To the Editor:
As a retired career military officer, I support the right of any American to kneel during the playing of our national anthem however much I consider the act despicable. Kneeling during the anthem disgusts me, and causes revulsion, my blood pressure rises, I loathe the act; yet, I support the right of players to do so. HOWEVER, I do NOT support the right of people to do things that others consider disrespectful and offensive – with impunity. I want the kneelers to respect my right to boycott NFL games, to never purchase an NFL game ticket, attend an NFL game, watch an NFL game, boycott all NFL products (jerseys,etc.), and boycott all companies that advertise during NFL games (National boycott day is now scheduled for Nov. 12, Veterans Day). If players choose to kneel during the playing of our anthem instead of at other times/places, and could care less about how many millions of fans they offend, that is their right. Perception is reality, and players say I am not being disrespectful, they better understand I say they are doing so. Don’t tell the people that are insulted that you are not doing so, because they will only continue telling you that they consider it disrespectful. If you persist, you may certainly have the right to do so, but NOT with impunity! National NFL boycott day will be November 12th, do not support any NFL related service, product, advertiser, etc., on that day. If more days are needed, our right to let the kneelers understand how we feel will be organized.
Steve Richter
Village of Sunset Ridge
