The Straw Man Quarterback
This is not a First Amendment issue, as leftists argue.
The NFL’s — and specifically the San Francisco 49ers’ — lack of a substantive response to Colin Kaepernick’s unpatriotic and insulting behavior toward our nation and its police led the union representing the Santa Clara Police Department to send a letter to 49ers CEO Jed York warning that the department may stop working security for 49ers home games. The letter stated that failure by the 49ers to discipline Kaepernick for his insulting behavior “could result in police officers choosing not to work at your facilities.” The letter made it clear that the union viewed Kaepernick’s statements and behavior — including wearing socks depicting pigs as cops — as “obviously insulting, inaccurate and completely unsupported.”
Not surprisingly Barack Obama, while overseas at the G20 summit, decided to weigh in on the now backup quarterback’s behavior. Obama defended Kaepernick saying, “My understanding is he’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement. I don’t doubt his sincerity. I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about.” He also argued, “Maybe some of his critics will start seeing that he has a point.” Similar to his supporting statements of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and others, Obama relishes jumping into the “America is racist” narrative whenever an opportunity arises. This is not a First Amendment issue, this is an issue of truth and respect for our nation and its Constitution. Where was Obama defending Curt Schilling’s First Amendment right to speak out against homosexuality, transgenderism and radical Islam? For Obama, appealing to the Constitution while subverting the Constitution is merely par for the course, especially when he can advance a racial narrative at the same time.
The NFL, the 49ers and Obama are using the First Amendment rights line as an excuse not to look like they are taking sides. Remember, the NFL recently nixed the Dallas Cowboys’ helmet decal honoring the police, citing uniform standards that all teams are subject to. And they turned the other way when several Rams players took the field with their hands up. Is it too much to ask the National Football League to show a little patriotism?
Oh yeah, remember when Obama himself disrespected the National Anthem?
(Revised.)