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Editorial: Let Athletes Protest

The right to peacefully protest is protected by the first amendment, so why are people still getting backlash for exercising their constitutional right? Colin Kaepernick-a professional football player-kneeled while the national anthem was playing.

For him, and many others, the action represents the racial injustice, discrimination, and economic inequality plaguing black people and other colored people in the U.S. Instead of being attacked, he should be able to peacefully protest under the first amendment.

His fight against social media has given him a stronger voice to protest. Kaepernick said “I’m not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color… 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 get paid leave and get away with the murder.” Kaepernick does not want to disrespect anyone in the U.S. military; he just wants to stand up for what he believes in.

Brandon Marshall-another football player-also Kneeled during the anthem stated, “the message is I’m against social injustice… I’m not against the military or police or America at all.” These athletes just want to protest without any consequences or any confusion. When prominent figures use a different platform other than political debates and use their job and fame to protest for something they believe in, it gets people to have a conversation.

[Source: ProCon.org]

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