Jesse Ventura, former pro wrestler, Governor of Minnesota and Vietnam veteran, voiced his support of Colin Kaepernick this week.
“I salute Colin Kaepernick. I fully support him. Fully and completely,” Ventura said.
Among the key reasons Ventura gave for his support was this: “Government should not mandate patriotism. Governments should earn patriotism.”
Many have viewed Kaepernick’s protest as an insult to the flag and the many brave women who fought and died to protect it. But in his own words, he loves America and wants to see the nation’s standards improve when it comes to everyone being treated as equals.
Kaepernick’s main issue — the reason he’s protesting — is the police brutality that has been issued against minorities in America. He spoke with great thoughtfulness and care a few weeks ago to explain his reasons a couple of days after the news broke of his protest (watch here).
It’s not surprising that so many have come to his defense and that so many oppose what he’s doing. The vehicle Kaepernick has chosen to convey his displeasure with what is happening in America has struck a sensitive chord.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing. It all depends on how you view the flag and what it stands for.