Taking a stand by kneeling

Contrary to the many who have opposed athletes for exercising their First Amendment right to free speech, I applaud those who took a "stand" by kneeling to protest the injustice of racism in our country. While it is true there are other ways of protesting an immoral issue - that has gone on far too long - this protest was a nationwide clarion call to action to protesting the sin of racism in our great country.

When Francis Scott Key wrote the words "in the land of the free and home of the brave," our country was steeped in the culture of slavery, even many of our Founding Fathers had slaves. What we have done is morphed slavery into racism. The Civil War pitted neighbor, relatives and friends against one another and divided a country much like it is today.

To show bravery and courage, one does not need to be on a battlefield. It can also be in a sports arena where teamwork, camaraderie and "taking one for the team" can be expressed in a nonviolent manner. This was done the Sunday, following the rant, where kneeling was interpreted as disrespect for the flag - instead of having us realize that the flag is a symbol and rallying point of the union of people, and not a symbol of intolerance, hatred and divisiveness.

To end the injustice of racism and disrespect for individuals, there needs to be a conscious awareness of the need for institutional, systemic and individual change. God willing, we hope and pray that this is just the start that we need. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."

John Sattler

Mount Prospect