I learned the Pledge of Allegiance in Kindergarten. It is a commitment to honor the flag and the United States of America, which is the intention of our "Star-Spangled Banner," through thick and thin. Yes, Colin Kaepernick has the right to not stand for the national anthem, but that does not make this behavior right ("Colin Kaepernick: the ultimate patriot," Sept. 6). Not respecting our anthem is not respecting our flag, which in a world suffering from hatred and evil is flat out wrong. It is wrong too because Mr. Kaepernick, as an NFL quarterback, is an idol to thousands of young people. Can they understand that he is acting on behalf of a deeply complex issue? Not honoring our flag is wrong, too, because it is fuel for anti-American hatred around the world.
I am frustrated, too, by Mr. Kaepernick's issue of "Why are there such disparities in the way black and brown people are treated by many police officers all over the country?" as reported by E. R, Shipp. That some bad cops treat people of color unfairly, even brutally, is irrefutable and must be stopped. But will the quarterback's way of protesting really change anything? Could he consider using his national stature and finances to make a direct impact on the problem?
And lastly, why doesn't "the ultimate patriot" ask the question, "Why do the daily, multiple murders within the black communities not incite the same volume of protest in the name of 'Black Lives Matter'?"
Joseph P. Napora, Baltimore