Not about patriotism

As a veteran, I am very proud of my service to my country and will forever stand for the national anthem and for the displaying of our nation’s flag. That said, my service and dedication to our nation also protects the rights of all of our citizens. Therefore, I agree with and support former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s (and others’) silent protest against police brutality.

We’re taught in school that the first right under the Constitution is the right to lawfully assemble, protest and have free speech (i.e., First Amendment). I’m quite dumbfounded by all the negative opinions expressed by your readers who’ve written letters otherwise. So, to those critics only, let’s be clear on a few things:

1. This protest has never been nor will be a protest against our beloved country’s flag or anthem. Mr. Kaepernick, or anyone, for that matter, who chooses to protest peacefully and lawfully at any event or venue can do so legally and must be afforded all the protections under the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment.

2. This silent, peaceful and lawful demonstration is about the number of deaths regarding the unjustified use of deadly force displayed by some in law enforcement across the country.

3. This movement is nothing new. Sports icons have always used their platforms to raise social awareness to effect change. Remember Tommie Smith and John Carlos and what they both did during the 1968 Olympics?

To clarify, this silent, heroic, and harmless freedom of expression is entirely about police brutality committed by some in authority toward our citizens, and is not a protest against patriotism nor our nation’s time-honored customs and courtesies.

ARTHUR L. WOODS

Jacksonville