Don’t just sit there, do something

It does not bother me that Colin Kaepernick chose to sit in protest during the national anthem. I hope this is just the first step, because merely sitting is just inaction. But that moment can be a step toward a larger platform. If he truly wants to see change, he will do more to elevate the dialogue in order to find true answers to the complex issues he is protesting against.

I once served to protect his right and the rights of all Americans to protest, so please enjoy and use the First Amendment.

Patriotism is not blind obedience to a country or a flag. It is constant questioning and critical inquiry into a country’s actions and policies so that it can become an even greater country.

Many forget that some of those we now hold as American heroes, such as Muhammad Ali and Johnny Cash, were also called unpatriotic for exercising their rights as well. Jackie Robinson, whose No. 42 flies in all Major League Baseball parks, even wrote about his mixed feelings about the anthem.

Mr. Kaepernick has some big shoes to fill, however, so he should go do something and try to fill them.

This story was originally published September 2, 2016 at 1:45 PM with the headline "Don’t just sit there, do something."