If your favorite NBA player pulled a Kaepernick?

[JulesWinnfield]

Well it didn't take long... Philadelphia Eagles rookie LB Myke Tavarres says that he will join Kaepernick in sitting for the anthem... I wonder how wide this spreads and if NBA players follow suit.

Kap said that he will resume standing when this country lives up to its principles... How exactly do we define when that happens? Like there will actually be a moment where he says it's all good? This country faces issues (I think some are overstated, but that doesn't mean they don't exist) and these guys have the right to do what they're doing, part of what makes this country great. I can't lie and say I don't find it a bit distasteful and counterproductive though. And contrary to what some have stated, I don't think they're doing much at all to further a dialogue that needs to be had, rather switching the dialogue to something about patriotism and the meaning of the flag... And let's be real here, this country doesn't do much in the way of a dialogue about race on either side. It's far more often (almost always) a monologue where any attempt at a discussion gets shut down the first time one side hits the other with something that doesn't fit their outlook

[coachcav]

First, the citizens of this country don't all agree what the problems are and they certainly don't agree as to what the solutions are. Our government is a reflection of the voters and we have divided government for a reason. The government doesn't exist independent of the people. He said he didn't stand because America was racist. He couldn't even be bothered to identify specific examples of systemic racism or offer specific solutions. The notion that the government just needs to "fix it," when it comes to blanket statements like that, is inane. It's the type of magical thinking that leads to Trump getting the nomination. We have problems, it's someone else's job to fix them, and I'm angry "they" haven't fixed the problems the way I want them fixed even though I haven't put 10 minutes of effort into thinking about what the specific problems are or articulating potential solutions. That's how a teenager deal with his or her anger.

This is what he said.

"People don't realize what's really going on in this country. There are a lot things that are going on that are unjust. People aren't being held accountable for. And that's something that needs to change. That's something that this country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all. And it's not happening for all right now."

He is talking about how some people are oppressed and how others for example cops who are not being held accountable for their actions. I have never heard him say or read about that he thinks america is racist. There are racist people but the entire country is not racist. He is smarter than that. It is not hard to know what he is referring to when he stated people are not being held accountable. He was vague but it doesnt take a genius to figure it out. We have the problems in the country and put the people in charge to handle those problems and do not do enough to make neccessary changes.

I think his statement only further validates my critique. What specifically is wrong and how should it be addressed? If you care enough to protest in a provocative way, then you should care enough to at least articulate exactly who and what you're protesting. I mean "freedom, liberty and justice for all" - really? Probably 95% of the population agrees with that sentiment. In what ways isn't that happening? Who is responsible for it not happening? If you're going to provoke, the people you're trying to provoke shouldn't be left guessing as to why.

Here is a quote that he also stated. Is this more a description for you? He has said other quotes, you can take some time and actually research the topic you are trying to debate. He also goes on later to tell his decision to protest had nothing to do with the military which people are getting so offended by.

I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL.com. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.


He is addressing that people of certain colors are targeted. It is not hard to understand. I have stated this multiple times. I am white as hell and know he is protesting injustices that happen against people of color. Also the fact police officers sometimes get off the hook for **** when they should be prosecuted. Do you seriously not read anything he or I has said? Your crtique has been stupid from the start. That 95 percent of the country that agrees with that sentiment is so stupid that they don't even comprehend how freedom really works. People of all backgrounds are able to stand up for their beliefs and be heard even if you disagree with it. That 95 percent of people also put him down saying he was not oppressed and brought up how he was abandoned as a kid. That is **** up and low on so many levels. His quotes are not even talking about himself. You and the other 95 percent need to realize freedom of expression actually works and actually do some research on why someone is protesting. If you and the rest of the people who care about the disrespect of vets maybe all of you should invite one of the millions of homeless vet into your house. O wait you wont because

[Patches Perry]

The generation that is crying about this is really the older ones.

I just feel bad for my kids and their kids and there's not going to be a country left after all the new spoiled little brats finish destroying it while talking about how terrible they have it. Their poor wittle feelings are hurt and they want to make a fuss about everything.

New spoiled brats after they finish destroying it. Let me drop some information for you about the older generation. Due to the irresponsible actions and horrible spending decisions, our housing market nearly collapsed about 8 years ago and we went into a recession. Student debt and college costs has increased by 10s of thousands of dollars. Forcing people, to go into massive debt to even get jobs that don't really exist much anymore because you keep pissing off companies that go overseas. Social Security will be dried up long before we can even retire. The amount of terrorism that has increased due to the fact the past and current administrations keep going into the Middle East, starting pointless wars and pissing off their citizens by bombing them over and over again. Lets not forget the older generation is the one primarily electing morons like Trump and Clinton to office when most of us millenials cannot stand them or do not wish to vote for them. You want to to talk about us when we are not the ones even remotely responsible for today's problems. None of us are in any type of political power yet. When we do, you can bet we will clean up your problems. The older generation has already did a pretty good job of destroying what is left of it anyways. Remember you are the ones in power not us.

And to pile on ... it's funny when the older generation criticizes younger people for being spoiled, completely ignoring that the older generation raised the young generation. The first ones to talk about accountability are the first ones to dodge it.

[coachcav]

I just feel bad for my kids and their kids and there's not going to be a country left after all the new spoiled little brats finish destroying it while talking about how terrible they have it. Their poor wittle feelings are hurt and they want to make a fuss about everything.

New spoiled brats after they finish destroying it. Let me drop some information for you about the older generation. Due to the irresponsible actions and horrible spending decisions, our housing market nearly collapsed about 8 years ago and we went into a recession. Student debt and college costs has increased by 10s of thousands of dollars. Forcing people, to go into massive debt to even get jobs that don't really exist much anymore because you keep pissing off companies that go overseas. Social Security will be dried up long before we can even retire. The amount of terrorism that has increased due to the fact the past and current administrations keep going into the Middle East, starting pointless wars and pissing off their citizens by bombing them over and over again. Lets not forget the older generation is the one primarily electing morons like Trump and Clinton to office when most of us millenials cannot stand them or do not wish to vote for them. You want to to talk about us when we are not the ones even remotely responsible for today's problems. None of us are in any type of political power yet. When we do, you can bet we will clean up your problems. The older generation has already did a pretty good job of destroying what is left of it anyways. Remember you are the ones in power not us.

And to pile on ... it's funny when the older generation criticizes younger people for being spoiled, completely ignoring that the older generation raised the young generation. The first ones to talk about accountability are the first ones to dodge it.

Exactly! That is why decided to put him on blast. I was going to say this part but I feel like I blasted him enough. I don't like when people try to degrade my generation when theirs is far from perfect. We haven't done anything yet. We are still working on getting entry level positions and experience let alone us running for office.

[Winsome Gerbil]

Well it didn't take long... Philadelphia Eagles rookie LB Myke Tavarres says that he will join Kaepernick in sitting for the anthem... I wonder how wide this spreads and if NBA players follow suit.

Kap said that he will resume standing when this country lives up to its principles... How exactly do we define when that happens? Like there will actually be a moment where he says it's all good? This country faces issues (I think some are overstated, but that doesn't mean they don't exist) and these guys have the right to do what they're doing, part of what makes this country great. I can't lie and say I don't find it a bit distasteful and counterproductive though. And contrary to what some have stated, I don't think they're doing much at all to further a dialogue that needs to be had, rather switching the dialogue to something about patriotism and the meaning of the flag... And let's be real here, this country doesn't do much in the way of a dialogue about race on either side. It's far more often (almost always) a monologue where any attempt at a discussion gets shut down the first time one side hits the other with something that doesn't fit their outlook

the NFL won't tolerate it spreading too far. They'll take a lot of heat for it from their fans, probably eventually put their foot down, and then the fines will be interesting.

The NBA generally has a more liberal crowd I think, so it might tolerate more, but its also highly protective of its image, and has long been struggling to spread its brand into more conservative niches of America, who let's face it, have racial reservations. So I don't think they can afford to let it go too far either. Having hordes of your players disrespecting the flag/anthem is a real bad look for any business. I think the NBA might have a better/more cooperative relationship with its players though, where everybody is interested in growing the league/sport, and the NBA might ask people not to do it that way, and instead offer up some alternative, and get some significant amount of cooperation.

[MotownMadness]

New spoiled brats after they finish destroying it. Let me drop some information for you about the older generation. Due to the irresponsible actions and horrible spending decisions, our housing market nearly collapsed about 8 years ago and we went into a recession. Student debt and college costs has increased by 10s of thousands of dollars. Forcing people, to go into massive debt to even get jobs that don't really exist much anymore because you keep pissing off companies that go overseas. Social Security will be dried up long before we can even retire. The amount of terrorism that has increased due to the fact the past and current administrations keep going into the Middle East, starting pointless wars and pissing off their citizens by bombing them over and over again. Lets not forget the older generation is the one primarily electing morons like Trump and Clinton to office when most of us millenials cannot stand them or do not wish to vote for them. You want to to talk about us when we are not the ones even remotely responsible for today's problems. None of us are in any type of political power yet. When we do, you can bet we will clean up your problems. The older generation has already did a pretty good job of destroying what is left of it anyways. Remember you are the ones in power not us.

And to pile on ... it's funny when the older generation criticizes younger people for being spoiled, completely ignoring that the older generation raised the young generation. The first ones to talk about accountability are the first ones to dodge it.

Exactly! That is why decided to put him on blast. I was going to say this part but I feel like I blasted him enough. I don't like when people try to degrade my generation when theirs is far from perfect. We haven't done anything yet. We are still working on getting entry level positions and experience let alone us running for office.

I'm refering more to just the culture in general. People have zero respect or Morales anymore. Your not putti,g anything on blast as I stand by what I said that it's full of a bunch of spoiled little cry baby brats. You just kinda make my opinion of that stronger. Everyone thinks they are entitled to everything and shouldn't have to work for it. Hell we get to watch these little brats protest about how hard their lives are at great colleges, those are the funniest ones.

Sorry your generation is one of dependency that just thinks everyone owes them something if they dont get their handouts then they will scream "racists" or whatever else to try and get it. It really is the oldest play in the democratic book and is going stronger than ever.

[Carlton Banksy]

And to pile on ... it's funny when the older generation criticizes younger people for being spoiled, completely ignoring that the older generation raised the young generation. The first ones to talk about accountability are the first ones to dodge it.

Exactly! That is why decided to put him on blast. I was going to say this part but I feel like I blasted him enough. I don't like when people try to degrade my generation when theirs is far from perfect. We haven't done anything yet. We are still working on getting entry level positions and experience let alone us running for office.

I'm refering more to just the culture in general. People have zero respect or Morales anymore. Your not putti,g anything on blast as I stand by what I said that it's full of a bunch of spoiled little cry baby brats. You just kinda make my opinion of that stronger. Everyone thinks they are entitled to everything and shouldn't have to work for it. Hell we get to watch these little brats protest about how hard their lives are at great colleges, those are the funniest ones.

Sorry your generation is one of dependency that just thinks everyone owes them something if they dont get their handouts then they will scream "racists" or whatever else to try and get it. It really is the oldest play in the democratic book and is going stronger than ever.

So they singled out wrongdoings by previous generations that impacted the current economy -- greatly irresponsible spending, collapsing the housing market, prohibitively expensive tuition, mounting debt, jobs moving overseas, etc -- and your response is to say "No I meant the culture" and "everybody's a baby" while ignoring the factual arguments levied against you. You're criticizing this generation for being irresponsible by deflecting responsibility of your own generation.

[Hero]

Nothing more disrespectful you can do to your country than what Kap is doing. That deserves a 2 game suspension in my books so he can take time off and actually learn what is going on in America and not just read CNN. He is pulling off an absolute tragedy

Sent from my SGH-I747M using RealGM mobile app

There are a lot of things much more disrespectful.

[WestbrookGOATed]

If people have a problem with this they need to get their heads checked. Kap is a smart man, he's exercising his right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression. I'm not sure this will do anything to help the things going on but it will keep people talking about it. Main stream media wants to sweep everything under the rug and for us to forget about it, instead lets worry about what Kim Kardashian and her fat fake ass wore today. Kaepernick is in a position where he can force people to discuss issues that really matter. This entire country needs a revolution.

[Wewing]

Well it didn't take long... Philadelphia Eagles rookie LB Myke Tavarres says that he will join Kaepernick in sitting for the anthem... I wonder how wide this spreads and if NBA players follow suit.

Kap said that he will resume standing when this country lives up to its principles... How exactly do we define when that happens? Like there will actually be a moment where he says it's all good? This country faces issues (I think some are overstated, but that doesn't mean they don't exist) and these guys have the right to do what they're doing, part of what makes this country great. I can't lie and say I don't find it a bit distasteful and counterproductive though. And contrary to what some have stated, I don't think they're doing much at all to further a dialogue that needs to be had, rather switching the dialogue to something about patriotism and the meaning of the flag... And let's be real here, this country doesn't do much in the way of a dialogue about race on either side. It's far more often (almost always) a monologue where any attempt at a discussion gets shut down the first time one side hits the other with something that doesn't fit their outlook

There are NBA players who currently skip the national anthem. They just don't publicize it, as not lining up for it is against NBA rules. The NBA seems to have a don't-tell policy, because they haven't taken any action on this since forcing Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf to stand in 1996, although he was a player who actually announced he wasn't going to stand until the NBA told him he was. It sounds like the NFL is different, as it is not against their rules, but as others have said if the NFL gets enough pushback you can expect to see a new rule pretty quickly. I would like to see what happens if NBA players start announcing their avoidance of the anthem, rather than just quietly skipping it.

I would also like to know if the national anthem is so important before sporting events, why are the networks seemingly always at commercial when it is played, except when it's somebody famous performing it or when jets are going to fly overhead afterward?

[coachcav]

And to pile on ... it's funny when the older generation criticizes younger people for being spoiled, completely ignoring that the older generation raised the young generation. The first ones to talk about accountability are the first ones to dodge it.

Exactly! That is why decided to put him on blast. I was going to say this part but I feel like I blasted him enough. I don't like when people try to degrade my generation when theirs is far from perfect. We haven't done anything yet. We are still working on getting entry level positions and experience let alone us running for office.

I'm refering more to just the culture in general. People have zero respect or Morales anymore. Your not putti,g anything on blast as I stand by what I said that it's full of a bunch of spoiled little cry baby brats. You just kinda make my opinion of that stronger. Everyone thinks they are entitled to everything and shouldn't have to work for it. Hell we get to watch these little brats protest about how hard their lives are at great colleges, those are the funniest ones.

Sorry your generation is one of dependency that just thinks everyone owes them something if they dont get their handouts then they will scream "racists" or whatever else to try and get it. It really is the oldest play in the democratic book and is going stronger than ever.

I actually did put you on blast. Your ignorance is growing by the minute. You attacked my generation not the culture so I am going to attack yours right back. I wanted you have the information that your generation is primarily responsible. You say we are responsible for destroying things when we haven't touched yet or really have no control over. There are still people in our generation that can't vote yet. My generation is just speaking out for their opinion. We have to deal with the problems your generation created for us. We are the ones that have to live with those consequences in the end. Those great colleges you speak of are costing us a **** ton of money and most us are not in the jobs we went to school for. That is what is going on in the real world. We are very independent. Many of us worked through school and are still in debt. Some of us still need parents help while get on our feet and get into good paying jobs. That is not a bad thing. We are trying to save money and get out of debt.

I am sorry that your generation were the one to raise us so what really does that say about yours.

[prefontaine]

And to pile on ... it's funny when the older generation criticizes younger people for being spoiled, completely ignoring that the older generation raised the young generation. The first ones to talk about accountability are the first ones to dodge it.

Exactly! That is why decided to put him on blast. I was going to say this part but I feel like I blasted him enough. I don't like when people try to degrade my generation when theirs is far from perfect. We haven't done anything yet. We are still working on getting entry level positions and experience let alone us running for office.

I'm refering more to just the culture in general. People have zero respect or Morales anymore. Your not putti,g anything on blast as I stand by what I said that it's full of a bunch of spoiled little cry baby brats. You just kinda make my opinion of that stronger. Everyone thinks they are entitled to everything and shouldn't have to work for it. Hell we get to watch these little brats protest about how hard their lives are at great colleges, those are the funniest ones.

Sorry your generation is one of dependency that just thinks everyone owes them something if they dont get their handouts then they will scream "racists" or whatever else to try and get it. It really is the oldest play in the democratic book and is going stronger than ever.

Except it's red states that are more dependent on federal aid. Blue states subsidize red states and have done so for YEARS.

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/05/which-states-are-givers-and-which-are-takers/361668/

Republicans are for handouts too, they just want handouts in a different form.

[Infinite Llamas]

Maybe this is going a bit off topic, but I think a lot of the problems that whites have with black people comes down to fear. Maybe that fear is ingrained from the news or from parents or whatever...nobody is born with any prejudices. Exposure is key here. My best friend growing up was black, and we bonded over our love for basketball, and our friendship grew from there. I honestly never even thought twice about it then, but when I reflect on it now, I think it's a big factor why I have such a healthy opinion of other races. I've always tried to treat people with respect, and I think that if a lot of other people adopted that mantra, there would be less criminals and less fear.

[Nutty Nats Fan]

Wouldn't care.

Personally, I think there are better ways to get your message out than by disrespecting your countries national anthem,but it honestly wouldn't matter to me... America is the only country that tolerates that kind of BS though. You'd never see another countries athlete disrespecting the country like that.

The founding fathers would disagree with you.

Standing (sitting) up for what you believe is what this country was founded on. Standing for the anthem while ignoring what is wrong with the country is disrespecting the country and the principles it was founded on.

[jbk1234]

This is what he said.

"People don't realize what's really going on in this country. There are a lot things that are going on that are unjust. People aren't being held accountable for. And that's something that needs to change. That's something that this country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all. And it's not happening for all right now."

He is talking about how some people are oppressed and how others for example cops who are not being held accountable for their actions. I have never heard him say or read about that he thinks america is racist. There are racist people but the entire country is not racist. He is smarter than that. It is not hard to know what he is referring to when he stated people are not being held accountable. He was vague but it doesnt take a genius to figure it out. We have the problems in the country and put the people in charge to handle those problems and do not do enough to make neccessary changes.

I think his statement only further validates my critique. What specifically is wrong and how should it be addressed? If you care enough to protest in a provocative way, then you should care enough to at least articulate exactly who and what you're protesting. I mean "freedom, liberty and justice for all" - really? Probably 95% of the population agrees with that sentiment. In what ways isn't that happening? Who is responsible for it not happening? If you're going to provoke, the people you're trying to provoke shouldn't be left guessing as to why.

Here is a quote that he also stated. Is this more a description for you? He has said other quotes, you can take some time and actually research the topic you are trying to debate. He also goes on later to tell his decision to protest had nothing to do with the military which people are getting so offended by.

I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL.com. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.


He is addressing that people of certain colors are targeted. It is not hard to understand. I have stated this multiple times. I am white as hell and know he is protesting injustices that happen against people of color. Also the fact police officers sometimes get off the hook for **** when they should be prosecuted. Do you seriously not read anything he or I has said? Your crtique has been stupid from the start. That 95 percent of the country that agrees with that sentiment is so stupid that they don't even comprehend how freedom really works. People of all backgrounds are able to stand up for their beliefs and be heard even if you disagree with it. That 95 percent of people also put him down saying he was not oppressed and brought up how he was abandoned as a kid. That is **** up and low on so many levels. His quotes are not even talking about himself. You and the other 95 percent need to realize freedom of expression actually works and actually do some research on why someone is protesting. If you and the rest of the people who care about the disrespect of vets maybe all of you should invite one of the millions of homeless vet into your house. O wait you wont because

You're just arguing with straw men. If you want to address my specific points, you should address them not get into what other people are saying. I know far more about First Amendment law and freedom of expression than you could imagine. He's free to express his opinion, other people are free to express their opinions about what he says and does. That's how it works or it doesn't work at all.

In my opinion he's protesting general outcomes, not specific polices or cases. That's by design. It's easy to protest outcomes but it's not constructive. The person who was shot in Milwaukee was violent felon, he had a gun on him, and he refused to drop it. Michael Brown decided to walk up to police car and start punching an armed police officer in the face. I doubt either community would feel safer if the police just let them go on their way. During the 90s, police refusing to actually do their jobs in high crime neighborhoods was a serious problem. There's at least some anecdotal evidence that we may be headed back there.

If you want to actually try and make a difference, you've got to do more than decry a handful of shootings that aren't justified. The sale of contraband necessarily involves a certain level of violence because courts don't enforce property rights. So if you aren't prepared to protect your property with force you better be prepared to lose it. Decades of housing and employment discrimination means that people of color are more likely to be on neighborhoods where that contraband is sold. If you want to believe that the root cause of the problem is racist cops targeting people of color, you're free to believe that. But like Kaepernick you doing your own generalizing and that's unhelpful. The problem is more complicated than that.

[JulesWinnfield]

The bottom line is as a country we're never going to allow ourselves to have a national dialogue about race, because we are too soft. Shiz needs to get real uncomfortable for that to happen and in today's climate we won't allow it. You have white people who see the phrase "black lives matter" as inherently racist (which is absurd) or feel compelled to stamp that entire movement due to statements on the fringe or an isolated chant at a protest. You have black activists who throw the accusation of racist around all too freely whenever met with any pushback to effectively stifle dialogue. This is the circle we continue to run in, like hamsters on a wheel. Progress has been made, more needs to be made. But more major change is unlikely to happen unless we allow ourselves out of our comfort zone on these topics

[coachcav]

I think his statement only further validates my critique. What specifically is wrong and how should it be addressed? If you care enough to protest in a provocative way, then you should care enough to at least articulate exactly who and what you're protesting. I mean "freedom, liberty and justice for all" - really? Probably 95% of the population agrees with that sentiment. In what ways isn't that happening? Who is responsible for it not happening? If you're going to provoke, the people you're trying to provoke shouldn't be left guessing as to why.

Here is a quote that he also stated. Is this more a description for you? He has said other quotes, you can take some time and actually research the topic you are trying to debate. He also goes on later to tell his decision to protest had nothing to do with the military which people are getting so offended by.

I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL.com. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.


He is addressing that people of certain colors are targeted. It is not hard to understand. I have stated this multiple times. I am white as hell and know he is protesting injustices that happen against people of color. Also the fact police officers sometimes get off the hook for **** when they should be prosecuted. Do you seriously not read anything he or I has said? Your crtique has been stupid from the start. That 95 percent of the country that agrees with that sentiment is so stupid that they don't even comprehend how freedom really works. People of all backgrounds are able to stand up for their beliefs and be heard even if you disagree with it. That 95 percent of people also put him down saying he was not oppressed and brought up how he was abandoned as a kid. That is **** up and low on so many levels. His quotes are not even talking about himself. You and the other 95 percent need to realize freedom of expression actually works and actually do some research on why someone is protesting. If you and the rest of the people who care about the disrespect of vets maybe all of you should invite one of the millions of homeless vet into your house. O wait you wont because

You're just arguing with straw men. If you want to address my specific points, you should address them not get into what other people are saying. I know far more about First Amendment law and freedom of expression than you could imagine. He's free to express his opinion, other people are free to express their opinions about what he says and does. That's how it works or it doesn't work at all.

In my opinion he's protesting general outcomes, not specific polices or cases. That's by design. It's easy to protest outcomes but it's not constructive. The person who was shot in Milwaukee was violent felon, he had a gun on him, and he refused to drop it. Michael Brown decided to walk up to police car and start punching an armed police officer in the face. I doubt either community would feel safer if the police just let them go on their way. During the 90s, police refusing to actually do their jobs in high crime neighborhoods was a serious problem. There's at least some anecdotal evidence that we may be headed back there.

If you want to actually try and make a difference, you've got to do more than decry a handful of shootings that aren't justified. The sale of contraband necessarily involves a certain level of violence because courts don't enforce property rights. So if you aren't prepared to protect your property with force you better be prepared to lose it. Decades of housing and employment discrimination means that people of color are more likely to be on neighborhoods where that contraband is sold. If you want to believe that the root cause of the problem is racist cops targeting people of color, you're free to believe that. But like Kaepernick you doing your own generalizing and that's unhelpful. The problem is more complicated than that.

He was generalized but there have been plenty of incidents where cops were in the wrong. There was incident where a cop just shot hospital worker whose hands were up while trying to help a patient in the street. Some cops are in the wrong as well People have tried to offer solutions to departments but some do not really act on it. Where I live, we had an incident happen and our department learned from it and improved. That is why I stated in a original post that we should use the money that is being pointless spent on arenas or stadiums using tax money and in wars to go towards inner city education. This would produce better citizens giving them the opportunity to get good jobs and not result to using drugs/guns/violence. Lebron is a great example. He is giving back to Akron by giving 1,000 kids an education. That is going to help a lot for that area in the future. Solutions have been offered to cities, some acted on it and other have not probably.

[mtron929]

If people have a problem with this they need to get their heads checked. Kap is a smart man, he's exercising his right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression. I'm not sure this will do anything to help the things going on but it will keep people talking about it. Main stream media wants to sweep everything under the rug and for us to forget about it, instead lets worry about what Kim Kardashian and her fat fake ass wore today. Kaepernick is in a position where he can force people to discuss issues that really matter. This entire country needs a revolution.

Pretty much disagreed with the latter parts of your post.

1a. The mainstream media definitely wants to sell the topic of racism. In fact, I believe that there is too much news devoted to racism.

1b. As such, Kaep is continuing this conversation but I don't believe it is a fruitful one as I suspect that he is pissing off more people as opposed to convincing them of his "arguments".

I hope some of you can be level-headed and evaluate whether his actions are effective even if you agree with his ideas (I don't personally agree). And even if he wanted to take a stance, this was not a great way to go about doing it.

[mtron929]

The bottom line is as a country we're never going to allow ourselves to have a national dialogue about race, because we are too soft. Shiz needs to get real uncomfortable for that to happen and in today's climate we won't allow it. You have white people who see the phrase "black lives matter" as inherently racist (which is absurd) or feel compelled to stamp that entire movement due to statements on the fringe or an isolated chant at a protest. You have black activists who throw the accusation of racist around all too freely whenever met with any pushback to effectively stifle dialogue. This is the circle we continue to run in, like hamsters on a wheel. Progress has been made, more needs to be made. But more major change is unlikely to happen unless we allow ourselves out of our comfort zone on these topics

Any serious discussion regarding race should involve accurate usage of statistical analysis. Or else, it is just amateur hours.

[GOBsaysCOMEON]

I wouldn't care one way or the other.

I think patriotism/nationalism are really stupid, but I'm happy to be born and living in the U.S. Notice I say happy, not proud. I had nothing to do with where I was born. It wasn't something I accomplished.