Anthem letter misses the point of players’ protest

Like Mark A. Edelman (“Standing for anthem an issue of respect,” Sept. 1), I am also a veteran and someone who does not support President Donald Trump’s racist and divisive politics. Unlike Mr. Edelman, I would never rise to respect the most narcissistic, bigoted and feckless person ever to occupy the White House simply because he is the president.

Mr. Edelman’s belief that athletes who take a knee during the national anthem are disrespecting our flag misses the point.

It is often only through highly publicized controversial acts that we as a people can bring attention to issues that demand, but would otherwise not receive, our attention. In this case the issue is police treatment of black citizens. He unwisely states that athletes who choose not to stand should attend local veteran funerals and explain their reasoning to the families of departed veterans. The reason for their actions has been well covered by the press thanks to the continual provocative statements by Trump, and they should be under no obligation to explain to any individual.

He states that we must respect the f lag and the president. We should, not must, respect the f lag since disrespect is a form of free speech whether we agree with it or not. Respect is not given gratis, it is earned. Donald Trump has diminished the office of the presidency every single day since Jan. 20, 2017, in more ways than it is possible to calculate and the nation should give him the respect that his actions have earned. None.

Harold Wagner

Guilderland