Don’t disrespect principles during national anthem

Browns football team quarterback Baker Mayfield announced that he would take a knee during the singing of the national anthem and the raising of the American flag. Please don’t. Don’t disrespect the American principles which are represented by the singing of our national anthem or raising of the American flag.

Many of us gave years of our life serving our country defending the principles which the American national anthem and flag represent. American women and men of all faiths and color were killed or wounded defending these principles.

Would it not be better, if after the singing of the national anthem and raising of the American flag, both teams gathered in the center of the field and took a knee? More would be accomplished if all members of all professional football teams donated a portion of their annual salary to a cause that would unite America.

Disrespecting our American principles will only divide us more. We need all of our political, industrial and sports leaders to bring us together not divide us. There are those in other countries who burn and spit on our flag. They hate the principles the American national anthem and flag represent, freedom.

I support the right to express an opinion by protest marching. I encourage everyone to vote for the candidate of their choice. I support your right to take a knee, but not during the singing of the national anthem or raising of the American flag.

Our United States of America is not perfect. We have all come a long way in accepting each other as people of different faiths and colors. Taking a knee during the singing of the national anthem and raising of the American flag does not help any cause. This is the time when we should all stand shoulder to shoulder.

Don’t do it, quarterback Mayfield. The only protest I will have if you take a knee is to not watch another Browns football game while you are a member of the team.

Joel Lucia Concord Township