Columbia Residents React to Trump’s NFL Tweets

Columbia, SC (WOLO)–  It is all over social media and it is a heated issue across the country.  Dozens of NFL players and some entire teams either took a knee or stayed off the field for the national anthem.
The president has made his stance clear — saying they should “Stand for the anthem.”

“This isn’t about the president being against anyone, this is about the President and millions of Americans being for something. Being for honoring our flag, honoring our national anthem, and honoring the men and women who fought to defend it,” Sarah Huckabee-Sanders said, Whitehouse Press Secretary. 

Those who agree with President Trump say kneeling during the anthem is disrespectful to the honorable veterans, like Steelers player and Army Ranger Allejandro Villanueva, who was the only one to stand during the national anthem while his team stayed in the locker room.  Some veterans do not see it that way, but as them exercising their rights. 

“Same thing with the burning of the flag, I don’t agree with that, but at the same time, you have the right to make that choice,” Rick Rowe said, a veteran. 

“This is America, simple as that. We got freedom of speech. We got the freedom to protest. Just because they take a knee doesn’t mean they want people to understand they have something to say, that’s it,” Marcus said. Marcus did not want to give out his last name. 

President Trump said people should “#TakeAStandNotAKnee” by turning off the NFL and some people took to social media to show how the message clicked.

“More noise than progress. No body’s actually doing anything about it. Everybody says to take a knee, Ok- he took a knee. But for what stand did he do it for? Sometimes, it’s just to make noise,” Jason said. Jason, also did not want to give out his last name.   

“I understand why they do it and I respect it for the simple fact it’s a peaceful protest. I mean, in light of recent events we realize that it can get very ugly, people’s opinions. So if they’re going to take it to a mainstream event where it’s a peaceful protest and it’s not hurting anyone, and it’s their own decision then you know what, I respect that,” Tracey Osborn said, a resident. 

‘That’s what makes us American, that’s what makes America great,” Deanna Harris said.