When professional athletes kneel during the national anthem is it a right of free speech or an attack on patriotism? We put the question to our Facebook followers.
Janet Sue Ronchetto
"When Tim Tebow took a knee to say a personal prayer, it was considered offensive and he was thrown to the wolves for it. When Kaepernick took a knee, it was considered freedom of speech. Really? Shouldn't Tim Tebow be allowed the same? They're getting paid big bucks to play ball, not protest on the job. Peacefully protest on one's own time. And I do think it's a lack of respect for patriotism."
Josh Stroud
"Patriotism and protest are not mutually exclusive. In fact, in many cases, it is quite the opposite. True patriots do not sit idly by and allow the leadership of their country to leave them behind. When change needs to be made, the citizens of a democratic society must speak up."
Karli Goss Stubblefield
"If people cared as much about each other as they do about who is standing during the national anthem there would be no need for protests."
Teresa Anne Chadwell
"I have never stood during the pledge or the national anthem for religious reasons. I see nothing wrong with the players making a stand against a society that shows no respect for anyone that is different than them. It is time that we do what Jesus said and respect one another."
