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Of Course: Obama Defends Kaepernick's Refusal to Stand For The National Anthem

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volsrock

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Speaking at the G20 Summit in China Monday, President Obama weighed in on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the National Anthem before games, saying the "young man" is simply exercising his constitutional rights. Obama also said Kaepernick's actions are hard for military members and those who have served to "get past."

"My understanding at least is that he’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement," Obama said. "If nothing else what he’s done is he’s generated more conversation around some topics that need to be talked about."

"As a general matter when it comes to the flag and the National Anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who've fought for us, that is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear what his deeper concerns are," he continued.

Not once did Obama say Kaepernick's actions were disrespectful, but instead credited him for bringing attention to an issue and for being part of the process.

Of Course: Obama Defends Kaepernick's Refusal to Stand For The National Anthem - Katie Pavlich


Obama supports calling cops pigs.

Literally on the other side of the world, he knows about this and takes time to opine. Fast and Furious, IRS targeting conservative groups, VA waitlists, NOT A PEEP FROM HIM
 
So what was the issue that Kaepernick was trying to bring attention to?
 
volsrock said:
Speaking at the G20 Summit in China Monday, President Obama weighed in on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the National Anthem before games, saying the "young man" is simply exercising his constitutional rights. Obama also said Kaepernick's actions are hard for military members and those who have served to "get past."

"My understanding at least is that he’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement," Obama said. "If nothing else what he’s done is he’s generated more conversation around some topics that need to be talked about."

"As a general matter when it comes to the flag and the National Anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who've fought for us, that is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear what his deeper concerns are," he continued.

Not once did Obama say Kaepernick's actions were disrespectful, but instead credited him for bringing attention to an issue and for being part of the process.

Of Course: Obama Defends Kaepernick's Refusal to Stand For The National Anthem - Katie Pavlich


Obama supports calling cops pigs.

Literally on the other side of the world, he knows about this and takes time to opine. Fast and Furious, IRS targeting conservative groups, VA waitlists, NOT A PEEP FROM HIM
Click to expand...

So why do you oppose constitutional rights?
 
Moot said:
So what was the issue that Kaepernick was trying to bring attention to?
Click to expand...

the silly performance of the national anthem at domestic sporting events............
 
Redress said:
So why do you oppose constitutional rights?
Click to expand...

Than u agree

An NFL player has the same right to slam Gays in his NFL Uniform without being fined or suspended
 
volsrock said:
Speaking at the G20 Summit in China Monday, President Obama weighed in on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the National Anthem before games, saying the "young man" is simply exercising his constitutional rights. Obama also said Kaepernick's actions are hard for military members and those who have served to "get past."

"My understanding at least is that he’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement," Obama said. "If nothing else what he’s done is he’s generated more conversation around some topics that need to be talked about."

"As a general matter when it comes to the flag and the National Anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who've fought for us, that is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear what his deeper concerns are," he continued.

Not once did Obama say Kaepernick's actions were disrespectful, but instead credited him for bringing attention to an issue and for being part of the process.

Of Course: Obama Defends Kaepernick's Refusal to Stand For The National Anthem - Katie Pavlich


Obama supports calling cops pigs.

Literally on the other side of the world, he knows about this and takes time to opine. Fast and Furious, IRS targeting conservative groups, VA waitlists, NOT A PEEP FROM HIM
Click to expand...

It Kaepernick's constitutional right to do so that Obama is supporting. As do I.
 
opendebate said:
It Kaepernick's constitutional right to do so that Obama is supporting. As do I.
Click to expand...

Than u also agree

An NFL player has the same constitutional right to slam Gays in his NFL Uniform without being fined or suspended..And wear..""Nobody is Born Gay"" ..on his socks!

You would support that?
 
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volsrock said:
Than u also agree

An NFL player has the same constitutional right to slam Gays in his NFL Uniform without being fined or suspended
Click to expand...

You're changing subjects
 
Moot said:
So what was the issue that Kaepernick was trying to bring attention to?
Click to expand...

Oppression of second string professional football players with parents of a different race. something like that... ;)
 
volsrock said:
Speaking at the G20 Summit in China Monday, President Obama weighed in on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the National Anthem before games, saying the "young man" is simply exercising his constitutional rights. Obama also said Kaepernick's actions are hard for military members and those who have served to "get past."

"My understanding at least is that he’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement," Obama said. "If nothing else what he’s done is he’s generated more conversation around some topics that need to be talked about."

"As a general matter when it comes to the flag and the National Anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who've fought for us, that is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear what his deeper concerns are," he continued.

Not once did Obama say Kaepernick's actions were disrespectful, but instead credited him for bringing attention to an issue and for being part of the process.

Of Course: Obama Defends Kaepernick's Refusal to Stand For The National Anthem - Katie Pavlich


Obama supports calling cops pigs.

Literally on the other side of the world, he knows about this and takes time to opine. Fast and Furious, IRS targeting conservative groups, VA waitlists, NOT A PEEP FROM HIM
Click to expand...


Why the F would he comment on such a minor issue when he is in China?
 
I wonder.....

When Obama, or anyone for that matter, defends the first amendment, does it piss off the Pro-2nd Amendment people off as much as it pisses the Pro-1st amendment people off, when Obama defends the 2nd amendment right to bear arms?

It's a lose-lose situation.

I have noticed that people like to pick and choose which rights are worthy of defense and which ones are not. Much like some people like to pick and choose bible scripture when it supports their position while completely ignoring the scripture that does not.

Silly humans.
 
Tanngrisnir said:
You're comparing apples to oranges.

What's got you so confused?
Click to expand...

Nope

If he has the right to slam cops...than a player has the right to slam Gays
 
volsrock said:
Speaking at the G20 Summit in China Monday, President Obama weighed in on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the National Anthem before games, saying the "young man" is simply exercising his constitutional rights. Obama also said Kaepernick's actions are hard for military members and those who have served to "get past."

"My understanding at least is that he’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement," Obama said. "If nothing else what he’s done is he’s generated more conversation around some topics that need to be talked about."

"As a general matter when it comes to the flag and the National Anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who've fought for us, that is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear what his deeper concerns are," he continued.

Not once did Obama say Kaepernick's actions were disrespectful, but instead credited him for bringing attention to an issue and for being part of the process.

Of Course: Obama Defends Kaepernick's Refusal to Stand For The National Anthem - Katie Pavlich


Obama supports calling cops pigs.

Literally on the other side of the world, he knows about this and takes time to opine. Fast and Furious, IRS targeting conservative groups, VA waitlists, NOT A PEEP FROM HIM
Click to expand...

It is the First Ammendment freedom of speech.

He damn well better defend the COTUS.

Best to educate yourself before posting.
 
Rico Suave said:
the silly performance of the national anthem at domestic sporting events............
Click to expand...

Do other countries stand for their national anthem at sporting events? I'm wondering if it's just an American thing or if it's something most countries do.
 
volsrock said:
Nope

If he has the right to slam cops...than a player has the right to slam Gays
Click to expand...

Yup. Apples to oranges.

You're now changing your argument. First it was about sitting during the Nat'l anthem, now it's about cops.
 
opendebate said:
You're changing subjects
Click to expand...

Nope

we are talking about a constitutional right to slam a group of people


He slammed Cops

So a player has the same right to slam Gays
 
It is not against the law for a citizen who is not a serving member of the U.S. armed forces to refuse to stand and/or salute during the playing of the National Anthem.

Here is the applicable code: 36 U.S. Code § 301 - National anthem

(b) Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—

(1) when the flag is displayed—

(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;

(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and

(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and

(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
Click to expand...
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/301

Notice the key word I've bolded; that word is "should," not "MUST." There is no civilian legal penalty assigned to a "violation" of this code. Even under the UCMJ it would fall under disobeying an order, not simply for failing to stand or salute.

Furthermore, SCOTUS stated in Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989), that the First Amendment protected all forms of free expression, not just speech.

You don't have to agree with what he did (I certainly don't) but President Obama was merely stating a fact...Kaepernick was simply exercising his Constitutional rights.
 
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volsrock said:
Than u agree

An NFL player has the same right to slam Gays in his NFL Uniform without being fined or suspended
Click to expand...

So you do not understand the concept of constitutional rights. The constitution says that the government will not interfere with some one saying something. It does not say there will be no repercussions from sources other than the government. You might want to try reading the constitution.
 
volsrock said:
Speaking at the G20 Summit in China Monday, President Obama weighed in on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the National Anthem before games, saying the "young man" is simply exercising his constitutional rights. Obama also said Kaepernick's actions are hard for military members and those who have served to "get past."

"My understanding at least is that he’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement," Obama said. "If nothing else what he’s done is he’s generated more conversation around some topics that need to be talked about."

"As a general matter when it comes to the flag and the National Anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who've fought for us, that is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear what his deeper concerns are," he continued.

Not once did Obama say Kaepernick's actions were disrespectful, but instead credited him for bringing attention to an issue and for being part of the process.

Of Course: Obama Defends Kaepernick's Refusal to Stand For The National Anthem - Katie Pavlich


Obama supports calling cops pigs.

Literally on the other side of the world, he knows about this and takes time to opine. Fast and Furious, IRS targeting conservative groups, VA waitlists, NOT A PEEP FROM HIM
Click to expand...

I'm no fan of Obama, but if the President was asked a question by the media, in a scrum or in a press conference, referring to Kaepernick, I'd expect such an answer from any President. Clearly, this President is asked far more questions about issues related to race relations than other Presidents might, and clearly he has more nuanced opinions about race issues than a white President may have, so I expect that he'll entertain those questions rather than simply provide no comment or respond in a negative fashion.

If the President raised the issue on his own, without prompting from the media, you might have a point, but I doubt that's what happened here.

Considering the way President Obama has botched some other issues of race in his time in office, I think he handled this one relatively well. And in no way did the President's comments implicitly or explicitly confer an agreement that "cops are pigs". I highly doubt that Obama, being in China, is or was aware of the pics that came out yesterday of Kaepernick's socks.

As I frequently say, there's plenty of real things to criticize President Obama about without making things up and feigning outrage - besides, liberals are far more experienced and professional at that game so leave it to them.
 
Moot said:
Do other countries stand for their national anthem at sporting events? I'm wondering if it's just an American thing or if it's something most countries do.
Click to expand...

We here in Canada honour our anthem and the American anthem, if an American team is playing, at all sporting events.
 
volsrock said:
Nope

If he has the right to slam cops...than a player has the right to slam Gays
Click to expand...

Correct, he can talk bad about any one he wants and the government cannot do anything. His employer is another matter...
 
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