Some thoughts about the NFL protests.

A writer asks what gives people the right to kneel during the anthem? The answer, of course, is the First Amendment to the Constitution. The right of peaceful protest is enshrined in that document and has been repeatedly upheld by the Supreme Court. Seems like some who would go to the wall for the Second Amendment are awfully quick to throw away the First.

Then they wail that protesting against injustice is somehow disrespectful to our flag and our soldiers. Every single soldier, legislator, president, vice-president and judge has taken a sacred oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The Constitution. Not the flag. Not the anthem. The Constitution.

So who really is being disrespectful here? Who is the REAL foreign or domestic enemy of the Constitution?

Another writer tells us, “This is a free country, so love it or leave.” How free are you if those are your only choices? There are countries that stifle all forms of political dissent. This is not that country.

Voltaire is credited –perhaps erroneously –with having said, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Or words to that effect.

(Editor’s note: That quote actually comes from Evelyn Beatrice Hall, who wrote “The Friends of Voltaire,” to summarize Voltaire’s views on free speech.)