Anthem disconnect

An athlete taking a knee during “The Star Spangled Banner” is not an articulate protest against “the systemic oppression against people of color, police brutality and the criminal justice system.” Francis Scott Key’s poem neither promotes nor condones racism, oppression, or injustice. It was written during the War of 1812, and claims that divine providence prevented the British naval forces from taking Baltimore’s Fort McHenry. At dawn, the Star Spangled Banner flew over the fort, not the Union Jack. Hence, it’s the symbol of the divine protection in which Americans should always trust.

It’s tradition for Americans to stand as respect for that symbol of divine protection during the national anthem’s performance. If one’s seen kneeling during the anthem, the viewer’s obvious interpretation of that act is disrespect for the meaning of the song, not protestation of oppression, racism, and injustice.

Since there is no connection between the national anthem and such wrongs, it is understandable that many people such as Mike Leach are confused by the kneeling behavior. It is also understandable that the athletes’ protest is misunderstood or judged inappropriate by those who love, uphold, and have or do defend the divinely inspired good in this country.

Duncan Bean

Spokane Valley