This is the title of the link I attached written in “thegrio:” “Did Kaepernick’s activist girlfriend inspire his support of Black Lives Matter?” Has anyone in a ‘good’ relationship not been influenced to some degree by their significant other? If they are not, they are also not in a relationship.
The short and misleading article seems to infer that Kaepernick does not have a mind of his own; that he fails to make decisions based on his personal beliefs.
DJ Nessa Diab is Kaepernick’s love interest. She is a Muslim, and an activist. Isn’t it possible that he was attracted to her because of her activism?
FOX released the fallacious story. Its biggest complaint is the fact that she is a Muslim. The couple plans to have an Islamic ceremony when they wed.
The truth is that everyone has a right to their opinion. However, the truth is that Kaepernick would not be receiving such an aggressive amount of hatred if FOX Noise and the Republican Party would tell the truth.
I was aware of excessive force used against young black men in the 1960’s as I grew up in the Los Angeles area. What makes it different today is that a fake police report can no longer hide the facts. Everyone carries with them a camera and a video camera. Thanks to ‘smart phones,’ abuse and murder can no longer be hidden from the public.
What hasn’t changed is the fact that law enforcement seldom receives appropriate punishment; thus the need for Black Lives Matter.
Hillary Clinton has called for a complete review and reformation of our nation’s judicial system; it’s long overdue. Law enforcement must receive far more comprehensive training; training relatable to the 21st century. Shooting first must cease to be a choice.
In addition, our court system is prejudiced. Minorities, lower income, and poor Americans receive greater punishment than the wealthy and powerful.
A case in point is the slap on the wrist received by former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner. He was sentenced to six-months in jail for raping an unconscious woman; he only served three. A young black man from a poor community would have been given the maximum sentence, and would be forgotten about by the system. He would spend years in prison and likely denied parole before his sentence was completed.
You may not agree with Kaepernick’s decision not to stand for the Star Spangled Banner, but at least he is taking a stand for his beliefs. If you lack the courage to do so, you are the one who lacks patriotism. Love of your country is best served by dissent. We are not a great country; we need a cure for many of our ills.
Revolution built our nation, and revolution will rebuild it. As long as the American people accept a presidential candidate who is openly racist and bigoted, we will never near any level of ‘greatness.’
The Star Spangled Banner is a song. It has certain meaning for the American people, but it does not guarantee freedom and justice for all. It glorifies war; it is not a song devoted to American principles and the rights of all Americans.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Follow me on twitter: @jamesturnagenov
The Truth With No Restrictions 