#VeteransForKaepernick Is a Needed Reminder That Sometimes the Internet Is Pretty Okay

By Vivian Kane | Twitter | August 30, 2016 |

By Vivian Kane | Twitter | August 30, 2016 |

It seems like the expected reaction after someone like Colin Kaepernick— the perfectly confusing mix of famous, black, and patriotic— takes a strong stand against the symbol of the American National Anthem, for criticism against his use of the First Amendment and his body and voice to come up strong.

When San Francisco 49er Kaepernick chose to remain seated during during the pre-game Star-Spangled Banner the other night, he ignited a flurry of accusations. A whole slew of people took it upon themselves to call him out for being unpatriotic and shameful.

And then Tuesday evening, on the great equalizer that is Twitter, the opinions that truly matter were given voice, reminding us that just because that reaction to Kaepernick was expected, that doesn’t mean it’s valid. Because if people are going to call this man unpatriotic, more than a few people who have literally risked their lives for this country would like a word.

One of my homies posted this. Which is why he's still my homey. #VeteransForKaepernick ✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/EK0NBkFGnz

— #VeteransForKaep (@WinkWestwood) August 29, 2016

A friend's dad is a veteran, and he had this to say #VeteransForKaepernick 👏🏾👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/razcFPUtQV

— Cordell (@cordellsimmons) August 30, 2016

I serve to protect your freedoms, not a song #VeteransForKaepernick

— Jeffrey Crossman (@JCrossman1) August 31, 2016

if you haven't served, don't speak on my behalf #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/30AtfIvaRI

— SH🍔N (@brownlashon) August 31, 2016

protesting is EVERY Americans right. regardless of what for 🙌🏽✊🏽#Veteransforkaepernick pic.twitter.com/NqsE7QVCJQ

— Richey Collazo (@RicheyCollazo) August 30, 2016

A millionaire actually caring and doing something for poor people hes never met is AMERICAN #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/42NCwS84jV

— Black Ryan Lochte (@BlakeInmerica) August 30, 2016

You can love your country and ask your country to do better at the same time. #VeteransForKaepernick

— Black Jesus Barbie ™ (@RihTweetMe) August 30, 2016

#VeteransforKaepernick I believe in the same exact stance he took. Go ahead and burn my uniforms pic.twitter.com/SMWDbURVv6

— |_ë$líê (@LariskaPargitay) August 30, 2016

👈🏿 I've dealt with racism before, during, and after service. B/c the country only cares about my service on holidays #Veteransforkaepernick

— Kiss My Converse (@koopa_kinte) August 30, 2016

Sums it up perfectly I think. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/0eV2hcWdFf

— Ata Dizdar (@ata_dizdar) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick I am a disabled veteran & haven't stood for the Anthem since I separated. We are not free! pic.twitter.com/4RO4qGdKul

— Kristen Meghan (@KristenMeghan) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick is a beautiful antidote to all the ignorant, racist, faux-patriotism being spewed… pic.twitter.com/LodjsMJoas

— TrekkerTeach (@trekkerteach12) August 31, 2016

I stand for the anthem & salute old glory, but the First Amendment/free speech is above all. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/t0ELQbKBQa

— DiAnne Cooper (@DLCooperArts) August 31, 2016