Kaepernick’s actions are those of patriot

I love seeing our flag when I travel abroad because I know Americans are there if I need them. I love when I return from abroad seeing our flag because it means I’m home. I love that our flag can rally us to a cause.

I believe our flag is a symbolic representation of our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and our civil and human rights.

As a veteran I’ve never respected citizens who wrap themselves in the flag. I do not respect citizens who have no idea of the rights the Constitution and Bill of Rights guarantee all citizens and human beings.

When an individual feels the need to protest through the means guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights and proceeds to do so, I want to know why. By asking about the cause of the protest and listening, I can choose to defend or criticize the position. I strongly believe this makes our country better, stronger and more united.

To those angered because some of our citizens bring attention to issues that are a matter of life and death affecting their families and children’s lives, put your anger on hold.

A football player chose to bring attention to the overreaction of police when confronting citizens of diverse origins. Statistics and data bear out this truth. I think this ballplayer is trying to save lives. Others focus on defending the flag, the symbol, not what it represents.

The football player is bad, not a patriot, because he won’t stand and pay allegiance to a symbol and an anthem. Shame on you they say, leave the country if you don’t like it.

My guess is many of those critical of the player are most likely sitting on their couch perhaps having a brew and stuffing their face during the anthem and flag display at game time. Why aren’t you on your feet with your hand over your heart like a real patriot? Hmmm, maybe respect only applies if you’re in the stadium or on the field.

Personally, I applaud Mr. Kaepernick for taking a stand to bring attention to a situation that is negatively impacting our country. He is doing what a patriot should do. I’m confident Mr. Kaepernick’s noble motivation is to save lives and improve the human condition for all Americans. ARMANDO C. URIBE Yuma