Free Speach Colin Kaepernick- Lauren Kelleher

By now we have all heard the story of the 49ers quarterback who did not stand up with pride to the United States flag and our national anthem. Colin Kaepernick claims he did so because, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”  Everyone from my Uncle Steve to all kinds of NFL players have been putting in there two cents about Colin’s stand (or lack there of), some in support and some criticizing Kaepernick for his lack of patriotism. Chicago Tribunes The sports correspondent for the Chicago Tribune David Hough, has neither an argument in support or disapproval of Colin’s view. Instead he makes the argument for the 1^st Amendment. He argues that it is more disrespectful to the flag to tell Kaepernick that he must stand rather then the action of not standing himself. The first thing that our founding fathers wanted the citizens of the United States to know is that in this country you have the freedom to declare what you believe. The main point of David Hough’s article is that we can all state our opinions and express them as we see fit. Colin Kaepernick has as much right to protest the egregious mistreatment and oppression of people of color by sitting down to the American flag, as others to criticize him for doing so.  

 We should all care about protecting freedom of speech in America because when Donald Trump tells Mr. Kaepernick to “find a country that works better for him” he is saying to all of America that opinions that question the workings of America are not welcome. Even though freedom of speech, expression and assembly are promised to all citizens, our track record is far from perfect in this regard. When John Lewis lead the peaceful March on Washington protesting the inability to vote, he was met with brutal beatings meant to deter them from perusing their rights promises them as citizens of the United States. In the end, the 1^st amendment supports the ideal that I can believe whatever I want and so can you, and further - we can both say what we believe. 

Should there be any restrictions or exceptions to free speech in America? If so what would they be and how would they be enforced? If not explain why

 (direct threats and violent protests­­ are crimes and not considered to be “speech”)