Nancy Burch: Why so much anger over taking a respectful knee?
In response to all the critics who disparage professional athletes who kneel during the national anthem: These brave humans are kneeling precisely because of who they are and the fact that they are visible. They feel a responsibility to speak for their brothers and sisters who do not have a voice. They kneel precisely because that act is not disrespectful.
Kneeling is a sign of respect and always has been. They kneel to call attention to the injustice that is happening right now and right here, and to do it in a respectful and even prayerful way. Anyone who thinks this is disrespectful is showing disrespect for our Constitution and for the principles our country is founded upon. We can be a great country, but only so long as we respect our own citizens and institutions.
Let me say that again: if you cannot see the beauty and courage in this act of kneeling, there might be some question about your perception and your own prejudice.
Nancy Burch, Ceres
This story was originally published October 11, 2017 at 5:41 PM with the headline "Nancy Burch: Why so much anger over taking a respectful knee?."