Not every action proper for elevators, NFL games

I am a disabled veteran. I served two tours in Vietnam, one of those during the Tet offensive of 1969. I did then and given the opportunity today would still be willing to fight to the death for the rights and freedoms we, as Americans, are blessed to have and exercise, one of those freedoms being the First Amendment.

The best I remember our Pledge of Allegiance starts like this: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands … .”

It’s not “I pledge allegiance to myself and to the things I wish to protest but for this country I will not stand… .:

Yes, as Americans, these NFL players, coaches and owners absolutely have the right to stage a peaceful assembly, protest and share their opinion with anyone willing to listen. While the intent of their protest by “taking a knee” may not be to make a mockery of the very reverent act of taking a knee or to disrespect and dishonor our flag, our national anthem, our great country or our veterans, the result of their actions is very much insulting to all that we, as Americans, should hold dear. I, for one, am deeply offended by their actions as are many of my brothers and sisters who have worn the uniform!

It may relieve their frustrations and societal pressures but it’s not the right venue to make their grievances known and it’s just not the right thing to do. I have every legal right and the freedom to do so, but if I flatulate in a crowded elevator it may relieve my frustration and pressure but is it the right venue? Is it the right thing to do? My parents taught me, as most parents teach their children, that there is a time and a place for everything. Ultimately, you simply must ask yourself, before you act, is it the right thing to do? Clearly Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, considered the ramifications of his decision before acting on it and he chose doing what’s right over doing what’s popular. MICHAEL KEMPER Fayetteville