NFL protest is a peaceful protest

In response to Susan Ritter’s column on the NFL protest: Standing quietly, bowing one’s head, kneeling, or linking arms while the national anthem is played are all actions that fall under the heading of peaceful protest, not disrespect for the flag and the people who have served under it. If these NFL players and their supporters did not respect the ideals and laws of this country, they would not be taking the actions they are. They are protesting the times we are too often missing the mark in the treatment of fellow citizens.

Protests cause discomfort. It is their purpose to call attention to something at which we don’t want to look; in this case, continuing racism. Our love of our country and its symbols is admirable, yet it is a shallow, hollow thing if our love of our land and our flag causes us to want to take away the right of our fellow citizens to express their opinions in a legal, respectful manner.

This story was originally published November 11, 2017 at 3:51 PM with the headline "NFL protest is a peaceful protest."