Kneeling in protest
Donald Trump said that taking a knee during the national anthem is the same as sitting — it is disrespectful. But growing up Catholic, I know that taking a knee is genuflection, a form of kneeling. This is a sign of respect and/or devotion. It is something done when entering a Catholic Church, done during the Mass and other services, all to acknowledge the presence of Christ. And note the well-known painting of Washington praying in the snow at Valley Forge on one knee.
So the NFL players are not disrespecting the flag, the anthem or the country. They are dramatically demonstrating their protest against injustice in a fitting, appropriate and time-honored manner.
Richard Williams
Spokane