“36 U.S. Code Section 301 – National anthem” states that the American person should face the flag and stand at attention, but it is merely a recommendation.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick, number 7 for the San Francisco 49ers, chose to take a knee to recognize the maltreatment of minorities in the United States. Although his action may be seen as a form of disrespect, Kaepernick is purely expressing his First Amendment rights, which are the freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and the right to petition in which our military fights to ensure.

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Robert Quinn and receiver Kenny Britt held up fists. Chiefs’ Marcus Peters also raised his fist in response to the current outbreak of the situation.

NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell recognizes Kaepernick’s right to protest and said he would not punish him.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said. “To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

He has every right to kneel, as veterans do to salute — in fact, it was the perfect way to draw attention to America’s race issues. No other national athletic league — NBA aside — is more dominated by African-American athletes.

As race issues in America cease to end, the smallest things can make a huge impact. Although Kaepernick is receiving death threats in regards to the matter, he remains strong on the topic.

We think we have overcome so much as a nation — we have, but look how far we still have to go.

There is no such thing as a perfect country — conflicts will constantly remain until action is taken to resolve them.

Yes, the Emancipation Proclamation, Women’s Suffrage and the Civil Rights Act are all important American milestones, but how did we get there?

Attention had to be drawn to the conflicts in order to make a change.

Kaepernick is attempting to bring light to another situation — as racial equality is still lacking. We are all human, for God’s sake — why can’t we exercise our freedoms in order to make that change?

People want to see progress made in this world, yet they are unwilling to change — disrespect in this matter was necessary in order to draw attention to such a large issue.

Americans have done absolutely nothing to ensure the freedoms that our infantrymen die for.

Step it up politicians— Kaepernick has a point.