This page was last updated on September 7, 2016.
Declaration of Independence backs Kaepernick’s decision; Alfonso Saahir; Beaver County Times; September 7, 2016.
In two previous letters [“Look to the Constitution,” 2/27/05; “Muslims are obligated to pray,” 12/1/06 (I didn’t critique them.)] from Mr. Saahir, he appeared to believe American Muslims weren’t being treated fairly.
In the first letter, Mr. Saahir asked, “Is there any case history where American Muslims have committed any ‘terrorist’ attacks against the U.S. government?” Bad question, Mr. Saahir. In the days before the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Army Sgt. Hasan Akbar murdered two officers at Camp Pennsylvania in Kuwait and wounded 14 other soldiers, the result of his gunfire and throwing hand grenades into a tent where the soldiers were sleeping. In his diary before the murders, Mr. Akbar wrote, “I may not have killed any Muslims, but being in the Army is the same thing. I may have to make a choice very soon on who to kill.” Mr. Akbar was found guilty and sentenced to death. It happened again on November 5, 2009, at Fort Hood, TX. We also need to remember Islamist attacks thwarted over the last several years, like the planned attack on Fort Dix, NJ, in 2007 by the “Fort Dix Six.”
The most recent previous Saahir letter I critiqued was “Shut down is an act of terrorism.” Other letters from Mr. Saahir are here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.
“Concerning Colin Kaepernick’s position on not standing for the national anthem. Maybe we all need to revisit the Declaration of Independence where it clearly states that:
“‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness …’
“Liberty: A state or condition of people who are able to act and speak freely.”
[RWC] As an employee of the San Francisco 49ers, Mr. Kaepernick’s (CK) on-field and off-field conduct is subject to his contract with the 49ers and NFL rules.
The Declaration of Independence also applies to those who disagree with CK’s actions and positions. There is no “right” to have people agree with you and/or how/when/where you express your positions.
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