The One Knee Kneel (I Hope The Vegans Don’t Catch On)

Stand, sit, kneel that’s the evolution of Colin Kaepernick’s position during the U.S. national anthem. The goal is to draw attention to a country that “oppresses black people and people of color.”

I don’t watch football, but now I know who Colin Kaepernick is.

He succeeded.

 

Then Bruce Maxwell knelt (I think he skipped the sitting part) for the same reason (although I think the Donald ticked him off with his foul-mouthed rant).

I don’t watch baseball, but now I know who Bruce Maxwell is.

He succeeded, too.

Now they’re both stuck with my opinion.

Not being a sports fan of any sort, I researched Kaepernick and Maxwell to see if they put their money where their mouths (and knees) are.

Colin wins this one.

Colin Kaepernick has donated $100,000 a month for ten months to charities that support his causes. That’s not pocket change.

Brad Maxwell isn’t as well documented. If he donated, it’s not reported on Wikipedia. He should either get out the checkbook or update his bio.

Many vehemently support or oppose the silent protest.

The supporters say that it’s the player’s right to protest.

The opposers say it’s disrespectful to the Americans who fought for our country.

Thinking about both arguments simultaneously makes my brain spin like two opposing magnets attempting to join. Americans fought and died to keep America free and protect our rights. One of those rights is the right to protest.

Then there are the fans that want relief from reality and lose themselves in the game. They want to see sacks and end runs and kickoffs. They don’t want to see protest kneeling!

I can relate to that.

During Mike’s (Significant Other) Sunday afternoon’s football viewing marathon, I retreat to the kitchen to experiment with a new recipe or withdraw to the garden to commune with my oregano. I’m seeking reality relief.

The last thing I want to see is a vegan kneeling next to the frig while I cube sirloin for my “Beef and Beer” stew.

An organic farmer genuflecting near my herb patch while I spray for aphids is not welcomed either.

My take on the kneel protest is this. America is far from perfect, but it’s our home. Find your mission and donate time, effort, and/or money to improve it.

Bruce and Colin think they’re doing something to improve America.

If you don’t want to see them pursuing their mission, go make yourself a sandwich while they’re doing their kneeling thing.

I’m just happy that I don’t have to step around vegans and organic farmers.