Ms. Suzanne Flandreau and Mr. John Stevenson replied to my earlier letter to the editor with well-thought comments. 

If that was the intended product of Colin Kaepernick’s protest, perhaps, he accomplished something.  However, I have doubts about his motivation. 

Perhaps his socks depicting police as pigs influenced me. I believe that he admires Castro’s Cuba. Does Kaepernick think that Cuba is a model for policing? If he does, he understands very little.

My original letter to the editor stated only that the players have the right to protest. I have the right not to attend or watch their games on TV.

I also stated that Kaepernick’s protest and his intended purpose was unclear.  Most police incidents between African Americans and police involve local or state policemen.

How does that connect with the federal government, which is symbolized by the national anthem and the flag?  What exactly does Kaepernick want the U.S. government to do? 

Anybody can point out problems. I learned early in my military experience that leaders come up with solutions to the problems they identify. I would listen carefully to suggestions about a solution from any of the protesting athletes.

I’m sorry that some people cannot understand that most people who are serving or have served in the armed forces are offended by the athletes’ protest during our national anthem. Please ask someone you know currently in the service how he or she feels about the protest. 

Maybe that person will explain better than I can.

Michael Waldron

Niles