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It’s not about the flag
In response to Jack Abel’s letter (“Divorcing the NFL,” Oct. 7), many NFL “overpaid and millionaire” players donate to various charities and use their platform working tirelessly to benefit their communities during their free time. These NFL players, many who took a knee and those who stood during the playing of our our anthem, have made a positive impact away from the football field. This impact is lost in the discussion that’s been focusing on the negative reaction to the protest coverage these past few weeks.
As far as kneeling during the anthem, I challenge the argument that this gesture disrespects the flag. The First Amendment affords them the right to peacefully and respectfully say that racism and injustice is wrong, and I applaud them for standing up to authority that is misinformed and misplaced. Their kneeling gesture has nothing to do with the American flag.
Joe Speranzi
Spokane