If taking a knee can solve racism, then bring it on

Recently, there have been several letters denigrating the football players who have shown disrespect for some of our symbols. But the writers seem to be unaware that respect is not granted, it is earned and consequently should work both ways.

Does our country, with more than 400 white supremacist groups, respect the protesters? Does our President respect those “sons of bitches”? Do our legislators, with their “dog whistle politics,” respect them? Does our judicial system respect them? Does voter suppression respect them? Our anthem contains the words, “Land of the FREE.” Our pledge contains “Liberty and justice for ALL.” Are those words real?

We have a serious race problem in our country. If taking a knee at a football game can bring about a long-needed serious debate about the real problem behind the protests, then I am all for it.

This story was originally published October 21, 2017 at 1:30 PM with the headline "If taking a knee can solve racism, then bring it on."