re: #290 Sir John Barron

I hadn’t really thought about it until recently, but the right’s attempt to conflate the flag with the troop with the country and the supposed ideals (“supposed” in the sense that they believe specific ideals apply), is really disturbing. I’ve had this conversation with my Republican family members and they don’t see the disconnect in “they fought and died for your rights” as part of an argument that amounts to you can’t exercise those rights here.

Deep down, though they won’t admit it, I think a lot of this has to do with what the protests were originally about. Republicans (read: white people; but I repeat myself) don’t want to face the underlying issue of police brutality and the stark differences in how they and people of color experience this American life.

I saw a clip on twitter (can’t find it now, and forget if someone here posted it) from someone at the NFL network that pointed out had Kaepernick announced he was kneeling because of how our veterans are treated when they come back, the reaction would be entirely different. I fully believe that.