
President Barack Obama praises Colin Kaepernicks decision not to stand for the the national anthem at football games, saying that the 49ers quarterback is protesting real legitimate issues. My understanding, at least, is he is exercising his constitutional right to make a statement, I think there is a long history of sports figures doing so, Obama said, when asked about Kapernicks protest.
Obama made his remarks during a press conference in China at the G-20 world leaders summit.
(Watch Obama's comments at the link)
Obama admitted that it was tough thing for people to see Kaepernick disrespect the flag and the people that served in the military, but then he defended it.
I dont doubt his sincerity, based on what Ive heard, Obama said. I think he cares about some real legitimate issues that have to be talked about. If nothing else what hes done is hes generated more conversation about some topics that need to be talked about.
Obama cited his preference for an active citizenry rather than Americans sitting on the sidelines.
Sometimes thats messy and controversial and it gets people angry and frustrated, he said. But Id rather have young people that are engaged with the argument and trying to think through how they can be part of our democratic process than people that are just sitting on the sidelines and not paying attention at all.
Obama appeared optimistic that Kaepernick would likely refine his thinking about his protest, allowing critics of his position to see his side of he issue.
Maybe his critics will start seeing that he has a point around certain concerns about justice and equality and thats how we move forward, he said. Sometimes its messy but thats how democracy works.
Poster Comment:
The messy and controversial aspect of this fool's comments are that enough over-medicated, uninformed voters thought it a good thing to elect this Mau Mau their president! Eight long, agonizing years of watching the descent of the elevator into hell! Obama and Kaepernick are the same... half negro men ashamed that they were raised in white households, and so are now trying to prove to the PC crowd that they are real negroes.