NFL

So I’ve heard NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick doesn’t want to get off his a–.  Apparently the San Francisco 49ers signal caller thinks that by refusing to stand for the National Anthem, he’s somehow taking a stand. Or making a stand. Or something.

To hear him tell it, his refusal to get off his butt during the National Anthem is rooted in his belief that the United States “oppresses African-Americans and other minorities.”

As an American — and a patriotic one at that — I respect Kaepernick’s right to protest whatever he wants in any fashion he chooses. Yes, refusing to stand for the National Anthem is offensive. But at least this idiot hasn’t started burning the flag — yet. Not that I’d put it past him, though. He’s that misguided — and calling him misguided is putting it nicely.

For some strange reason, Colin Kaepernick believes his own press. For some strange reason, he actually believes that his ability to throw a football makes him special. That it makes him important. That it somehow makes him relevant.

Well it’s time for a reality check, Mr. Kaepernick.

The reality is, you are lucky. You are incredibly lucky — because you live in the United States of America — a country where you can make millions of dollars per year for playing a game. You are incredibly fortunate — because you live in the United States of America — a country where the media and the masses put you on a pedestal — simply because you are good at a game.

The reality is you are incredibly blessed — because you live in the United States of America — a country where you are free to engage in civil disobedience and voice your opinion without fear of government reprisal. Sure, you’ll face a public backlash. Sure, you’ll catch hell on social media. You may even get a few death threats — but for your sake I hope it never comes to that.

The reality is you are spoiled. The reality is you are an ingrate. The reality is you are incapable of critical, independent thought. The reality is you are emotionally and intellectually stunted. The reality is that you speak about oppression as if you know it all — as if you are the ultimate authority on the subject. The reality is you know nothing.

So let me tell you a few things about oppression, Mr. Kaepernick.

Let me tell you about my father — a man who opposed Communism in the former Yugoslavia. When Tito’s Secret Police learned what my father was doing, they framed him for a crime he did not commit. He had to flee from his country as a political refugee. That meant leaving his family and everything he ever knew in order to keep from being thrown in prison or killed. He never went back. He was not alone.

You might want to read about life in Yugoslavia under Tito’s brand of “kinder, gentler Communism.”

Then you can talk to me about oppression.

While you’re at it, you might want to read about life in the former Soviet Union under Stalin.

Then you can talk to me about oppression.

You might want to watch a recent heartbreaking, gut wrenching clip from the BBC World News that showed two young Syrian brothers screaming, crying, clutching each other as they mourned the loss of another sibling in a bomb blast.

Then you can talk to me about oppression.

You might want to do some research on what’s been going on in South Sudan.

Then you can talk to me about oppression…