Protesters are abiding by Constitution

I have been reading with great interest in recent days letters to the editor regarding the taking of the knee and other signs of protest from people involved with the NFL. I would like to offer a few comments.

First, at no time have I ever heard one player or team official that has participated in these incidents ever say a demeaning word against the flag, the military, or express any hatred for this country. In fact, many of the protesting players have stated a love of country, and just want to point out attention to what they perceive to be social injustices.

More than one letter stated that these incidents should not be done during a sporting event because it distracts from the game. I have been a lifelong fan of the White Sox, and have, for the past 16 years, been a season-ticket holder. On most Sundays during the season, you would find me at Sox Park. I can count on three things happening during the afternoon: the national anthem will be played, a service member will be honored during the game, and in the seventh inning, God Bless America will be sung. One might ask the question is this too much patriotic fervor at a sporting event, and doesn't this distract from the game and entertainment?

To me, whether I like what they are doing or not, these protesters are doing what is as old as the republic: peacefully protesting what they see as an injustice in their country. And just as important, it is a right protected by the First Amendment. It is what makes this country a special one in the world.

Dean Starr

Libertyville