Madelyn Dean - This Time, Colin Kaepernick Takes a Stand by Kneeling

In The New York Times on Thursday, September first Colin Kaepernick exercises his freedom of speech by kneeling during the national anthem. A week before he sat down to make a point that America needs to change because of the Black Lives Matter campaign and all the current events surrounding it. He means no disrespect however no one would pay attention if it was not taken in offence. Kaepernick, making close to $12 million a year, intends to donate the first million to charitable organizations. By using his access to the media as a professional athlete and addressing social issues that other wise would be left untouched, he's received both positive and negative feedback allowing for people to exercise their own freedom of speech as he has done.

Its important as Americans to be proud of the country we live in; the opportunities it beholds, the cultures we share, and the promise of freedom it has kept. As it is common place to stand during our National Anthem and show this pride it is understandable to take offence when someone does not. However, i feel, as Americans we are given the right to say how we feel to promote change in the best way, as Kaepernick has done. Before America had even created democracy a man named Roger Williams reformed against the separatist movement stating their belief system was filled with flaws. Even though he changed nothing short term, religious freedom became more prominent in the New World with the shift further and further away from Great Britain.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/02/sports/football/colin-kaepernick-kneels-national-anthem-protest.html