[OutsiderFan]

I think FrankO nailed it.

The U.S. government - which represents all people in the country - is represented by the stars and stripes flag.  If the U.S. government had policies that were racist or prejudiced, like apartheid in South Africa for example, then Kaepernick's actions and the tie he's making to standing for the anthem, would make more sense.

In fact, the U.S. government has passed many laws and policies that are intended to curb or eliminate prejudice and preference by any number of measures, be it race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.  The fact is most of the manifestations of mistreatment based on identity, happens on a local or state level.  In this context provided by FrankO, taking issue with the United States government seems a bit misguided to me. 

Then again, he's trying to call attention to a perceived injustice and there is no better way to get it than by doing what he has chosen to do. That said, if he's going to take an action sure to draw attention, he should have a prepared statement or an essay outlining his position, so he can actually harness the attention he's getting into delivering a well though out message.  Producing a sound bite answer is not good enough.  If you're going to take a stand on something that will draw so much attention, you better be able to articulate your position clearly.

Of course, I do think playing the national anthem at sports events is a bit ridiculous.  It isn't played before concerts, award ceremonies or other gatherings.  Why should it be at sports events?  If you're not a sports fan, you might not ever hear the national anthem.

[OutsiderFan]

I think FrankO nailed it.

The U.S. government - which represents all people in the country - is represented by the stars and stripes flag.  If the U.S. government had policies that were racist or prejudiced, like apartheid in South Africa for example, then Kaepernick's actions and the tie he's making to standing for the anthem, would make more sense.

In fact, the U.S. government has passed many laws and policies that are intended to curb or eliminate prejudice and preference by any number of measures, be it race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.  The fact is most of the manifestations of mistreatment based on identity, happens on a local or state level.  In this context provided by FrankO, taking issue with the United States government seems a bit misguided to me. 

Then again, he's trying to call attention to a perceived injustice and there is no better way to get it than by doing what he has chosen to do. That said, if he's going to take an action sure to draw attention, he should have a prepared statement or an essay outlining his position, so he can actually harness the attention he's getting into delivering a well though out message.  Producing a sound bite answer is not good enough.  If you're going to take a stand on something that will draw so much attention, you better be able to articulate your position clearly.

Of course, I do think playing the national anthem at sports events is a bit ridiculous.  It isn't played before concerts, award ceremonies or other gatherings.  Why should it be at sports events?  If you're not a sports fan, you might not ever hear the national anthem.