Letters to the editor for Friday, Sept. 2, 2016

Open letter to Colin Kaepernick

Dear Mr. Kaepernick,

I know that you are very aware of the fire storm that has risen up since you decided to sit rather than stand during the national anthem this past Friday.

As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam era and a very patriotic American citizen, I admit that I was not happy seeing you sit and therefore show disrespect for our country. I do, however, respect your right, as an American citizen, to lawfully demonstrate your displeasure in a peaceful manner. Many, many people have fought and many have died to protect your right to demonstrate peacefully.

It occurs to me that, given your position as a sports figure of considerable respect, at least up until recently, you might be able to achieve more positive results through positive actions than through passive negative actions such as disrespecting our nation’s anthem.

You might try addressing the youth of our inner cities and extolling to them the benefits of sports instead of the dangers of gang involvement. Of course, there are some problems within our law enforcement agencies and these need to be dealt with, however I fail to see how making a public anti-American display has any chance of accomplishing anything but pissing off a lot of folks. If that is your goal, Colin, you are off to a good start.

It’s a pity though, I really thought you were better than that. By the way, you were great at UNR. Go Wolf Pack!

Alan Rogers

Carson City