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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Founders took a knee

In the early 1770s, all the founding fathers “took a knee.”

Immigrants from Britain came to the New World in the mid-1700s seeking freedom from tyrannical aristocracy. When the British ruling party wanted to impose taxes on the colonies, the fathers took a knee in protest. When the British army wanted to quarter troops in the colonies, the fathers took a knee in protest.

In response, Mad King George passed the five “Intolerable Acts,” punishing the colonies for their peaceful protests. Then, and only then, did the colonialist stand, take up arms and start a revolution.

Taking a peaceful stand against oppression is the very heart and definition of being an American. Taking a knee to protest President Trump racial views is consistent with the peaceful protests that occurred prior to the start of the American revolution. We can only hope that sanity returns to the White House before another revolution begins.

Paul Oman

Clarkston

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