The Nicholas Report

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPwkO5MNsC4

Why are Americans so sensitive to affronts to symbols and not to people? We can stomach senseless killings, but don't look cross eyed at our flag. This is a man. I was quiet for a while because I had to figure a few things out. The things that came out during this primary season showed me that something basic, something intrinsic had been altered and the nation, once so full of hope and promise had become an ungodly, hateful and greed obsessed place.

Then I realized the corporate reality doesn't allow for people's hopes and dreams. It's all about American Idols, football, beer and anything else they're selling. People are just a part of the equation. The bottom line is the motivating factor. From Ronald Wilson Reagan's trickle down economics to Barack Obama's TPP, the emphasis has not been on people or social issues. We have many serious issues before the national elections get here in November. But we no longer expect ethical conduct from our leaders, or care to question their very questionable behavior, for example.

If corporate media and business interest are able to control the narrative, we will be dictated to like a banana republic once again, because the corporate focus will be on college and professional football, not politics and police reform. ONLY football. So when professional quarterback Colin Kaepernick breaks a taboo by not standing for the national anthem, we are suddenly seeing the same pressure that any police officer who doesn't maintain the blue code of silence would feel for their job if they spoke out. When you work for them, they think they own you, but it's time to stand up and take our lives back.

Thanks Colin. You've done us all a favor. This is where the battle begins, personal decisions that affect our individual consciences. We cannot condone evil great or small. It's time to stand for what is right and just. This election is just a moment in time. It should never break our spirit or will. Thanks again Colin Kaepernick.

But to all the detractors that say he should just shut up and play football; as a veteran, a football player and a reporter I personally have fought for his right to speak. I didn't risk my life for any stupid sensibilities about songs and flags. I fought for the people's right to exist and do exactly what he is doing.