Words by Jiggy Jones
In the most recent episode of the Trump administration, Vice President Mike Pence, left Sunday’s game between the 49ers and Colts after players took a knee during the national anthem. The Vice President took to twitter to release a series of statements after his departure:
I left today's Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
I stand with @POTUS Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/B0zP5M41MQ
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
In a country where racial injustice, inequality and division rears its ugly head, an open mind to dialogue is necessary. Until there is an understanding as to why players are protesting, these issues will continue to perpetuate and plagued our society.
In true Trump fashion, he tweeted, stating:
“I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen.”
This incident comes after the president called out NFL players for protesting last month in his speech in Huntsville, AL. Refer to the video below.
The President and Vice President fail to realize that NFL players are protesting evident acts of racial bigotry, both blatant and discrete. Walking out on these issues when they are brought to the forefront, is their idea of making the country great again.
Pence is OUTRAGED that a few NFL players took a knee before a football game, SILENT about white supremacist rally in C'ville last night https://t.co/9nzahmiYfN
— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) October 8, 2017
Eric Reid, former teammate of Colin Kaepernick, had shared his thoughts following the game.
Statement by @E_Reid35 regarding the Vice President's brief appearance at the game. "This is what systemic oppression looks like." pic.twitter.com/Aoy2GWons2
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) October 8, 2017
Both Reid and Kaepernick lead the movement at the beginning of the 2016-17 NFL season. While Kaepernick continues to bring awareness and awaits a call from an NFL team, his former teammates are continuing what he started.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
