I think the anthem protest is stupid. It accomplishes nothing. Completely symbolic, if it is that. Their message has been completely lost. If some of these men are in their communities making a difference, good on them. That will make more of a difference, even if it is only to one person.
The reason it really doesn't bother me is that you look at the people that are pissed, and they are just as disrespectful to the anthem. Perfect example: Last night before the hockey game. During the anthem, maybe a handful of people actually singing the whole thing, but when the words ".......gave proof through the night....." everyone screams "NIGHT" at the top of their lungs, you know, because Vegas Golden Knights. Caps fans all scream "RED" at the part ".......and the rockets red glare...." because the Caps mottos is "Rock the Red" and their home jerseys are red. Many people sit during the anthem, don't remove their caps, go get beer or food, shout obnoxious **** or go have a smoke. Happens at every game of every sport in America. Just as disrespectful in my book. I find it moderately hypocritical.
When it comes to the flag and anthem, i think intent is the main thing most people judge. I know I do. There are lots of rules with the flag. Technically, any article of clothing with the flag is against proper etiquette. So was Apollo Creed's trunks in Rocky. But very few would take exception because the intent is to celebrate the flag even if it goes against the rules.
Somebody in the stands who does not remove their hat or does not stand or talks on their phone during the anthem is annoying but most of us will chalk this up to ignorance or laziness, etc. and not as any intentional disrespect to the flag.
These players are intentionally disrespecting the flag/anthem. The worst part is when called out on it, they check off the list of things they claim to NOT be disrespecting. Cops, military, veterans, the country in general. That's what people associate with the flag/anthem.
So it begs the question, if you have no problem with any of those things then why is the protest during the anthem? To me, there are only 2 logical answers.
1. They are lying and they really do dislike cops, military, or America in general, or
2. They truly don't have anything against those things and they only do it during the anthem to get a rise out of people because they think that is the best way to be heard.
If 1 is true, then **** you.
If 2 is true, then you are wrong. You are ensuring the exact opposite result. Any valid point you may have will be lost on most people who will not get past what they view as intentionally insulting their heritage.
It is absurd to claim that the anthem is the only "platform" these players have to be heard. Just look at the last election for proof. Trump spent far less than any other candidate. He essentially used Twitter to bypass the media. Any of these players could do the same(unless they are a scrub with no followers).
Tweet your thoughts, organize a rally, raise money, talk to politicians. Write articles. Go on news shows as a guest and answer questions about your positions. All of those are effective ways to spread a message.