Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 9-29-17

Local
Citizens Comment On President’s Remarks About NFL Players
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last week, President Donald Trump said the NFL players who did not stand during the national an- them should be fired. He also called them a “son of a bitch” in remarks during an Ala- bama rally.
His remarks resulted in nearly every NFL team staging a protest during the Week 3 games. It has also resulted in Texas Rep. Al Green, plan- ning to call for the president’s impeachment over the NFL comments.
Some Sentinel readers shared their comments when they responded to the ques- tion: “What do you think about President Trump’s attacks on pro athletes who decide not to stand for the na- tional anthem and his calling Colin Kaepernick a SOB?”
Danny Green said, “I think Trump should be wor- ried by other things rather than the NFL. I think no leader should call someone SOB, especially the president. Everyone have their own opinion and the right to kneel or stand is not about the an- them, veterans, or the Mili- tary.
“It is about Justice for Black Americans. I served in the military for 22 years, and I don’t think it’s disrespectful. I think it’s disrespectful when soldiers serve in the military and can’t get benefits when
they get back home.
“A lot of them are home-
less and with no healthcare. Black Americans who served in military can’t get Justice when they get back home in America. That’s disrespectful. Most American don't under- stand because it doesn't affect them. It's not about disre- specting the flag, it’s about Justice.”
Dr. Samuel Wright
said, “I think the President is meddling in affairs that are not that important. He should never stoop to such ignorance as to refer to Colin Kaeper- nick as an SOB. I want Trump to exemplify some leadership and try his best to serve this country as did President Barack Obama.
“I heard someone say that Kaepernick's kneeling was tantamount to the actions of Rosa Parks, when she re- fused to move from her seat on the bus. Perhaps, his ac- tions may start a social move- ment where emphasis will be placed to ensure that all lives will matter in the United States and beyond!”
Attorney Clinton Paris said, “President Trump’s comments reflect his igno-
rance and lack of commitment to the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. President Trump should note that America was birthed out of an unpopular protests.
“For example protests against slavery, the Viet Nam War, Civil Rights, equal rights for women, veterans benefits, and other protests were un- popular at the time.
“Mr. Kaepernick’s protest is as patriotic as Muhammed Ali’s refusal to be drafted and Tommie Smith and Juan Carlos raising their fists at the 1968 Olympics. What is not Amer- ican is for the President to di- rect profanity laced tirades at citizens for exercising their right to free speech. For a protest to evoke change it must grab the attention of the public, shock the conscience, and make people uncomfort- able enough to change. Trump’s response is evi- dence that Mr. Kaeper- nick’s kneeling in protest is working. The country is clearly paying attention and is uncomfortable. Now, all we need is meaningful change that ends the injustice.”
Ms. Tonya Lewis said, “It's very distasteful for gov- ernment officials to stoop to an all-time low of ignorance. It is very offensive in any manner. To call anyone a SOB and to be the sitting President who is supposed to be an ex- ample to the world is horrify- ing. I took it as his calling
someone’s mother a Son of B**ches, is clearly degrading. There are too many tragedies and devastation that number 45 should be addressing than to address hatred to gain sup- port for his upcoming elec- tion.”
Billy Wheeler said, “Kaepernick’s protest is against the reoccurring inci- dences in this country of po- lice not being held accountable for the gratuitous murders of unarmed Black and brown people. Likewise, the athletes have every right to take a stand. 45’s com- ments are intended to deflect attention from the main topic.
“We must refocus the dis- cussion on this ongoing trav- esty whenever others try to evade the central issue. And at this point, to expect anything other than hateful garbage to spew from the current presi- dent’s mouth would be an ex- ercise in self-delusion.”
Joe Robinson said, “POTUS” Donald Trump is the Master at diversion such as being preoccupied with NFL players kneeling or standing for the national an- them. This is being done to take the nation’s attention off of the Criminal Investigation going on by former FBI direc- tor Robert Mueller. This will not be the last time “POTUS” uses diversionary tactics! This is his Brand!”
Mrs. Bonnye Crews said, “Trump's remarks were totally inappropriate and be- neath the dignity of the office of the presidency. His attacks also show that he doesn't un- derstand that the Constitution protects acts of free speech.”
Ross Anderson said, “If our former President Barack Obama would have done that or have said half the things President Trump have said, they would have tried to impeach him. We take 10 step backwards when the President of the United States uses profanity and at- tacks pro athletes who are 90% African American and the crowd cheers.”
Bishop Michelle Patty
said, “It’s sad and a shame that this man is the president of the free world. He should be impeached yesterday. This country would have never aloud President Obama to say or do half the things this man has. Not only is he a bully and a poor example for our children, but he is also trying to deflect from the Russia in- vestigation.”
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