for a song or promoting an anti police agenda on social media could end racism? Maybe I'm being ignorant but couldn't these things actually be furthering racism? Think about it, you're giving the very people who are discriminating against you, a reason to believe you hate America and police officers! They're not going to be on your side when you're not on theirs. Not to mention the National Anthem is a representation of our freedom, without it no one would have the freedom to kneel in the first place!

The point I am trying to make is, I love this country. I think it's the greatest country in the world. Do you know what they'd do to their citizens in other countries if they didn't stand for the National Anthem? Let's just say they wouldn't have their face plastered on a Nike ad, that's for sure. I know there are ways in which we can better our country, but I don't think people are going about it the right way. I also don't think the fact that some things need to change, should take away from how incredible our country is. With only three and a half months left of 2018, I think we should all make a promise to each other for the upcoming year. We should be more thankful for what we have, we should be more grateful for what people have given us, and we should find a way to change what we don't like in a more respectful way that doesn't result in the fall of those who have helped us for generations..