Forcing us to reflect

When NFL player protests during our national anthem began, I thought players were out of line to use NFL games as their bully pulpit. My opinion has changed because of many intelligent, well-informed people coming out in support. Their protests have been done in a thoughtful way that does not impede on the rights of others.

Until recently, NFL owners ducked behind the excuse that players have a freedom of speech right to express their views during the anthem. This was a cop-out. Employers do have the right to control employee speech while working for them; something that has been confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Donald Trump’s inflammatory remarks have finally forced many NFL owners to do what they should have done long ago; support players in their cause because it has been a peaceful, proportional response to a very real problem for black Americans.

Movements like this, although uncomfortable for many to watch, ultimately force us to reflect on ourselves and have been a positive force of change many times in our history. We should focus on making sure that our actions as a country reflect the sacrifice that those before us have made, not dictating standards of patriotism.

Mike May

Spokane Valley