Flag protests

Your response to “Hamilton Reader” raises the question - “What’s more important, raking in money or displaying proper patriotism and standing during the playing/singing of the national anthem?” It’s a sad day if you, and others, feel that raking in money is more important than showing respect for the flag.

— Another Hamilton Reader

I don’t know where you get the impression that those two things are the choices here. One, none of these players are making money by kneeling. Two, standing for the anthem doesn’t make you a better American than someone who doesn’t. If that’s your way of showing how much you love our country, then do it. My way is by admitting and discussing the problems we have with the goal of making us even better and stronger. — Ed Note

Once again one of America’s privileged does not get it. The NFL Players and anyone else who kneels during the playing of the national anthem, are protesting the idea that the flag is meant to represent ALL citizens of this country, which if people’s eyes were open, (some people of all races, nationalities and colors actually do see) that this country does NOT treat ALL of its citizens fair and equally. When SOME people in this country place less value on some lives and rights and more on others, then there is a problem. Just one case in point. Black Soldiers, Sailors and Marines have been disrespected by the government, flag and people of this country since its inception, and it continues to this day, maybe not on the SAME scale but as shown by some of the injustices committed that have not been dealt with properly and equally if the same injustices had been committed on other people, it’s still just as bad.

By the way I served this country and have been a victim of some of these mistreatments. So I too cannot really call it mine can I? Thank You. — A reader

Also, that flag and anthem represent the entire country, civilians, government, and military, so protesting during the anthem isn’t a statement about respect for the military, that’s just something the people against the protest have framed it as to discredit the message.

— Ed Note

Got something you want to get off your chest? To contribute to Back Talk, call Ed at 609-358-0861 or email him at EdNote@Trentonian.com.