It might be taken from this New York Post story that Colin Kaepernick was more interested in money than his protests. By passing on a job offer, admittedly for less money, he also passed on being able to continue his protest on field. Of course, one might compare less money to no money.
Thinking of his protest, he's my take. He can and certainly did choose to "take a knee" during the playing of the National Anthem. And teams have chosen not to hire him. To those who scream First Amendment, that actually prohibits the government from "abridging the freedom of speech." Private entities are not so constrained, unless specific black letter law or court opinions refer. A private, read business entity, can assign consequences to employees for their speech (which courts have determined includes some actions). The actual First Amendment wording: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." Mr. Kaepernick, there are consequences for our actions. Some pleasant, some not.
On another hot button topic, this Washington Post photo story looked at teachers training to carry firearms on campus. From limited experience on three school campuses (a middle school, a university, and a combined middle/high school), after a 30 year active duty military including an assignment in providing physical security, I have concerns. From the limited experienced previously described, I'd fear arming the wannabe, weak willed, hesitant in a firefight, unwilling to take a life (those thinking just pointing a weapon ends the gunfight), and general teachers and staff. To be sure, there are some that could/would do that which is necessary to protect the students and end the threat, those who would march to the sound of gunfire and react appropriately. But they are a small number at each site. Of course, others most likely would not seek to arm themselves. But there may be those seeking to impress or believing a gun safety course properly prepares them. Further, site administrators are not qualified to decide who should/should not be armed. RIGOROUS, scenario based, realistic CQB (close quarters battle) training and evaluation, qualification, and regular re-qualification run by law enforcement is the right protocol for districts considering arming teachers. As a fellow veteran observed, shooting holes in paper targets that do not shoot back, all the while wearing ear protectors, isn't all that hard. Engaging a gunman intent on killing you and others is dramatically, drastically different.
Regarding an earlier blog about #29aday and deaths from DUI/DWI, thought it might be useful to note that on average, 3,287 people per day died in motor vehicle incidents in 2016. That exceeds the entire population of Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Union, Connecticut; or Blue Ridge, Georgia.
On a positive note, according to this story, the university of Memphis is offering free tuition to the children and spouses of fallen service members. Well Done! And it demonstrates that Congress or state legislatures do not have to be the source of helping others.
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