Keller @ Large: Disrespecting The National Anthem Isn't Politically Persuasive
BOSTON (CBS) - Here in the grievance culture of 2016, the grievance of the hour is San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his refusal to stand for the playing of the national anthem before meaningless 49er preseason games.
The context is fitting.
Kaepernick says he's doing it "for people that don't have the voice… for people that are being oppressed and need to have equal opportunities to be successful."
This is perhaps well-meaning but nearly meaningless gibberish.
Kaepernick says he's calling out racism and political inaction on police brutality, and wants more police training and tougher penalties for police accused in civilian shootings.
Perhaps these ideas have merit, although he is certainly not the first or only voice raising them. But while he has a perfect right to share his opinions, the method Kaepernick has chosen is predictably sparking a backlash that will neutralize any minor impact his protest might otherwise have made.
News flash – many Americans equate respect for the anthem with respect for the country and its military.
So it shouldn't be surprising that disrespecting the anthem isn't politically persuasive.
Dr. Martin Luther King's model of successful civil-rights activism was to tie social justice to flag-waving patriotism, not pit them against one another. He challenged white America in the "I Have A Dream" speech to "live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"
King didn't diss the anthem; he rewrote it.
Maybe that's something Colin Kaepernick should stand up and salute.
Listen to Jon's commentary: