Speaking in China on Monday at the conclusion of the G-20 Summit, President Barack Obama took a moment to comment on San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protest.
Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem, a stand he’s taking against “a country that oppresses Black people“, has stoked a fierce debate from all sides. Some applaud his stance. Some say he doesn’t have a right to do it. Others say he may have the right to not stand for the national anthem, but that he has an obligation to do so anyway.
And now, Obama is weighing in.
(AP)
He walked a delicate line, saying that Kaepernick is “exercising his constitutional right,” but emphasized with those who find it offensive, saying “the national anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who fought for us — that is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear.”
But in all, he defended Kaepernick.
“I don’t doubt his sincerity. I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about. If nothing else, he’s generated more conversation about issues that have to be talked about.”
He continued:
“You’ve heard me talk in the past about the need for us to have an active citizenry. Sometimes that’s messy and controversial and gets people angry and frustrated. But I’d rather have young people that are engaged in the argument and trying to think through how they can be part of our democratic process than people just sitting on the sidelines not participating at all. My suspicion is that over time he’s going to refine how he thinks about it. Maybe some of his critics will start seeing that he had a point about concerns about justice and equality. That’s how we move forward.”
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