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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Freedom of expression includes right to boycott 49ers sponsors

Letter to the Editor
Letter editor 04

To the Editor:

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has stated he will not stand during the playing of the American National Anthem. Mr. Kaepernick has a constitutional right to say what he said and not do what others expect of all players.

I have the right, both legal and moral, to turn off every game in which Mr. Kaepernick appears on the screen or on the radio.

Mr. Kaepernick is quoted in an Aug. 27 NFL.com article written by Steve Wyche as saying, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,"

From my perspective, and that of millions other Americans, his statement is nonsense. So too is his behavior. But he has the right to misbehave.

On the other hand, I have a right to contact the sponsors, whose products appear on television and radio where Mr. Kaepernick is playing, and tell them I might be disinclined to buy their product because of their seeming support of Mr. Kaepernick’s behavior.

You readers have the same right.

Lee Presser

Edwardsville

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